You are following two cyclists. They approach a roundabout in the left-hand lane. In which direction should you expect the cyclists to go?

Related Information

Using the road (159 to 203)

4. Roundabouts (184 to 190)

184

On approaching a roundabout take notice and act on all the information available to you, including traffic signs, traffic lights and lane markings which direct you into the correct lane. You should


- use Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre at all stages

- decide as early as possible which exit you need to take

- give an appropriate signal (see Rule 186, below). Time your signals so as not to confuse other road users

- get into the correct lane

- adjust your speed and position to fit in with traffic conditions

- be aware of the speed and position of all the road users around you.


185

When reaching the roundabout you should


- give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights

- check whether road markings allow you to enter the roundabout without giving way. If so, proceed, but still look to the right before joining

- watch out for all other road users already on the roundabout; be aware they may not be signalling correctly or at all

- look forward before moving off to make sure traffic in front has moved off.

186

Signals and position. When taking the first exit to the left, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise

- signal left and approach in the left-hand lane

- keep to the left on the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave.

When taking an exit to the right or going full circle, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise

- signal right and approach in the right-hand lane

- keep to the right on the roundabout until you need to change lanes to exit the roundabout

- signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.

When taking any intermediate exit, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise

- select the appropriate lane on approach to the roundabout

- you should not normally need to signal on approach

- stay in this lane until you need to alter course to exit the roundabout

- signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.

When there are more than three lanes at the entrance to a roundabout, use the most appropriate lane on approach and through it.

You should give priority to cyclists on the roundabout. They will be travelling more slowly than motorised traffic. Give them plenty of room and do not attempt to overtake them within their lane. Allow them to move across your path as they travel around the roundabout.

Cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout and should signal right to show you they are not leaving the roundabout. Drivers should take extra care when entering a roundabout to ensure that they do not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles in the left-hand lane, who are continuing around the roundabout.

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[The Highway Code]