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Overtaking on roundabouts

Has anyone else noticed how often motorists overtake us cyclists on roundabouts? I thought this was a breach of the Highway Code? I've noticed it a lot in London and the South East. Opinions from other parts of the UK and Worldwide most welcome.

Speaking as a driver, my understanding was that you are not supposed to overtake any other vehicle on a roundabout.

Thanks.

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8 comments

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Raleigh | 11 years ago
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Saw the funniest thing today.

A guy on a motorbike of 'questionable' quality, just going round and round, getting really close to the ground, and there was a guy taking photos of him, running around the roundabout.

We watched him go round about 5 times before making a break for it.

Weird.

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Alan Tullett | 11 years ago
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How about undertaking. Even more dangerous. Went round London twice recently (about 150 miles) and roundabouts were the only thing that bothered me really. Often got off and went round safely rather than go on the road.

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giff77 | 11 years ago
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Same here in Renfrewshire and Glasgow. On single lane roundabouts I stay in the middle of the lane until I've exited. Have a tendency to avoid larger ones unless the lanes are specifically marked with directions. Very different to France where the drivers stay behind you until you exit.

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SideBurn | 11 years ago
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This was the subject of my "Wa***ers 'r' us" forum post. I think I was lucky not to be hit.

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Ghedebrav | 11 years ago
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Yeah all the time. Standard behaviour, really.

Also regularly not given priority while on the roundabout by other cars joining it. I don't like roundabouts.

This is in Gtr Manchester & Cheshire, BTW.

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hoski | 11 years ago
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Yes and yes. Oxford... claims to be in the south but I still think its the Midlands. My experience is that too many roundabouts have been designed for speeds and accelerations in excess of what most cyclists can safely manage.

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crash144019 | 11 years ago
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Happens all the time in Leeds too. The last leg of my ride home involves a right turn/ 3rd exit on a roundabout and I've got into the habit of sitting in the middle of the road. But even that doesn't always work

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chokofingrz | 11 years ago
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Yes and it sometimes means you are unable to change lanes in time and end up being forced to leave the roundabout before your desired exit, an incredibly annoying outcome!

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