New highway code

M

Matesrates

Well-known member
Didn’t know this was out and with pretty big changes to protect cyclists. Form now, you have to keep 1.5 metres away when overtaking and cyclists are encouraged to ride in the middle of the road and two abreast.

I get the need for drivers to be responsible and protect them, but it seems to me that you’ll hardly ever be able to overtake cyclists leaving 1.5 metres, and if you don’t, I’ve no doubt those with cameras will be quick to report you.

Then there’s the issue of bad cyclists, and there are far more bad cyclists than motorists. There are a few bad drivers of course, but most stop at red lights, give way to drivers on the right at roundabouts, don’t drive on pavements or the wrong way on one way streets, and wear seat belts.

Many cyclists do go through red lights, or jump on the pavement to avoid them and ride the wro way on one way streets etc, and don’t wear helmets, so isn’t it about time that they should have to pass a test and carry evidence of that wi them.

I’m sure I’ll get pelters from cyclists on here, but even you guys, who pr cycle properly must admit there’s a problem.
 
They’ve also introduced a fine of up to £1000 for opening your door into a cyclist or pedestrian. No mention of opening a door into another vehicle, which (I think I’m correct in believing) is the responsibility of the moving vehicle. I think they need to change that rule too, as there’s far too many ignorant gets who don’t think about anyone but themselves.
 
Tangerinemoss said:
The bit that blew me away was that if you are turning off aa main road left, and a pedestrian is waiting to cross, you must stop to let them. Sounds like an accident waiting to happen when someone rear ends you.
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Didn’t know that! It’s always been the case that the pedestrian has priority if already in the road, but having to stop your vehicle for someone waiting seems a bit OTT.

It’s ok changing these rules, but without a concerted ad campaign the vast majority of drivers will miss them.
 
Matesrates said:
Didn’t know this was out and with pretty big changes to protect cyclists. Form now, you have to keep 1.5 metres away when overtaking and cyclists are encouraged to ride in the middle of the road and two abreast.

I get the need for drivers to be responsible and protect them, but it seems to me that you’ll hardly ever be able to overtake cyclists leaving 1.5 metres, and if you don’t, I’ve no doubt those with cameras will be quick to report you.

Then there’s the issue of bad cyclists, and there are far more bad cyclists than motorists. There are a few bad drivers of course, but most stop at red lights, give way to drivers on the right at roundabouts, don’t drive on pavements or the wrong way on one way streets, and wear seat belts.

Many cyclists do go through red lights, or jump on the pavement to avoid them and ride the wro way on one way streets etc, and don’t wear helmets, so isn’t it about time that they should have to pass a test and carry evidence of that wi them.

I’m sure I’ll get pelters from cyclists on here, but even you guys, who pr cycle properly must admit there’s a problem.
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Apart from the biased statement " There are a few bad drivers of course" I'll agree with a lot of what you say. Personally, I think some of those changes are very questionable.
 
Johnno said:
Didn’t know that! It’s always been the case that the pedestrian has priority if already in the road, but having to stop your vehicle for someone waiting seems a bit OTT.

It’s ok changing these rules, but without a concerted ad campaign the vast majority of drivers will miss them.
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I'll still give priority to a car in that situation.
 
Matesrates said:
Didn’t know this was out and with pretty big changes to protect cyclists. Form now, you have to keep 1.5 metres away when overtaking and cyclists are encouraged to ride in the middle of the road and two abreast.

I get the need for drivers to be responsible and protect them, but it seems to me that you’ll hardly ever be able to overtake cyclists leaving 1.5 metres, and if you don’t, I’ve no doubt those with cameras will be quick to report you.

Then there’s the issue of bad cyclists, and there are far more bad cyclists than motorists. There are a few bad drivers of course, but most stop at red lights, give way to drivers on the right at roundabouts, don’t drive on pavements or the wrong way on one way streets, and wear seat belts.

Many cyclists do go through red lights, or jump on the pavement to avoid them and ride the wro way on one way streets etc, and don’t wear helmets, so isn’t it about time that they should have to pass a test and carry evidence of that wi them.

I’m sure I’ll get pelters from cyclists on here, but even you guys, who pr cycle properly must admit there’s a problem.
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The table of changes is here: https://assets.publishing.service.g...37306/table-of-change-to-the-highway-code.pdf

New Rule 72
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 - when the traffic around you starts to flow more freely, move over to the left if you can do so safely so that
faster vehicles behind you can overtake
• 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 0.5 metres away, and further where it is safer, from the kerb edge. Remember that traffic on most dual carriageways moves quickly. Take extra care crossing slip roads.

