The Department for Transport is proposing further changes to the cycling elements of the revised Highway Code.  The changes put forward are in order to clarify advice in the Code on the use of cycle facilities and cycle lanes.

The Department’s priority is to introduce a Highway Code that all road users, including cyclists, can feel confident referring to as a source of road safety advice and information on the law. We are confident the changes will help do this and promote safety, understanding and co-operation between all road users.

The proposal is to amend draft rules 61 and 63 of the Highway Code so that they would read as follows:

* 61 Cycle Facilities. Use cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless at the time it is unsafe to do so. Use of these facilities is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.

* 63 Cycle Lanes. These are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway (see Rule 140). When using a cycle lane, keep within the lane when practicable. When leaving a cycle lane check before pulling out that it is safe to do so and signal your intention clearly to other road users. Use of these facilities is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.

The Department is asking key road safety and cycling stakeholders to comment on these changes, with a view to including them in the new version of the Highway Code later this year.

Further details can be found HERE

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