The Highway Code is always changing as the nature of Britain’s roads and road users changes over time, and in step with waxing and waning road standards. As recently as the 29th January 2022, the Department of Transport altered the Highway Code, most notably giving pedestrians and cyclists many more rights than they previously had.
Why are the new rules being introduced?
These rules are designed to prevent the 20,000 pedestrian and 16,000 cyclist casualties and fatalities that take place each year on Britain’s roads. These not only affect families and livelihoods but can lead to all manner of road users making or receiving personal injury claims as a result of the accident – though the rules may also lead to a rise in claims due to a lack of awareness.
What are some of the new rules?
With the above in mind, what are the new and existing rights for people on foot and on saddle?
Hierarchy of road users
The main change to the Highway Code has been to the hierarchy of road users – who has right of way, and who has more responsibility for other road users. Here, the rule has been changed so now those most at risk of injury if a collision takes place are at the top of the hierarchy; namely, pedestrians and cyclists. All road users must remain responsible and considerate, however.
Drivers no longer have priority at junctions
The change in hierarchy is joined by a new rule which changes who gets priority at junctions. Before, drivers would have priority, but now, pedestrians have priority, followed by cyclists, horse riders, then cars and lorries. Cyclists must give way to pedestrians even if they are walking on a cycle track, and no other road user aside from pedestrians should use the pavement.
Drivers must also give way to cyclists passing, approaching, or moving away from a junction; going past slow or stationary traffic; or traversing a roundabout.
Cyclist road positioning
Cyclists have long been told to ride on the left, wear a helmet, and use lights at night, but now, there are more rules governing what they should do. The new rules state they must ride no less than half a metre from the kerb or verge, spacing themselves out further if it’s possible.
When passing cyclists on the road, motorists must give at least 1.5 metres of space when driving at speeds of up to 30 mph, increasing the amount of space the faster they travel.
Pedestrians have right of way when using zebra crossings
Prior to the new rules, pedestrians would only have priority at zebra junctions if they were already in the process of crossing. Now, other road users must stop for them, even if they are waiting to cross.
What do you think of the new rules? Do you think they adequately protect pedestrians and cyclists?
