Will This Make Cycling Safer?

[Pound Coin]

Well, we are "living a little". But it is catching up with us, fast.

When is the next once in a hundred years storm due?

 

[the black fox]

Stupid new rules just empowering the already arrogant ones

 

[Pound Coin]

Stupid new rules just empowering the already arrogant ones

Not sure how you come to that conclusion, the changes don't seem to be slanted towards motorists?

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

...and they were on the footpath rounding the 90 degree bend into the main road and slowing to crawl as they weaved around pedestrians and those almost on the bend walking towards it couldn't,of course, see round the bend into the road the cyclist had come from and being confronted by them lurched out of their way.

Why were these cyclists on the footpath?

Section 72 of the Highway Act 1835 prohibits ‘wilfully riding’ on footpaths, as does Rule 54 of the Highway Code (page 15 of the 1998 edition).

 

[Pound Coin]

Why were these cyclists on the footpath?

Section 72 of the Highway Act 1835 prohibits ‘wilfully riding’ on footpaths, as does Rule 54 of the Highway Code (page 15 of the 1998 edition).

Indeed, and as I asked earlier - I didn't think there were any rule changes regarding cycling on the pavement. (Even if there are, they aren't in force yet)

 

[Deleted member 49549]

What difference has laws made to using a mobile phone whilst driving? None!

The laws should have been applied to all users as you have the idiot drivers, the idiot cyclists and the idiot pedestrians. However the ruling has now provided additional powers for the cyclists who block the roads and fail to observe anything behind them. It allows the pedestrians to walk into the road whilst wearing their earplugs. (Not much change really I guess, just more chance of the vehicle owner being prosecuted for stupidity of others). Cyclists should only be allowed on the road after passing a test, have insurance and ID plates. They should stay 1.5 metres away from vehicles, meaning no passing on either side of traffic, signal when overtaking parked cars and watch for people in the parked cars. Pedestrians should look right look left and right again before crossing.

What are these additional powers for cyclists regarding blocking the road?

 

[dcash29]

You having a laugh? Cyclists should stay 1.5m from vehicles?? Trust me, most of us try very hard, but we're not given an inch - and yes, at times we have to hop up on the curb to avoid being crushed by bully motorists in lorries/vans who really couldn't give a solid F about a cyclist because they see them as inferior somehow. It happens on the main road I travel to work on every morning, there's a long stretch of road that passes 2 schools, 2 early morning deli stores and a 4-way junction and it can be chaos. If I don't actually hit the curbs on a good stretch of that, with my lights on, and I'm never in 'stealth mode' also the pedestrians don't mind [as there's more room on that curb for us both than there ever will be on the road] - then I will get crushed at some point. It is up to motorists, who are not driving huge wide load buses, to allow that space, cyclists in general are curb hugging in fear on stretches like that for the most part.

A lot of the nonsense being spewed on here is aimed at a very small % of cyclists, by motorists who are much more of a danger because of their blatant ignorance towards cyclists, because they see them as inferior. There's plenty of room on the road for both, but it doesn't stop some ignorant plonkers speeding up through large puddles to drown a cyclist [dangerous driving that should be reported btw] who was trying their best to stick alongside the curb, or cut them off at a turn without indicating [also dangerous driving]

I shouldn't have to repeat, but I keep saying, A-holes are just that no matter how they travel. Having a car doesn't give you any more right than someone walking down that same road, or god forbid, cycling! I actually feel sorry for the anti-cyclists, maybe they didn't get that BMX they desired as a kid? Maybe having a flash car is a bit of compensation for lacking elsewhere? I dunno, we can get real stupid about all this, end of the day a D-head is a D-head, on foot, 2 wheels or 4. Try not to be one, mind your own space and if everyone does same all will be well in the world. But seeing one or two cyclist break a rule shouldn't entitle anyone to be such a massive A-hole as to label all, in that case it is motorists who should definitely cop most of the angst, they are responsible as a whole for most road accidents. Last I checked even accidents involving no other vehicle % was higher than any collisions with cyclists.

