Rules for Cyclists – do you know what they are?
As a driver, are you aware of the Highway Code rules for cyclists?
In 2022, the DVSA published a new version of the Highway Code, including a new set of rules for cyclists. The new ‘Hierarchy of Road Users’ was set out in order to protect the most vulnerable of road users. Some of the new rules were controversial, and many drivers have admitted in a recent survey that they are still not clear on what those rules are.
Cycle Lanes
The majority of drivers when questioned, said that they thought riders must use cycle lanes where they are provided. However, what the Highway Code actually states is:
‘Use facilities such as cycle lanes and tracks, where they make your journey safer and easier. This will depend on your experience and skills and the situation at the time. While such facilities are provided for reasons of safety, cyclists may exercise their judgement and are not obliged to use them.’
Some riders prefer not to use cycle lanes because they are regularly interrupted where they cross junctions and driveways. Those who ride faster can make better progress by staying on the road. And they are perfectly within their rights to do so.
Positioning
Another misconception amongst questioned drivers, was that they thought cyclists must always ride close to the kerb. Here is what the Code says:
‘At junctions with no separate cyclist facilities, it is recommended that you proceed as if you were driving a motor vehicle. Position yourself in the centre of your chosen lane, where you feel able to do this safely, to make yourself as visible as possible and to avoid being overtaken where this would be dangerous.’
There are a number of situations where the Code recommends that riders position in the centre of their chosen lane. Although it does go on to state, that cyclists should move in when appropriate to allow drivers to overtake.
Riding in Single File
50% of respondents were also of the opinion that cyclists must always ride in single file. Rule 66 of the Code advises:
‘You can ride two abreast and it can be safer to do so. Particularly in larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders. Be aware of drivers behind you and allow them to overtake when you feel it is safe to let them do so.’
There are two problems here, one is that many drivers don’t know the rules. The other is that neither do many of the cyclists. They will wilfully obstruct drivers on busy roads, when moving in to allow free flow of faster traffic would be the courteous thing to do.
Two versus Four
One of the things that came to light during the survey, was that many drivers admitted to driving unsafely around cyclists. They were either unaware of the rules for cyclists, or simply misjudged the situation resulting in near misses when passing them. Others, even owned up to the fact that they considered riders to have less rights on the road than drivers.
When drivers who ride occasionally, meet riders who sometimes drive, there is more likely to be a common understanding and less rule breaking. They will possibly make allowances for each other that others would not. But there has long been an ‘us and them’ existence between many two and four-wheeled road users. And it’s not one that’s about to change any time soon.