Meanwhile on the Roads...

No, what's "a bit surprising" is that you somehow discovered the road traffic act 1997 and thought it might be a good idea to go online and lecture a bunch of people who have been cycling for decades on your interpretation of said road traffic act.

It's also "a bit surprising" that you think your interpretation of said road traffic act hasn't been regularly regurgitated on this forum. It's been law for nearly 30 years now, have you arrived on a time machine?

Finally it's "a bit surprising" that you think your interpretation of the nuances of cycling within the confines of the law survives contact with real humans who are regularly in fear of being maimed by people who are uninsured, disqualified etc. Forgive us for not worrying unduly about Karen needing to get the kids to training on time.

Can't believe how hard it is for some of us cyclists (and yes I'm also a motorist like so many cyclists) to accept that sometimes we have to make an effort to take up a position that allows others to overtake safely. It's not a big ask really. It's just worth remembering that we have duties as well as rights, like all vehicle drivers.

You're overlooking my deliberate inclusion of "if possible". If it's not possible to make more space then great, no need to try.
And if cycling two abreast allows an overtaker ample room to pass by safely with more than enough clearance to the outer rider then great, you've cycled in a manner that allows safe overtaking, so that's fine.
You're right that I could have contemplated the latter situation instead of only mentioning the choice of going single file, when possible and safe to do so. No one's expected to do anything impossible or unsafe.

I am a cyclist too. How often do I have to paste it in again:
"9. Save where otherwise required by these Regulations, a vehicle shall be driven on the left hand side of the roadway in such a manner so as to allow, without danger or inconvenience to traffic or pedestrians, approaching traffic to pass on the right and overtaking traffic to overtake on the right."

Feel free to expand if you have an adult response

Are track cyclists not usually fast or am I missing the metaphor here?

I agree. If that particular road is clear of oncoming traffic it looks like there would be enough space to overtake safely, so you'd have done your duty. (I presume the car would be able to give you the required amount of clearance?) Personally I'd probably choose to move a bit more left there as the road is in perfect condition and I'd feel it gives more space and margin for error to cycle further left; I'd feel safer but that's a matter of personal choice.

Fair point on my very first wording but it's probably just how I clumsily summarised what is the actual obligation to make space for legal overtakers. Instead of  "as left as possible" I'd refine to "as left as is needed, where possible." My own approach is to move as left as possible to allow the overtake but of course there's more than one way to fulfill the obligation.

You've provided something better than my work for me to focus on today, and for that I applaud you