35.16. You want to overtake cyclists. What should you take into account when assessing the lateral clearance?
UAВи хочете обігнати велосипедистів. Що Ви повинні врахувати при оцінці бокового інтервалу?
Question without image
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about road safety when overtaking vulnerable road users. Its point is that a “safe interval” is not a fixed value: the driver must assess the actual conditions so as not to create danger for the cyclist during the maneuver, as the cyclist is less stable and may unpredictably swerve due to road irregularities, gusts of wind, slippery surfaces, or when avoiding an obstacle.
The question tests knowledge of terms and requirements from sections of the traffic rules regarding safe speed and the choice of distance/interval (in particular, the definition of “Safe interval” in clause 1.10, the obligation to maintain a safe interval in clause 13.1, and to take into account the road situation in clause 12.1). For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand: when assessing the lateral interval, the key factors are the behavior of the cyclists and the speed of your vehicle, since as speed increases, reaction time decreases and the effect of the air flow during overtaking intensifies.
Analysis of the answer options comes down to practice: the statement that “1.0 m is always sufficient” is incorrect, because the traffic rules require a truly safe interval, which depends on the situation, not a fixed number. Taking into account only the cyclist’s behavior or only your own speed is insufficient, because the risk arises at the intersection of these factors: even a slight “jerk” of the handlebars or swerving to avoid a pothole becomes critical if overtaking is performed too quickly and closely. That is why the correct conclusion in this exam question is based on the combination of two conditions: the predictability of the cyclist’s trajectory and an adequate overtaking speed, which allows you to choose a truly safe lateral interval.
Clause 1.10 (term "Safe interval")
Safe interval — the distance between the sides of moving vehicles, or between a vehicle and other objects, which ensures road safety.
Clause 1.10 (term "Overtaking")
Overtaking — passing one or more vehicles involving entering the oncoming traffic lane.
Clause 13.1
The driver, depending on the speed, road conditions, characteristics of the cargo being transported, and the condition of the vehicle, must maintain a safe distance and a safe interval.
Clause 12.1
When choosing a safe driving speed within the established limits, the driver must take into account the road conditions, as well as the characteristics of the cargo being transported and the condition of the vehicle, in order to be able to constantly control its movement and drive it safely.
Clause 2.3 (b)
To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged to be attentive, monitor the road situation, respond appropriately to its changes, monitor the correct placement and securing of cargo, the technical condition of the vehicle, and not be distracted from driving while on the road.
That is, the correct answer is "Answers 2 and 3," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the driver chooses a safe lateral interval taking into account the speed and road conditions (including possible deviations in the cyclist's trajectory), and is obliged to be attentive and respond to changes in the situation.
When planning to overtake cyclists, you must remember that the Traffic Rules require you to maintain a safe distance during overtaking, that is, such a lateral gap that does not create danger for the person being overtaken. For a cyclist, this is especially important because they are less stable on the road than a car, and even a slight deviation from their trajectory can lead to contact with your vehicle.
When assessing the lateral interval, first and foremost consider the cyclist's behavior. A cyclist may suddenly move to the left to avoid a pothole, manhole cover, debris, puddle, the edge of the roadway, or parked cars. Sudden steering movements are also possible due to loss of balance, gusts of wind, or slippery surfaces. If you overtake too closely, any such maneuver immediately creates a risk of collision, even if the cyclist is technically “riding straight.”
The second thing you must definitely take into account is your speed. The higher your speed during overtaking, the greater the danger from the air flow and the less time you have to react if the cyclist deviates from their line of movement. Therefore, as your speed increases, the lateral interval should be greater: the safe gap should compensate for both possible steering errors by the cyclist and your closing speed during overtaking.
Thus, the correct answer is "Answers 2 and 3," because when assessing the lateral interval while overtaking cyclists, you need to take into account their possible unpredictable sideways deviations and increase the interval depending on the speed of your vehicle to avoid creating danger.