Highway Code changes will see cyclists given more rights than motorists at junctions

Cyclists will be given priority over motorists at junctions when travelling straight ahead under changes to the Highway Code to be announced today.

Drivers will also be given a specific duty to ensure people on bikes are safe, while they in turn will be told to look out for pedestrians.

And a new ‘hierarchy of road users’ will outline how responsibility rests with those who could potentially cause the most harm to others.

The changes are part of a new cycling and walking strategy to be unveiled by Grant Shapps today. The Transport Secretary will announce a £338million package to boost cycling and walking across the country.

But Hugh Bladen, from the Alliance of British Drivers motoring group, said today that the Government is ‘making a complete Horlicks of the situation’ and it was a ‘retrograde step’ that will lead to confusion on the roads.  

Changes to the Highway Code will include ensuring that cyclists have priority at junctions when travelling straight ahead

These are the Government’s ‘key design principles’ for its new plans for cycling, with the intention that it ‘is or will become mass transit and must be treated as such’

Mr Bladen told MailOnline: ‘Quite frankly, you know, we all need to take care of one another on the road – and just to give cyclist carte blanche to go sailing through red lights seems to me to be taking things a step too far.

‘We’re all on the road together, let us all be sensible about the whole thing, and just to say cyclists can do whatever they like is absurd in my view. We should all be bound by the rules of the road that are there. 

‘So, if there’s a stop sign, then we should all stop. If there’s a red light, we should stop. It doesn’t matter whether you’re on two wheels or four. They’re making a complete Horlicks of the situation if they change it any way. I think it’s a retrograde step and it will lead to confusion because cyclists will think they have right of way.’

Upgrades and requirements to ensure that the effects of travel schemes are properly assessed are also among the raft of measures.

Updates to the Highway Code will include a ‘hierarchy of road users’ that ensures users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they may pose to others.

There will also be strengthened pedestrian priority on pavements and when crossing or waiting to cross the road. 

Changes will also be made to guidance on safe passing distances and speeds, as well as ensuring that cyclists have priority at junctions when travelling straight ahead.

The Department for Transport said: ‘The Highway Code’s hierarchy of road users will outline how responsibility rests with the road users who could potentially cause the most harm to others. 

‘For example, car drivers will be responsible for ensuring cyclists are safe, while cyclists will be responsible for looking out for pedestrians.

‘The hierarchy does not remove the need for all road users to behave responsibly.’

It comes after last year saw the use of cycles rise more than in the previous 20 years put together.

The number of miles cycled on British roads rocketed by 45.7 per cent to five billion largely as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Shapps said: ‘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.

‘As we build back greener from the pandemic, we’re determined to keep that trend going by making active travel easier and safer for everyone.’

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps will announce a £338million package to boost cycling and walking across the country

The announcement has been welcomed by everyday walking charity Living Streets, which says the proposed changes will ‘redress the balance’ of road user responsibility. 

Stephen Edwards, interim chief executive at Living Streets, said: ‘The Highway Code currently treats children walking to school and lorry drivers as if they are equally responsible for their own or other people’s safety.

‘These changes will redress that balance. People walking cause the least road danger but are often left paying the price.

‘Road users who have potential to cause the greatest harm should take the greatest share of responsibility to reduce the danger they pose.

‘Whether we choose to also drive or cycle, we are all pedestrians. These proposed revisions will benefit us all.’