There are major changes to the Highway Code, which are coming into effect on 29 January. These are aimed at improving conditions for vulnerable road users, including cyclists.
Three of the biggest changes are outlined below:
Rule H1
This introduces a new “hierarchy of road users” which ranks road users according who has the potential to cause the most harm.
The full “hierarchy of road users” is as follows:
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Horse Riders
- Motorcyclists
- Cars/taxis
- Vans/minibuses
- Large passenger vehicles or courier vehicles like buses and HGV
The law will place more responsibility on drivers to watch out for more vulnerable road users including cyclists.
Equally, cyclists will have a responsibility to reduce danger for pedestrians.
Rule H2
This rule gives greater protection to pedestrians and cyclists.
Other road users should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into / from which they are turning.
Other road users MUST give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing. They should also give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing.
This rule makes it clear that cyclists should give way to pedestrians on shared use cycle tracks and to horse riders on a bridleway.
It also reminds cyclists that ONLY pedestrians (including wheelchair and mobility scooter users) may use a pavement.
Rule H3
This rule makes it clear that drivers and motorcyclists should not cut across cyclists when turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane.
It applies whether the cyclist is using a cycle lane, a cycle track, or riding ahead on the road.
Drivers must not turn at a junction if this would cause the cyclist going straight ahead to stop or swerve.
Drivers are also advised to stop and wait for a safe gap when cyclists are:
- approaching, passing or moving off from a junction
- moving past or waiting alongside stationary or slow-moving traffic
- travelling around a roundabout