The maximum distance you can drive in a bicycle lane to overtake a vehicle turning right in front of you is generally limited to 50 metres. This rule is designed to allow motorists to safely pass vehicles or cyclists using the bike lane temporarily without endangering cyclists or obstructing the lane for longer than necessary
. Key points include:
- You may enter the bicycle lane to overtake a vehicle turning right, but only for a short distance, typically up to 50 metres
- Before entering the bike lane, you must yield to any cyclists present and ensure it is safe to do so
- The 50-metre limit balances the need for motorists to pass with the protection of cyclists’ space on the road
- Exceeding this distance can result in fines and penalties, as it puts cyclists at risk and violates road rules
- Additionally, when overtaking cyclists, a minimum lateral clearance of 1 to 1.5 meters is required depending on speed and jurisdiction
Thus, when overtaking a vehicle turning right using the bicycle lane, you should keep your use of the lane brief-no more than 50 metres-and always prioritize cyclist safety by yielding and maintaining proper clearance.
