Drivers on the Costa Blanca need to take extra care when overtaking cyclists following changes to Spain’s traffic regulations that have recently come into force.
So, on a road with a 90 km/h limit, you must overtake a cyclist at no more than 70 km/h. On a 70 km/h road, the maximum would be 50 km/h.
The 1.5-metre rule still applies
Spain already required drivers to leave at least 1.5 metres between their vehicle and a cyclist when overtaking.
That has not changed.
If the road has more than one lane travelling in your direction, you must move completely into the neighbouring lane to overtake in the circumstances covered by the regulation.
On other roads, drivers can use part or all of the adjoining or opposite lane where necessary to provide the required clearance, provided they can do so safely.
Crucially, you cannot overtake if doing so would endanger or obstruct somebody travelling in the opposite direction, including a cyclist using the opposite shoulder.
In other words, if there is not enough room, wait.
Overtaking cyclists: What has changed?
The major change concerns speed when overtaking outside built-up areas.
Before starting the manoeuvre, drivers must reduce their speed to at least 20 km/h below the limit for that section of road. They must maintain that reduction throughout the overtake.
The provision also covers overtaking other vulnerable road users specified in the regulation, including pedestrians, mopeds and personal mobility vehicles.
Give cyclists five metres when following
There is another figure for drivers to remember.
The revised regulations require motorists travelling behind a cyclist in the same lane to maintain a minimum distance of five metres.
Cyclists, meanwhile, should preferably ride towards the centre of the lane when their safety and that of other road users allows it.
The revised regulations also define vulnerable road users, with the changes placing particular emphasis on protecting cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and other people at greater risk of injury in a collision.
Do not squeeze through
The practical message is straightforward, particularly on the Costa Blanca’s winding and sometimes narrow roads.
Catching up with a cyclist does not mean you have to pass immediately.
If an oncoming vehicle, poor visibility or the width of the road prevents you from leaving the required space, stay behind until you can complete the manoeuvre safely.
Drivers now need to remember three important points when passing a cyclist: leave at least 1.5 metres of lateral space, make a complete lane change where the regulations require it, and reduce your speed by at least 20 km/h below the limit on roads outside built-up areas.
Bridging the Gap’s recap
- The new rules for overtaking cyclists have now come into force
- Drivers must continue to leave at least 1.5 metres when passing a cyclist.
- Outside built-up areas, drivers must now overtake at least 20 km/h below the road’s speed limit.
- On a 90 km/h road, that means passing at no more than 70 km/h.
- A complete lane change is required in the circumstances set out in the new regulations.
- Motorists must leave at least five metres when following a cyclist in the same lane.
- You cannot overtake if the manoeuvre would endanger oncoming road users.
- If you cannot provide enough space to pass safely, stay behind and wait.
Let Bridging the Gap help you navigate through more Costa Blanca Red Tape.