Two sides to every story. However the cyclist needs to get real with their bikes that can't take road conditions and cease thinking they're a f*****g Tour de France rider . I give cyclist room however they ride two three four abreast blocking roads. Come up the inside if you when you're signalling left. Overtake on the right when in road works traffic nearly being knocked off by the on coming traffic. Go through red lights and don't look behind or signal when overtaking parked vehicles. I've been a cyclist for forty years. Like I said there are dick heads in/on all transport.

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

however they ride two three four abreast blocking roads.

That is a particular source of annoyance in rural areas, in my experience.

Rule 51 of the 1998 Highway Code states that... "You should ... ride in single file on narrow or busy roads", as these two are...

 

[Pound Coin]

Two sides to every story. However the cyclist needs to get real with their bikes that can't take road conditions and cease thinking they're a f*****g Tour de France rider . I give cyclist room however they ride two three four abreast blocking roads. Come up the inside if you when you're signalling left. Overtake on the right when in road works traffic nearly being knocked off by the on coming traffic. Go through red lights and don't look behind or signal when overtaking parked vehicles. I've been a cyclist for forty years. Like I said there are dick heads in/on all transport.

Surely it is possible to write something that is not sensationalist tripe!

 

[dcash29]

The public voted to have money taken out of policing. Low Tax!!
The public and the media think controls on Private Motoring are draconian, that there is a “War on the Motorist!!!”. That cameras are scams, because they enforce laws (and laws should only be enforced by smiling policemen, who will probably let polite white males off minor motoring misdemeanours,)

What I'm getting at is the mentality of the people in this country. It is war on the motorist who pays road tax, insurance and MOT. Speed isn't the killer, its the dick in/on the vehicle that causes the deaths and injury. Plus don't get me on to racism as it ain't the polite white males who cause the major f*** ups around here.

 

[Pound Coin]

That is a particular source of annoyance in rural areas, in my experience.

Rule 51 of the 1998 Highway Code states that... "You should ... ride in single file on narrow or busy roads", as these two are...

View attachment 341969

As with everything else, there are several sides to the story.

If a car is to overtake properly, then 4 pairs of cyclists is easier to overtake that a single file of 8.

 

[Pound Coin]

What I'm getting at is the mentality of the people in this country. It is war on the motorist who pays road tax, insurance and MOT. Speed isn't the killer, its the dick in/on the vehicle that causes the deaths and injury. Plus don't get me on to racism as it ain't the polite white males who cause the major f*** ups around here.

There is no such thing as Road Tax. You've been misled.

 

[Sky]

These aren't the only proposed changes:

Driving laws and rules you need to know for 2026

Find out what UK driving law changes are coming in 2026 - including tax increases, theory test updates and new rules for learner drivers.

www.confused.com

• Highway Code update: pedestrians and cyclists have priority
• Stricter rules on mobile phone use in vehicles
• Local councils could enforce minor traffic offences instead of police
• All motorists banned from parking on pavements
• Speed limiters from 6 July 2022
• Five-year delay on new smart motorways
• Driving licences to be taken off drug users
• Self-driving cars allowed on UK roads
• New clean air zones: Manchester, Bradford and more in 2022
• Electric car grant cut
• Nurses to be able to determine if you’re fit to drive - rather than just doctors
• New homes to have EV charging points fitted by law in 2022
• Rule changes on what you can tow
• Ban on red diesel and rebated biofuel

 

[bass_junkie83]

As with everything else, there are several sides to the story.

If a car is to overtake properly, then 4 pairs of cyclists is easier to overtake that a single file of 8.

Exactly.
To overtake a cyclist while giving the appropriate space means that there is no option but to move partially into the other lane, which means you have to wait until there is no oncoming traffic.
If there is no oncoming traffic then you can move fully into the other lane in which case cyclists being two abreast is a non issue. It actually makes it easier as you only need to move into the other lane for half the distance.

The only people who get riled by cyclist two abreast are those without the brain capacity to understand the above, and those that don't care about giving enough space and will close pass with oncoming traffic.

 

[Jelster]

Yep see what you mean, I’m actually the same with motorbikes
I guess everyone is different is what you’re saying a car to me is just to get me out to take pictures but I’ll spend all day out on my bike going nowhere in particular

I could be difficult and ask "is a two stroke necessary when a modern 4 stroke will do the job as well, if not better, and without as much pollution?" But I won't, because we all know that the world needs Two Strokes to make us smile, clean our nostrils, and hurt our ears

 

[Jelster]

Well, we are "living a little". But it is catching up with us, fast.

