Keeping a safety space to the sides

You need space to the sides to avoid pedestrians, cyclists, oncoming vehicles, horses and many other hazards.

You can control this space by holding back from narrow gaps until you are 100 per cent certain that there is enough room for error (see the example photo in Step 3).

Allow at least two metres' (two yards') clearance when passing cyclists – a court case some years ago laid down the principle that a cyclist is entitled to wobble!

Another way to gauge an absolute minimum safe distance past cyclists is to imagine the bike, and adult rider, lying down flat on the road – how much space would they take up?

When passing cyclists, motorcyclists and horses be aware of the road ahead - will they be moving out because of a pothole or obstruction in the road. Horses can be 'spooked' by trees blowing in the wind or even lamp posts.

One of the biggest problems with space to the sides is found in side streets packed with parked vehicles. Sometimes you have no choice but than to squeeze through a narrow gap. In these situations slow down to compensate – this might mean walking pace.

Remember that drivers coming towards you might not be as confident about narrow gaps as you are and might not be able to judge distance as accurately.

Next: Step 5 - allowing for the conditions...