A cyclist called for drivers to receive more education following changes to the Highway Code and Cycling UK's head of campaigns wasn’t satisfied with how the new code was being introduced, it has emerged.
The topic of cyclist safety on roads has been heightened by a viral incident between a cyclist and Land Rover in Northamptonshire.
The video showed a woman falling off her bike into a ditch after the Land Rover drove past on a country lane.
Highway Code regulations were tweaked earlier this year “to improve the safety of people walking, cycling and riding horses".
In a report published on the Government's website, drivers are told to “leave at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph, and giving them more space when overtaking at higher speeds".
The Highway Code changed in January this year
Jacob King
The regulations also urged drivers to “wait behind them (cyclists) and do not overtake if it’s unsafe or not possible to meet these clearances".
While some cyclists were satisfied with the rule changes, others believed that drivers required more scrutiny.
In a report published in the Cycling Weekly magazine on January 24, cyclist Helen Chelmicka welcomed the update, before explaining that "too many cars don't regard cyclists as part of the traffic".
She added: "The updates are great too because it validates cycling as a means of transport.
"It's validating cycling as a means of transport and cyclists as an important part of the traffic.
"It also helps with things that cyclists encounter that cars may not be aware of, for example potholes."
While James Haynes wrote: "It's great for cyclists but it's millions of car drivers who need the education. Where do they find out about the new changes? As not knowing just means road users will continue to abuse cyclists."
Cycling UK’s head of campaigns, Duncan Dollimore, wasn’t satisfied with how the new code was being introduced.
Mr Dollimore said: "The changes to the Highway Code will happen overnight, so it is frustrating official communications will come only after their introduction.
"That helps no one – neither the walkers and cyclists the rules are meant to protect, nor the drivers who are somehow meant to telepathically know about them – it is why we’re seeing so much erroneous reporting right now.
"While Government has promised to communicate these changes, a big concern has to be about the future duration of the awareness campaign. These are fundamental changes about the way we use our roads, it’s essential we have a long-term well-funded public awareness campaign to make that change happen.”
A cyclist fell off their bike after a Land Rover drove passed on a country lane
Northamptonshire Police
