Cyclist Overtake example

45 seconds of video illustrating how we use M S P S L sequence to plan our phases of a cyclist over-take. In this example we have a relatively brief period it the ‘following position’ so need to manage a lot of information to make a decisive informed decision to overtake.

The initial planning stages of this over-take start at the very beginning of the clip where we see the cyclist rounding the centre disc of the roundabout in the direction we are heading; ‘we are likely to encounter them further along the road and probably need to pass them’.

17s into the video it becomes clear that the cyclist has taken the exit we will be taking so we need to start considering and planning a potential overtake.

27s Positioning wide, to the centre line, as we exit the roundabout gives us the earliest possible view along the road.

At this point we are assessing the speed of the cyclist, and comment that they appear to be near to the speed limit so an overtake may not be on rear reasons of legality. At this stage we are also assessing the general road scene:

- We have the off-side risks of the cars in the parking bays to the right, which could move off at any time.

- We have the near-side risk of the continuous line of cars parked in the bays to the left, any one of which could pull out at any time causing the cyclist to swerve.

- We have some on coming cars opposing.

- In the distance we can see trees at the end of the road highlighting we have a reasonably limited amount of space.

- We are also very actively taking in information from our Mirrors at this point.

33s Five seconds later we are closing on the cyclist and are reassessing their speed which has dropped sufficiently below the 30mph limit to give us enough plus speed for a legal overtake. At this point we are almost alongside the car in the off-side (right) lay-by so can confirm that it is static. Our view of the road ahead is also good, with no other obvious off-side risks.

So, from this point we start exploring the overtake guided by M S P S L:

MIRRORS - Check Centre & Right mirrors, and chin-to-shoulder blind spot check.

SIGNAL (34s) - Right Indicator Signal.

POSITION (36s) - Move out to the off-side (right hand side of the road) WITHOUT moving along side the cyclist. * The Highway Code now recommends a minimum separation gap from the cyclist of 1.5m in this 30mph zone, and a greater gap at higher speeds. From this position we confirm our view, actively assessing the near side park car risk as we plan where we will be returning near side.

SPEED (37s) - having confirmed that the overtake in ‘ON’ we accelerate briskly with assertive use of the Gas pedal, easing back off the gas pedal once along-side the cyclist as we now have enough ‘plus speed’ to pass them. This gas lift enables us to complete the overtake without exceeding the speed limit, and also limits exhaust noise which may startle a cyclist.

LOOK (Access, Decide, Act) (39s) - Centre & Left mirror checks to confirm we have passed the cyclist; scanning of cars parked near-side (left) looking for any signs of movement as we plan our return to the near-side (left side) of the road and smoothly taper our steering back across giving plenty of clearance to the cyclist who make have increased speed.

As we approach the next roundabout with the intention of turning left we are mindful of the cyclist we have just passed and check for them in MIRRORS before SIGNALLING and then POSITIONING to the left lane and reducing SPEED (preparing to stop, but actively looking to go).