Giving way when you cycle

If you are uncertain who should give way, the safest course of action is to slow down or stop completely.

Cycling on the roadway or in a cycle lane

If you cycle on the roadway or in a cycle lane, you must observe the rules that apply to vehicles. This means that you must give way to

• vehicles coming from your right, unless you are on a priority road
• all vehicles on a priority road you are entering (there will be a give-way sign)
• oncoming vehicles that will be on your right when you are turning left
• pedestrians on, or about to enter, a pedestrian crossing
• the vehicle in the lane you are entering or need to cross

If there is a traffic light or a give-way sign where you cycle, this takes precedence over the rule about giving way to vehicles from the right. You have to give way to traffic from both directions at the first intersection after the sign. If the traffic light is inoperative, the give-way sign (if there is one) or the right-hand rule will apply.

Giving way to cyclists at pedestrian crossings

You do not not have to dismount from your bike at a pedestrian crossing, but the rules for right of way are different depending on whether you cycle or walk the bike. If you cycle across a pedestrian crossing, you must give way to the cars on the road. If you dismount from your bicycle and walk it across the pedestrian crossing, cars are required to give way to you. 

From a cycle path, pedestrian and cycle path or pavement

When you come from a cycle path, pedestrian and cycle path, or pavement and are crossing or turning onto another road, you must give way to all traffic on the road. You are not required to give way to vehicles entering or exiting a property, car park or similar area.

Who must give way when I change lanes?

When you change lanes, you must give way to vehicles in the lane you are entering or crossing. You are also required to give way when you are entering the road from the roadside or road shoulder.

Cycling in roundabouts

When you cycle into a roundabout, you must give way to vehicles that are in the roundabout. If you are changing lanes inside the roundabout, you are required to give way to vehicles in the lane you want to enter. Position yourself to be clearly visible in the road and signal clearly so that others understand where you are going. 

Overtaking on a bicycle

As a general rule, overtaking on a bicycle must take place on the left. However, cyclists may overtake another vehicle on the right side, but not another cyclist or electric scooter. Overtaking on the right side is acceptable past vehicles at a standstill or in a slow-moving queue.

Turning left on a bicycle at an intersection

When you cycle and are going to turn left at an intersection, you can choose between two ways to make a left turn:

• Minor left turn – turn left like other vehicles.
  Position yourself correctly on the roadway and signal clearly before turning. You must give way to oncoming vehicles that will be on your right side as you turn.
• Major left turn – cross the road in two stages.
  Cycle straight ahead to the other side of the crossroad. Stop and check that the road is clear before you cycle onto the road on the left.