The introduction of double lines to this part of my journey into town has caused me no end of problems.
Clearly Local Council and the Roads and Maritime Services were not thinking about cyclists when they donned their pinnies and opened up their cans of paints - probably more about hill crests, motorists, & wobble-free brushstrokes.
Anyhoo, now we have a situation comprising of a narrow road going up hill (or down depending on direction) and motorists strictly forbidden by highway code to cross the double lines...
...which translates into meaning that this 'council-sanctioned-paint-job' has made it virtually impossible for any motor vehicle except a motor bike to pass me legally.
So currently my road-sharing moments on this patch of road are either...
(a) comfortably 'illegal'
...or
(b) terrifyingly 'legal'
Hi Sue,
ReplyDeleteThis has always irritated me too. I noticed that on such roads in The Netherlands there is rarely a painted centreline (particularly on those roads where cyclists ride).
In the UK, interestingly, it is LEGAL to cross double lines to pass particularly slow vehicles (horses, tractors, bicycles) but not here apparently.
I too get *squeezed* as the motorists would rather risk hitting me than crossing the double lines... mainly as the latter results in a higher penalty. Go figure...
Cheers,
Paul
Australian madness - and Paul, if I end up getting 'mashed' remember to point to gleeful folk it wasn't because I wasn't wearing a helmet
ReplyDeletePromise.
DeleteOf course the authorites will have us believe that the solution to this rubbish provision (actually, anti-'anyone who isn't driving' position) is to wear a magical hat of polystyrene!
Let's all write to those who make the road rules to allow drivers to veer slightly over double lines to overtake cyclists.
ReplyDeleteWe need to point out that it's a far safer option than slowing down slightly and squeezing past a cyclist.
When we get replies, this page would be a good place to discuss them.
Ok, Anon, sounds like a plan - I shall start with my local council and go from there - will keep you posted!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a good idea. It is legal and is in the UK's Highway Code:
Deletehttps://www.gov.uk/general-rules-all-drivers-riders-103-to-158/lines-and-lane-markings-on-the-road-127-to-132
129
Double white lines where the line nearest you is solid. This means you MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.