Fury over 'confusing' new Highway Code rules that give pedestrians right of way at junctions and let cyclists ride in the middle of the road amid warning they will cause 'avoidable collisions'
- Drivers will be told to ensure people on bikes are safe, while cyclists will be told to look out for pedestrians
- 'Hierarchy of road users' outlines how responsibility rests with those who could potentially cause most harm
- Changes come as Grant Shapps reveals a £338million package to boost cycling and walking across the UKMotoring groups today warned new Highway Code rules that will give cyclists priority over motorists at junctions when travelling straight ahead could cause 'confusion' that will lead to 'avoidable collisions'.
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, as part of the new rules announced today.
Motorists will also be told to give way to pedestrians crossing the road, and a new 'hierarchy of road users' in the Code will outline how responsibility rests with those who could potentially cause the most harm to others.
But the RAC warned that a 'concerted effort' must now be made to communicate the changes to drivers because 'many do not read the Highway Code for long periods after passing their test', adding that it was vital for everyone using the roads to understand the new rules 'because any confusion is likely to lead to avoidable collisions'.
And Hugh Bladen, from the Alliance of British Drivers motoring group, criticised the Government for 'making a complete Horlicks of the situation' and it was a 'retrograde step' that will lead to confusion on the roads.
The new Code states that at a junction motorists 'should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning'.
Drivers should also 'give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing'.
The new Code also states that motorists 'should not cut across cyclists going ahead when turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane'.
It also states that cyclists should 'ride in the centre of your lane, to make yourself as clearly visible as possible' when on quiet roads or streets - but if a faster vehicle comes up behind, move to the left to let them overtake.
The changes are part of a new cycling and walking strategy to be unveiled today by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, who will announce a £338million package to boost both across the country.
British former racing cyclist Chris Boardman described the changes as 'inspiringly logical action' and said they was a 'real milestone for active travel', while British Cycling called them a 'cause for celebration'.
NEW RULES -- Two of the new rules in the updated Highway Code - rule H1 (left), which introduces the 'hierarchy of road users' concept; then rule H2 (right) which refers to how motorists 'should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing'
NEW RULES -- Rule H3 (left) in the new Highway Code refers to when cyclists should get priority, while Rule 72 (right) allows cyclists to cycle in the middle of the road in certain situations
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.'
And RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: 'These proposals should make cycling and walking safer and this is to be welcomed.
'A concerted effort must now be made to communicate the changes to drivers because as we know, many do not read the Highway Code for long periods after passing their test.
'Ultimately, the aim should be to ensure that everyone using the roads understands the new rules because any confusion is likely to lead to avoidable collisions.'
Upgrades and requirements to ensure that the effects of travel schemes are properly assessed are among the raft of new 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.
Cycling expert Carlton Reid, the former editor of BikeBiz magazine, said today: 'Since it was introduced in 1931, the Highway Code has stressed that road users have equal responsibility for safety despite the clear disparity between users with and without engines.
'This is why the change is significant. It's taken 90 years but finally the UK Government formally recognises the power imbalance on our roads. No more 'steam before sail'.'
Speaking about the new 'hierarchy of road users', Mr Reid added: 'Yes, it will need a PR blitz and yes, it'll need enforcing by the courts but all new drivers will be taught this new hierarchy — even if only in a lip-service way by reluctant driving instructors — but it's a potentially seismic power shift nonetheless.
'It also has potential ramifications for driverless cars. They will have to be programmed to cede priority to pedestrians and cyclists. In which case, they won't work in cities.'
Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK head of campaigns, told MailOnline today: 'The Highway Code should look to reinforce behaviour which reduces the danger we pose to others road users and protects those most at risk, so rules which place greater responsibility on people driving larger vehicles are long overdue.
'Whilst we all have responsibility for our own behaviour, a bus driver's failure to pay attention carries far greater risks to others than a pedestrians', so of course those in charge of larger vehicles should bear greater responsibility.
'Hopefully, these changes will herald a different attitude where the first question in any road safety conversation is how we reduce danger, not how people protect themselves from it.
'They also reflect wider government commitments on climate change, the environment, and public health, all of which rely upon more people walking or cycling short journeys, and that won't happen if they don't feel safe, so rules which prioritise the safety of vulnerable road users are a welcome first step.'
A spokesman for the London Cycling Campaign said today: 'Many organisations in our campaigning sector have been putting work in to get the Highway Code changed to incorporate this important 'road user hierarchy'.
'No 'on-paper' rule change will radically improve safety for cyclists overnight. But this is progress, without a doubt.
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.'
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'
A cyclist waits at a junction in London today. A new rule makes clear that at a junction, drivers should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road - and cyclists will have priority at junctions when travelling straight ahead
A woman walks on a zebra crossing in London today as the Transport Secretary announced changes to the Highway Code
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps will announce a £338million package to boost cycling and walking across the country
It comes after last year saw the use of cycles rise more than in the previous 20 years put together.
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.'
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.'
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