The first rule in the updated The Highway Code, which comes in on January 29, sets out a new hierarchy of road user
Road users who can do the greatest harm (those driving large vehicles) have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they pose to other road users. Pedestrians (children, older adults and disabled people in particular) are identified as ‘the most likely to be injured in the event of a collision’.
As well as cars, cyclists, and horse riders will also have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians. However, the updated Highway Code emphasises that pedestrians still need to consider the safety of other road users. DfT says this system will pave the way for a ‘more mutually respectful and considerate culture of safe and effective road use
The second rule, also coming in on January 29, is aimed at drivers, motorists, horse riders, and cyclists. The Highway Code now states that at a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road that you’re turning into – previously, vehicles had priority at a junction. Drivers should also give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing. Cyclists should give way to pedestrians on shared-use cycle tracks, and are reminded that only pedestrians can use the pavement. Pedestrians are allowed to use cycle tracks unless there’s a road sign nearby that says doing so is prohibited
On January 29, the third new rule in the updated Highway Code comes in. It urges drivers and motorcyclists not to cut across cyclists when turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane. This rule applies whether the cyclist ahead is using a cycle lane, a cycle track or simply riding on the road ahead.
Drivers must also not turn at a junction if to do so would cause the cyclist going straight ahead to stop or swerve. According to the DfT, drivers ‘should stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists if needed’.
