Changes to The Highway Code underline the need for those who present the most risk on our roads to look out for those who are the most vulnerable.
That’s the verdict of Cycling UK, who has welcomed their impending introduction.
Announced on 1 December, the changes will see a new hierarchy of road users established, to ensure ‘those who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others’.
They also:
- clarify existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements and reaffirm that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road
- establish guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists or horse riders, and ensure they have priority at junctions when travelling straight ahead
Cycling UK, which has campaigned for an update of the Highway Code for the last ten years, says once these changes are part of the code they should make the roads safer for everyone.
Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK’s head of campaigns said: “These amendments bring not just much needed clarity on key areas of reducing danger on our roads, such as safe overtaking distances of people walking, cycling or horse riding, but also through the new ‘hierarchy of road users’ challenges the current mindset that ‘might is right’ on our roads.
“It enshrines in law the need for those who present the most risk on our roads to look out for those who are the most vulnerable. This can only make the roads safer for everyone.”
Subject to scrutiny by peers and MPs, the amendments will become law and an official part of The Highway Code in early 2022.
Comment on this story