You see its about taking care of the people who are vulnerable, not just
"I'm in a car and roads are made for cars". When you're driving a car
you are driving a lethal object, as you always told me. Roads are made
for everyone to use, as a driver AND a cyclists I drive around cyclists
as I would like other people to drive near me. As a non-cyclist you have
forgotten what its like to have 2 tons of BMW hurtling at you 2ft from
your elbow.
Section "Road users requiring extra care" [by motorists]
Rule 213:
Motorcyclists and cyclists may suddenly need to avoid uneven road
surfaces and obstacles such as drain covers or oily, wet or icy patches
on the road. Give them plenty of room and pay particular attention to
any sudden change of direction they may have to make.
Rule 163 (Note example picture)
"...give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room
as you would when overtaking a car (see Rules 211-215)"
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070314
As for overtaking cyclists with double white lines, rule 129, note the
exemption for cases of cyclists and horses traveling <10mph:
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.
Hence if they are going >10mph you MUST stay behind them.
Like it or not, its the law by which you will be judged 😉