As we move into Spring 2025 and the anticipated increase in cycling, it is a good time to remind ourselves of the important rules contained in the Highway Code to help improve the safety of cyclists.

Essentially, cyclists have been given far more protection following updates to the code in 2022. The updates focussed on behaviour change and making road use safer for vulnerable road users such as cyclists.

The following are the main issues to take on board:

1. Hierarchy of Road Users

The Highway Code has a hierarchy of road users, placing those most at risk in the event of a collision at the top. Cyclists, being more vulnerable are given a higher priority than larger vehicles, such as cars and buses. The aim is to reduce the danger they pose to each other.

The following graphic from the Department for transport sets out the position:

2. Priority at Junctions

Cyclists have priority at junctions, and the following applies to motorcyclists, cars and large vehicles (vans/large goods):

• When turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane they should not cut across cyclists going straight ahead. This aims to reduce the common accident when a vehicle turns left across the path of a cyclist.

In addition, the following rules apply to help protect the safety of cyclists:

• Allowing cyclists time and space to move off when the green signal shows at a traffic light.
• Allowing cyclists, time and room to move into the correct lane at filter lanes.
• Remaining behind cyclists at junctions even if they are waiting to turn and are positioned close to the kerb.
• Drivers should ensure they do not hit anyone when opening their car door and check for cyclists or other traffic by looking all around and using their mirrors. The ‘Dutch Reach’ is recommended and where you are able to do so, drivers should open the door using their hand on the opposite side to the door they are opening; for example, using their left hand to open a door on their right-hand side. This will make the driver turn their head to look over their shoulder. The technique is aimed to avoid causing injury to cyclists passing vehicles on the road.

3. Safe Passing Distances

There are safe passing distances for overtaking cyclists. Motor vehicles should now leave at least 1.5 meters when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30mph and give cyclists more space when overtaking at higher speeds. Extra care should be taken in bad weather and at night. Motor vehicles should wait behind cyclists, and not overtake if it is unsafe or not possible to meet these clearances.

Cyclists are now able to pass motor vehicles from either the left or right when in stationary or slow-moving traffic.

There are several police forces who have taken this change seriously such as Greater Manchester Police who have introduced initiatives such as ‘Operation Close Pass’ to help educate drivers and vulnerable road users.

4. Roundabouts

Motor vehicles should give priority to Cyclists on roundabouts. The code confirms that drivers should give cyclists plenty of room and not attempt to overtake them within their lane. Drivers should allow cyclists to move across their path as they travel around the roundabout.

It is important to note that the highway code also emphasizes the responsibility of cyclists to ensure the actions they take are in keeping with the safe use of the highway.

5. Visibility and Signalling

Cyclists are encouraged to wear clothes that assist with their visibility such as reflective clothing at night or light-coloured clothing in the day.

At night you must have white front and red rear lights lit.

6. Cycling in Groups

It is often a mis-understood position, but cyclists can ride two abreast and in certain circumstances it is safer to do so. It reduces the distance that a motor vehicle is required to pull out in order to overtake. Depending on the situation, it is sometimes safer to ride in a single file to allow motor vehicles to overtake such as on a narrow country road.

7. Shared Spaces with other road users

Cyclists should be aware of their surroundings and be ready to share space and give way to others such as pedestrians, children and horses.

Cyclists can share bus lanes, so it is important to be aware of passengers alighting and to adjust your speed accordingly.

Cyclists should be extra careful passing on the left of large vehicles who may not be able to see the approach.

Conclusion

The Highway Code aims to make roads safer for everyone. By understanding and adhering to the rules, we can all contribute to a safer environment for cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

Unfortunately, despite efforts to improve safety on the road accidents do happen and at JMW we have a dedicated cycling team headed by a cyclist myself who specialise in bicycle accident claims.

We are here to support and assist cyclists after an accident. We will often rely on the rules in the Highway Code in order to prove that the other party was at fault.

If you have had an accident when riding your bike and have suffered an injury through no fault of your own, then you could be entitled to make a bicycle accident claim for compensation.