New laws could see drivers forced to give way to pedestrians and cyclists

Motorists could be made to give way to pedestrians and cyclists under major Highway Code shakeup

New laws could see drivers forced to give way to pedestrians and cyclists
The government is to review how road users should behave in relation to cyclists and pedestrians.

The Department for Transport is considering implementing new measures to boost the protection of cyclists and pedestrians as part of its ambition to drive down unnecessary deaths.

A planned major update to the Highway Code could force drivers to give way to pedestrians and cyclists when turning.

Currently, vulnerable road users going straight on at junction they are at risk from cars and other larger vehicles.

Under the proposals, there are also a number of other new rules being considered including measures to reduce the risk of cyclists being hit with a car door or being overtaken too closely by vehicles.

The new Highway Code will highlight how to avoid the dangers of close passing, and encourage people to adopt the ‘Dutch reach’, a method of opening a car door with the hand furthest from the handle, to force drivers to look over their shoulder for passing traffic.

Road casualties

The review follows the recent publication of road casualty figures showing that 101 cyclists died in 2017 in road traffic collisions.

Cycling and Walking Minister Jesse Norman said: “Cycling and walking are increasingly being understood as crucial parts of an integrated approach to issues of health, obesity, air quality and town and city planning.

“But this will only happen if people feel safe on the roads.

“These measures are part of a steady process of improvement and reform designed to achieve just that.”

Duncan Dollimore, head of campaigns charity, Cycling UK said: “Close overtakes and people opening car doors in front of cyclists are not only dangerous, they also put people off riding a bike.

“That’s why Cycling UK has been campaigning for changes to the Highway Code rules for many years, to make the requirements to give enough space when overtaking a cyclist, wait if you can’t, and look before you open your car door crystal clear.

“We’re delighted the government has listened and we hope to contribute to the discussions regarding the amendments required to prioritise the safety of cyclists and other vulnerable road users.”

Home Page Forums New laws could see drivers forced to give way to pedestrians and cyclists

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  • #165829 Reply

    The Department for Transport is considering implementing new measures to boost the protection of cyclists and pedestrians as part of its ambition to d
    [See the full post at: New laws could see drivers forced to give way to pedestrians and cyclists]

    #165907 Reply
    jim walker
    Guest

    totally agree with above, however cyclists using the highway should display a certificate of competency and third party insurance, they are just as culpable as drivers especially in cities for dangerous riding and putting pedestrians in danger. ONE RULE FOR ALL THAT USE THE HIGHWAY that means everybody, cyclists drivers horse riders, bikers, moped riders, everybody. INSURANCE AND REGISTRATION FOR EVERY BODY WOULD ALSO HELP GET RID OF THE IDIOTS

    #214928 Reply
    nicholas smith
    Guest

    dose this mean that all cyclist including minors will need insurance. Regards Nick

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