To pass or not to pass, that is the question?

[melpotter]

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

The image above is part of my daily commute, it's Rising Brook on the A449 into Stafford. Here's the Google maps link if anyone wants to take a better look https://maps.google.co.uk/?ll=52.789792 ... m&t=h&z=19

There is often queuing traffic here all the way down to the lights and it's a single carriageway in each direction however recently whilst waiting in stationary traffic I've twice been passed by bikers riding between the queuing cars and the double white lines.

My question is, surely it's illegal to effectively overtake where there are double white lines regardless of whether you cross the line or not?

[Liam]

I think as long as you don't go over a solid white line, you can go past.

[Mr Angry]

Going over the line is illegal otherwise go for it.

[Liam]

I think as long as you don't go over a solid white line, you can go past.

(Correcting myself)
You can cross a solid line if theres also a broken line on your side.

[Deeping]

I wasn’t aware that double white lines meant no overtaking, I thought it meant do not cross over the double white lines.
Do you overtake a static vehicle or just pass it?

[Bluebottle]

It is fine if you don't cross the line

but: It is no good being right but dead.
The other drivers might not expect you to be "squeasing through" and you are coming to a junction so it is dangerous spot to choose.

You can cross the line for static vehicles if it is safe.

[Deleted User 796]

From the highway code:

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.

So if the traffic is stationary you could cross the line to overtake (whether the police would agree is a different matter). I bet if you had an accident in that situation you'd be in a world of shit with your insurance.

Personally, I will filter while not crossing the line, I won't ever cross the unbroken lines.

[SH125Paul]

As most of the above... you can filter past, as long as you don't cross the double white line...
Also check the highway code regarding crossing the double white line, passing a 'slow-moving-vehicle', horse, steam roller, etc etc, IS NOT THE SAME as a 'vehicle-moving-slowly...

But safety first and all that, no point being in teh right AND being injured...

I commute along the Old Kent Road... and often see bikes 'wrong siding 'keep left bollards, as they approach the lights - good luck to em, its not for me (not saying i've never done it) but not anymore - worth teh risk? injusy? Fine? - what ya gonna save? couple of mins tops - and you may be a long time in plaster! or a fine of £50 - £100 and points...

Does look a nice road for blast though

Is the cycle path busy?

[DougL]

There are some very odd line markings in the distance of your pic. I had to go and look at the area in google streetview. The oddness is where there is a herringbone pattern on the road with a broken line on one side and a double on the other. These are normally a herringbone with a single solid line on either side or a broken line on each side!

In answer to the original question, I wouldn't even filter there, you're asking for an argument. Some tunnels have a single solid line in them which means absolutely nothing. Would I cross? Maybe. It might be worth an argument with the fuzz.

[halfabusa]

As most of the above... you can filter past, as long as you don't cross the double white line...
Also check the highway code regarding crossing the double white line, passing a 'slow-moving-vehicle', horse, steam roller, etc etc, IS NOT THE SAME as a 'vehicle-moving-slowly...

But safety first and all that, no point being in teh right AND being injured...

I commute along the Old Kent Road... and often see bikes 'wrong siding 'keep left bollards, as they approach the lights - good luck to em, its not for me (not saying i've never done it) but not anymore - worth teh risk? injusy? Fine? - what ya gonna save? couple of mins tops - and you may be a long time in plaster! or a fine of £50 - £100 and points...

Does look a nice road for blast though

Is the cycle path busy?

Yep, it is usually VERY busy