Seaton: Changes to the Highway Code giving cyclists and pedestrians priority to come in this month

Changes to the Highway Code come into force this month, which give priority to cyclists.

The code is being updated and changes will become law on January 29, pending parliamentary approval.

Included in those changes in the introduction of a hierarchy of road users, with those most at risk in the event of a crash at the top, which are children, older adults and disabled people, followed by pedestrian, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists. Those that cause the greatest harm - those in charge of vehicles - bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others.

In the new rules, cyclists are given clear priority over cars, which must leave at least 1.5 metres room when passing bicycles and bikes must remain at least 50cm from the pavement.

In slow moving traffic, bikes must now ride in the centre of the road rather than to the left, and guidance also suggests that cyclists could ride two abreast to further protect themselves.

Cyclists are also now given priority at roundabouts.

Other important changes to the law include drivers turning into a road are now required to give way to pedestrians crossing the road, or waiting to cross. Previously, drivers had right of way.

Drivers are being asked to use 'The Dutch Reach' technique to reduce the risk of opening a car door into the path of a cyclist. This involves using the hand on the opposite side to the door, as that will lead to people looking over their shoulder into the road behind them.

A further change is making it illegal to cut across cyclists or horses when turning into or out of a junction. The Government has been criticised for not publicising the changes sufficiently. A survey by the AA found that a third of motorists said did not know the Highway Code was being updated. You can find more information here.