Revamped Highway Code will encourage people to 'be more responsible and use common sense'
The changes means cyclists are now advised to make themselves more visible, by riding in the centre of quieter lanes and when approaching junctions
Last updated 29th Jan 2022
The redesigned Highway Code will encourage those travelling to 'be more responsible and use common sense'.
That's according to Christopher Marshall, a cyclist from North Norfolk who was hospitalised two years after being hit by a car.
He believes the new guidance is long over-due:
"It will mean that cyclists have more responsibility as well, which is a good thing. As they do on the continent, we give way to the smaller person on the road. HGV's give way to cars, cars to cyclists, cyclists to pedestrians. It's been that way in Europe for years and I feel so much safer when on the road over there. So the changes are just common sense really".
Christopher also hopes these changes will raise awareness and encourage everyone to be more empathetic:
"Some people think that cyclists are just trying to slow the traffic down, it's just about being responsible for each other. Having been on the end of that, and also being a car user, it's all about looking after each other. We're all there to get somewhere, we're all there to get there in the time we want to get there in. Therefore, if we allow ourselves time for the journey it'll all be fine" .
He's got this message to those taking to the roads across our county:
"Cyclists are supposed to ride half a metre out from the gutter, don't expect them to ride right in the gutter. Equally, don't expect them to be three abreast because they shouldn't be. If they are two abreast and there's a car coming, the cyclist should drop in. For cars, don't squeeze past if there's another car coming, just wait five second for that car to come past and then go. As long as we all respect one another, we should be alright".
Christopher concluded by saying that keeping people informed about these changes is vital:
"Most people, if they don't look the Highway code up on the Government website will not know about these changes. They have got a lot of air-time in the last week or so, but that will drift away and people will just go back to doing what they are doing. There ought to be a drop of the Highway code to everyone like we used have when we learnt to drive, so we all can know what we are doing".
The new guidance means traffic should give way when pedestrians are crossing or waiting to cross at junctions.
While, 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.
A hierarchy of road users is also being introduced, meaning someone driving 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.