Overtaking cyclists: the 1.5 metre rule and turning at junctions
A cyclist is riding ahead of you on a 30 mph street with traffic coming the other way. Decide when and how to pass, and what to do at the junction.
The short version
- Wait behind a cyclist until you can pass with at least 1.5 metres at up to 30 mph.
- Cyclists may ride in the middle of the lane. Let them.
- Never turn left across a cyclist going straight on.
Step 1
A car is coming the other way.
Can you overtake the cyclist now?
✓ No. Wait behind until the road is clear and you can give plenty of room. With an oncoming car there is no room to pass safely. A few seconds behind a cyclist costs you almost nothing.
Why not the other options
- ✗ Yes, squeeze through between them. Passing close at speed can blow a cyclist off line or clip them. Wait.
- ✗ Yes, sound your horn so they move over. The horn is only to warn of danger, never to hurry someone. The cyclist is entitled to their space.
- ✗ Yes, as long as you are quick. Speed makes a close pass more dangerous, not less.
Step 2
The road is now clear ahead.
If you overtake at 30 mph, how much room should you give?
✓ At least 1.5 metres, moving out as you would to pass a car. 1.5 metres is the minimum at up to 30 mph, and more at higher speeds or in bad weather.
Why not the other options
- ✗ Half a metre is fine at 30 mph. Half a metre is a dangerous close pass.
- ✗ Stay in your lane and just pass. Staying in your lane rarely leaves 1.5 metres. Move out as if passing a car.
- ✗ As little as possible so oncoming drivers are not worried. The cyclist is the one at risk. If there is not room, wait.
Step 3
The cyclist moves to the middle of the lane before the side road. You want to turn left into it.
What do you do?
✓ Hold back and let the cyclist clear the junction before you turn. Do not cut across a cyclist going ahead. Riding in the middle of the lane at a junction is normal and helps them be seen.
Why not the other options
- ✗ Overtake them and turn left in front. This is the classic left hook. They are going straight on and you would turn across their path.
- ✗ Sound your horn to get them back to the kerb. Cyclists may ride in the middle of the lane at junctions and on narrow roads. Be patient.
- ✗ Turn alongside them at the same time. Turning alongside means you cross their path. Wait behind.
The rules behind it
- Rule 163 Give cyclists at least 1.5 metres when overtaking at up to 30 mph, and more at higher speeds. Wait behind if there is not room.
- Rule 212 Give cyclists at least as much room as you would a car when passing, and more in bad weather.
- Rule H3 Do not cut across cyclists going ahead when you turn. Wait for a safe gap.
- Rule 213 Cyclists may ride in the middle of the lane on narrow roads and at junctions. Be patient and let them.
- Rule 211 Look out for cyclists and motorcyclists at junctions, especially ones coming up on your inside.
More situations
Based on the Highway Code and the Road Traffic Act 1988 as published on GOV.UK in October 2026, in our own words; follow the links for the full text. Insurance points are common UK insurer policy terms, so check your own policy. This is not legal advice. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.