Clubs brand Highway Code change ‘dangerous' and ‘confusing'

Campaigners and clubs want better communication on cyclists’ rights, reports Vern Pitt

- Vern Pitt

Clubs and campaigners have reacted angrily to changes in the Highway Code that suggest cyclists should pull over to let cars pass when riding in groups.

The revised Highway Code text was published this weekend and changes to the now infamous Rule 66 have been made to include the clause for cyclists: “Be aware of drivers behind you, and allow them to overtake (eg. by moving into single file or stopping) when you feel it is safe to let them do so.”

The change follows outrage that followed the government’s original proposed wording, floated in July 2020, that stipulated that cyclists had to ride in single file when “drivers wish to overtake and it is safe to let them do so”. It would have made it almost impossible to ride two abreast on many larger roads.

The government appeared to have listened in its response to the consultation but the final wording’s reference to “stopping” was never consulted on.

The change, which will come into force this Saturday, has been branded “dangerous” and “confusing” by club offiials up and down the country.

Mick Claydon, chair of Ashford Wheelers in Kent, told Cycling Weekly the idea that groups should stop, likely frequently, to let cars pass, was “beyond practical”.

He said: “Stopping is confusing. If you’ve got 10 or 12 cyclists and all of a sudden one is shouting ‘pull over’ then you’ve got to find somewhere to pull over straight away. The rider at the back is not going to hear the rider at the front until they go all the way down. And that can cause accidents. You need advanced warning if you’re going to stop.”