Giving bicycle riders space without rushing an overtake

When you approach a bicycle rider, the immediate task is to manage your speed and space.

When you approach a bicycle rider, the immediate task is to manage your speed and space. Passing is a decision to assess, not an obligation. A bend, crest or approaching vehicle can make waiting the sensible option.

Understand the situation

Review the current NSW requirements for passing bicycle riders, including the minimum passing distance and conditions for any road-marking exceptions. Ask your instructor to explain how to apply them. Never turn a numerical clearance into a target that ignores speed, visibility or the rider's movement.

Before you practise

• Reduce speed early when the available space is limited
• Look beyond the rider for oncoming traffic and sight restrictions
• Wait when a safe and lawful pass is not available

A focused practice session

Discuss suitable examples with your instructor during ordinary supervised driving. After the situation, explain why you waited or passed and what space you preserved. The exercise is about judgment; do not deliberately seek a close passing situation to test a measurement.

A situation to discuss

A bicycle rider is ahead and the road curves before you can see enough of the oncoming lane. Waiting at an appropriate distance preserves options while the view is restricted. The passing-distance rule does not make an otherwise unsafe overtake acceptable. Once the view changes, assess again with your instructor. A safe decision can be to continue waiting; the exercise does not require you to pass before the end of the road.