(From the AGM Agenda and Minutes )
Legal minimum passing clearance
The AGM requests a legal requirement for minimum passing clearance when
overtaking or near to cyclists, to try and reduce the frequency of motor
vehicles passing too close. On roads with speed limits up to and
including 30mph or when passing at a speed up to and including
30mph, a 1m minimum is suggested. On roads with higher speed limits, a
1.5m minimum passing distance is suggested. In addition, on narrow roads
frequent passing places should be provided.
Proposer’s note: This motion aims to provide an extra incentive for
drivers to overtake
only when suitable space is available. http://
cyclingtips.com/2015/10/south-australia-
introduces-a-minimum-passing-distance-when- overtaking-cyclists/
Proposer Colin Clarke, seconder Alan Goswell
This is the CTC Councils stance. :
Council response: CTC Council disagrees with this motion. Council agrees
that close overtaking should be tackled. It’s hazardous for cyclists and
extremely intimidating. However, Council remains reluctant to specify a
‘headline’ overtaking distance because (for example) even 1.5m may not
be enough in some circumstances and we don’t want to risk giving drivers
the impression that it is.
The Highway Code (rather than the law) is better placed to explain
optimum overtaking distances because it could state a standard minimum
distance, and explain the circumstances in which more space is needed,
e.g. on fast roads, in bad weather, etc. When the next revision is
announced, we will campaign for various amendments, including clearer
advice to drivers on overtaking.