The new code has been out less than a week and introduces a new ‘hierarchy of road users’ as well as a variety of changes (or clarifications) to the existing rules of the road.

But if the outrage on social media is anything to go by, the new or adapted rules have been, let’s say, somewhat controversial, driven in part by several misinterpretations of the rules. Here are the four biggest examples:

1. “Drivers are the bad guys now!”

The claim: Drivers are complaining the new hierarchy means that motorists are being treated as the worst of the worst because they are at the bottom of the list.

The facts: It’s possible to take that point of view but in reality, the DVSA is simply trying to protect the most vulnerable, asking drivers to think about who is more at risk of injury if hit – a pedestrian, a cyclist or a driver?

Because we are cosseted in a metal shell with an array of safety features, it means the onus is on us to make sure we’re as accommodating as possible for those whose only line of defence is a helmet. Also, when it comes to that pecking order, vans, minibuses and HGVs are actually lower down the list.

2. “Pedestrians can cross whenever they want!"

The claim: If you’re a driver and turning into a junction, then pedestrians can now cross whenever they want.

The facts: It’s always been the case that if a pedestrian has started crossing a road as you turn into it, you should give way so they can continue (it’s surprising how few people appear to know this). However, one rule that has changed is if someone is waiting to cross, you should now stop to let them do so.

There are worries that this could cause rear end smashes as cars behind fail to react in time – but bottom line is that if all drivers are aware as they should be, such incidents won’t happen.

3. “Cyclists don’t have to use cycle lanes anymore!”

The claim: Some are claiming that the old version of the code stated cyclists had to use a cycle lane if there was one available – whereas now they don’t have to.

The facts: The code has never stated that you, as a cyclist, must use a cycle lane if available. The only change to this rule is that it’s now been clarified, stating that riders “may exercise their judgment and are not obliged to use them.”

We suspect cyclists are being asked to use their judgement because some cycle lanes can be congested with pedestrians, making it a risky proposition for both cyclists and pedestrians if mixing closely on the same stretch of tarmac.

4. “Cyclists can ride in the middle of the road all the time now!”

The claim: Drivers are venting online that cyclists can now ride around all day long in the middle of the road and groups of cyclists can ride side by side everywhere as well.

The facts: The short answer is that’s true – up to a point. The new rules say that “on quiet or narrow roads, at road junctions and in slower-moving traffic, cyclists may position themselves in the centre of their lane to be more visible and prevent being overtaken in a dangerous manner". However, it doesn’t state that cyclists can stay in the middle of the road whenever and wherever they want.

As for groups of cyclists, the previous code already stated you could ride two abreast so long as you “ride in single file on narrow or busy roads.” The new version adds clarity to this previous rule: “You can ride two abreast and it can be safer to do so, particularly in larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders.”

The rules ahead

While there is anecdotal evidence that some cyclists and pedestrains may be ’exploiting’ the new rules, the bottom line is the DVSA is trying to ensure that the most vulnerable road users are kept as safe as possible.

The real issue here is how the agency intends to promote the new/revised rules effectively so we don’t end up with any further misconceptions or confusion on our roads.

Know Your Code

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Main photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels.