Solid white line, 2 way road

Greeniron

Am I correct in thinking that these should not ever be crossed for overtaking, regardless of how slow a road user in front might be going? If so it does seem to be a rule that is routinely broken. I have been behind bikes on 2-3 occasions recently in such a situation with someone behind me clearly upset at the delay.

FabFifty

Rules re crossing a solid white line: 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.

neilmcl

Greeniron wrote: »

Am I correct in thinking that these should not ever be crossed for overtaking, regardless of how slow a road user in front might be going? If so it does seem to be a rule that is routinely broken. I have been behind bikes on 2-3 occasions recently in such a situation with someone behind me clearly upset at the delay.

So was it safe and clear to overtake on those occasions.

Greeniron

The cyclists were all lycra lads doing more than 10mph. Useful to know that up to that speed overtaking is sometimes permissible though, thanks.

BeenThroughItAll

You should be overtaking the cyclists anyway, not sitting behind them holding up other traffic.

Strider590

Sane people aren't going to get upset if your holding back for a safe spot to overtake a cyclist, they will however get upset if they've been following you at 20mph under the speed limit just prior to the cyclists.

agrinnall

BeenThroughItAll wrote: »

You should be overtaking the cyclists anyway, not sitting behind them holding up other traffic.

Do you often blatantly advocate breaking the law?

BeenThroughItAll

agrinnall wrote: »

Do you often blatantly advocate breaking the law?

Which law? Highway Code clearly states one can cross the white line if clear, and safe to do so, to overtake a pedal cycle.

Johno100

BeenThroughItAll wrote: »

Which law? Highway Code clearly states one can cross the white line if clear, and safe to do so, to overtake a pedal cycle.

........if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less. (Rule 129 of the Highway Code)

BeenThroughItAll

Yep. That's right.

ETA: just noticed OP actually said they were doing >10mph. Stand down! My mistake. No need for pitchforks.

Johno100

I suppose if you are on your motorbike you can probably overtake them safely without crossing the white line.