Rule 163
Overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so. You should..........

• give motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car (see Rules
211 to 215). As a guide:
─ leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds


So the instruction to cyclists is to cycle in the middle of the road only when it's not going to inconvenience other road users, and the 1.5m rule is guidance only.
 
Lost Seasider said:
The table of changes is here: https://assets.publishing.service.g...37306/table-of-change-to-the-highway-code.pdf

New Rule 72
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 - when the traffic around you starts to flow more freely, move over to the left if you can do so safely so that
faster vehicles behind you can overtake
• 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 0.5 metres away, and further where it is safer, from the kerb edge. Remember that traffic on most dual carriageways moves quickly. Take extra care crossing slip roads.

Rule 163
Overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so. You should..........

• give motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car (see Rules
211 to 215). As a guide:
─ leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds


So the instruction to cyclists is to cycle in the middle of the road only when it's not going to inconvenience other road users, and the 1.5m rule is guidance only.
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"So the instruction to cyclists is to cycle in the middle of the road only when it's not going to inconvenience other road users, and the 1.5m rule is guidance only." No,, incorrect interpretation, ride in the centre of the lane to make yourself visible and move to the left when a faster vehicle is coming up behind you when it is safe to do so. If I am riding along a country lane coming to the brow of a hill or a blind bend, the rule means I should stay in the centre of the lane to prevent dangerous overtaking, another vehicle may be coming in the opposite direction and if the vehicle behind me is allowed to overtake what would be the inevitable result?
 
More rules to protect vulnerable road users is a good thing, especially as the amount of ignorant twats behind the wheel has increased.

1.5 meters isn't very far at all, you should be giving cyclists that much room anyway, if you can't because there's a car coming in the opposite direction just wait until it's clear, it's basic road manners, although the amount of times I see some bellend push past a cyclist because they're far too important to wait is increasing.

Driving standards in this country are woeful.
 
Lytham_fy8 said:
More rules to protect vulnerable road users is a good thing, especially as the amount of ignorant twats behind the wheel has increased.

1.5 meters isn't very far at all, you should be giving cyclists that much room anyway, if you can't because there's a car coming in the opposite direction just wait until it's clear, it's basic road manners, although the amount of times I see some bellend push past a cyclist because they're far too important to wait is increasing.

Driving standards in this country are woeful.
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Totally agree, and that’s coming from a taxi driver!
😂😂
 
All well and good these new rules but any chance cyclists can actually use cycle lanes instead of staying on the road when there is a purpose built and clearly signposted cycle Lane next too it.
 
It's time that cyclists had to pass a test before attempting to ride on the road, the old efficiency test could be the basis. Once passed they should have a licence, like any other road user and a minimum of third party insurance, along with some form of easy identification such as a reg number. There are some excellent cyclists as there are car drivers, but there are some shockers who are a not only a danger to pedestrians and other road users , but also to themselves.

Oh, and don't get me started on these electric scooters, which are blossoming all over the country.

Curryman retires to bunker with tin helmet on.🤨
 
Curryman said:
It's time that cyclists had to pass a test before attempting to ride on the road, the old efficiency test could be the basis. Once passed they should have a licence, like any other road user and a minimum of third party insurance, along with some form of easy identification such as a reg number. There are some excellent cyclists as there are car drivers, but there are some shockers who are a not only a danger to pedestrians and other road users , but also to themselves.

Oh, and don't get me started on these electric scooters, which are blossoming all over the country.

Curryman retires to bunker with tin helmet on.🤨
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The electric scooters are actually illegal to use on either the road or pavement.
 
These rules have clearly been drawn up with the London centric vision in mind. On rural roads cyclists often do not move over and with the passing distances set out it will quickly become almost impossible to overtake an inconsiderate cyclist.
 
Wilburrabbit said:
These rules have clearly been drawn up with the London centric vision in mind. On rural roads cyclists often do not move over and with the passing distances set out it will quickly become almost impossible to overtake an inconsiderate cyclist.
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It won't though will it, unless the road isn't wide enough to fit your car down.
 
The new rules are very welcome to help protect the most vulnerable of road users.

However it's disappointing that there hasn't been an annual driving test introduced for the over 65s with demographic specific tests such as parking responsibly outside the chemist or library.
 
Curryman said:
It's time that cyclists had to pass a test before attempting to ride on the road, the old efficiency test could be the basis. Once passed they should have a licence, like any other road user and a minimum of third party insurance, along with some form of easy identification such as a reg number. There are some excellent cyclists as there are car drivers, but there are some shockers who are a not only a danger to pedestrians and other road users , but also to themselves.

