Highway Code changes giving cyclists priority over drivers could create ‘confusion and dangerous situations’ because only a third of motorists know about it, the AA has warned.

The overhaul, coming into force on January 29 subject to parliamentary approval, means motorists will have to give way to cyclists and pedestrians at junctions.

It will create a new hierarchy of responsibility based on the vulnerability of road-users, with motorists assuming greater responsibility for reducing the danger posed to pedestrians and cyclists.

Cyclists will also have to act to reduce the danger posed to pedestrians.

Under the old code, pedestrians only had right of way at a junction if they were already on the road.
This MailOnline graphic shows how the Highway Code will change early next year in relation to drivers and cyclists
+6

This MailOnline graphic shows how the Highway Code will change early next year in relation to drivers and cyclists
The overhaul, coming into force on January 29 subject to parliamentary approval, means motorists will have to give way to cyclists and pedestrians at junctions
+6

The overhaul, coming into force on January 29 subject to parliamentary approval, means motorists will have to give way to cyclists and pedestrians at junctions
These are the Government's 'key design principles' for its new plans for cycling, with the intention that it 'is or will become mass transit and must be treated as such'
+6

These are the Government's 'key design principles' for its new plans for cycling, with the intention that it 'is or will become mass transit and must be treated as such'
Rule 62 on cycle tracks is shown before (left) and after (right) the changes, with new rules refering to them being 'physically protected or located away from motor traffic' - adding that they may be separate by a feature such as a 'change of material'
+6

Rule 62 on cycle tracks is shown before (left) and after (right) the changes, with new rules refering to them being 'physically protected or located away from motor traffic' - adding that they may be separate by a feature such as a 'change of material'

NEW RULES -- Two of the new rules in the updated Highway Code - rule H1 (left), which introduces the 'hierarchy of road users' concept; then rule H2 (right) which refers to how motorists 'should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing'

But under the revamped code, drivers and cyclists will have to give way if a pedestrian is waiting to cross a road they are turning into.

Cars indicating to turn left or right will also have to give way to cyclists coming from behind and going straight on, only turning once they have passed.

But an AA survey of 13,500 drivers found only a third knew about the changes.

Similarly, only a fifth were aware that the Code will advise of scenarios where cyclists ‘may sometimes ride in the centre of the lane, rather than towards the side of the road’ and that ‘it can be safer for groups of cyclists to ride two abreast in these situations’.

The AA is calling for an education campaign targeted at all road users to be initiated, rather than waiting for the rules to be adopted.

Edmund King, President of the AA, said: ‘With such fundamental changes to the Highway Code taking place to make our roads safer, we need to ensure road users understand the new rules ahead of time.

‘Getting the message out now would help avoid dangerous situations and remove any confusion on the roads before the new rules are adopted.’

The RAC’s roads policy chief, Nicholas Lyes, said: ‘A concerted effort must now be made to communicate the changes to drivers because as we know, many do not read the Highway Code for long periods after passing their test.
What will the new Highway Code rules say?

Here are four of the new rules that will be in the updated Highway Code:

NEW RULE H1 - How 'hierarchy of road users' will see responsibility on those who could cause most harm

It is important that ALL road users are aware of The Highway Code, are considerate to other road users and understand their responsibility for the safety of others. Everyone suffers when road collisions occur, whether they are physically injured or not. But those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others. This principle applies most strongly to drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles, followed by vans/minibuses, cars/taxis and motorcycles. Cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles likewise have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians. Always remember that the people you encounter may have impaired sight, hearing or mobility, and may not be able to see or hear you. None of this detracts from the responsibility of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, to have regard for their own and other road users' safety.

NEW RULE H2 - How drivers will now have to give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a road or zebra crossing

Rule for drivers, motorcyclists, horse riders and cyclists

At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning. You MUST give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing. You should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing. Horse riders and horse drawn vehicles should also give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing. Pedestrians have priority when on a zebra crossing, on a parallel crossing or at light controlled crossings when they have a green signal. Cyclists should give way to pedestrians on shared use cycle tracks. Only pedestrians may use the pavement. This includes people using wheelchairs and mobility scooters.. Pedestrians may use any part of the road and use cycle tracks as well as the pavement, unless there are signs prohibiting pedestrians.

