Highway Code Changes

These rule numbers apply to the edition in force prior to the 2009 revision. I suspect I'd do a better job now anyway.

If the ABD can propose changes to the highway code (in their case they want a rule to prevent drivers who persist in obeying the speed limit form delaying those who prefer to break the law), then so can I. The Highway Code is widely ignored and rarely re-read after somebody passes their driving test, so the first change I would like to see is to promote new editions of the Code far more vigorously, and to make the book more widely available. Some petrol stations apparently stock the Code; this should be encouraged, and mechanisms put in place that ensure that bike shops, garages, libraries and even supermarkets can offer the Highway Code without financial risk. I would like to see some detail changes in wording, too.

Rules for Cyclists
Add to the preamble as follows:

These rules are in addition to those in the following sections, which apply to all vehicles (except the motorway section). See also choosing and maintaining your bicycle. Remember, a bicycle is a vehicle and the rider has all the rights and responsibilities of any other vehicle operator. More comprehensive guidance and safety advice for cyclists may be found in Cyclecraft, published by The Stationery Office, ISBN ISBN 0 11 702051 6.

Rule 45
Amend as follows

Clothing. You should wear:
 * appropriate clothes for cycling. Avoid clothes which may get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure your lights
 * light-coloured or fluorescent clothing which helps other road users to see you in daylight and poor light
 * reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) in the dark.

Gloves can protect your hands if you come off

A cycle helmet may prevent some injuries to the head. If you wear one, ensure it conforms to current standards (this corrects an error, apart form anything else - there are no "regulations" for cycle helmets).

Delete Rule 47
If this is unacceptable, replace with:


 * Cycle routes, such as the National Cycle Network, are likely to have less heavy traffic and can make your journey more pleasant.

Rule 49
Amend as follows:

Contrary to popular belief there is no rule telling cyclists that they should ride as close to the left hand side of the road as possible. I would add the following rules:
 * Cycle Lanes. These are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway (see Rule 119). You should keep within the lane if it is safe to do so.
 * Do not ride too close to the side of the road. Ride far enough out to be seen, and be clear of drain covers and debris, around one metre.  At pinch points and other obstructions, consider moving further out to occupy the centre of the lane.  This will increase your safety.
 * When passing parked cars, keep well clear in case their doors are opened or a pedestrian emerges from between them.
 * When passing stationary traffic, do not pass on the left of lorries or buses. Remember that drivers of lorries and buses can only see you if you can see their mirrors.  In general it is safer to pass a traffic queue on the right.

Rule 108
Add emphasis and the word "only"
 * Double white lines where the line nearest you is solid. This means you MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. You may cross the line if necessary to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, only if they are travelling at 10mph or less.

Rule 139
Add emphasis and text
 * Overtake only when it is safe to do so. You should
 * not get too close to the vehicle you intend to overtake
 * use your mirrors, signal when it is safe to do so, take a quick sideways glance into the blind spot area and then start to move out
 * not assume that you can simply follow a vehicle ahead which is overtaking; there may only be enough room for one vehicle
 * move quickly past the vehicle you are overtaking, once you have started to overtake. Allow plenty of room. Move back to the left as soon as you can but do not cut in
 * take extra care at night and in poor visibility when it is harder to judge speed and distance
 * give way to oncoming vehicles before passing parked vehicles or other obstructions on your side of the road - look in particular for oncoming cyles and motorcycles
 * only overtake on the left if the vehicle in front is signalling to turn right, and there is room to do so
 * stay in your lane if traffic is moving slowly in queues. If the queue on your right is moving more slowly than you are, you may pass on the left
 * always be prepared to abort the overtaking manoeuvre if necessary

When in doubt - wait!

Remember: Mirrors - Signal - Manoeuvre
To this illustration, add a second showing the correct path when overtaking a cyclist)

Do not cut in too quickly

Rule 188
add emphasis and text:
 * When passing motorcyclists and cyclists, do not pass closer than 1.5m (see Rule 139). If they look over their shoulder whilst you are following them it could mean that they may be about to turn right. Give them time and space to do so.
 * slow down as you approach so that your closing speed is not more than 5mph
 * do not pass closer than 1.5m (see Rules 189 and 191)
 * cyclists and motorcyclists can be moving faster than you think - ensure that you are completely past before pulling back in, especially if you are towing
 * do not overtake at or on the approach to a junction, bend, width restriction or other obstacle
 * child cyclists may behave unpredictably, take especial care

Rule 189
add emphasis:
 * Motorcyclists and cyclists may suddenly need to avoid uneven road surfaces and obstacles such as draincovers or oily, wet or icy patches on the road. Give them plenty of room.