Civil Guard Intensifies Monitoring of Safe Distance for Cyclists in Tenerife

Tenerife drivers face fines of 200 euros and a loss of six license points for failing to maintain the mandatory 1.5-meter distance when overtaking.

Generic image of a bicycle on the road with a car maintaining a safe distance.
IA

Generic image of a bicycle on the road with a car maintaining a safe distance.

The Civil Guard has stepped up its surveillance on Tenerife's roads to ensure drivers maintain the mandatory safe distance when overtaking cyclists, a critical measure to prevent accidents.

Cycling has become a popular sustainable transport method and sport among Tenerife residents. However, the Civil Guard has noted an increase in dangerous maneuvers by some drivers, endangering cyclists' safety.
The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) emphasizes that both motorists and cyclists must comply with current regulations to ensure road safety and reduce accident rates on the island's roads and throughout Spain.

"With good weather, there are increasingly more cyclists on our secondary roads."

Civil Guard · Spokesperson
To reinforce this message, the DGT has introduced the S-891 sign, placed beneath existing vertical signs. Its purpose is to remind drivers of the importance of maintaining an adequate safe distance when overtaking cyclists, considering it a vital measure to save lives.
The General Traffic Regulations clearly state that when overtaking a bicycle or moped, or a group of them, a minimum safe width must be maintained. This distance refers to the vehicle furthest to the left in the case of a group of bicycles or mopeds.

"When overtaking, it is MANDATORY to leave at least 1.5 meters of lateral distance."

Civil Guard · Spokesperson
Failure to comply with this rule not only compromises cyclists' safety but also incurs severe penalties. It is classified as a serious infraction, punishable by a 200 euro fine and the deduction of six points from the driving license. The DGT reiterates that these measures aim to reduce accidents and foster safe coexistence among all road users.