Walking and cycling are considered two of the greenest and healthiest methods of travel. Explore the quiet back roads and country lanes west Norfolk has to offer – but in a safe and responsible way. In this guide, we would like to bring your attention to the recent changes made to The Highway Code and how this affects pedestrians and cyclists.
The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The code was updated on 29th January 2022 to improve the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. It is important for ALL road users to be aware of The Highway Code.
The ‘Hierarchy of Road Users’ was created to identify road users most at risk in the event of a collision. Prior to this update, all road users were equally responsible for their own safety and the safety of other road users. The full hierarchy is as follows:
The ‘Hierarchy of Road Users’ can help prevent accidents from occurring on the road. Road users most at risk, including pedestrians and cyclists, still need to check before they cross the road. Road users including drivers, cyclists and horse riders need to be careful when passing pedestrians and to make sure that pedestrians have seen them before passing them. Cyclists and horse riders must remember to signal when they are turning into or out of a road to inform other road users and pedestrians about their next action. Drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a road and MUST give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing.
The updated Highway Code has been designed to prevent accidents between drivers and cyclists.
Cyclists are now advised to ride in the centre of a lane on quiet back roads, in slow moving traffic or when approaching junctions to improve their visibility to other road users. Drivers should not overtake cyclists when they are approaching a junction.
The updated code states that cyclists now have priority when going straight ahead at junctions. They have priority over traffic waiting to turn into or out of a side road, unless road signs or markings state otherwise.
On busier roads or around fast moving traffic, cyclists are still advised to maintain a distance of 0.5m from the kerb edge.
The updated rule clarifies that cyclists can now ride two abreast – but must remain aware of their surroundings and road users behind them. If a car is driving behind a cyclist, the cyclist should allow the car to overtake by stopping when it is safe to do so or moving to one side in a single-file line.
When overtaking, drivers are required to leave at least 1.5 metres between the car and the cyclist.
Pedestrians have priority in the new updated Highway Code, and it is important for drivers to check for pedestrians before making a manoeuvre.
At a junction, drivers should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road.
Drivers MUST give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing and to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing. Pedestrians have priority on zebra crossings, parallel crossings and at a light controlled crossings when they have a green signal.
Only pedestrians may use the pavement including wheelchair and mobility scooter users.
Pedestrians should give plenty of time for road users to see them before crossing a road. Please be aware that vehicles will need more time to stop when roads are slippery. Pedestrians must look both ways and only cross a road if traffic is stopping from both directions or the road is clear.
[All of the above information has been provided by the Government’s official The Highway Code page. All information is subject to updates and changes]. Please note that the information provided on this webpage was accurate on the date and time it was published [27/02/2023 at 12:00]. Details may have changed after this time and date.
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