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The Highway Code has been changed to improve safety for people walking, cycling and horse riding. Check the changes, let’s keep each other safe.

As of 29th January 2022, The Highway Code has changed. 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.

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.

This means

Priority at junctions

You now should give people crossing and waiting to cross and cyclists going
straight ahead priority when turning in and out of junctions.

Safety for cyclists

People may cycle in the centre of the lane or two abreast for their own safety, whilst allowing others to overtake when it is safe for them to do so.

Passing horses

When driving, you should now pass horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres of space.

Passing pedestrians

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.

Keep your distance

You now should 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.

Opening your door

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. It’s sometimes called the ‘Dutch Reach’.

Learn about the changes in full

For more information about the changes and to view the changes in full please use the link below.

Highway code changes

 

 

 

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