In our last post, we talked about the main changes to the Highway Code that come into effect on 29 January 2022. In this post, we have summarised the other changes that are relevant to cyclists. These are mostly clarifications or tweaks to existing rules, but there are some new rules too.
Walking, Cycling or Riding in Shared Spaces
People cycling, riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn vehicle should respect the safety of people walking in these spaces, but people walking should also take care not to obstruct or endanger them.
People cycling are asked to:
- not pass people walking, riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn vehicle closely or at high speed, particularly from behind
- slow down when necessary and let people walking know they are there (for example, by ringing their bell)
- remember that people walking may be deaf, blind or partially sighted
- not pass a horse on the horse’s left
Positioning in the Road While Cycling
The updated advice specifically encourages cyclists to assume what is known as the ‘primary position’ in certain conditions, advising them to:
- ride in the centre of their lane on quiet roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions or road narrowings
- keep at least 0.5 metres (just over 1.5 feet) away from the kerb edge (and further where it is safer) when riding on busy roads with vehicles moving faster than them
Cycling in Groups
The updated code will explain that people cycling in groups:
- should be considerate of the needs of other road users when riding in groups
- can ride 2 abreast – and it can be safer to do so, particularly in larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders
People cycling are asked to be aware of people driving behind them and allow them to overtake (for example, by moving into single file or stopping) when it’s safe to do so.
Cyclists Passing Parked Cars
The updated code explains that cyclists should:
- take care when passing parked vehicles, leaving enough room (a door’s width or 1 metre) to avoid being hit if a car door is opened
- watch out for people walking into their path
Overtaking
While previous guidance stated drivers needed to give cyclists ‘as much room as possible’ when overtaking, Rule 163 has now been updated.
When overtaking vulnerable road users, motorists are advised to:
- leave at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds
- pass people riding horses or driving horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph and allowing at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of space
- allow at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of space and keep to a low speed when passing people walking in the road (for example, where there’s no pavement)
They are also advised to wait behind vulnerable road users and do not overtake if it’s unsafe or not possible to meet these clearances.
For cyclists passing stationary / slow-moving traffic, the updated code confirms that cyclists may pass on the right or left. They should proceed with caution as people driving may not be able to see them. This is particularly important:
- on the approach to junctions
- when deciding whether it is safe to pass lorries or other large vehicles
Cyclists at Junctions
There will be new advice about new special cycle facilities at some junctions. Some junctions now include small cycle traffic lights at eye-level height, which may allow cyclists to move separately from or before other traffic. Cyclists are encouraged to use these facilities where they make their journey safer and easier.
There is also new guidance for people cycling at junctions with no separate facilities. The code recommends that cyclists should proceed as if they were driving a vehicle where there are no separate cyclist facilities. This includes positioning themselves in the centre of their chosen lane, where they feel able to do this safely. This is to:
- make them as visible as possible
- avoid being overtaken where this would be dangerous
The code includes advice for cyclists at junctions where signs and markings tell them to turn right in two stages:
- stage 1 – when the traffic lights turn green, go straight ahead to the location marked by a cycle symbol and turn arrow on the road, and then stop and wait
- stage 2 – when the traffic lights on the far side of the junction (now facing the people cycling) turn green, complete the manoeuvre
The code specifies that when cyclists are going straight ahead at a junction, they have priority over traffic waiting to turn into or out of a side road, unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise.
Cyclists are asked to watch out for motorists intending to turn across their path, as people driving ahead may not be able to see them.
Roundabouts
The Highway Code clarifies that motorists should give priority to cyclists on roundabouts and should:
- not attempt to overtake people cycling within that person’s lane
- allow cyclists to move across their path as they travel around the roundabout
The code already explains that people cycling, riding a horse and driving a horse-drawn vehicle may stay in the left-hand lane of a roundabout when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout.
Guidance will be added to explain that motorists should take extra care when entering a roundabout to make sure they do not cut across vulnerable road users who are continuing around the roundabout in the left-hand lane.
Dutch Reach
The code now recommends a new technique when leaving vehicles called the ‘Dutch Reach’.
Where drivers or passengers in a vehicle are able to do so, they should open the door using their hand on the opposite side to the door they are opening. For example, using their left hand to open a door on their right side.
This will make them turn their head to look over their shoulder behind them. They’re then less likely to cause injury to:
- people cycling or riding a motorcycle passing on the road
- people on the pavement
