Driving safely around cyclists

Advice for drivers

• Allow lots of time and space to pass: The more you drive the better you will become at judging the time and space you need to give cyclists to make sure you are doing it in a safe manner. Make sure never to pass when near junctions, corners or blind dips which could result in traffic coming the other way.
• Be observant at all times: Always stay aware when driving near cyclists, as they may need to change position on the road to avoid hazards such as potholes, parked cars or debris. If a cyclist looks over their shoulder, this may indicate they are preparing to change direction, move out or turn. Leave plenty of space and be patient so both you and the cyclist can travel safely.
• Careful when opening doors: Many people often think cyclists are only at risk when your car is moving, however lots of the accidents still still happen when stationary. It is important to always check traffic before you open car doors, as this could lead to serious accidents if opening in busy areas.
• Blind spots: As a driver, your blind spots are areas you simply cannot see through your mirrors alone and as cyclists are much smaller than cars they can often go unnoticed. Always make sure to check over your shoulder before changing lanes, turning or opening your door and don’t just rely on your mirrors.

​Where are cyclists allowed to go?

Understanding the rules around where cyclists can and cannot go, whether that’s on dual carriageways, pavements or in bus lanes will help you drive more safely.

Can cyclists use dual carriageways?

Cyclists are generally allowed on most dual carriageways in the UK unless there are clear signs prohibiting them. You’re more likely to encounter cyclists on dual carriageways in urban areas which help people to commute to work, and these are usually lower speeds. However, some higher speed or motorway style dual carriageways may ban cycling for safety reasons, so it is important to think about where you are driving.

Are cyclists allowed on pavements?

Typically no, cyclists are not permitted to ride on pavements unless the route is clearly marked as a shared path. So as a driver, you should expect cyclists to be on the road and treat them as legitimate road users, giving them sufficient space when overtaking.

In urban areas, cyclists may use designated shared paths which allows them to rejoin the road at certain points. It is therefore important to stay alert to these transitions so you can anticipate their movements and avoid potential conflicts.

Can cyclists use bus lanes​?

Yes, cyclists are allowed to ride in bus lanes and this can help the flow of traffic and prevent further collisions with cars. However, it is important to be aware riders may occasionally need to swerve to avoid buses stopping. As a result, cyclists may change lanes, often without signalling, so being wary of them and your other surroundings is very important, especially when driving in heavy traffic.

What are advanced stop lines?

Advanced stop lanes, which are often called bike boxes, are a designated area at the front of traffic lights to improve cyclists safety. This allows cyclists to become more visible to drivers, and helps everyone keep safe. For drivers it is important to stay out of this area when stopping at lights, and allow riders to set off first to prevent collisions. Failing to do so could result in fines or points on your licence.

Supporting newly qualified drivers

At RED, we don’t just support you while you’re learning to drive but we’re also here once you’ve passed your test and are starting out on the road. There’s still plenty to learn, and our Newly Qualified Driver app offers a range of useful resources and guidance to help you build confidence behind the wheel.

Download our RED app today and continue learning.