NEW RULE H3 - Drivers should not cut across cyclists and should wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists

Rule for drivers and motorcyclists

You should not cut across cyclists going ahead when turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane, just as you would not turn across the path of another motor vehicle. This applies whether cyclists are using a cycle lane, a cycle track, or riding ahead on the road and you should give way to them. Do not turn at a junction if to do so would cause the cyclist going straight ahead to stop or swerve, just as you would do with a motor vehicle. You should stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists if necessary. This includes 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

NEW RULE 72 - Cyclists can ride in the middle of quiet roads before pulling over to the left when necessary

Rule for cyclists

Road positioning. When riding on the roads, there are two basic road positions you should adopt, depending on the situation.

1. Ride in the centre of your lane, to make yourself as clearly visible as possible, in the following situations:

on quiet roads or streets – if a faster vehicle comes up behind you, move to the left to enable them to overtake, if you can do so safely
in slower-moving traffic move over to the left if you can do so safely so that faster vehicles behind you can overtake when the traffic around you starts to flow more freely
at the approach to junctions or road narrowings where it would be unsafe for drivers to overtake you

2. When riding on busy roads, with vehicles moving faster than you, allow them to overtake where it is safe to do so whilst keeping at least 0.5m away from the kerb edge. Remember that traffic on most dual carriageways moves quickly. Take extra care crossing slip roads.

‘Ultimately, the aim should be to ensure that everyone using the roads understands the new rules, because any confusion is likely to lead to avoidable collisions.’

The changes have been laid before parliament as a statutory instrument, meaning if no MPs object within 28 sitting days - which expires on January 29 - they will come into force.

A spokesman for the Department for Transport said: ‘The proposed upcoming changes to The Highway Code will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders and were widely reported when they were announced earlier this year.’
What the new 'hierarchy of road users' will be

Pedestrians
Cyclists
Horse riders
Motorcyclists
Cars/taxis
Vans/minibuses
Large passenger vehicles/heavy goods vehicles

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10319707/Highway-Code-rule-change-cyclists-priority-drivers.html