When is the next once in a hundred years storm due?

At a guess, 99 years? I'm not sure of the point you are trying to make. If it's that I could use an EV, well you'd be wrong. I can't travel with all my kit to (for instance) the Isle of Mull in 2 days in an EV, it would take much longer than that. I can easily do 425 miles to a tank in my car if I run it in Eco mode, which I normally do on a day to day basis. Most EV's would bulk at 200 miles this time of year. I would then have to stop for a couple of hours to recharge. Whereas, we stop for 15 minutes for coffee & a refresh, swap drivers, and off we go....

I explained why I have the car I have, it's actually no bigger than a Golf/A3/Focus etc, just styled differently. So, could you explain your point please?

 

[JohnC6]

I don't think cyclists should be allowed to ride on the pavement, unless it is clearly marked as a cycle route.

I wasn't aware that the HC was changing on this - have I missed something?

They aren't allowed to ride on footpaths .Section 72 of the Highway Act 1835 prohibits ‘wilfully riding’ on footpaths.

Ref the last paragraph in my post..#71 which I think you were responding to, was me indulging in something which I don't normally indulge in and dislike....sarcasm. However, it was ok as it wasn't directed at anyone on here. Maybe some thought I was being serious ..

A reminder .

I really felt sorry for the cyclists because there were safety railings rounding the bend to protect pedestrians from traffic so the pedestrians weren't able to launch themselves into the road to avoid being struck by the cyclists who, fair play to them, skilfully steered around pedestrians and it amazes me how they do it but now and then they'd actually stop for a second balancing, turning the front wheel back and forth no feet on the ground to avoid a pedestrian who wasn't looking where they were going, probably looking at some items in a shop window, then the cyclists would carry out another tricky manoeuvre, barely moving forward and then having negotiated a way through carry on along the busy footpath. It must be quite stressful for them as they probably have to do that route every day to and from work.

 

[JohnC6]

Why were these cyclists on the footpath?

Section 72 of the Highway Act 1835 prohibits ‘wilfully riding’ on footpaths, as does Rule 54 of the Highway Code (page 15 of the 1998 edition).

I refer you to my previous answer to Pound Coin.

 

[Pound Coin]

At a guess, 99 years? I'm not sure of the point you are trying to make. If it's that I could use an EV, well you'd be wrong. I can't travel with all my kit to (for instance) the Isle of Mull in 2 days in an EV, it would take much longer than that. I can easily do 425 miles to a tank in my car if I run it in Eco mode, which I normally do on a day to day basis. Most EV's would bulk at 200 miles this time of year. I would then have to stop for a couple of hours to recharge. Whereas, we stop for 15 minutes for coffee & a refresh, swap drivers, and off we go....

I explained why I have the car I have, it's actually no bigger than a Golf/A3/Focus etc, just styled differently. So, could you explain your point please?

My point is that we are on the way to oblivion and big changes are going to have to be made.

 

[JohnC6]

Indeed, and as I asked earlier - I didn't think there were any rule changes regarding cycling on the pavement. (Even if there are, they aren't in force yet)

Not sure why you're questioning this tbh. Where did you get that idea from ? Hopefully, not m post ..#71. As AF has stated and I've reiterated in my response to you above, cycling on the footpath is contrary to Sec 72 of the Highway Act 1835. A very old law but still in force.

 

[JohnC6]

Why can cars be grey, or black? Surely they should be as bright as possible?

Here's an interesting read. White is the safest colour. Black the worst follolwed by silver and grey. Red isn't good which surprised me.

From the article. Just like red, green is a bright and vibrant colour. Still, studies show that green is not as safe as you think it is,

Car colors to avoid - Most dangerous and Safest Colour Choices

Each car models on the market is available with various colour options. Choosing the colour of your car can be very difficult. Before you made the decision, here are some car colors to avoid.

indianauto.com

 

[CavGez]

Useful info for everyone I think.

