Hi guys, an interesting situation which happened earlier. I was cycling in the centre of my lane as I was preparing to turn right at the traffic lights, and this taxi driver undertook me (leaving plenty of room). I wasn’t signalling, so this was against Rule 163 of The Highway Code, which says ‘only overtake on the left if the vehicle in front is signalling to turn right, and there is room to do so’, BUT I actually don’t think it was unreasonable as it should’ve been clear what I was going to do.
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Hi, vehicles undertaking on the left can be unnerving to cyclists, especially at night and when you are not expecting it and thankfully the motorist gave plenty of room. No expert on the UK highway code, reading it though – if the road section in your direction of travel was one lane only, would the motorists be technically in breach of the code since you weren't indicating right at the time and the driver behind was obliged to wait behind? I notice Rule 163 also says 'if the queue on your right is moving more slowly than you are, you may pass on the left' which would apply if it were two lane in your direction. Further toward the junction the road appears to have two straight-ahead lanes but where the motorists undertook you is the road considered a one lane or two?
Agree the driver should have known what you were going to do but felt internal pressure to overtake you since you were a lowly bike rider. On the plus side the driver overtook carefully and you don't have to have them on your tail going through the junction but its also a major PITA when drivers undertake you unexpectedly.