swldx...@gmail.com wrote:
> Highway Code changes giving cyclists priority over drivers could
> create 'confusion and dangerous situations' because only a third of
> motorists know about it, the AA has warned.
>
> The overhaul, coming into force on January 29 subject to
> parliamentary approval, means motorists will have to give way to
> cyclists and pedestrians at junctions.
>
> It will create a new hierarchy of responsibility based on the
> vulnerability of road-users, with motorists assuming greater
> responsibility for reducing the danger posed to pedestrians and
> cyclists.
>
> Cyclists will also have to act to reduce the danger posed to
> pedestrians.
>
> Under the old code, pedestrians only had right of way at a junction
> if they were already on the road.
> This MailOnline graphic shows how the Highway Code will change early
> next year in relation to drivers and cyclists
> +6
>
> This MailOnline graphic shows how the Highway Code will change early
> next year in relation to drivers and cyclists
> The overhaul, coming into force on January 29 subject to
> parliamentary approval, means motorists will have to give way to
> cyclists and pedestrians at junctions
> +6
>
> The overhaul, coming into force on January 29 subject to
> parliamentary approval, means motorists will have to give way to
> cyclists and pedestrians at junctions
> These are the Government's 'key design principles' for its new plans
> for cycling, with the intention that it 'is or will become mass
> transit and must be treated as such'
> +6
>
> These are the Government's 'key design principles' for its new plans
> for cycling, with the intention that it 'is or will become mass
> transit and must be treated as such'
> Rule 62 on cycle tracks is shown before (left) and after (right) the
> changes, with new rules refering to them being 'physically protected
> or located away from motor traffic' - adding that they may be
> separate by a feature such as a 'change of material'
> +6
>
> Rule 62 on cycle tracks is shown before (left) and after (right) the
> changes, with new rules refering to them being 'physically protected
> or located away from motor traffic' - adding that they may be
> separate by a feature such as a 'change of material'
>
>
> NEW RULES -- Two of the new rules in the updated Highway Code - rule
> H1 (left), which introduces the 'hierarchy of road users' concept;
> then rule H2 (right) which refers to how motorists 'should give way
> to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing'
>
> But under the revamped code, drivers and cyclists will have to give
> way if a pedestrian is waiting to cross a road they are turning into.
>
> Cars indicating to turn left or right will also have to give way to
> cyclists coming from behind and going straight on, only turning once
> they have passed.
>
> But an AA survey of 13,500 drivers found only a third knew about the
> changes.
>
> Similarly, only a fifth were aware that the Code will advise of
> scenarios where cyclists 'may sometimes ride in the centre of the
> lane, rather than towards the side of the road' and that 'it can be
> safer for groups of cyclists to ride two abreast in these
> situations'.
>
> The AA is calling for an education campaign targeted at all road
> users to be initiated, rather than waiting for the rules to be
> adopted.
>
> Edmund King, President of the AA, said: 'With such fundamental
> changes to the Highway Code taking place to make our roads safer, we
> need to ensure road users understand the new rules ahead of time.
>
> 'Getting the message out now would help avoid dangerous situations
> and remove any confusion on the roads before the new rules are
> adopted.'
>
> The RAC's roads policy chief, Nicholas Lyes, said: 'A concerted
> effort must now be made to communicate the changes to drivers because
> as we know, many do not read the Highway Code for long periods after
> passing their test.
> What will the new Highway Code rules say?
>
> Here are four of the new rules that will be in the updated Highway
> Code:
>
> NEW RULE H1 - How 'hierarchy of road users' will see responsibility
> on those who could cause most harm
>
> It is important that ALL road users are aware of The Highway Code,
> are considerate to other road users and understand their
> responsibility for the safety of others. Everyone suffers when road
> collisions occur, whether they are physically injured or not. But
> those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the
> event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care
> and reduce the danger they pose to others. This principle applies
> most strongly to drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles,
> followed by vans/minibuses, cars/taxis and motorcycles. Cyclists,
> horse riders and horse drawn vehicles likewise have a responsibility
> to reduce danger to pedestrians. Always remember that the people you
> encounter may have impaired sight, hearing or mobility, and may not
> be able to see or hear you. None of this detracts from the
> responsibility of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and
> horse riders, to have regard for their own and other road users'
> safety.
>
> NEW RULE H2 - How drivers will now have to give way to pedestrians
> waiting to cross a road or zebra crossing
>
> Rule for drivers, motorcyclists, horse riders and cyclists
>
> At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting
> to cross a road into which or from which you are turning. You MUST
> give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and pedestrians and
> cyclists on a parallel crossing. You should give way to pedestrians
> waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and pedestrians and cyclists
> waiting to cross a parallel crossing. Horse riders and horse drawn
> vehicles should also give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and
> pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing. Pedestrians have
> priority when on a zebra crossing, on a parallel crossing or at light
> controlled crossings when they have a green signal. Cyclists should
> give way to pedestrians on shared use cycle tracks. Only pedestrians
> may use the pavement. This includes people using wheelchairs and
> mobility scooters. Pedestrians may use any part of the road and use
> cycle tracks as well as the pavement, unless there are signs
> prohibiting pedestrians.
>
> NEW RULE H3 - Drivers should not cut across cyclists and should wait
> for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists
>
> Rule for drivers and motorcyclists
>
> You should not cut across cyclists going ahead when turning into or
> out of a junction or changing direction or lane, just as you would
> not turn across the path of another motor vehicle. This applies
> whether cyclists are using a cycle lane, a cycle track, or riding
> ahead on the road and you should give way to them. Do not turn at a
> junction if to do so would cause the cyclist going straight ahead to
> stop or swerve, just as you would do with a motor vehicle. You should
> stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists if necessary.
> This includes 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
>
> NEW RULE 72 - Cyclists can ride in the middle of quiet roads before
> pulling over to the left when necessary
>
> Rule for cyclists
>
> Road positioning. When riding on the roads, there are two basic road
> positions you should adopt, depending on the situation.
>
> 1. Ride in the centre of your lane, to make yourself as clearly
> visible as possible, in the following situations:
>
> on quiet roads or streets - if a faster vehicle comes up behind
> you, move to the left to enable them to overtake, if you can do so
> safely
> in slower-moving traffic move over to the left if you can do so
> safely so that faster vehicles behind you can overtake when the
> traffic around you starts to flow more freely
> at the approach to junctions or road narrowings where it would be
> unsafe for drivers to overtake you
>
> 2. When riding on busy roads, with vehicles moving faster than you,
> allow them to overtake where it is safe to do so whilst keeping at
> least 0.5m away from the kerb edge. Remember that traffic on most
> dual carriageways moves quickly. Take extra care crossing slip roads.
>
> 'Ultimately, the aim should be to ensure that everyone using the
> roads understands the new rules, because any confusion is likely to
> lead to avoidable collisions.'
>
> The changes have been laid before parliament as a statutory
> instrument, meaning if no MPs object within 28 sitting days - which
> expires on January 29 - they will come into force.
>
> A spokesman for the Department for Transport said: 'The proposed
> upcoming changes to The Highway Code will improve safety for
> cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders and were widely reported when
> they were announced earlier this year.'
> What the new 'hierarchy of road users' will be
>
> Pedestrians
> Cyclists
> Horse riders
> Motorcyclists
> Cars/taxis
> Vans/minibuses
> Large passenger vehicles/heavy goods vehicles
>
> https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10319707/Highway-Code-rule-change-cyclists-priority-drivers.html

On 19/12/21 12:32, Mr Pounder Esquire wrote:
> Sad lonely little fuck you are.

Oh what great compliments you give out to us great bicyclists.
Now please ejaculate the further honour of grotty wanking oik artless
base-court apple-john.

And I have no fucking interest in looking good in YOUR eyes.
After all I ride a bicycle, a very convenient delightful economical
viable means of transport.
And we all know what YOU think of bicyclists. You think they are the
fuckwitted pits of humanity.
And because it is YOU who think that, that is an extremely great
compliment.
We must be doing something right.

Peter Keller wrote:
> On 19/12/21 12:32, Mr Pounder Esquire wrote:
>> Sad lonely little fuck you are.
>
> Oh what great compliments you give out to us great bicyclists.
> Now please ejaculate the further honour of grotty wanking oik artless
> base-court apple-john.
>
> And I have no fucking interest in looking good in YOUR eyes.
> After all I ride a bicycle, a very convenient delightful economical
> viable means of transport.
> And we all know what YOU think of bicyclists. You think they are the
> fuckwitted pits of humanity.
> And because it is YOU who think that, that is an extremely great
> compliment.
> We must be doing something right.

Same old copy and paste reply.
You and that prat Mason are very similar. Not an original thought in your
empty cyclists heads.

On 20/12/21 02:12, Mr Pounder Esquire wrote:
> Peter Keller wrote:
>> On 19/12/21 12:32, Mr Pounder Esquire wrote:
>>> Sad lonely little fuck you are.
>>
>> Oh what great compliments you give out to us great bicyclists.
>> Now please ejaculate the further honour of grotty wanking oik artless
>> base-court apple-john.
>>
>> And I have no fucking interest in looking good in YOUR eyes.
>> After all I ride a bicycle, a very convenient delightful economical
>> viable means of transport.
>> And we all know what YOU think of bicyclists. You think they are the
>> fuckwitted pits of humanity.
>> And because it is YOU who think that, that is an extremely great
>> compliment.
>> We must be doing something right.
>
>
> Same old copy and paste reply.
> You and that prat Mason are very similar. Not an original thought in your
> empty cyclists heads.
>
>
Thanks greatly for that excellent compliment.

Yes I ride a bicycle, a very convenient delightful economical viable
means of transport.
And we all know what YOU think of bicyclists. You think they are the
fuckwitted pits of humanity.
And because it is YOU who think that, that is an extremely great
compliment.
We must be doing something right.

And don't you dare tell me what to do.