Pedestrians and cyclists will be prioritised at road crossings and junctions in a revised version of the Highway Code as part of the government's £338 million funding effort to improve 'active travel' conditions.
The funding, which is 30% higher than in 2020, will contribute to the construction of hundreds of miles of cycle lanes and the delivery of new schemes to encourage walking, the government has said.
New rules are said to “enhance safety of pedestrians and cyclists”. The changes include strengthened pedestrian priority on pavements and when crossing the road, and giving cyclists priority at junctions when travelling straight ahead.
"Millions of us have found over the past year how cycling and walking are great ways to stay fit, ease congestion on the roads and do your bit for the environment," transport secretary Grant Shapps said. "We're determined to keep that trend going by making active travel easier and safer for everyone.”
Guidance on safe passing distances and speeds will also be improved and updated. The government says changes will be made in line with the rise in cyclist numbers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A hierarchy of road users will also be in place to make sure those who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they may pose to other road users.
“Cycling has had a real boost during the pandemic as people of all ages have recognised its many benefits and it is a real positive that the government is making cycling such a transport priority for the future,” said Sir Dave Brailsford, team principal of the Ineos Grenadiers cycle racing team.
“Getting on your bike is great for your health and it’s also great for the environment so there has never been a better time to get pedalling,” he said.
The government is also looking to improve safety and accessibility for cycling, including increasing awareness of e-cycles. An e-cycle support programme will launch this year, with nine authorities already receiving funding for e-cycle initiatives.
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During the oast year I have started cycling more and more around town, I now do my grocery shopping by bike. I'm saving money on petrol, it's helping my weight and fitness and around town journey times are shorter on bike.
One thing I'd like to see included in these rules though is that on country roads cyclists should have to pull over like motorhomes etc are encouraged too. I have family and friends spread around Scotland so do a lot of driving on mixed country roads, some of which like NC500 route, have become very popular for sports cyclists. Some seem to forget that a single road can be a lifeline for communities and businesses there and that their little leisure holiday is not as important as food supplies, rural nurses etc visiting patients.
However I'm all for more cycling in urban areas where cars really should not be so welcome. There should be more options like park and ride introduced to encourage cars to be kept out of busy town/city centres and make these spaces for walking and wheeling which will benefit the environment and individual health.
Fair comments here.
Cyclists have much to do in order to protect themselves. Many seem to be intent on being in an accident just to make a point.... and dont even get me started on their behaviour in London! So giving them the benefit of doubt is misplaced.
Here in the countryside the numbers of cyclists have exploded in recent years, and the standard of their riding has dropped off a cliff.
They will not move to single file on country lanes, even up hill doing about 5 mph - this means that it is all but impossible to give them the space that they expect when passing.
Last year one of them rode right into the front of our Gamekeepers Pick-Up truck because he had his head down pedalling like fury (not looking where he was going). He was quite badly hurt but tried to blame the Gamekeeper.
Our local constabulary were unimpressed as fortunately for the gamekeeper there were several witnesses at the time, and his vehicle was parked on its correct side of the road at the time, so not only was the cyclist not looking, but he was on the wrong side of the road too!!!!
Absolutely no repurcussions for the cyclist though, where is the fairness in that?
The answer is in their hands!
Well said: anyone can act like an inconsiderate git, whether driving a car, riding a bike or even just walking. Just criticising cyclists as some kind of self-appointed defender of 'the motorist' is ridiculous. The larger the vehicle though, the bigger the consequences of selfish behaviour.
Seems like there's nothing about e scooters in the revised code, which are now becoming ubiquitous in my neighbourhood. The law remains way behind the curve.