Drivers and cyclists have a duty to one another to share the roads. This is because a bicycle is considered a vehicle and therefore road laws apply to cyclists unless there is an express exemption.

If you have ever seen a large group of cyclists (donning their fashionable lyrca) you may have noticed that they will be riding two abreast with up to 1.5 metres between themselves. This is a safety mechanism so that they are more visible to drivers. Cycling three abreast is not permitted, unless another cyclist is overtaking.

Cyclists are also not permitted by law to ride less than 2 metres behind a vehicle or pass left of a vehicle that is turning left.

Drivers of motor vehicles must also keep a safe distance when passing cyclists. This means, a driver must leave a gap of at least one metre when overtaking a cyclist at a speed under 60 kilometers per hour and when overtaking at a speed faster than 60 kilometers per hour, there must be at least 1.5 meters distance.

Should you ever find yourself driving behind a cyclist or a large group of cyclists, be patient. These rules are in place to keep everyone safe. After all, sharing is caring.