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UK protects cyclists with new laws

Started by Norval Lyon, January 29, 2022, 03:29:40 PM

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Here's some well know ideas for cyclist safety now incorporated in the law in UK.

Under the new guidance, cyclists are advised to ride in the centre of lanes on quieter roads, in slower-moving traffic, and when approaching junctions, to make themselves as visible as possible. Traffic should also give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross at junctions as part of the new hierarchy of road users. But concerns have been raised after survey indicated 33% of drivers were unaware of the changes.

New Highway Code rule will fine drivers £1,000 for opening door with wrong hand.
A driver said: "So this government spends millions on cycle lanes, then introduce a new highway code encouraging cyclist to cycle in the middle of the road??? What a farcical!" A Twitter user wrote: "Mostly impossible where i live to safely leave a 1.5m gap between cyclists & vehicles, this would mean driving into wrong side of road most of the time, poorly thought." (No surprises there)

The new hierarchy of road users means drivers will have more responsibility to watch out for people cycling, walking, or riding a horse, and cyclists will have more responsibility to be aware of pedestrians.

What changes are being made to the Highway Code?

1. Hierarchy of road users: A new hierarchy means people in charge of vehicles that can cause the most harm in the event of a collision have the greatest responsibility to look out for other road users.
2. Walking, cycling or riding in shared spaces: Cyclists should not overtake people walking or riding a horse in shared spaces closely or at high speed, while pedestrians should take care not to obstruct paths.
3. Positioning of cyclists: Cyclists should make themselves as visible as possible by riding in the centre of lanes on quiet roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions.
4. Pedestrians crossing at junctions: Turning traffic should give way when people are crossing or waiting to cross at junctions.
5. Overtaking cyclists: Drivers travelling at speeds of up to 30mph should leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists. They should give more space when overtaking at higher speeds.
6. Opening car doors: Car occupants should open doors using their hand on the opposite side to the door, making them turn their head to look over their shoulder. Dutch reach
7. Overtaking cyclists at junctions: 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.
8. Cycling in groups: People cycling can ride two abreast but should be considerate of the needs of other road users when in groups.
9. Roundabouts: Drivers should take extra care when entering roundabouts to make sure they do not cut across cyclists.
10. Electric vehicle charging: Electric car owners using a public chargepoint should park near the device and avoid creating a trip hazard from trailing cables.

If only we were as enlightened here. We can all contribute to this being brought up to our local officials by getting active in supporting efforts to make our communities safer by enhancing alternative options to driving which encourage cycling.