The Highway Code has been updated following a public consultation on how to improve road safety for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
After receiving 20,000 responses, eight new changes will come into force today (Saturday 29th January).
The updated hierarchy of road users puts those who are most at risk on the roads at the top.
The code has been clarified and among the outlined points is that pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross should always be given way, including when traffic wants to turn into said road.
On roads where cyclists share space with pedestrians, they should not pass people closely or at a high speed, they are also obligated to slow down when necessary and let people know they are there.
The updated guidance also allows cyclists to ride in the centre of lanes and rise 2 abreast.
Drivers should also leave 1.5 metres (5 feet) of space when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
The new code also asks people to use a technique called “dutch reach” to open their car doors.
The code says: “Where people driving or passengers in a vehicle are able to do so, they 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 them turn their head to look over their shoulder behind them. They’re then less likely to cause injury to people cycling or riding a motorcycle passing on the road or people on the pavement.”
RAC Head of Roads Policy, Nicholas Lyes, said on the changes: “These major changes to The Highway Code should make the roads safer for the most vulnerable road users, in particular, those walking and cycling, so are to be welcomed.
“But it’s vitally important that all road users – especially drivers – take the time to fully understand what’s new as some of the changes are a significant departure from what’s gone before. For instance, drivers turning into a road should now give way to any pedestrians waiting to cross.”
In other driving news, the Mayor of London recently proposed a £2 daily charge to help reach climate change targets.
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