Highway Code consultation, March 2006
Rules for cyclists
Numbers indicate the rule number in the current version and the numbers in the proposed version.
45/56 Clothing.
You should wear: a cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations
Not justified by balance of research into effectiveness of helmets. Has led to many claims of contributory negligence against bareheaded cyclists, causing much additional distress to victims and their families.
Remove this section
47/58 When cycling.
Use cycle routes when practicable and cycle facilities such as advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings where they are provided, as they can make your journeys safer.
There is little evidence that cycle facilities generally make cycling safer and much evidence that in many cases cycle facilities are less safe than use of the general carriageway. As a vulnerable road user, cyclists must have the discretion to cycle in the way more appropriate for enhancing their safety in the prevailing circumstances. This rule conflicts with the advice taught as part of the National Cycle Training Standard and leaves cyclists vulnerable to claims for contributory negligence.
Remove this rule and replace with the following advice in the same position:
Cycle where you can be easily seen by other road users both behind and ahead. Do not ride too close to the road edge or you may not have sufficient space in which to manoeuvre in an emergency.
48/59 Cycle tracks.
Add:
Take particular care near road junctions, looking to all sides and behind, as other road users may cross your path without noticing you and your visibility of approaching vehicles may be difficult.
49/60 Cycle Lanes.
These are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway. Keep within the lane wherever possible.
Cycle lanes pose particular difficulties for cyclists who, when riding in them, may be overtaken with less clearance than elsewhere and be at greater risk. In queuing traffic, cyclists are vulnerable to opening car doors. Most cycle lanes in the UK are sub-standard in width. To maximise their safety, cyclists should ride where they are most easily seen by other road users, keeping close to the moving traffic lane and not necessarily the kerb. They must have the discretion to ride on whichever part of the carriageway is most appropriate for maximising their safety in the prevailing circumstances. This rule conflicts with the advice taught as part of the National Cycle Training Standard and has already been used to reduce damages after a crash through a claim of contributory negligence.
Remove this rule
51/63
You should never ride more than two abreast and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends.
There are circumstances when this is good advice but at other times riding two abreast on narrow roads and round bends can dissuade following drivers from overtaking dangerously where there is insufficient space or visibility to pass. The police have advised horse riders to ride two abreast where it is in their interests to restict the actions of others. The advice is appropriate for cyclists too.
Append:
unless it would be unsafe for other drivers to overtake you.
51/63
You should be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians. Let them know you are there, when necessary, for example by ringing your bell if you have one. It is strongly recommended that a bell be fitted.
Most bells are inaudible except in quiet surroundings and motor vehicle occupants can rarely hear a cyclist's bell. The rule implies that it is an appropriate general warning device. Calling to a pedestrian can sometimes be better received than ringing a bell. There is no reason for a cyclist to fit a bell if he/she rarely uses facilities shared with pedestrians.
Amend to:
be considerate of other roads users. Pedestrians, especially those blind or partially sighted, can be frightend by the silent approach of a bicycle. Let them know you are there, when necessary, by ringing a bell or calling out. If you regularly use paths shared with pedestrians, it is recommended that a bell be fitted.
52/64
You should take extra care near road humps, narrowing and other traffic calming features.
Append:
where surfaces may be uneven or slippery. If you need to change course into traffic, make sure that it is safe to do so and manoeuvre in good time.
57/69 Road junctions, on the left.
Enhance:
When approaching a junction on the left, watch out for vehicles turning in front of you, out of or into the side road. Ensure that you are clearly visible by not riding too close to the road edge. Never ride on the inside of vehicles signalling or slowing down to turn left.
62/74 Roundabouts
You may feel safer either keeping to the left on the roundabout or dismounting and walking your cycle round on the pavement or verge ...
It is bad advice to suggest that cyclists keep to the left on a roundabout. This directs thems into the very places when risk of being hit is greatest and where other drivers are the least likely to see them. If cyclists are unable to follow the normal rules, they should simply be advised to find an alternative (pedestrian) route.
