New Highway Code for Cyclists
New Highway Code for Cyclists
As you’ve probably heard there is a new version of the Highway Code coming out on 29th January 2022. There has been a load of fuss in the press and on social media about the changes to the Highway Code for cyclists. A lot of it has been based on some very misleading graphics and headlines in tabloid newspapers.
As journalist Peter Walker has pointed out a lot of the new ‘changes’ are not new. Even the bits which are new are what a lot of considerate and careful drivers will have been doing for years anyway.
Riding in the middle of the road
The new Highway Code repeats existing advice about taking primary road position. It does not tell cyclists to ride in the middle of the road. It says that on narrow roads, at junctions, or in slow moving traffic cyclists can ride in the middle of their lane. That is lane not road.
The new Highway Code says that on busier roads cyclists should move over to the side and ride 0.5 meters from the kerb. All pretty sensible so far!
Give cyclists space
Drivers are told to give cyclists at least 1.5 meters space when overtaking (more if going over 30 mph).
Riding 2 abreast or in groups
The new Highway Code says that cyclists riding in groups should be considerate to other road users. It goes onto say that it can be safer to ride 2 abreast if in a large group or riding with children. Cyclists riding 2 abreast are asked to be aware of people behind them and to allow cars past when safe.
If you’ve ever been out on a club run, with calls of ‘car up’ and ‘car down’ you will know this is pretty much what happens anyway.
Passing pedestrians and horses
If you are passing pedestrians or horse riders the new Highway Code says you should not pass at speed, especially from behind. Slow down and ring a bell or otherwise let them know you are there so as not to startle anyone.
In our experience a cheery ‘good morning’ normally works, or as a long running campaign has it ‘Be Nice Say Hi’.
Give way at junctions
In the new Highway Code cyclists have to give way to pedestrians when turning into and out of side roads. So if you see someone wanting to cross over you need to wait before making your turn.
Avoid Parked Cars
The new Highway Code advises motorists to use the Dutch Reach. This is opening your card door with your left hand so you are more likely to see cyclists. It also says cyclists should ride a door’s width or 1 meter out from parked cars to avoid being hit.
Cycle Lanes, hi-viz and helmets
A lot of the advice in the new Highway Code for cyclists stays the same. You don’t have to use cycle lanes, it’s up to your own judgement. It also continues to say that cyclists ‘should’ wear hi-viz and a helmet but it does not say they ‘must’ wear them. It does say you ‘must’ have lights on your bike at night though.
A lot of fuss over nothing?
As many others have pointed out the new Highway Code mainly clarifies existing rules or makes advice more formal. There are a few tweaks in there about rights of way at junctions and the hierarchy of road users, but it is not the dramatic change some parts of the media are suggesting. Many drivers and cyclists will already have been doing most of this stuff anyway.
If you want to read the full Highway Code you can find it here
