Influence of oncoming traffic on drivers’ overtaking of cyclists

•A diving simulator was used to study overtaking of cyclists with oncoming traffic.•The TTC between subject and oncoming vehicle affected drivers’ overtaking strategy.•The TTC between subject and oncoming vehicle influenced safety margins to cyclists.•Safer margins of 0.93 m were found for drivers not waiting for oncoming traffic.•Different speeds were adopted by drivers depending on the overtaking strategy.