Replace by:
If you feel unsafe following the correct procedure at a roundabout, you should dismount and walk your cycle via the route for pedestrians. Never cycle around the left side of a roundabout unless you intend to leave at the first exit, as this will expose you to the greatest danger.
79 (new rule) Level crossings.
You should dismount at level crossings where a cyclist dismount sign is displayed.
The context for this new instruction is unclear. Cyclists should have the same provision to ride across a level crossing as others have to drive across.
General rules
139/157 Overtaking
Give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would a car when overtaking.
The lack of sufficient room when being overtaken is a common complaint from cyclists.
To emphasise the important of giving sufficient room and to clarify that more room is required in adverse circumstances, move this to its own new rule and re-word thus:
When overtaking motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders leave at least 2.0m clearance, but more if you are in a high-sided vehicle or in high winds or other adverse weather conditions.
The faster you drive, the greater is the clearance required.
Add:
Do not overtake a cyclist if you may have to stop soon afterwards for traffic queuing, traffic control or to park.
161/179 When reaching the roundabout
Add:
watch out in particular for cyclists. They may be difficult to see if they are riding near the edge of the roundabout. Cyclists on the roundabout have the same priority as other traffic and you should give-way. The promulgation in 163/181 is insufficient given the high risk that cyclists face at these places.
175/193 Toucan, puffin and equestrian crossings
These are similar to pelican crossings, but there is no flashing amber phase, the light sequence for road users at these crossings is the same as at traffic lights.
Add:
Be aware that cyclists can arrive at Toucan crossings much faster than pedestrians, and allow for this when judging whether it is safe to proceed.
187/205 Motorcyclists and cyclists
It is often difficult to see motorcyclists and cyclists
Change to:
It may require careful observation to see motorcyclists and cyclists
This more fairly shifts the de-facto responsibility for conflict from motorcyclists and cyclists, who may be less easy to see even though they are behaving perfectly correctly, to the driver who is capable of seeing them if he/she takes sufficient care.
188/206
Amend:
When passing motorcyclists and cyclists, give them plenty of room. If they look over their shoulder whilst you are following them it could mean that they wish to pull out or turn right. Give them time and space to do so.
202/221 Wet weather
Add:
Give extra clearance to cyclists and take care not to throw up surface water.
Note that the stopping distance for cycles may be much greater when roads are wet.
205/224
When driving in icy or snowy weather take care when overtaking gritting vehicles, particularly if you are riding a motorcycle Cyclists face similar problems when passing gritting vehicles in either direction.
Change to:
take care when passing gritting vehicles, particularly if you are riding a cycle or motorcycle.
Also add as first bullet point:
drive more slowly.
Also Add:
when passing a cyclist give plenty of space and slow right down. Allow for the fact that a cyclist may have to ride further out from the road edge under these conditions.
208/227 Windy weather
In very windy weather your vehicle may be affected by turbulence created by large vehicles. Motorcyclists are particularly affected, so keep well back from them when they are overtaking a high-sided vehicle.
The problem is just as acute for cyclists being overtaken by high-sided vehicles.
Amend to:
Cyclists and motorcyclists are particularly affected, so keep well back from them when they are overtaking or being overtaken by a high-sided vehicle.
210/229 When driving in fog you should
Add as first bullet point:
drive more slowly.
262/282 Road works
Add:
Do not try to pass a cyclist if the road width is restricted or the surface uneven. Keep back and be patient.
278/299 Tramways
Cyclists and motorists should take extra care when riding close to or crossing the tracks, especially if the rails are wet. It is safest to cross the tracks direct at right angles.
Add:
and other road users should allow them sufficient space to do this.
Rear page of current Highway Code
pedestrians and cyclists account for 1 in 3 of those killed in road accidents
This much exaggerates the risk of cycling. In 2004 cyclists accounted for only 4% (1 in 25) of those killed in road accidents. The toll for cyclists should not be confused with the greater toll for pedestrians.
