Highway Code Update 2022 | Cyclists Priority at Junctions 

How nice to see someone look at these rules calmly and sensibly. The clickbait media have done nothing to explain why these rules are changing, but they have demonstrated perfectly why they’re necessary. We’re all human beings just trying to get somewhere, some of us walk, some of us cycle and some of us drive. But no matter what our method of movement, we’re all someone’s parent, sibling, child, friend or colleague.

Do you know why I like Ashley's videos? He thinks of us, the traffic, as a community that are equal. I really like that. Thanks Ashley and I will make sure I do pay attention not to use primary position and swap over to the kerb to take over as it is unnecessary risk. I don't perform it, but it is still a thing that is worth considering and the view from the driver's side is really valuable in this(one of the main reasons why I do watch your videos - to learn what drivers experience).

I do a fair bit of driving in North Wales and the Lakes as I love walking in the hills and mountains there. A lot of the time it just needs some degree of common sense and courtesy from all concerned. Last time I was in North Wales I ran into a group of cyclists (well not literally haha) on a very narrow country road who were clearly part of the same club. Rather than risking barging past each one at the earliest chance I just sat back and gave them room. No more than 3 minutes later there was a large driveway and every single one of them stopped there and waved me past. Didn't delay my journey by much and in return everyone was kept safe. About 10 minutes after I reached my car park the rode in as well and I had a pleasant chat about where each was going with one of them.

As a cyclist if I was in Primary position and the vehicle in front indicates left whilst I was gaining on them my instinct would be to go further right and pass on the outside as they turned, not go left, as that space is always going to close. The main point for me is that most on road cycle lanes are not 2m wide therefore when a driver passes a cyclist in a cycle lane they will still need to move out to give the appropriate clearances. That painted line is no protection from the buffeting wind from the vehicle at high speed.

I was always told by my instructor (and that's over 20 years ago) that if your turning left and there is a cyclist ahead not to overtake them regardless, use common sense slow down and go BEHIND them. Also that you should always check a blind spot before opening a car door to account for cyclists etc. It seems to me that for the most part these new highway code updates are basically adding in some things that decent drivers should have been doing anyway simply through common sense and courtesy.

This is all very well presuming the driver has seen the cyclist to there left. When I'm cycling I don't like to undertake vehicles especially at junctions.

My concern is that cyclists will undertake vehicles indicating left, have priority and use it to, erm, perhaps boost their income. There is talk that motor vehicles that undertake can be prosecuted. In general I do not object to cyclists undertaking but undertaking a vehicle signalling to turn left is stupid.

Thanks for all three updates. When cycling I agree, if I adopt primary position at a junction I stay out there and complete the junction pretty much as if I was in my car. I certainly don't nip back in to the left to "undertake" if the opportunity arises.

The way the same rules are stated here in Germany roughly translates to "anyone turning must yield to traffic following the direction of the road, unless otherwise indicated by a sign or signal". Much simpler and perfectly clear...

Good shout on the potential for cyclist to undertake from the primary position to gain priority over a vehicle turning left into a junction. As much as that manoeuvre is an accident waiting to happen, I can see some not so switched on cyclists doing so. Hopefully that technicality gets addressed quickly. Great video Ashley. Top work.

If a cyclist moves from primary position to left side of a car that has indicated its turn, just to assume priority, it should be dealt with as a dangerous undertake by the cyclist and the motor vechicle held not at fault. If they were always on the left then yes the new rules are correct.

I allowed a cyclist to continue passed a junction when I wanted to turn left this evening. Probably delayed my journey by about 5 seconds at most. I wasn't aware of these changes coming but I did this as I don't have "must get infront syndrome".

There are definitely improvements that can be made to the new rules/guidance. But the mainstream media seem to be getting these updates wrong and that's causing some misinformation. At the end of the day, whatever type of road user you are, we are all humans. Use the road with great care for yourself and all others you encounter.

As a cyclist and motorist, I find the new rule that cyclists to a motorist's left should have priority at a junction to be mind blowingly stupid. If the cyclist is ahead, they should position themselves in the centre of the lane so that a motorist cannot place them on the left. Telling cyclists that is is OK to position themselves on the left of vehicles at junctions is leading them to putting themselves at risk, because it is an absolute certainty that there will be cases where a driver is unaware that the situation has changed since they stopped, and hit the cyclist with potentially serious consequences. It's not a case of who's in the wrong. The fact that it will continue to happen makes it a daft rule change.

