How the 2022 Highway Code Changes Affected Cyclists
In January 2022, the UK Highway Code underwent significant updates aimed at enhancing safety for vulnerable road users, particularly cyclists. These changes introduced a new "hierarchy of road users," placing greater responsibility on those operating vehicles that can cause the most harm.
Here is a breakdown of how these changes impact cyclists:
1. Heirarchy of Road Users
The updated code establishes a hierarchy that prioritises the safety of the most vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders. Drivers of larger vehicles bear the greatest responsibility to reduce danger to others.
2. Priority at Junctions
Cyclists should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross at junctions. Likewise, drivers must not cut across cyclists who are going straight ahead.
3. Road Road Positioning
Cyclists are advised to ride in the centre of their lane on quiet roads, in slower-moving traffic, and at junctions. On busier roads, they should keep at least 0.5 meters from the kerb edge.
4. Overtaking Rules
Drivers must leave at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30 mph and more space at higher speeds. If it’s unsafe to overtake, drivers must wait behind the cyclist.
5. Cycling in Groups
Drivers must leave at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30 mph and more space at higher speeds. If it’s unsafe to overtake, drivers must wait behind the cyclist.
6. Shared Spaces
In shared spaces, cyclists should slow down, give way to pedestrians and horse riders, and alert others to their presence when necessary (eg by ringing a bell).
7. Roundabouts
Drivers must give priority to cyclists on roundabouts and should not attempt to overtake them within their lane.
8. The 'Dutch Reach'
To avoid “dooring” accidents, drivers and passengers are encouraged to use the ‘Dutch Reach’ technique: opening their door with the hand furthest from the door, prompting them to look over their shoulder for approaching cyclists.
What happens if the new rules are broken?
While the Highway Code itself is guidance, several of its rules are backed by law — meaning that breaking them can lead to serious consequences:
- Fines and Penalty Points: Drivers who fail to give way to cyclists, overtake dangerously, or otherwise endanger vulnerable road users can be fined, receive penalty points on their licence, or both.
- Prosecution: In serious cases, drivers could be chanrged with offences such as careless driving, dangerous driving or even causing death by dangerous driving. These charges can lead to disqualification from driving, heavy fines or imprisonment.
- Civil Liability: Even if not criminally prosecuted, drivers may still face civil claims for damages if found liable for causing injury to a cyclist.
- Insurance Implications: Breaching these rules and being at fault in an accident can lead to increased insurance premiums or insurance refusal.
Essentially, while not every new Highway Code rule directly translates into a criminal offence, many are underpinned by existing laws around safe and considerate driving. Courts can refer to the Highway Code when deciding liability in both criminal and civil cases.