Updated 11/02/2022
The Highway Code was changed 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.
Why are changes being made to the Highway Code?
There were previously 14 different Highway Code rules for right of way, meaning it was 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 reported that more than half of collisions occur at junctions, clearly stating that the current rules weren’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.
As well as collisions, the new advice aims to relieve the general frustrations experienced by cyclists and drivers.
If you’re looking for some tips on how to generally improve road safely, effectively and stress-free, our Cycleplan study is here to help. Analysing over 500K social media posts, it narrows down the most affected cities and regions, and also includes top tips from Olympic medallist Lizzie Deignan for staying safe whilst cycling on the road.
What do the changes mean to cyclists?
Though new rules 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.
To help you understand the changes, we've created an infographic* to easily outline the things you need to know.
*Infographic data taken from AA Poll and Provisional Department for Transport 2021 figures.
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.
Traffic has been instructed to give way to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross at a junction and also to give priority to people who have started crossing if the traffic wants to turn into the road.
The government has further outlined the 8 key main changes to the rules.
How much of a change will the new rules make?
The changes haven't been shouted about much, only fully appearing in the press the week of implementation.
Though cycling campaigners have warmly welcomed the changes, the question is, has the government done enough to raise awareness of the new rules?
The AA polled more than 13,700 drivers between 8-18 January 2022 and found:
- 33% of motorists did not know the Highway Code was being updated
- 4% of motorists had ‘no intention’ of reviewing the new change details
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