It boils down to the simple concept of ‘Sharing The Road’. Unfortunately, too many of us - regardless of our mode of transport - see getting from A to B as a competition 🙁

I’m still worried that Cyclists will assume priority and that drivers will miss the cyclists even after doing proper mirror checks. You’ve always said that priority is given not taken. I’d put money on that cyclists are going to be hit more frequently due to this and other cars will get rear ended.

I had to rewatch the bit you were saying about primary and left turns. I can't imagine as a cyclist being in primary, seeing someone ahead indicate left and then try and go around them on the left. If you ever see it happen, please make a video of it. Because it sounds ridiculous.

I have a front facing dash cam. I am now going to get a rear facing one as well.

I think every sensible driver should be investing in a dashcam, front & rear if possible, to protect themselves........

One thing I'd like discussed. Cyclists please use lights on bikes, wear something reflective, you are hard to make out without lights and dark clothing

It takes some bollocks to undertake someone turning left wether you have right of way or not

Well done Ashley on a clear explanation of the new rules. I always give cyclists room when passing and slow down and give plenty of room for horses and pedestrians. I do a lot of country lane driving so I encounter these instances quite alot.

Thanks for this great analysis, as others have said, this is respectful of everyone, and as a non-driver, I wish all drivers were like Ashley. When cycling, I have always ‘acted like a car’, taking primary position at junction to stake my place and stop cars cutting me off. I wait my turn at junctions and when traffic slows, I think it’s dangerous to weave through and some cyclists, like some motorists, need to stop being in such a rush. As a pedestrian, I only assume the right to cross at pelicans, zebras, and if the road is clear when I begin to cross (assuming 30 mph). It’s much clearer for everyone to have a shared understanding about when and how people cross roads. For the rule to work, people will just have to start noticing pedestrians more when driving, and calm it down in places were there are lots of people.

I'm amazed the first part of H3 has become statutory. I drove bigger vans for years and I ALWAYS check that left hand mirror before turning left - as should every motorist. No need to stop suddenly - adjust speed accordingly. Easy.

With regards to primary position. If I'm in primary and a vehicle is indicating to turn left, I'm likely to position myself even further out.

Seems to me that there is so much mis-information out there (media particularly). I was watching GMTV this morning, a piss poor interpretation by Mr. Ed Balls, saying that motorists on roundabouts would have to give way to cyclists joining from their left... obv. incorrect but how many people will have watched and believed that little nugget ? Get yourself on there Ashley, they need someone like you to put them straight.

Many thanks for your balanced reaction to the changes that are imminent. It is really refreshing especially with the distressing columns and reactions on mainstream media (printed and televised). It has been very disappointing that people have responded with such anger without looking at the proof document that is available to the public. I never considered switching to the near side of a left turning vehicle when I’ve been following. My instinct has always been to follow or switch to the offside. Looking through the amendments/rewording I actually find that they’re all clarifying road craft I’ve been practicing on the bike for over 45 years and 35years in the car. Thanks again.

I think the best explanation I've heard of this is that is just a formalisation of common courtesy. Never understood what advantage a driver thinks they are getting overtaking a cyclist prior to emerging or leaving the main carriageway at a junction. It has been blown out of proportion, IE the difference between centre of a lane and centre of a road.

I think the main problem that cyclists face is that the road system is designed entirely around cars, and then bikes are just dumped onto the road to join them. Bikes are not cars, but they are handled almost exactly the same by the road system. Paint on the road is not enough. Changes like this may help cyclists and are cheap to implement, it's a change to a document, but if the government really wanted to help, they would be investing more into protected cycling lanes

Perhaps we should also adapt that cyclists are bound by the same rules as motor or motorcyclists, they are taking part in traffic so are by law bound by the same rules, if you drive through a red light as cyclist and have a driving licence you will get the same penalty as a motorist, in certain cases points on your driving licence. This is the case in germany, a country i lived in 27 years.

Thanks for doing these videos, so many poor attempts online at it analysing these rules.

As a car driver I would never pass a car that's waiting to turn on the side they're indicating on, I don't know why we're saying it's OK for very vulnerable cyclists to do just that.

