I know we are an MTB Club but even we have to use the road to link a ride, not to mention work commutes and all those sneaky training rides !! I have heard that the proposed new Highway Code says cyclists should “use cycle facilities where possible”. If approved, cyclists will effectively lose the right to ride on the road where there are alternative routes or adjacent facilities. This is also likely to result in more abuse and intimidation from drivers.
Also, if a cyclist is knocked down and injured, the motorist’s insurers will be able to argue that the rider contributed to the accident by not using the cycle facility.
We think that this is wrong. Unless there is an unprecedented amount of adverse publicity to persuade the government to re-write this version of the Highway Code, this will become law.
If you agree with this, join in registering your name on the petition here and persuade others to do the same.
Certainly is a fiasco…you’ll be glad to find that the proposed highway code changes have already been amended due to previous petitions on the PM’s website and the CTC making a lot of noise!
CTC Article…
http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4568
The full reponse:
http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Campaigns/0605_AC_Highway-Code-full-response_con.doc
CTC Petition to support the new changes:
http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4855
One of my favourite new rules: “When you are able to keep up with traffic or where it would be unsafe for you to be overtaken, you should normally ride in the middle of the left-hand traffic lane. In faster traffic and where there is space for you to be overtaken safely, you should ride to the left of other traffic but never closer than 0.75m to the road edge or another vehicle.” Common sense at last
I just follow the rule of thumb that when riding on the road when you look at the kerb on your left your handlebar end should not cover the kerb.
Yup the proposed law is pretty flawed ( as are the cycle lanes around where I live…I think the council thought some paint and signs would make all the difference)