 

[mj4456]

Whilst on a quiet narrowish road today followed a t*** on bike for more than a mile before it widened enough for me to pass safely, why a t***? In this distance not once did he look behind himself but when I passed he had headphones on, I sat back from him, didn’t sound the horn and waited for a decent chance to get past, not everyone would, I was taught to check my mirror every 10 seconds, he didn't even have one, some people don’t help themselves.

 

[Fuji Dave]

Any requirement in the new laws for cyclists to wear hi viz?

That should be a 100% YES imo.

 

[Deleted member 49549]

Whilst on a quiet narrowish road today followed a t*** on bike for more than a mile before it widened enough for me to pass safely, why a t***? In this distance not once did he look behind himself but when I passed he had headphones on, I sat back from him, didn’t sound the horn and waited for a decent chance to get past, not everyone would, I was taught to check my mirror every 10 seconds, he didn't even have one, some people don’t help themselves.

Perhaps I have missed something. But what did he do wrong? He continued and you passed when it was safe. Even if he did have headphones on, he may still hear his environment better than somebody inside a car.

 

[LCPete]

I could be difficult and ask "is a two stroke necessary when a modern 4 stroke will do the job as well, if not better, and without as much pollution?" But I won't, because we all know that the world needs Two Strokes to make us smile, clean our nostrils, and hurt our ears

Yep very true two strokes are too much fun, I’ve got a newer faster bike but chose the LC every time
Not exactly green though

 

[Nod]

I'm sure there's an additive to turn the stinkwheels' farts green!!!

 

[boliston]

What difference has laws made to using a mobile phone whilst driving? None!

The laws should have been applied to all users as you have the idiot drivers, the idiot cyclists and the idiot pedestrians. However the ruling has now provided additional powers for the cyclists who block the roads and fail to observe anything behind them. It allows the pedestrians to walk into the road whilst wearing their earplugs. (Not much change really I guess, just more chance of the vehicle owner being prosecuted for stupidity of others). Cyclists should only be allowed on the road after passing a test, have insurance and ID plates. They should stay 1.5 metres away from vehicles, meaning no passing on either side of traffic, signal when overtaking parked cars and watch for people in the parked cars. Pedestrians should look right look left and right again before crossing.

why would a cyclist signal when overtaking a parked car? would a motorist expect the cyclist to ride over the car rather than round it?

 

[mj4456]

Perhaps I have missed something. But what did he do wrong? He continued and you passed when it was safe. Even if he did have headphones on, he may still hear his environment better than somebody inside a car.

He didn’t know I was there, he didn’t move over or see me till I was passing him, road awareness is for everyone, frustration of being stuck behind someone at sub 5 mph can create rash overtakes.
Surely cyclists should be riding with ‘due care and attention’?

 

[boliston]

Whilst on a quiet narrowish road today followed a t*** on bike for more than a mile before it widened enough for me to pass safely, why a t***? In this distance not once did he look behind himself but when I passed he had headphones on, I sat back from him, didn’t sound the horn and waited for a decent chance to get past, not everyone would, I was taught to check my mirror every 10 seconds, he didn't even have one, some people don’t help themselves.

sounds to me like a satisfactory outcome - the chances are the overall delay due to the cyclist was probably less than the delay caused by other traffic and the cyclist was not distracted by turning round every 10 seconds when passing would have been impossible anyway, and possibly hitting a pothole and falling in front of you

 

[Jelster]

sounds to me like a satisfactory outcome - the chances are the overall delay due to the cyclist was probably less than the delay caused by other traffic and the cyclist was not distracted by turning round every 10 seconds when passing would have been impossible anyway, and possibly hitting a pothole and falling in front of you

When I did my HGV many years ago, I was taught that if I was holding traffic up because my vehicle was slow, it's always a good idea to pull over when you can, and let the faster vehicles through. It's about considering other road users, which should not be a "one way street"....

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

...which should not be a "one way street"....

There is a certain type of "born again" Lycra wearer who thinks everyone should give way to them but they may go where they will without consideration to any other road or pavement user.

They are few but highly visible and damage the reputation of every other cyclist. :banghead:

 

[Cagey75]

I got cut off at a busy junction by a moron motorist who was on his mobile, he didn't indicate either while he was at it. If I hadn't been aware I'd have run into the side of him. He was a danger to me, himself and the cars behind. I was well in by the curb and it was broad daylight. High Vis wasn't doing Jack in that case, or many other similar cases I'm sure. I should label all motorists morons based on this one experience going on how quickly some on here turn on cyclists because they had one iffy incident.

