With Spring 2025 upon us and cycling on the rise, it’s a perfect time to revisit the crucial rules in the Highway Code designed to enhance cyclist safety.
Enhanced Protection for Cyclists
Since the 2022 updates to the Highway Code, cyclists have received significantly more protection. These changes aim to foster safer road use and behaviour, particularly for vulnerable road users like cyclists.
Key Points to Remember:
1. Hierarchy of Road Users
The Highway Code prioritises road users based on their vulnerability in collisions. Cyclists, being more susceptible to harm, are given precedence over larger vehicles like cars and buses. This hierarchy aims to minimise the risks posed by different road users to each other.
The following graphic from the Department for transport sets out the position:
2. Priority at Junctions
Cyclists have priority at junctions. Motorcyclists, cars, and larger vehicles must:
- Avoid cutting across cyclists going straight ahead when turning or changing lanes.
- Allow cyclists time and space to move off at traffic lights.
- Give cyclists room to move into the correct lane at filter lanes.
- Stay behind cyclists at junctions, even if they are waiting to turn near the kerb.
Use the ‘Dutch Reach’ method to check for cyclists before opening car doors, reducing the risk of injury.
3. Safe Passing Distances
Motor vehicles must leave at least 1.5 meters when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30mph and provide more space at higher speeds. Extra caution is needed in bad weather and at night. Vehicles should wait behind cyclists if it’s unsafe to overtake.
Cyclists can pass motor vehicles from either side in stationary or slow-moving traffic. Initiatives like Greater Manchester Police’s ‘Operation Close Pass’ educate drivers and cyclists about these rules.
4. Roundabouts
Motor vehicles should prioritise cyclists on roundabouts, giving them ample room and not overtaking within the lane. Drivers should allow cyclists to cross their path safely.
Additional Cyclist Safety Practices
1. Riding Position
Cyclists should maintain a safe distance from the kerb, ideally at least 0.5 meters away. Riding in the centre of the lane, known as the ‘primary position,’ can be safer on quiet roads or in slower traffic.
2. Passing Parked Vehicles
Cyclists should leave enough room (about 1 metre) when passing parked vehicles to avoid being hit by opening car door.
3. Cycling in Groups
Cyclists can ride two abreast, which can be safer by reducing the overtaking distance for vehicles. However, single file riding may be safer on narrow roads.
4. Shared Spaces
Cyclists should be mindful of pedestrians, children, and horses, sharing space responsibly. In bus lanes, cyclists should watch for passengers alighting and adjust their speed accordingly. Extra caution is needed when passing large vehicles on the left.
5. Communicating Intentions
Cyclists should frequently check their surroundings, including other road users and potential hazards. This helps in making informed decisions and avoiding accidents. Clear signalling and making eye contact with other road users can help communicate your intentions. This reduces misunderstandings and potential collisions.
6. Visibility
Cyclists should wear reflective clothing at night and light-coloured clothing during the day enhances visibility. Cyclists should also use front and rear lights after dark or when visibility is poor.
Conclusion
The Highway Code aims to make roads safer for everyone. By understanding and following these rules, we can create a safer environment for cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
Unfortunately, despite these efforts to improve safety on the road, accidents can still happen and at JMW, we have a dedicated cycling team, headed by a cyclist myself who specialises in bicycle accident claims.
We are here to support cyclists after accidents and we often rely on the Highway Code rules to establish fault.
If you’ve had a cycling accident and suffered an injury through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation.
The Motor Accident Solicitors Society
It is essential following any road traffic accident that you use an independent, experienced solicitor. The Motor Accident Solicitors Society is a national society of solicitors who specialise in road traffic accident claims. Its Members are required to adhere to a strict service charter providing you with the peace of mind that your claim is being handled by experts. Whilst specialising in road traffic accident claims, Members can also advise on a wide range of legal disputes encountered on a daily basis.
To contact the society, visit our Contact Us Page and fill out an enquiry form. Alternatively, you can also reach us by email on enquiries@mass.org.uk or by telephone on 0117 925 9604.
‘Safeguarding Cyclists: Navigating Highways with Confidence’ is a blog adapted from a blog first published on Tuesday 25th March 2025 on the JMW website, written by Andrew Littlemore, Partner and Head of Cycling at JMW Solicitors, a MASS member solicitors firm.