A Government consultation on the proposed changes to The Highway Code is currently underway, coinciding with an incredible 300% increase in cycling levels over the lockdown period.

The plans were proposed before the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we travel, but could not have come at a better time with the country facing a cycling boom as commuters are looking for alternative means of travel to avoid congested and enclosed public transport.

What are the proposed changes to the highway code? 

In line with the Highway Code review, The Department for Transport have outlined their bold vision for cycling in England.

The UK has long been behind its European neighbours in promoting cycling as a main means of transport. A report conducted by the European Commission in 2013 showed that just 4% of people say they cycle every day in the UK. This is in comparison to the likes of people in the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden who cycle, 43%, 30% and 19% on a daily basis.

However, it appears that a shift is finally happening, and the UK government has committed both funding and legislation to encourage the nation to pick up a bicycle and make the UK’s roads a safer place for those on two wheels. The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, recently voiced his strong commitment:

We announced in May £2 billion of new funding for cycling and walking – representing a six fold increase in dedicated funding, the biggest increase this country has ever seen.

I, too, am proud of this plan for unleashing our nation of cyclists – improving people’s health, the environment, and wider society along the way.

The proposed changes to Highway Code for cyclists are long overdue. Three of the most important proposed changes to the Highway Code include:

• Rule H1: A clear user hierarchy, with vulnerable road users given precedence, meaning priority for those walking and cycling over those turning at side roads
• Rule 163: Clearer guidance on giving enough space when overtaking cyclists
• Rule 66: Clarification on road positioning and riding two abreast, to resolve a constant source of confusion

The introduction of a hierarchy is one of the biggest proposed changes to the Highway Code. The Department for Transport says that the introduction of this new rule ensures that:

…those road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to other road users.

The objective of the hierarchy is not to give priority to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders in every situation, but rather to ensure a more mutually respectful and considerate culture of safe and effective road use that benefits all users.

When did the discussion of changing the Highway Code first begin?

The first edition Highway Code was first introduced in April 1931 by the Minister of Transport, Herbert Morrison. Since then, it has been revised on multiple occasions to adapt to the way we travel in the modern world.

The pending consultation on the Highway Code was announced in October 2018. From its announcement, it was made clear that protecting cyclists would be a priority.

At the time, there was great emphasis on the possibility of a change to Rule 239 by the introduction of the Dutch reach – a method of opening car doors by turning and using the hand furthest from the handle, forcing drivers to look behind them for passing cyclists.

The dangers of “dooring” came to the spotlight in 2016 when Chris Grayling, the transport secretary, was filmed knocking over a cyclist while alighting from a car. Cycling UK has since been campaigning for the introduction of the Dutch reach following fatalities of cyclists.

When does the consultation period close and can I respond?

Yes, it is possible to respond to the current consultation. The consultation period began on 28^th July 2020 and closes at midnight on 27^th October 2020. A copy of the consultation can be found here.

Why is there a sudden increase in cycling deaths?

Leaders in the cycling industry have welcomed the changes, which many view as long overdue. Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK’s head of campaigns, has said:

We’ve been waiting for more than a decade for revisions to the Highway Code and these 10 key changes to Highway Code will make cycling safer.

The sentiment was echoed across the industry, including by the AA, whose president Edmund King has said:

As a third of drivers said they would cycle, walk or run more after lockdown, these proposals should be broadly welcomed to improve safety for all road users.

British national 4X series winner and former BMX World champion, Scott Beaumont, has also welcomed the move. The high-profile figure in the British mountain biking scene is proudly sponsored by SorryMate Cycle. He said of the changes:

Any revisions to the law and Highway Code that makes cycling safer will be welcomed Not only by cyclists but by all road users. 

 

With so many new bicycles purchased during 2020 we have to continue to evolve our Highway Code to meet the increase in cyclists on our roads and these new laws are a great start.

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.

Key Links

Full consultation document (PDF) – https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/904038/consultation-on-a-review-of-the-highway-code.pdf

Send your response – https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/K736D5/

10 key changes to Highway Code will make cycling safer – https://www.cyclinguk.org/press-release/10-key-changes-highway-code-will-make-cycling-safer-says-cycling-uk