"The second part of H3 is common sense" but the problem with common sense is that it isn't that common. Having ridden a bike extensively in France and Holland, drivers in the UK do not consider cyclists as equal road users - that needs to change and I hope these new rules aid that change

Great series Ashley! Thanks for the effort putting together. Thoughts that spring to mind as a part time driver / cyclist / pedestrian! : 1) You may be in the right. But don't be dead right. I always feel super sketchy up the left hand side of traffic, (e.g. rider at 3m10, sat in the blind spot. Hope all okay). And I won't be stepping out in front of traffic to cross at junctions any time soon. Basically on a bike I assume everyone is a homicidal drunk/drug driver and ride defensively. When drivers are considerate (i.e. obey the rules!) I'll always wave / smile, get out they way as efficiently as possible. I dont see this changing. 2) If a road layout had 2 vehicle lanes, where the left hand lane went straight on, and the right hand lane was for straight on / left turns across the other lane it would not pass planning. Appreciate this arises as a result of legacy infrastructure for bike lanes, but that must change. (Great expereince riding hire bikes around Berlin recently which has sequenced lights for cars, cylists and pedestrians, seperate lanes etc.) 3) I'd be super wary to pass up the left side of vehicles on a bike (even in a poorly painted cycle lane), and would slow at junctions in anticipation, ready to stop should a left hook arise. 4) I guess if the rule encourages more people to pay proper attention to near side at junctions and to what pedestrians are up to then it should reduce accidents, and at least liability will be clear. Time for pedestrians to get a hatcam?

Thanks for the video series, it's nice to know how the perception of cyclists might change in the future. I'm going to play it safe and assume no-one will follow these rules at first, and then re-assess how I cycle as we see changes in behaviour and therefore also in risk.

Great analysis Ashley, thank you. As a cyclist I don’t feel I’d take the primary position if I was approaching a lefthand turn I was planning to turn at. I agree this is an omission as I find a key way to keep safe when cycling in traffic is to be consistent and visible. A cyclist switching from primary to the left hand side would perhaps confuse the driver ahead, or reduce the driver’s chances of spotting you on the inside.

The rule that effectively grants cyclists priority even if they are approaching from behind is really dangerous. This is no longer about equality on the road, but creates a precedent for dangerous situations.

3:09 I was always taught (not from instructors but parents) that I should be giving way to cyclists going straight even if turning left and I’m ahead. So I was surprised that this turns out to be a new rule.

I still think, for most cyclists, self preservation is still going to stop most sensible people from putting themselves in danger. I wouldn't be able to force myself somewhere I stand a chance of getting knocked off. So enforcing "my priority" as some commenters I've seen on social media suggest just isn't going to happen. The chap in the clip that gets knocked off, might be "in the right" under the new rules, but I still wouldn't put myself in the situation that he did.

Food for thought, the new guidance on distances for overtaking cyclists would imply a minimum width of a cycle lane of ~3m as anything less would not allow heavy traffic to pass the cyclist leaving the expected clearance. Presumably this could be less in situations where the lane is properly divided with a kerb.

I think your videos are great, I've learnt a lot from them as has my daughter who is about to start driving lessons. Personally I think the way to ensure everyone is up to date with new rules and guidelines is to reassess competence every 2 to 5 years like we do in the rail industry.

On the "give way to cyclists coming up on the left" point - if you were driving along a road with a bus lane to your left and you wanted to turn across the bus lane to access a side road, would you cut across the path of an approaching bus? I'm sure that there are quite a few drivers that would cut across a cyclist's path but not across a bus' path.

Sensible advice as ever Ashley. I would imagine a very short Highway Code that just said ‘use the roads sensibly, respect others and make your safety and the safety of others a priority’ but having seen driving offences for drivers to properly clear their windscreens of frost or ice in cold weather, so their visibility is not impaired means we have to write prescriptive, detailed codes for those without ‘common sense’. Stay safe.

All in all, be more aware, less aggressive and respectful to vulnerable road users and people who may need to use it (ie. pedestrians)

Just seen “Blackbelt Barrister” with his take on the proposed changes to The Highway Code. I believe HM Government needs do a thorough publicity campaign as I’ve only see the proposed changes on both yours and a couple of other RU-vid channels!

We could do with the old style public information films to come back for these changes.

I think you are the voice of reason Ash, I'm a motorist and a cyclist so have viewpoints from both aspects. I live in Sheffield which is a very large city and see appalling behaviour by motorists everyday. This legislation won't save life's, most motorists will never even read or give a toss about it. A great many cyclists won't either, the only real answer is to segregate road users, that's not going to happen anytime soon. We are lucky to have a great cycle path network in South Yorkshire and loads of shared access for pedestrians and cyclists. I didn't realise that pedestrians had right of way on segregated pedestrian and cycle lanes but common sense tells me to give right of way to pedestrians anyway. I try to keep of the road as much as possible on my bike and ride on the pavement often. Again this requires common sense and to be courteous to pedestrians. The police have seen me riding on the pavement hundreds of times and I've never been stopped or questioned. I just behave responsibly as you would expect others to do, I always say hello and thank you, it's dead simple and works. Just to flip this around, many motorists give me a huge amount of respect when I cycle, but they are not the ones who are going to kill me.

