Passing cyclists on a roundabout?

[aclivity]

On my way home from work, there are often organised cycle races being held on a stretch of dual carriageway - the Rainford Bypass between Rainford and the M58 motorway junction.

Whilst most of the riders are careful, there have been a couple who have risked their lives by following a straight line across two lanes approaching the M58 roundabout (and not stopping to allow vehicles from the right already on the roundabout to have right of way). They ride fully round the roundabout and back down towards Rainford for their times; the speed limit on the dual carriageway is NSL desrestricted, so motorised traffic tends to be going at a fair pace around it.

Here is an aerial map of the roundabout: Link

On one occasion I was on the roundabout, heading from Rainford and turning right onto the M58. As I came round the roundabout, a bike was on the inside track, close to the grass. I had already got up to a decent speed, 40 to 50 ish, and there was traffic fairly close behind me as there often is on these motorway junctions.

I was able to slow so that I didn't pass the cyclist, and moved out to the left to give him a wide berth; I was helf expecting one of the other cars behind me to try to make it through the gap and head up the slip road, but they were switched on enough to slow down too.

As an aside, the marshall stationed at the edge of the roundabout gave me a dirty look, not sure why I deserved that to be honest.

I wouldn't normally pass a car on a roundabout, certainly not by taking the outside line, but then the situation with a car has never presented itself to me. Is there any specific rule about passing slower moving traffic on the left whilst on a roundabout?

[Tsippy]

Best to assume they'll do something stupid and give them a wide berth until you are off the roundabout. However if they're cycling dangerously, maybe contact the cycling club regarding your concerns as I am sure that they'd prefer to nip it in the bud with a chat to the cyclists now rather than have an injury and an end to their cycle races.

[aclivity]

Tsippy said:

Best to assume they'll do something stupid and give them a wide berth until you are off the roundabout. However if they're cycling dangerously, maybe contact the cycling club regarding your concerns as I am sure that they'd prefer to nip it in the bud with a chat to the cyclists now rather than have an injury and an end to their cycle races.

I think 99% of the time they are safe, it's only the very rare occasion that I see one who raises concerns. The races have been going on for years, and as far as I know there have been no accidents. There may have been one or two strong words with the marshalls who decide to stop traffic to let a cyclist through (on another roundabout) though!

It's really the action to take: should I

• Do as I did, hang back behind them at c. 15mph until I come to my exit, or
• give them a wide berth but still pass on the left hand side at travelling speed c. 35 - 45 mph?

Which is the legal approach?

[Tsippy]

I normally just hold back rather than risking a pass, afterall it's an extra 10 seconds at most on my journey so no major issue

[cheadle hulme]

Its time trialling. Racing is not allowed on public roads

D25 from Melling up to Rainford and back by the sound of it.

Some guys do get a bit loose with traffic regs and give the rest a bad image. If you can see what club it is, a quick email via the website to the club captain will work. TTs rely on co-operation with all road users so they will be keen to assist. Especially as not everyone displays the impeccable driving of PHers!

[ritmo]

slightly OT but whats the law regarding organised bicycling events on public roads ? Early on sunday morning I encountered an event on the A606 held in thick fog in which the participants were devoid of lights and reflective clothing. They were quite frankly a danger to themselves and others.

[ShadownINja]

And when is the car racing on that section of the road permitted?

[Nige_GTI]

ShadownINja said:

And when is the car racing on that section of the road permitted?

Here here, cyclists seem to get right of way.

In Bristol there are Matrix signs saying 'Give way to cyclists' - WHY?

Since when did a mode of transport that requires no license, no protective equipment, no age limit and no benefit to the maintenance of the roads they use, be given right of way?