Highway Code changes

http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4568

Good to see that the cyclist is being considered.

Common sense prevails!

It is an improvment but I don't like the phrase "Where safe to do so" a lawyer could argue that it was safer to be on the cycle lane when you where hit, well if you where on the cycle lane you would not have been hit.

a lawyer could argue that shit dont stink... and wouold probly convincew a judge and jurry if you paid them enough.

to be honest, most cases don't get that far do they?

at the end of the day, if a driver hits you out of negligence, then no argument that it "would have been ok if you weren't on the road" would stand up, the problem ,however, would exist in establishing responsibility in disputes over accidents where the driver refuses to accept liability..

the proposed changes were a misguided attempt to encourage "safer" cycling, when in fact they would have served to further obstruct the cyclist's right to be treated as vehicular traffic.

Radio programme about the highway code
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01gvvxm
Hopefully later on iplayer

Bump

TfL are consulting stakeholders about suggested changes on the HC to suggest to DfT. I am putting a paper together for TABS. if you have any thoughts let me know here or on TABS forum

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/30/pedestrians-get-priority-as-uk-unveils-changes-to-highway-code

I thought that was already in the highway code....

good job I passed my driving test over 20 years ago

I thought that was already in the highway code....

Same. Is it not?

Is this going to be one of those proposals that sounds like it has some good bits, but those are watered down to homeopathic dilutions by various lobby groups before it becomes something real?

Outrage as new Highway Code makes it an offence to run down cyclists

https://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/outrage-as-new-highway-code-makes-it-an-offence-to-run-down-cyclists-20210730210672?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR1G_xNFpp3TYk9VIn7Th8PzmjJgW2Q0rxCkJPh90mWyDGOVvWNH-QTnNBo#Echobox=1627639009

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/cyclists-pedal-to-middle-of-the-road-under-new-highway-code-87khrjklc?shareToken=7389bf5c5c700cee0fe3f7bf546ee568

I mentioned this to a driver yesterday and she called me a cunt.

Definitely needs more exposure. And it’ll be a long time until habitual

What cycle trainers teach, riding in the traffic stream, the primary position when riders can match the speed of moving traffic, or need to to minimise risk, passing parked cars, junctions, pinch points, etc, is now in the HC

About time

I thought drivers/ riders etc were always supposed to give way to pedestrians crossing at side roads?

Only if they had started to cross I think, till now

New priority for pedestrians at junctions is a nice idea, but fuck walking out across a road thinking you have right of way at a poorly lit junction at night in dark clothing!

Yeah I thought this was already the case also. As with riding primary etc. Is there anything actually new or is this just a rewording and some publicity for often ignored sections of the HC

Seems the usual reaction to cyclists by drivers.

surely in the everyday this means nothing and one should continue to cycle with the idea that cars will simply kill you regardless of your right of way.

but, i can imagine these have some quite good implications if a driver bumps you off your bike at a junction - if you survive - if the rules ever get published further than the forgettable toilet paper which drivers percieve the highway code - if you have evidence/ recording of the incident - if the jury wasn't car brained - if you can afford - if you have the mental fortitude to go through a multi year court battle - etcetc

long term, culturally, these are quite good changes as the wording is now quite explicit.

and at very worse you can carry a copy round with you to extended family functions and when a relative with a evoque starts hassling you, it can be pulled out preformatively and pointed too to make your point which im sure will be recieved by groans and uncaring noises. which you can the retell here and be digitially clapped at.

what i find funny about all this is the fact that previously rule 170 of the highway code meant that if as a pedestrian crossing a side road (T junction) you had priority if you had a foot on the queens highway, any motorist approaching the junction should use caution and look out for those crossing.
i believe this was a ‘should’ rather than a ‘you must’ which is the law rather than advisory.
the top of my road is terrible for this and if you took the advice of the highway code you would be in hospital within the week or at least severely bruised.
it just doesn’t enter the motorists head to give way especially if they want to get home or to a drive-thru meal deal.
if they do stop we are conditioned to give them a little wave of appreciation for not being a cnut.
I can’t see the rule changes making any difference at all.

Oh the comments... never read the comments

https://www.facebook.com/groups/greatermanchestercaz/permalink/1041672596413397/

manchester has the worst, most brain dead, agressive, unfit drivers of any city i've lived

if they have a little bee on their car?? stay way clear they have no regard for human life if it's on a bike

still angry from living there

I genuinely fear for my life on my commute in the immediate future, on account of the malice this generating amongst motorists.