Motorcyclists overtaking in double white line area

[fimm]

Highway code:
Rule 129
Double white lines where the line nearest you is solid. This means you MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.

Is it legal for a motorcyclist to overtake a cyclist (who is travelling at more than 10 mph), against a solid white line if the motorcyclist does not cross the centre line?
Motorcyclists, would you do so?

 

[Globalti]

As long as I didn't cross the line, yes, I would pass.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Yes. I used to do it. I was told to do it as part of my IAM two-wheeled learning.

It is also legal for a car to do so, so long as it does not cross the solid white line in any way. There are a couple of wide bits on the A272 near home which allow this without it being a punishment pass.

 

[User16625]

I would assume that's legal provided the motorcycle didn't put the cyclist in any danger. I have overtaken, and been overtaken like that plenty of times with no issues. Most lanes can accommodate a cyclist and a motorcyclist together.

 

[Spinney]

Yes - the Highway Code says don't cross the line, not don't overtake...

 

[hopless500]

Yes and yes.

 

[Absinthe Minded]

Yep, I would overtake.

 

[raleighnut]

Overtake for sure, I'd even do it on my (electrically assisted) Trike if going up hill.

 

[mjr]

It is also legal for a car to do so, so long as it does not cross the solid white line in any way. There are a couple of wide bits on the A272 near home which allow this without it being a punishment pass.

Yes, although it does need to be wider than the current rural standard wide single-carriageway.

 

[fimm]

Thank you for all the comments. The motorbike in question was one of those large chunky ones - built for carrying stuff rather than speed, if you see what I mean. The pass "felt" a bit close - probably not helped by my taking an assertive position in the lane in order to deter overtakes - but was definitely an irritation rather than anything more serious. Irritating enough for me to post here, though!

 

[Ajax Bay]

You've quoted the law. In practice a motorcyclist may reasonably assume that a cyclist ahead is going at less than 10mph and manoeuvre to pass, crossing the double white lines if necessary and safe to do so. I'd be happy with them to give me that extra metre of space rather than realising/thinking "Oooh, he's going at more than 10mph, I'd better stay this side of the double white lines and just pass a bit closer."
Mind you I've taken an assertive if not primary position approaching a blind corner "to deter overtaking" and still the b***gers go for it: eg: one with a MTB on the roof who then turns into the car park (on the left about 100m and two bends further on). I turned into said car park to suggest to him (in front of his mates waiting on their bikes) a bit of cycling solidarity would not go amiss.

 

[jefmcg]

The pass "felt" a bit close - probably not helped by my taking an assertive position in the lane in order to deter overtakes - but was definitely an irritation rather than anything more serious.

Yeah, that's the important thing. I want people to pass me with enough room to make me feel safe. I don't really care what rules they break, unless breaking that rule puts me danger (ie they can cross double centre lines all they like, unless they are at risk of suddenly swinging back over me when another vehicle "appears from nowhere")

So, yeah, if it felt too close, then it's not a good pass. This would be a situation where I wouldn't mind a polite pip from the Goldwing (or was it a Harley?), letting me move a little to the left to let them pass. Normally I hate the "polite" but really "get out of my way" beeps from cars

 

[simon.r]

Many moons ago I was prosecuted for crossing a white line whilst overtaking a car on a motorbike.

To this day I swear blind that I didn't cross the white line, but with the benefit of maturity and hindsight the copper who said I did probably did me a favour - if I didn't technically break the law I probably deserved an endorsement for riding like a twit

 

[sidevalve]

So, yeah, if it felt too close, then it's not a good pass. This would be a situation where I wouldn't mind a polite pip from the Goldwing (or was it a Harley?), letting me move a little to the left to let them pass. Normally I hate the "polite" but really "get out of my way" beeps from cars

Sorry but to 'pip' a cyclist is to invite a dose of verbal abuse and there have been many posts on this forum to bear that out. As for the OP - you answered your own question when you quoted the law.
Yes I would pass and I will give as much room as I would expect to be given - if that isn't enough then one of us lacks confidence in their ability to deal with normal road situations.

 

[growingvegetables]

Sorry but to 'pip' a cyclist is to invite a dose of verbal abuse .....

Rubbish.

There's a world of difference between a friendly "pip", given in good time, and the aggressive "f-off", "get-out-of-my-way" "pip"/beeeep/blast.