 

[Deleted member 49549]

Any requirement in the new laws for cyclists to wear hi viz?

Why single out cyclists? Why not other vehicles or drivers? Why not expect all cars to be painted high-vis?

There is a certain type of "born again" Lycra wearer who thinks everyone should give way to them but they may go where they will without consideration to any other road or pavement user.

They are few but highly visible and damage the reputation of every other cyclist. :banghead:

yet in this instance it is the car driver expecting the cyclist to get out of the way in a narrow road…

 

[Deleted member 49549]

When I did my HGV many years ago, I was taught that if I was holding traffic up because my vehicle was slow, it's always a good idea to pull over when you can, and let the faster vehicles through. It's about considering other road users, which should not be a "one way street"....

But if you were in a narrow lane and knew there was a widening a few minutes up the road, you wouldn’t pull over in the narrow section. It’s not like he got held up for any significant length of time.

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

yet in this instance it is the car driver expecting the cyclist to get out of the way in a narrow road…

As someone who cycled in country lanes, I always got out of the way if there was any possible passing place, that's just good manners, as well as common sense.

 

[Mr Bump]

The reason fot the rewording of the HC is to get some balance back between road users.

We have had 60 years of ensuring that private motor traffic takes precedence over all over forms of transport, We have had 60 years of Boris sized lies from motor manufacturers about what you get when you buy a car (a smiling face, open roads at all times of day, without any congestion, motorways so empty that you can break the HC guidance by driving in the middle lane, never any hold ups, no rain, mud, no horrendous drain on finances, no stinky pollution, no HGVs, on white vans, no annoying delivery cyclists, no breakdowns, admiring glances from passers by, no depreciation etc.).

Then there is the editorial from the gutter press, rabidly pro private motoring because of the income that private motoring brings the media, from manufacturer adverts to used car listings.

Finally there is the damage to society, to public health and to the environment from private transport. Millions of people making decisions that suit just them, the triumph of personal choice over common good.

Sadly, for most drivers, the Private Transport dream that is sold by the motor manufacturers and the media doesn’t exist. People who have been sold sexy large cars find that they are stuck in traffic, held up by other cars, they are hooked into a financial vice grip, and believing that their personal space is the most important space they have, many lash out at those that they perceive are different. Herd behaviour reinforces this.

Obviously not all drivers are like this, but enough are to warrant changes to the Highway Code. Instead of thinking “Poor me in my car“ and pointing to the more vulnerable around the safety cage, blaming them, there is a broader, more social, healthier approach to take, which is to chill, take a breath, be more collaborate on the roads, consider personal transport choices, think of public health and the environment as at least equals to Private Transport when making these decisisons.

Without a different stance? The polarising and dangerous pointing fingers, blaming others for the failures of the transport choices that have been made. A country where not being in a car can be really quite unpleasant and marginalising.

So many likes on this post
i would buy you a beer

 

[Pound Coin]

As someone who cycled in country lanes, I always got out of the way if there was any possible passing place, that's just good manners, as well as common sense.

Always?

So the driver is always more important than you. I'd like to see your working out on that equation... (also the definition of a 'possible passing place'.)

When cycling, (or driving on single track roads) I'll give way when appropriate. Appropriate is dependent.

 

[robj20]

Far worse is the new law stating you have to open the car door with the hand furthest from it !!!
I can't easily reach the door handle with my left hand and if I do I can't hold onto it to stop the door opening fuurther

Drivers could face £1,000 fine for opening doors the wrong way

The Highway Code rule change is designed to protect cyclists

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

That's not what it says at all. You CAN be fined IF you injure someone by opening your car door. Well yes you always could. So what's changed?

 

[robj20]

Do cyclists now have to give way to pedestrians waiting to cross? The ones around here don't bother.
Also, what about on pavements? The new rules say that if using the road is dangerous the cyclist can use the pavement . (it is my understanding that this can be any pavement, not necessarily one designated shared use). Who has priority - cyclist or pedestrian?

Hasn't it always been, pedestrian, horse, cyclist, motor vehicle.