New Highway Code rules are here — and they’ll change how you use the roads! From 29 January 2022, dozens of updates aimed at boosting safety for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders come into force. The changes follow a huge public consultation with over 20,000 responses backing the new rules.
1. Road User Hierarchy Puts Safety First
The Highway Code now introduces a ‘hierarchy of road users.’ Those most vulnerable in crashes rank highest. But everyone must still act responsibly.
- Know The Highway Code inside out
- Be considerate to others on the road
- Take responsibility for others’ safety
New rules H1, H2, and H3 detail this hierarchy.
2. Pedestrians Get Priority at Junctions
When people cross or wait at junctions, all other traffic must give way. If someone’s crossing and you want to turn in, you must stop.
- Give way to pedestrians and cyclists on zebra and parallel crossings
- Parallel crossings are like zebras but with a cycle lane alongside
3. Sharing Space: Walkers, Cyclists & Horse Riders
New guidance for shared routes stresses respect for everyone’s safety:
- Cyclists: Don’t zoom past walkers, horses, or horse-drawn vehicles; slow down and ring your bell.
- Don’t pass horses on their left side
- Be mindful that walkers might have disabilities like deafness or blindness
4. Cyclists’ Lane Positioning and Group Riding
Cyclists should ride:
- In the centre of the lane on quiet roads, slow traffic, or near junctions
- At least half a metre from kerbs on busy roads, more if safer
Group cyclists can ride two abreast — it’s often safer, especially with kids or novices. Remember to let cars pass when safe.
5. Overtaking Rules Tightened
Drivers and motorcyclists must maintain:
- At least 1.5 metres distance when overtaking cyclists up to 30mph — more space at higher speeds
- At least 2 metres when passing horses or walkers on the road
If you can’t keep these distances safely, don’t overtake!
Cyclists can pass stationary or slow traffic on either side — but proceed cautiously, especially near large vehicles and junctions.
6. Cyclists’ Rights at Junctions
Cyclists turning into or out of side roads must give way to pedestrians crossing. Special cycle lights at some junctions now give cyclists green lights separately for safer junction crossing.
Without cycle lanes, cyclists should take the centre of the lane to stay visible and prevent risky overtaking.
Two-stage right turns for cyclists are now explained clearly:
- Stage 1: Go straight to the marked spot, then stop
- Stage 2: When the cycle light turns green, complete your turn
Cyclists going straight through junctions have priority over turning vehicles (unless signs say otherwise), but stay alert as drivers may not see you.
7. Roundabout Rules Updated for Vulnerable Road Users
Drivers and motorcyclists should:
- Never overtake cyclists inside their lane on roundabouts
- Let cyclists move across their path safely when navigating roundabouts
Cyclists, horse riders, and horse-drawn vehicles may stay in the left lane when continuing around or off the roundabout. Drivers must take extra care not to cut them up.
8. Safer Parking, Charging & Leaving Vehicles
The ‘Dutch Reach’ is now recommended when exiting vehicles — opening the door with the hand furthest from it (left hand for right-side doors) to force a shoulder check and avoid ‘dooring’ cyclists or pedestrians.
Electric car users must park close to chargers, avoid trailing cables, display warning signs if possible, and tidy up cables to keep walkways safe.
Get Up to Speed on All 50 New Rules
These are just 8 key highlights. In total, 10 sections and 50 rules have been added or updated. Check 123 with a fresh new cover, hitting shops April 2022.
Plus, grab the official Highway Code iOS app now. Android users, stay tuned — your app is on the way!
