The aim of a good pass
A good pass is one the other person barely notices. They know you are there, they have room, and nobody has to jump aside. That mostly comes down to three things: seeing early, letting people know you are coming, and leaving space.
The right approach varies with the place. On a road, normal traffic rules for overtaking apply, and local laws decide how much room is expected. On a path shared with pedestrians, you are usually a guest in their space and the sensible default is to slow down and be gentle. This article covers general etiquette and does not replace local rules.
Before you pass: look and slow down
Passing starts well before you reach the other person.
- Look ahead for people, dogs, children, and anything that could make someone step sideways.
- Decide whether you really need to pass. If the path is crowded or narrow, sitting behind at a steady pace is often kinder than forcing through.
- Ease off early. Braking late is more alarming than a gradual slowdown, and it leaves you less control if someone moves unexpectedly.
- Make sure you have a clear view. Avoid passing on blind bends, near crests, at junctions, or when something is approaching from the other direction.
A speed difference matters. The faster you go compared with the person you are passing, the less time they have to notice you and the more startling the experience. Keeping your speed close to theirs as you pass makes the whole thing gentler.
Announce yourself
Most people cannot hear a bike coming up behind them, especially in wind, near traffic or when wearing headphones. A friendly warning prevents surprises.
- Voice: A calm “excuse me”, “passing on your right” or “on your left” is usually enough. Say it early, at a normal volume, and avoid shouting.
- Bell: A light ring can be effective, especially on a path. Our article on bell use looks at tone and timing in detail.
- Wait for a response: Give the person a moment to hear and react before you move. They may move over, or they may not hear you at all.
The side to pass on depends on local custom. In many places people pass on the side that matches the direction of traffic, but some paths use signs or markings. If you are unsure, say which side you are using, and keep to it.
Giving enough room
Space is the heart of a courteous pass. There is no single correct distance, and the right amount depends on speed, the other person’s behaviour and the width of the way. As a general idea, go wide enough that a sudden step or wobble would not cause contact, and slow down if you cannot go wide.
- For walkers, especially children, older people and dogs on leads, pass slowly and give extra space.
- For riders, avoid cutting back in sharply after you pass. Wait until you are clearly ahead.
- If the way is too narrow, wait. A short delay is better than squeezing by.
- On roads, follow local rules about overtaking distance and avoid passing where it would put you into oncoming traffic.
Our wider guidance on shared path etiquette goes into speeds and behaviour around walkers, runners and dogs, so here the focus is on the act of passing itself.
Passing other riders
Passing a fellow cyclist is similar but usually faster. A few points:
- Call out to say you are there. A bell ring or a quick “on your right” is common.
- Check for traffic or other riders coming the other way before you move out.
- Pass with a smooth line rather than a sudden swerve.
- Move back in only when you have a clear gap, and avoid slowing straight after the pass.
- If you are in a group, pass in a way that does not cut across the riders around you.
If someone calls out that they are passing you, hold your line and keep a steady speed. Moving unpredictably is the usual cause of trouble. If you ride in a pace line or a group, passing follows its own rules, which the group will usually agree before you set off.
It is also worth remembering that not everyone wants to be overtaken. Some riders are learning, recovering from illness, or simply enjoying a gentle outing. A friendly word as you pass costs nothing.
Passing walkers and runners
People on foot may be listening to music, talking, or watching children. Many have limited awareness of what is behind them. To pass them politely:
- Slow down to a speed you could stop from quickly.
- Ring or call out from a distance so that they have time to react.
- Be ready to stop if someone moves in front of you.
- Pass on the side with the most room, and say thank you if they step aside.
- Be especially cautious around dogs, which may move in unexpected ways, and around groups walking several abreast.
Do not expect pedestrians to give way. On many paths they have priority, and some places require cyclists to dismount in crowded areas. Read the signs.
After the pass
Once you are by, keep your speed steady rather than accelerating hard, which can feel aggressive. A quick “thanks” or a raised hand acknowledges that the person made room. If something went wrong, such as a startled reaction, a brief apology helps defuse tension.
When not to pass
Sometimes the best option is not to overtake:
- the path is narrow or crowded
- visibility is poor, or the surface is slippery
- there are children or animals near the edge of the way
- the other person seems unsteady or confused
In these cases, hang back, keep a safe following distance and wait for a wider spot. Patience is rarely wasted.
A short checklist
- Look ahead and slow down early.
- Announce yourself with voice or bell before you move out.
- Give plenty of room and keep your line smooth.
- Return to your side only when you are clearly ahead.
- If in doubt, wait.