CTC Highway Code Victory
Posted on Wednesday 30 May 2007 by Nick Bloom
For those who wonder ‘what the CTC ever did for us’, see the extract below from the CTC website:
Campaign Update
Following a high-profile campaign from CTC, the Government has agreed to amend the Highway Code to improve cyclists’ safety and to encourage drivers to take more care around vulnerable road users.
In total over 40 rules have been changed to the benefit of cyclists.
The new version makes clear that cyclists have every right to cycle on the road. Rules 61 and 63 state that cycle lanes and cycle facilities, are “not compulsory” and the decision to use them “will depend on your experience and skills”.
Last year the Department for Transport proposed a revised version of the Highway Code. Cyclists feared that this version contained rules which would see them held partly liable if hit by a driver while not using a cycle track or cycle lane. 11,000 people contacted their MPs, 20,000 signed an online petition and a cross-party coalition in both Houses of Parliament defended cyclists’ right to cycle on the road.
There will be a short stakeholder-only consultation to confirm that all parties are happy with the final wording, and the new version will go into effect before the summer.
Rules 61 and 63
The Department for Transport is proposing the following wording:
Rule 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.
Rule 63: Cycle Lanes. These are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway. 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.
John’s comments:
1. Woo-hoo. I should bloody well think so
but
OTOH
2. How do they reckon on-road cycle lanes can ever be safer than taking your lane?