Cycling Highway Code Changes Due To Come Into Force On 29 January

Pending parliamentary approval, the Highway Code will be changing for Britain’s cyclists on 29 January 2022. The reforming of the highway code mainly focuses on cyclists, cars and pedestrians right of way at a junction—simply stating that at junctions, whoever is going straight ahead has the right of way.

The new list of advice and rules comes after a call from Cycling UK due to 57% of collisions in Britain occurring at junctions. They aim to make the roads a safer place for not only cyclists but for pedestrians and motorists too.

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Why are changes being made to the Highway Code?

Currently, there are 14 different Highway Code rules for right of way, meaning it can be extremely difficult to remember them and put them into practice.

The new rule is also likened to that used across Europe, so it will be more familiar to a larger group of individuals—including tourists—making it safer for everyone.

As well as several different rules, Cycling UK reports that more than half of collisions currently occur at junctions, clearly stating that the current rules aren’t having the desired impact.

With many people taking up cycling during the pandemic, many new cyclists are on the roads. The Provisional Department for Transport 2021 figures shows that 4,700 cyclists and 4,290 pedestrians were seriously injured or killed in crashes on Britain’s roads.

What do the changes mean to cyclists?

Though new rules will introduce a risk-based hierarchy of all road users, a few specific changes are made for cyclists.

One of the specific changes that come as part of the “risk-based hierarchy” is understanding that you will have more responsibility to be aware of pedestrians while out on the road as a cyclist.

Cyclists are instructed to ride in the middle of lanes during slow-moving traffic, such as on quiet roads or streets. They must move to the left if safe to do so when faster vehicles approach behind them.

The new Code also prioritises cyclists travelling straight ahead at a junction and roundabouts.

What are further Highway Code changes being made?

As well as adaptations for cyclists, there are 11 new driving rules and changes to be added to the Highway Code in 2022.

The new Code introduces the “Dutch reach” method for drivers. This method is used across Europe already. It encourages passengers and drivers to open the vehicle doors with their opposite hands. The benefits to the Dutch reach are that it forces motorists to turn their body and head when getting out, therefore creating further visibility and avoiding the risk of injury to passing cyclists.

Motorists also have clearer guidance to leave a 1.5-meter gap when overtaking cyclists. Due to this change, it is now “safer” for cyclists to ride two abreast; however, judgement is needed for the size of the road.

Drivers have been instructed to give way to pedestrians waiting to cross, not just at zebra crossings. They should also not cut across cyclists or horse riders going straight ahead when turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane. By not cutting across “left hook” collisions can be avoided.