Motorcyclists overtaking in double white line area

[raleighnut]

Yes, more that kind of thing, but even more "boxy". Or maybe just an older design.

Aspencade version of the 'Wing'

 

[oldroadman]

Law has already been stated. Less than 10mph, OK to overtake if it's safe, also OK to cross solid lines to turn right into a driveway or parking place. In the instance quoted, it's reasonable to expect two single track vehicles to pass, surely, and do it safely. Taking a "lane blocker" position on a velo when it's only a moto passing is just a bit odd. Just share the space, not difficult. Maybe I'm just old fashioned, and not militant enough. God knows how I've survived all these years without knowing all this stuff or having cameras festooned everywhere!

 

[Ajax Bay]

Taking a "lane blocker" position on a velo when it's only a moto passing is just a bit odd. Just share the space, not difficult.

You cannot tell what's behind - so when approaching a bend which you judge would be unsafe if a motor vehicle came past, adopting an assertive/primary position is, I argue, good practice. If it's a 'moto' behind you often don't know till they come past. A 'moto' is more manoeuvrable, can accelerate faster (normally, and therefore passing time is less) and is not as wide.
Such 'assertive' positioning assumes you're going a decent speed, so when climbing uphill (relatively) slowly, such a decision (to occupy more of the road or hug the gutter) must be balanced. The key is the likely time a vehicle will take to get past (inversely related to speed differential) versus the possible oncoming speed of a vehicle coming round the bend ahead. A following 'moto' is also well placed to make that judgement: ie can they get past safely using part of the other side of the road if necessary, or perhaps just wait till the sight line opens out. Assertive positioning in the circumstances I've described forces motorists wishing to pass to 'ask the question': can I pass safely given that I'll have to go over the other side of the road (and can't just squeeze the cyclist with a close pass)?

When I'm cycling I find it very irritating to have a car hanging behind me when it's perfectly safe to pass with plenty of room.

I agree, but despite being given a @Flick of the Elbow , some motorists seek a greater margin of safety than one's perception of the situation, or are less confident of their ability to accelerate than you think they should be. Or they have a trailer or caravan! In which case I switch from the (slightly) irritated camp to the silently thankful camp. So if a car hangs behind me I just respond by getting up that hill or past the wiggly bit of road as fast as I can manage.

 

[Mr Celine]

Law has already been stated. Less than 10mph, OK to overtake if it's safe, also OK to cross solid lines to turn right into a driveway or parking place.

Not if the parking place is on the road, as this does not count as 'premises'. See the parking bay in this street view image. (Coned off when Mr Google drove past.) The police sometimes park there and give anyone a ticket who crosses the double white line to park on the offside.

 

[oldroadman]

Not if the parking place is on the road, as this does not count as 'premises'. See the parking bay in this street view image. (Coned off when Mr Google drove past.) The police sometimes park there and give anyone a ticket who crosses the double white line to park on the offside.

Good gracious, they can't have much to do on the A81. Still, it's Scotland, and the law can vary a bit up there.