The In-Betweeners

Further to the email regarding undertaking on the motorway, I personally have no problem with it. I do have a problem with the suicidal form of it I witnessed this week. I'm referring to motorcyclists overtaking between the lanes on an otherwise full motorway. If you are in the fast lane in particular, it really is difficult to see bikes approaching inside you. It only takes a small drift towards the lane markings to clip the bike and cause a lethal accident. No cyclist would survive coming off a bike at high speed on a road with all lanes occupied. You couldn’t avoid being run over by following cars. I am not sure if it is illegal, it should be. It must at least be covered by dangerous driving rules.

Asked on 30 September 2011 by DW, Wantage

Answered by Honest John
Part of the point of a motorcycle is to be able to do that and if the biker has his headlight on you should see him. You should be looking in your mirrors all the time. Unless going through road works there is always room to pull slightly right to give him more room. On Sunday we were passed by a whole chapter of bikers in this manner, one of them on a trike.
Similar questions
I have just bought the latest (2007 edition) Highway Code for guidance on overtaking on the left and find Rules 267 and 268 confusing and conflicting. 267 says overtake only on the right, 268 says don't...
You have often said that undertaking is not against the law but, according to the local press, Greater Manchester police is starting a campaign to catch people doing so. I would be interested on your thoughts....
I had an accident on 10 October 2016. It was a foggy and wet morning, around 6:20am, and vision was around 100 - 150 metres. So I was using my front and back fog lights. A driver was tailgating me and...
 

Ask Honest John

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 10% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ10 to save on an ALA policy

See offer