Highway Code Update

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The latest Highway Code update came into force on Saturday the 29th of January 2022, with a number of changes which drew attention from news outlets and social media.

Fifty new updates and amendments were made, with nine sections of the highway code having been affected overall. Here we list ten key changes, as reported highlighted in a recent article for the Daily Mail.

Updated Road ‘Hierarchy’

From most priority to least priority in descending order – here is the new road hierarchy, with pedestrians at the top and heavy goods vehicles at the bottom:

Pedestrians
Cyclists
Horse riders
Motorcyclists
Cars and taxis
Vans and minibuses
HGVs

Pedestrians have more right of way at junctions

If a pedestrian is crossing the road at a junction or is waiting to cross, traffic should give way. Motorcyclists and cyclists must also give way to pedestrians on zebra or parallel crossings.

Cyclists can occupy the ‘middle’ of a lane

Cyclists can now position themselves with more visibility within their lane on quieter roads, around slower-moving traffic and approaching junctions. On busier and faster roads, they should keep a minimum of 1.5 feet away from the kerb in a similar fashion to the old rules.

Cyclists in groups encouraged to ride two abreast

Cyclists are allowed to cycle two abreast on the road, but also have a duty to revert to single file or come to a complete stop should vehicles need to pass. Cycling two abreast is being encouraged for those accompanying children or less experienced cyclists.

Advised distances from slow-moving road users

Motor vehicle drivers can overtake a cyclist or horse rider travelling at 10mph or less by crossing double white lines in the centre of the road if nothing is approaching from the other direction.
Drivers overtaking cyclists travelling up to 30mph should leave a minimum of 1.5 meres (5 feet) between the bike and car.
6.5ft (2 metres) must be cleared when passing horse-drawn vehicles, walkers and ramblers travelling below 10mph.

Highway Code Update

Cyclists can pass from either side in traffic jams

Cyclists can now overtake a car in a traffic jam from either the passenger or drier side, so extra caution is required from both parties in such situations. Cyclists are warned to be wary of drivers not expecting them to be there, as well as further care taken around tall or long vehicles with poor visibility.

Cyclists going straight ahead have priority at junctions

Where no cycle lanes are in place, cyclists are encouraged to approach junctions as normal but with the ability to occupy their lane like a car driver would. When going straight ahead at a junction, a cyclist now has priority (unless stated otherwise by road signage) on the understanding that they are to be wary of other vehicles turning into their path.

Roundabouts

Motorcyclists should now give way to cyclists, whilst also allowing them to travel around the roundabout without the cyclist being overtaken in their lane. Drivers must take extra care when entering a roundabout not to cut across cyclists already on there.

“Dutch reach”

This is a term which means opening the door with the opposite hand to the side you are sitting on – opening the righthand door with a left hand, for example. This is to prevent drivers throwing a car door fully open into potential oncoming vehicles on the roadside or pedestrians and pushchairs on the footpath.

Trip warnings for electric car users

Electric car users should be wary of creating trip hazards with their cables whilst charging, displaying a warning sign if necessary. Cables should be safely stowed away when not in use. Parking as close to their property/charging point to charge is also recommended.