Page 1 of [VIDEO] New Highway Code rules

This has only really had sporadic coverage over last few months, but some pretty important stuff that road users need to know coming into affect 29-01-22

A few notable points:

• You now have to use 'Dutch reach' method when opening car door onto road.
• When turning into a junction car has to give way to pedestrian waiting to cross. 
• Cyclists can ride in middle of road if they deem it safer - they have right of way in many scenarios ahead of vehicles

It's surprising how difficult it is to find any decent links that just give a clear indication of the rule changes without a load of waffle.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-59997523

This item was edited on Saturday, 29th January 2022, 17:53

i think i learned about the Dutch reach method on QI,and thought "that's a good idea", and try to remember to use it. I guess if that's instilled in you at an early age you don't have to remember it.

there doesn't seem to have been much notification about it, I think I only knew there were going to be changes, when got an email from AA with a questionaire asking what I thought about the upcoming changes!

https://admars32.wordpress.com/
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Quote:
admars says...
"there doesn't seem to have been much notification about it, I think I only knew there were going to be changes, when got an email from AA with a questionaire asking what I thought about the upcoming changes!"
This is the thing, hardly anyone seems aware about it.

If I'm stuck on a main road waiting to turn into a junction and letting pedestrians cross, I don't want some road-rage idiot doing their nut behind me because I'm holding up traffic and they don't know the rules.

I read a bunch of the new rules a few days ago and thought... well I do all these things anyway! But as a born-again-cyclist I'm really glad about them being official now.

Although I also think the Highway Code isn't legally binding? Where is our resident policeman when we need him!


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Quote:
Robee J Shepherd says...
"Although I also think the Highway Code isn't legally binding?"
The vast majority of it isn't, no, it's merely guidelines. however it does make reference to which rules pertain to which laws as it goes along.

I notice that a few tabloids are harping on about the Dutch method and how if you don't use it you'll be fined £1000, but then when you read further down the article it explains that you'll only be fined if you knock someone off their bike if you hit them with your door, regardless of how you open it.

I can't see properly out of my right eye and my left shoulder's a bit dicky these days, so I wouldn't be able to employ that method anyway, but then, that's what door mirrors are for


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Writer`s Release

Where the door handle is on my Fiesta, the Dutch method wouldn’t work anyway. I have to reach forward with my left or right hand and I’m not compelled to turn my body.

Anyway, I read these new rules as, “Give way to anything littler than you.”

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This item was edited on Sunday, 30th January 2022, 11:57

The gull wing doors on my Delorean make this irrelevant anyway, but I have to be super careful about window cleaners on bicycles.


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Quote:
But as a born-again-cyclist I'm really glad about them being official now.
You and me both... must be a middle aged thing? 

Quote:
Although I also think the Highway Code isn't legally binding? Where is our resident policeman when we need him!
How is the highway code enforced?The highway code is being updated to improve road safety for vulnerable road users, but there will be no changes to the law. The rules of the highway code are advisory, meaning a person won’t be prosecuted for not complying with them.

However, the highway code can be used in court to establish liability in the event of an accident under the Road Traffic Act. This includes rules which say ‘should/should not or do/do not.’

If you are found to be at fault in an accident as a result of not complying with the Highway Code, you may face charges in court.





Best change will be in May this year - 

On May 31, councils in England and Wales will be given new powers to fine motorists up to £70 for minor traffic offences such as stopping in yellow box junctions, illegal turns and driving in cycle lanes.

Currently, only the police can enforce this - but new CCTV cameras will inform council officers of any offenders.

Quote:
marksparks999 says...
"You and me both... must be a middle aged thing?"
Actually I've been running for a few years and I'm injured right now, so I've started cycling because I can do that but I can't run and I'm hoping to not lose what's left of my fitness. 😀

Thanks for the clarifications!


Quote:
marksparks999 says...
"such as stopping in yellow box junctions"
I'm sure one of my family got fined by a camera for this a few years ago, and not by the police! The most annoying bit was just a tiny part of her car nose was over the box, and she wasn't blocking the junction at all.


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Quote:
Robee J Shepherd says...
"The most annoying bit was just a tiny part of her car nose was over the box, and she wasn't blocking the junction at all."
That's not really stopping in the box, is it?

She really should have appealed that...

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