It can be a tight squeeze on some roads
Readers Question: This is a question more than a comment. I cycle to work in Oxford through narrow hilly streets where cars are parked both sides. There isn’t enough room for both a cyclist and a car, and most drivers give the right of way to cyclists who ride uphill, but more rarely to cyclists who go downhill. Other drivers never give the right of way to cyclists, whatever the situation. Is there a British road rule for the right of way of cyclists versus drivers? What’s the best way to handle a driver who decides to force his way against a cyclist? (Olivier)
My instinctive reaction is that cars should give way to cyclists. Why?
On a narrow road, cyclists keep to their half of their road. Cars cross over taking more than 50% of the road. Therefore, the onus is on drivers to give way. Especially since it is parked cars which are making the road narrow.
Is this in the highway code?
I don’t know. If there is a white line in the middle of the road, then cars would presumably have to give way before crossing white line. If the road is unmarked it may be less clear cut, though the spirit of the law would presumably mean cars should give way. But, I don’t really know.
Interestingly, I have previously posted about this here. It was cycling down Crescent road in Temple Cowley, Oxford. A car was annoyed because I didn’t give way – even though it was the same situation narrow road – I felt I had more priority than a car.
What’s the best way to handle a driver who decides to force his way against a cyclist?
Not much to be honest. You can get mad with them but they will not alter their behaviour, and they won’t be receptive to any arguments. You can risk a collision, but, a broken leg is scant comfort for taking off a flake of paint from their pristine 4*4.
The only real solution is to make the best of it and not expect all car drivers to be self-giving – otherwise you will be doomed to disappointment.
There certainly isn’t a rule (etiquette or law) that says cyclists should go first.
The person who has to cross the white line should give way. If both would have to cross then I guess it is whoever got there first. You shouldn’t enter a gap that you know someone is already committed to.
And ultimately, cars weigh more than cyclists, so always be careful. It’s going to hurt you alot more than it’s going to hurt the car.
I believe the normal rules of the highway code apply for any vehicles, regardless of type. So if the obstruction is on one side of the road, the other clear side has priority.
- If its a narrow road in the absence of priority signs then it would be whichever was there first.
- if its not clear, its whoever is polite!
If I see situations like this coming up I tend to ride quite assertively in my lane ie in the middle. Sometimes that works – sometimes not.