Southampton City Council

You are here:home > Environment > Road safety > Cycling advice > Large vehicles and cyclists

Large vehicles and cyclists


Message to large vehicle drivers:

  • Cyclists are very susceptible to injury, even in minor collisions.

  • Cyclists are at their most vulnerable at roundabouts and junctions.

  • Cyclists may feel intimidated by large vehicles and may also be affected by side-wind.

  • Loose straps and ropes are particularly hazardous to cyclists.

  • Please give cyclists plenty of room and slow down when overtaking them.

Message to cyclists:

  • Large vehicles have large blind spots.

  • Try not to linger alongside for longer than necessary.

  • When negotiating a roundabout, large vehicles will often take a different line from the one taken by smaller vehicles.

  • Look out for signals and don't creep up the left-hand side of a large vehicle.

  • When turning left, a large vehicle will often have to move out to the right and then swing very close to the kerb as it turns.

  • Don't get trapped on the left-hand side of the vehicle.

Downloadable documents

Icon Name of file Size Download time
PDF document Bike Guide 790 KB 3secs @ 2Mbps
Link to download Adobe Acrobat if required

Contact information

If you want to contact us regarding the content of this page please contact us at:

  • 023 8091 7571
  • Travel & Transport Policy, Southampton City Council, Floor 4, One Guildhall Square, Southampton SO14 7FP

For any other council related enquiries please contact: