Do you know how much space you should leave when driving past a cyclist or horse rider?
A new campaign is being launched by Cambridgeshire County Council to highlight a change in the Highway Code which came into force in 2022. If you don’t know, then it’s likely you’ll spot the answer on new temporary signs which are being put up across the county to raise awareness of the update with drivers.
Following the change to Rule 163, motorists must only overtake when it is legal and safe to do so and now need to leave at least 1.5m between their vehicles and people on bikes when driving at speeds up to 30mph – and more space at higher speeds. The rule also makes clear that drivers should give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as when overtaking a car.
For pedestrians walking in the road – for example where there is no pavement – motorists should allow at least 2 metres of space and pass slowly. When passing horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles, drivers should slow to under 10mph.
Motorists are also instructed to take extra care and give more space in bad weather including high winds and at night. Rule 163 makes clear that drivers should not overtake if it is unsafe or if it is not possible to meet these clearances.
As part of the campaign to reduce close passes, temporary signs will be installed on lampposts on roads throughout the county through to the end of 2027. Adverts are being run on Stagecoach and Whippet buses across the area along with social media promotion and messages across the county’s roadside Variable Messaging Signs.
Councillor Alex Beckett, chair of the Highways and Transport Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Across Cambridgeshire, around half of us cycle, and it’s easy to see why. It keeps us fit, saves money and takes cars off the road. But the data is clear: safety is the single biggest thing stopping more people from getting on a bike. Too many of us have experienced a vehicle passing too close, and that moment of fear matters.
“This campaign is a simple ask of those of us who drive: leave a bit more space. It costs nothing and could make the difference between someone feeling safe on their bike or giving up on cycling altogether.”
