The Highway Code was updated on 29th January 2022. These advisory changes have been implemented to improve safety for people walking,
cycling and horse riding. Every road user still has a responsibility to keep themselves and each other safe, and the changes mean being ready to
give priority, leave space and be considerate of others.
The changes introduce new advisory measures that are not legal requirements, but could be drawn upon in court proceedings.
In summary, irrespective of your method of transport, a new hierarchy of road users has been introduced to ensure those who can do the greatest
harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others.
Key changes:
– You should now give people crossing and waiting to cross and cyclists going straight ahead priority when turning in and out of junctions.
– You should now leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when
overtaking at higher speeds.
– When driving, you should now pass horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10mph and allow at least 2 metres of space.
– You should now allow at least 2 metres of space and keep to a low speed when passing a pedestrian who is walking in the road.
– Car users should now open their doors with the hand furthest from the door, to help them look over their shoulder to see cyclists or
pedestrians nearby.
– People cycling may ride in the centre of the lane on narrow or quiet roads, in slow-moving traffic, or at junctions as this may be the safest
position, allowing others to overtake when it is safe to do so.
– Two people can ride two abreast and it can be safer for them to do so.
The changes can be viewed in full here or by visiting
https://www.gov.uk/government/