Roundabout with a Cyclist and a Close Three-Wheeler
You are approaching a three-exit roundabout on a wet morning, intending to take the second exit straight ahead. The approach has two lanes. A lorry is already circulating on the roundabout from your right; its left indicator is flickering but not clearly on. A cyclist is ahead of you on the left, close to the kerb, and is signalling right with an outstretched arm. The give-way line is worn but visible. Your front tyre is new and the road is greasy. A three-wheeler behind you is close to your rear mudguard. You are doing 35 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. The roundabout has no traffic lights and you have not yet entered it.
1. Who has priority, and how should you use the give-way line and the lorry’s indicator?
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The lorry already on the roundabout has priority; you must give way to traffic circulating from your right. The worn give-way line still requires you to slow or stop and make sure the way is clear. Do not rely on the lorry’s flickering indicator: an indicator is a signal of intention, not a grant of priority, and a faulty or unclear indicator may mean the driver is continuing around. Wait until the lorry’s position and speed show clearly what it is doing, and until there is a safe gap.
2. How should you position your motorcycle relative to the cyclist and the three-wheeler, and what speed and gear should you use?
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Stay in the left lane, but do not close up on the cyclist. Hold back so the cyclist is not squeezed between you and the kerb, especially on greasy tarmac. Keep at least a 2-second gap and reduce speed below 35 km/h; use second gear for control. The three-wheeler behind is close, so brake early and progressively rather than abruptly, and signal your intentions clearly. Do not overtake the cyclist on the approach or on the roundabout; wait until you have both left the roundabout and there is room.
3. What is the correct observation and signalling sequence for taking the second exit?
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Sequence: check mirrors and left blind spot; signal left only after you have passed the exit before yours; keep left but follow the curve; give way to circulating traffic; look right and ahead for vehicles already on the roundabout; proceed when clear; maintain a steady speed; check the left mirror before exiting; cancel the indicator. If you miss the exit, go around again rather than cutting across lanes. The cyclist’s right-arm signal means they intend to move right, so do not assume they will stay at the kerb.