Oh, and don't get me started on these electric scooters, which are blossoming all over the country.

Curryman retires to bunker with tin helmet on.🤨
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I've been saying for a long time, cycling should be on the national curriculum. This not only teaches kids how to behave on the road - something many car driving parents neglect to teach their kids when they give 'em their play bikes. - but will also fare well for the future as many of them will become car driving lunatics when they become old enough.
 
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PR3BFC said:
All well and good these new rules but any chance cyclists can actually use cycle lanes instead of staying on the road when there is a purpose built and clearly signposted cycle Lane next too it.
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If they are well maintained, follow the flow of traffic and there are no cars parked in them, I for one have no hesitation using them.
 
PR3BFC said:
All well and good these new rules but any chance cyclists can actually use cycle lanes instead of staying on the road when there is a purpose built and clearly signposted cycle Lane next too it.
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Agreed, amounderness way between the Eros roundabout and three lights roundabout was extensively remodelled a couple of years ago, creating a wide pavement clearly marking out a cycle lane on it. I’ve never seen one cycle on it and very few at all, but they’re all on the road
 
Tangerinemoss said:
The bit that blew me away was that if you are turning off aa main road left, and a pedestrian is waiting to cross, you must stop to let them. Sounds like an accident waiting to happen when someone rear ends you.
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Sounds dangerous to me too, it's bad enough trusting cars stopping on both lanes on a crossing, this is crazy. How long before a u turn. It makes me wonder if they take a balanced consensus of opinion when these rules are still at the draft stage
 
Lytham_fy8 said:
More rules to protect vulnerable road users is a good thing, especially as the amount of ignorant twats behind the wheel has increased.

1.5 meters isn't very far at all, you should be giving cyclists that much room anyway, if you can't because there's a car coming in the opposite direction just wait until it's clear, it's basic road manners, although the amount of times I see some bellend push past a cyclist because they're far too important to wait is increasing.

Driving standards in this country are woeful.
Click to expand...
What about protecting vulnerable elderly people walking down the pavement. The amount of ignorant twats riding on the pavement at breakneck speeds in increasing. You can use offensive language in any context. Cars don’t cause accidents, bad drivers do, just as bad cyclists do. I am a pedestrian who walks for miles, I also cycle, drive a car and hold a HGV license so have seen it from every point of view and can assure you there are as many bad cyclists and pedestrians as car drivers. So stop trying to demonise one section of the population.
 
Goforgoal said:
What about protecting vulnerable elderly people walking down the pavement. The amount of ignorant twats riding on the pavement at breakneck speeds in increasing. You can use offensive language in any context. Cars don’t cause accidents, bad drivers do, just as bad cyclists do. I am a pedestrian who walks for miles, I also cycle, drive a car and hold a HGV license so have seen it from every point of view and can assure you there are as many bad cyclists and pedestrians as car drivers. So stop trying to demonise one section of the population.
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But some terrible cyclists doesn't mean we should have carte blanche to wipe out the rest, they're different problems.
 
Goforgoal said:
One of the reasons for that is they have, and continue to, lower the standards required to obtain a driving license.
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Do they? I've no idea, I took mine in 1990 and basically drove around North Shore for a bit, didn't hit anything and answered half the questions at the end for a pass.

Mrs Lytham didn't do hers until 2005, it seemed a LOT fussier with the hazard perception test and a stricter practical.
 
I just don’t get that if I’ve never driven a car, I can buy a bike and ride on the road, without any training, or even have to know the highway Code. Surely it’s time for some sort of test.
 
Does the Law allow cyclists top be 2 abreast?
Often they are 2 abreast on many roads, how can you give them a yard and a half if they're in pairs?
 
OIP.QFOH2xN4n3Kp6A5AtF0JbwHaMx


Lycra wearing wankers
 
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Purely from a safety perspective, the sensible principle is to give priority to the heavier vehicle, with pedestrians at the bottom of the chain.
It ensures that the person most likely to suffer injury is responsible for their own safety, and takes away the gamble of hoping the other road user is going to do the right thing.
It’s no good a pedestrian quoting the Highway Code, and saying that the car driver should have let them cross at the side street, whilst lying on the tarmac bleeding out.
 
Matesrates said:
Didn’t know this was out and with pretty big changes to protect cyclists. Form now, you have to keep 1.5 metres away when overtaking and cyclists are encouraged to ride in the middle of the road and two abreast.

