Government hears the call of cyclists

The government has been revising the Highway Code, which for those mountain bikers who train on the road or commute on a bike is of importance.

Rules 61 and 63 were causing some concern in the cycling world and led to a campaign to ensure that the revisions initially proposed did not enter the code. A revised version of the revions of rules 61 and 63 has now been agreed. The initial one basically led the bike community to fear that it would have to use a cycle lane even if there were problems with it. The revision now states:

61 Cycle Routes and Other Facilities. Use cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless at the time it is unsafe to do so. Use of these facilities is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.

63 Cycle Lanes. These are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway. When using a cycle lane, keep within the lane when practicable. When leaving a cycle lane check before pulling out that it is safe to do so and signal your intention clearly to other road users. Use of cycle lanes is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.

Provided that there are no objections in Parliament to the proposed revisions we should be able to publish the new edition of the Highway Code by the end of September. Any delay in issuing the Code would mean delaying the benefits of applying all the improved advice for all road users that it contains, including advice to motorists to be more aware of vulnerable road users such as cyclists.