24 Jan Greater priority for cyclists and pedestrians
The Highway Code is set to be updated by the end of January. Eight new rules are being introduced, as well as 49 updates to existing rules. The Code is being updated to improve road safety for vulnerable road users
A new Hierarchy of Road Users will be the most significant change. This puts more responsibility on the drivers of larger vehicles to look after more vulnerable road users.
The proposal states that: “Those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others. This principle applies most strongly to drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles, vans/minibuses, cars/taxis and motorcycles.”
The same rule also says that cyclists have a responsibility to look after pedestrians.
Cyclists are also now advised to ride in the centre of their lane to make themselves more visible on quiet roads and in slow moving traffic, or on the approach to junctions when it would be unsafe for a vehicle to overtake. When riding a bicycle on faster moving or busier roads, it is advised that cyclists leave enough space for drivers to overtake when it is safe to do so.
A new rule, H3, places a requirement on drivers to give priority to cyclists when they are turning into or out of a junction, or changing direction or lane, just as they would to other motor vehicles.
More details about the Highway Code proposed changes can be found here.
Works on cycle lanes and improvements to the Hammersmith gyratory are ongoing and should be completed by Easter 2022.
The BID supports sustainable commuting and continues to support cyclists with guided bicycle tours and road training for new and returning cyclists. For more information on upcoming events, please contact Madeleine Orr on m.orr@hammersmithbid.co.uk