I get the need for drivers to be responsible and protect them, but it seems to me that you’ll hardly ever be able to overtake cyclists leaving 1.5 metres, and if you don’t, I’ve no doubt those with cameras will be quick to report you.

Then there’s the issue of bad cyclists, and there are far more bad cyclists than motorists. There are a few bad drivers of course, but most stop at red lights, give way to drivers on the right at roundabouts, don’t drive on pavements or the wrong way on one way streets, and wear seat belts.

Many cyclists do go through red lights, or jump on the pavement to avoid them and ride the wro way on one way streets etc, and don’t wear helmets, so isn’t it about time that they should have to pass a test and carry evidence of that wi them.

I’m sure I’ll get pelters from cyclists on here, but even you guys, who pr cycle properly must admit there’s a problem.
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I thought most of that was a joke?
 
Davepick said:
Does the Law allow cyclists top be 2 abreast?
Often they are 2 abreast on many roads, how can you give them a yard and a half if they're in pairs?
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They're encouraged to ride 2 abreast in order to be more visible to other road users.
 
Electric bikes take all this to another level. The speed they move at, possibly with the rider not in full control or fully protected, is a bit scary. It makes them very unpredictable. I know someone who's come of theirs twice already.
 
Lytham_fy8 said:
Do they? I've no idea, I took mine in 1990 and basically drove around North Shore for a bit, didn't hit anything and answered half the questions at the end for a pass.

Mrs Lytham didn't do hers until 2005, it seemed a LOT fussier with the hazard perception test and a stricter practical.
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No reverse parking, no reverse round corners, using sat navs, etc. etc. they have even taken reversing out of the HGV test altogether and believe me the hardest part of driving an artic is reversing. Because of the backlog numbers are more important than expertise.
 
Lytham_fy8 said:
Do they? I've no idea, I took mine in 1990 and basically drove around North Shore for a bit, didn't hit anything and answered half the questions at the end for a pass.

Mrs Lytham didn't do hers until 2005, it seemed a LOT fussier with the hazard perception test and a stricter practical.
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It’s miles more difficult to pass your test these days.

As can be witnessed on here, the issue largely lies with thick middle aged and older blokes, who think they own the roads.

Cyclists have long been demonised by drivers for doing exactly what the new recommendations suggest. What it boils down to is a bunch of Mr Angries who want to push, shove and abuse their way past anything that gets in their way….
 
Matesrates said:
I just don’t get that if I’ve never driven a car, I can buy a bike and ride on the road, without any training, or even have to know the highway Code. Surely it’s time for some sort of test.
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Maybe a copy of the Cyclists Highway Code should come with every purchase of a new bike?
 
Mark_GT said:
Electric bikes take all this to another level. The speed they move at, possibly with the rider not in full control or fully protected, is a bit scary. It makes them very unpredictable. I know someone who's come of theirs twice already.
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They're closer to the old mopeds than bicycles.
 
BFC_BFC_BFC said:
It’s miles more difficult to pass your test these days.

As can be witnessed on here, the issue largely lies with thick middle aged and older blokes, who think they own the roads.

Cyclists have long been demonised by drivers for doing exactly what the new recommendations suggest. What it boils down to is a bunch of Mr Angries who want to push, shove and abuse their way past anything that gets in their way….
Click to expand...
Not forgetting the boy racers.
 
BFC_BFC_BFC said:
It’s miles more difficult to pass your test these days.

As can be witnessed on here, the issue largely lies with thick middle aged and older blokes, who think they own the roads.

Cyclists have long been demonised by drivers for doing exactly what the new recommendations suggest. What it boils down to is a bunch of Mr Angries who want to push, shove and abuse their way past anything that gets in their way….
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Pretty much.

I don't think a lot realise that it's impossible to stay left at the kerb when riding a bike unless you love sunken manhole covers, drains and potholes.
 
BFC_BFC_BFC said:
It’s miles more difficult to pass your test these days.

As can be witnessed on here, the issue largely lies with thick middle aged and older blokes, who think they own the roads.

Cyclists have long been demonised by drivers for doing exactly what the new recommendations suggest. What it boils down to is a bunch of Mr Angries who want to push, shove and abuse their way past anything that gets in their way….
Click to expand...
Can’t remember the last time I saw an older bloke, thick or otherwise, tearing about in a noisy BMW with a straight through exhaust, 20/30 mph above the speed limit trying their best to kill anyone who gets in the way. Be it pedestrians,cyclists other motorists, children , disabled or anyone else who happens to be going about their normal business. But hey ho nothing like a prejudiced slant on things.
 
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