The Roundabout with a Cyclist
You approach a two-lane roundabout intending to take the second exit, which is straight ahead. The roundabout has a painted splitter island and a give-way line. A cyclist is riding in the left lane of the roundabout, ahead of you and slightly to your left, and appears to be continuing around. A car is waiting to enter from your right. Your speed is about 30 km/h and you are in the left lane. There is a bicycle symbol painted in your lane before the roundabout.
1. Who has priority as you enter the roundabout, and how should you position your vehicle?
Read the worked answer
You must give way to traffic already in the roundabout, including the cyclist, and to any vehicle approaching from your right that is already circulating.
Reasoning:
- At a give-way line at a roundabout, you yield to vehicles already in the roundabout. The cyclist is already circulating and is therefore entitled to continue.
- The painted bicycle symbol indicates cyclists may share your lane. Do not squeeze past or overtake a cyclist within the roundabout.
- The car waiting on your right has not yet entered, so it does not have priority over you once you are lawfully in the roundabout. However, if it enters early, you must avoid a collision.
- Position: stay in the left lane for the second exit, signal left as you approach your exit, and keep a safe gap behind the cyclist.
2. The cyclist slows and drifts slightly right. What should you do, and what common error should you avoid?
Read the worked answer
Slow down and hold back; do not attempt to pass on the inside or outside within the roundabout.
Reasoning:
- A cyclist drifting right may be avoiding a drain, changing lanes, or preparing to exit. Their line can change quickly.
- Passing a cyclist inside a roundabout is hazardous because the curvature and short distances leave little room for error, and the cyclist may need to move across your path.
- The common error is to assume the cyclist will exit at the first exit and to accelerate past. Wait until their intention is clear and you can see a safe gap.
- Exit only when you have a clear path, signal in good time, and check your left mirror for the cyclist before crossing their line.