New Highway Code

[ebikeerwidnes]

If it has been published yet in paper form, it will probably be embargoed, since it will not be current until Saturday

That sounds well thought out
I mean - I know most people taking their test are young and probably do everything online - but surely it should be in print several weeks before becoming current so people can read it.

 

[Alex321]

I've seen references to it not being available until March at least

In the meantime, read the current edition in conjunction with this: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-highway-code-8-changes-you-need-to-know-from-29-january-2022

Actually, from April
You can pre-order here, with an estimated delivery date of 15th April.

 

[Alex321]

That sounds well thought out
I mean - I know most people taking their test are young and probably do everything online - but surely it should be in print several weeks before becoming current so people can read it.

The problem there is that technically, it is proposals only until it goes live.

The changes are produced by Statutory instrument, and if they are objected to by an MP before the 29th, then they would not necessarily come into force, certainly not on that date.

 

[BoldonLad]

I've seen references to it not being available until March at least

In the meantime, read the current edition in conjunction with this: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-highway-code-8-changes-you-need-to-know-from-29-january-2022

Thank you for that link. At the end of the text, it actually includes another link, to pre-order printed version, and, says new version not available in print until April 2022.

 

[mjr]

You do have a point that sadly I did not realise. Yes, there will be traffic stoppage in certain places. It will be interesting how this pans out.

I am trying to find if other countries have same or similar regulations. Or are we the first.

Almost every other country in Europe has similar regulations, plus many others around the world. I think this leaves Ireland, Malta, Cyprus and Romania as the only European countries with the same bad system that we're leaving behind... and I suspect three of those copied the UK's mistakes when the UK ran/ruled them.

 

[Chislenko]

First decent infographic I've seen of some of the cycling-related changes, but I wish it had other pics instead of the ones used for 4 and 5:

View: https://twitter.com/tomstaniford/status/1485550742173847556

View attachment 628037

With regard to point 5 is any right minded cyclist seeing that a car is turning left, going to ride up the inside of him / her and hope they give you right of way (or even see you)

Looks like suicide to me!

 

[Alex321]

With regard to point 5 is any right minded cyclist seeing that a car is turning left, going to ride up the inside of him / her and hope they give you right of way (or even see you)

Looks like suicide to me!

Of course they aren't. And the actual wording of the new rule 163 says:
"Cyclists may pass slower moving or stationary traffic on their right or left and should proceed with caution as the driver may not be able to see you. Be careful about doing so, particularly on the approach to junctions, and especially when deciding whether it is safe to pass lorries or other large vehicles."

The infographic seems to have taken the new rule 160 in isolation - the relevant part of which says:
"be aware of other road users, especially cycles and motorcycles who may be filtering through the traffic. These are more difficult to see than larger vehicles and their riders are particularly vulnerable. Give them plenty of room, especially if you are driving a long vehicle or towing a trailer. You should give way to cyclists when you are changing direction or lane – do not cut across them."

 

[Arrowfoot]

Almost every other country in Europe has similar regulations, plus many others around the world. I think this leaves Ireland, Malta, Cyprus and Romania as the only European countries with the same bad system that we're leaving behind... and I suspect three of those copied the UK's mistakes when the UK ran/ruled them.

Thanks.

 

[DaveReading]

With regard to point 5 is any right minded cyclist seeing that a car is turning left, going to ride up the inside of him / her and hope they give you right of way (or even see you)

Looks like suicide to me!

The infographic doesn't give any clue as to the relative speeds of the cycle and car, so there's no justification for suggesting that the bike is somehow overtaking the car on the inside.

A far more likely scenario is that the car is in the process of overtaking the bike, but won't be sufficiently clear of it before starting its turn. In other words, a classic left hook.

 

[matticus]

My driving instructors taught me to check the inside mirror before turning left (I think it was also a possible FAIL item in the test), specifically in case of 2-wheeled things nipping up the gap.
No-one ever said "they have a RIGHT to pass on your left!"; it was just considered a wise tactic to check.

 

[BoldonLad]

The infographic doesn't give any clue as to the relative speeds of the cycle and car, so there's no justification for suggesting that the bike is somehow overtaking the car on the inside.

A far more likely scenario is that the car is in the process of overtaking the bike, but won't be sufficiently clear of it before starting its turn. In other words, a classic left hook.

It (the info graphic), is an illustration, to illustrate the words of the HC, not a complete explanation of every possible scenario. It may not be a very good info graphic, but, that is a different subject. One example I can immediately think of, based on a road I cycle regularly, is the situation where you have a cycle lane, painted on the carriageway, and, a traffic lane to the right, part way along the road is a traffic light controlled T junction. It is not uncommon to encounter a significant queue of vehicles, either stopped, or moving very slowly, at the approach to the traffic lights. I would continue to cycle, in “my” lane, overtaking those vehicles to my right. However, as I approached the actual traffic lights, I would look out for vehicles signaling to turn left, and, not put myself in danger by overtaking them. However, not EVERY driver signals their intention to turn, particularly in the case of left turns.

 

[mjr]

[...] cycle lane, painted on the carriageway, and, a traffic lane to the right, [...] However, as I approached the actual traffic lights, I would look out for vehicles signaling to turn left, and, not put myself in danger by overtaking them. However, not EVERY driver signals their intention to turn, particularly in the case of left turns.

Well, maybe I'm misunderstanding the description, but that sounds a way to fark yourself and — in lanes with lots of cycle traffic like Cambridge — get yourself a load of abuse from following cyclists for stopping unnecessarily. Unless it was the front vehicle in the queue and there was no bike box or other space ahead of it, I would continue to overtake with caution, being prepared to emergency-stop or turn left if they start to move/turn before I've got past.

 

[cyberknight]

just turned off notification from facefluff as the local group was debating it with the usual road tax etc drivel after one post strated on how bikes shouldnt be on the road in case they get run over pretty much saying its the cyclists fault

 

[mjr]

just turned off notification from facefluff as the local group was debating it with the usual road tax etc drivel after one post strated on how bikes shouldnt be on the road in case they get run over pretty much saying its the cyclists fault

Just tell them they need to send a note saying that, along with their driving licence, to "DVLA, Swansea, SA6 7LJ", so that their objection can be recorded.

 

[numbnuts]

View: https://youtu.be/zU9tBBQNq_0