Newslink January 2022

News
Highway Code changes
Continued from page 9
[New] Rule 73 (continued)
At junctions with no separate cyclist
facilities, it is recommended that you
proceed as if you were driving a motor
vehicle (see Rules 170 to 190). Position
yourself in the centre of your chosen lane,
where you feel able to do this safely, to
make yourself as visible as possible and to
avoid being overtaken where this would
be dangerous. If you do not feel safe to
proceed in this way, you may prefer to
dismount and wheel your bike across the
junction.
Colin Lilly writes: During the consultation
some proposed that these new rules be
made clear to other road users who may
think that the cyclists are merely hogging
the road. The advice given to drivers
relating to cycle lanes and tracks has
also been updated to, among other
things, give advice on prioritising cyclists
when crossing these lanes.
Rule 140
Cycle lanes and cycle tracks. Cycle
lanes are shown by road markings and
signs. You MUST NOT drive or park in a
cycle lane marked by a solid white line
during its times of operation. Do not drive
or park in a cycle lane marked by a
broken white line unless it is unavoidable.
You MUST NOT park in any cycle lane
while waiting restrictions apply.
You should give way to any cyclists in
a cycle lane, including when they are
approaching from behind you – do not
cut across them when you are turning or
when you are changing lane (see Rule
H3). Be prepared to stop and wait for a
safe gap in the flow of cyclists before
crossing the cycle lane.
Cycle tracks are routes for cyclists that
are physically protected or located away
from motor traffic, other than where they
cross side roads.
Cycle tracks may be shared with
pedestrians.
You should give way to cyclists
approaching or using the cycle track
when you are turning into or out of a
junction (see Rule H3). Be prepared to
stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow
of cyclists before crossing the cycle track,
which may be used by cyclists travelling
in both directions.
Bear in mind that cyclists are not
obliged to use cycle lanes or cycle tracks.
MSA GB Conclusion:
This is the most extensive rewrite of
the Highway Code for some time and an
idealist may say it is essential reading for
all road users, but realistically I know
this is unlikely to happen.
An AA survey of its members at the
end of last year found that two out of
three were unaware that changes to the
Highway Code were imminent – and
one-in-five thought it was ‘fake news’.
Our learners will no doubt face
opposition from other drivers who are
unaware of the changes, or not accepting
of them.
Those working with qualified drivers
may need to not only update knowledge
but adjust some attitudes.
The underlying message is that the car
is no longer king and that a republic has
been declared.
Concern as public unaware of major changes
The major changes to the Highway Code
risk failing to boost safety because they
have not been promoted widely enough,
campaigners have warned.
Charity Cycling UK called for a “longterm
and well-funded communications
campaign” to make people aware of the
update.
The Department for Transport insisted
it will ensure “all road users are aware”
of what is happening.
There will also be a recommendation
for car users to reduce the risk of opening
a door into the path of a cyclist by using
the hand on the opposite side to the
door, as this will often lead to them
looking over their shoulder – known as
the ‘Dutch Reach’ technique.
But Cycling UK’s Duncan Dollimore
said the revisions to the Highway Code
“are not being communicated”, and “will
be of limited benefit if the public aren’t
aware of them”.
He said: “Many people won’t have
read the Highway Code for years so it’s
essential that the key changes are clearly
explained, with simple, accurate and
memorable messages.
“Just as we saw with the introduction of
other road safety measures like mandatory
seat belts and stricter drink driving laws,
the public needs to be accurately
informed about the new rules.
“The hierarchy of responsibility and
changes to junction priority need to be
explained and communicated properly.”
Steve Gooding, director of motoring
research charity the RAC Foundation,
agreed that a “major communications
exercise” was needed “to draw attention
to, and explain, the new system”.
He warned: “Millions of people who
have been driving for a long time won’t
have looked at the existing Highway
Code for years, if not decades.
“What are the chances they’ll read an
updated version?
“The changed guidance relating to the
priority to be given at junctions has the
potential to be confusing.
“Knowing that you had the right of way
according to the new code is going to be
little comfort if you’re the one who ends
up getting hurt.”
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NEWSLINK n JANUARY 2022