Cycling side-by-side on the road often leads to angry motorists beeping their horn repeatedly and lamenting cyclists until they speed past. However, these angry motorists are being urged to stay calm with a proposed update of the Highway Code.

British Cycling and Cycling UK have both called for a change to the rule, which often confuses both cyclists and motorists alike. Under current rules, Rule 66 of the Highway Code states that cyclists “should never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends”. The latter part leaves a little room for interpretation.

Both of the cycling bodies are arguing that riding side-by-side can be much safer than in single file. They are pointing out that the current rule puts cyclists in danger because riding in single file often encourages drivers to overtake without sufficient passing distance and at dangerous places.

Both Cycling UK and British Cycling are putting forward the notion that riding two abreast is safer because cyclists are more visible, and motorists are deterred from passing.

Cycling UK has proposed new wording of the rule after consultation with cycling clubs. The proposed new rule reads: 

You can ride two abreast and it is often safer to do so, particularly in larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders. Switch to single file if you consider it safer to allow drivers to overtake.

Duncan Dollimore, head of campaigns for Cycling UK, also stated that the current rule is often misunderstood. He stated:

We regularly had situations where police officers would misunderstand it. It encouraged people to think it was fine to overtake cyclists on a bend.

The current rule 66 causes confusion and conflict on the road, making our roads more dangerous: it leads some people to think it’s fine to overtake cyclists on a bend, and others that cyclists shouldn’t ride two abreast.

The Department for Transport did include a proposed new wording of Rule 66 in its Highway Code consultation document released earlier this year. The new wording won the backing of a few cycling bodies and motoring groups. The public consultation for the changes has now ended, and we expect the changes to be announced within the next month.

 The new proposed wording from the Department for Transport for rule 66 was:

Cyclists should ride in single file when drivers wish to overtake and it is safe to let them do so.

Some cyclists said, however, that drivers could interpret this to suggest that a bike rider must move into single file when a motorist wanted to overtake.

British Cycling, which campaigns for safer everyday riding, has argued in its submission that particular attention in the new Highway Code should be given to parents riding alongside a child. They stated:

There is no circumstance when the parent should feel compelled to pull in behind the child, leaving them exposed.

Too many families do not have the luxury of living right next to a traffic-free cycling route and are forced to use busy roads if they are to cycle at all.

There has been no official decision on the change of wording of Rule 66 as of yet.

What do you think?

SorryMate Cycle are keen to find out the opinion of our cycling community. Do you agree with Cycling UK and British Cycling that riding side-by-side is safer, or would you prefer to ride in single file? Let us know.

How can SorryMate Cycle help you?

If you have been knocked off your bike, it can often feel like there is no one to turn to, to help you get back on. SorryMate Cycle are there for cyclists who need legal advice when they have been knocked off their bike by a car, injured themselves due to potholes or poor road surfaces, or when they have been involved in an accident with other cyclists or pedestrians. 

SorryMate Cycle deal exclusively with cycle accident compensation claims. We are made up of a team of specialist personal injury cycling lawyers, registered with the SRA, that can help you recover your deserved compensation.

Find out today if you have a claim for compensation by completing an enquiry form or by calling 0800 6 300 301.