The Highway Code is a set of rules which all road users have to adhere to, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders as well as motorists.
Following on from a public consultation starting in July 2020, there were 8 major changes made to the Highway Code on Saturday 29th January 2022, encouraging a more risk-based hierarchy, meaning those who can do the greatest harm have the most responsibility to reduce danger to others.
The 8 amendments are set out below as follows:
- Hierarchy of Road Users
- People crossing the road at junctions
- Walking, cycling or riding in shared spaces
- Positioning in the road when cycling
- Overtaking when driving or cycling
- People cycling at junctions
- People cycling, riding a horse and driving horse-drawn vehicles on roundabouts
- Parking, charging and leaving vehicles
The main amendments are that it is important that all road users are aware of the Highway Code, are considerate to other road users and understand their responsibility for the safety of others.
The updated Highway Code provides extra precaution for other road users towards people walking or cycling. For example, the updated code clarifies that when people are crossing or waiting to cross at a junction, pedestrians have priority. The amendments also provide emphasis that road users should take care not to obstruct or endanger themselves and others, especially in shared spaces.
Road users are also required to leave at least 1.5 meters when overtaking a cyclist, especially when travelling over 30mph, allowing safer passing distances. Cyclists are also required to make themselves as visible as possible, and if travelling in large groups, cyclists are also allowed to ride two abreast. These changes are fundamental to all road users, especially cyclists, as cyclists no longer have to ride curbside or stick to cycle lanes.
The Highway Code no longer affects just drivers of vehicles, but passengers too. The ‘Dutch Reach’ method is encouraging passengers to open a car door with the arm furthest away from the door. The idea is that a passenger is much more likely to see a cyclist coming towards your car if you are turning your body, avoiding possible injury. This is one of the major amendments to the highway code, as now every person in a vehicle is responsible for other road users, not just the driver.
In the event of a road traffic accident occurring due to one of these implementations not being followed, we have a specialist team within our Personal Injury department who will be able to assist you with regards to a claim.
If you would like to speak to a member of our Personal Injury team today, please contact 01244 312306 or you can email law@oliverandco.co.uk