Excellent clarity as always . If everyone was taught to drive or ride with the level of awareness and proper behaviour displayed by Mr neal the UK would have the safest roads in the world !

Primary position is great for making yourself more conspicuous to road users in general. The situation you describe; following a car in primary that is about to turn into a minor road, is perhaps one where secondary is more likely the driver will anticipate you passing on the left. Nonetheless, the easy fix in primary is to pass with caution on the opposite side to which the car is turning. Be mindful of other users who may use the break in flow caused by the turning car as an opportunity to emerge and haven't properly observed you.

This one doesn't really strike me as much of a change as they pretty much logical. If you count the cycle lane as it is, a lane. You're cutting across a lane when at a junction, so the cyclist, even behind you, should be given way if needed. The same should be applied for roads without cycle lanes, but that sounds more judge the situation on it own merits However, the one I'll be surprised if people change for is the cyclist overtake. Everyone's perception of Enough Space is different, and I see some pretty awful overtakes of cyclists already. On the flipside, I also don't believe many cyclists will move to the left of a lane to let others pass, as the media over the changes has been 'cyclists, use the middle of the lane'

Really well explained thank you I will forward your link to my 3 daughters who all drive, thank you xx

That’s a very good explainer of what good drivers have been doing all the time. However, as a pedestrian, a rider of both bicycles and horses and driver of a car I can’t help feeling that the priority is just wrong. A horse is not normally going to be a problem to a cyclist or a pedestrian. Cyclists can be a problem for horse riders if they don’t know how to approach them. I think we need to look at a respect and equality mindset rather than hierarchy. We all need to look out for each other on the road no matter how you use it.

I think it's a shame that there's so many drivers who are utterly careless that these had to be made rules.

Generally speaking most of the changes for cyclists I was doing anyway. I remember being told to give cyclists the same space as overtaking a small car when I was learning to drive. What does concern me is cyclists passing traffic on the left and travelling in blind spots. This particularly applies to HGV's. I don't think cyclists or any road user should be given special permissions to undertake vehicles. Undertaking can increase risk and for anyone driving a mechanically propelled vehicle can lead to being charged with careless driving. I believe that all road users should pay due care and attention. I do think cyclists taking prime position is something that should become the norm, particularly in slow moving, heavy traffic or narrow roads. I do wonder whether bicycles using the roads should be equipped with lights, indicators and mirrors and wear high visibility clothing at night? I agree in principle to the changes. I am concerned how it will work in practice.

Wow that emerge at 1:57 was pretty special. Great video, glad to see some clarity on these points.

I always appreciate your videos. I come from a different country but I what you do SHOULD be done by governments everywhere so that all drivers learn good advice. The only difference with the turning issue is that we are advised to NOT overtake a car that is both moving AND signalling their left turn. It is OK to overtake stationary vehicles waiting for a light. Of course an overtaking car is in the opposite position. If they cannot completely overtake AND turn left without impeding the cyclist then they have failed to give way. Our official clearance requirements are less than yours but I live in a rural area with nice people. They go to the other side of the road when passing and we wave to each other. Very civilised.

Most of those rules are just common sense and are already covered in the existing highway code. People who are operating outside the rules of common sense will ignore the new rules too. Many of the cyclists around us already believe they have a right of way in all circumstances.

Whilst these changes are welcomed, we need to see more cycle lanes being implemented. Cars and bikes travel at very different speeds and so when sharing the same area of road, of course there’s going to be conflict. Here in the Netherlands they use raised cycle lanes that are separated from the road and pavement and these work very well. I think when it comes to cycling, the UK has a lot to learn from Europe.

Priority rules like these have been in place in the Netherlands since 2001 and they've worked out pretty well. It took some adjusting, but it most definitely has made walking and cycling safer. Before 2001 it was like it was in the UK: fast traffic has priority over slow. However one major difference is that in the 6 months before the rule change an information campaign was held that explained the rules, and it do so ad nauseam. You really couldn't get away from those ads. I'm quite surprised these rules went into affect so quietly. Then again, I guess the UK government has been busy with other things ;)

My perception of pedestrians , cyclists , horse riders or all vehicles not mechanically propelled on roads is treat them like an antique vase . No jiggling taking chances with or generally just take wide berth and be careful . Always been this way should be really any way . Really good sound advice and great clarification , more should be made aware to public though as most have no clue . 👍

The vast majority of those changes are common sense and what most drivers were doing anyway. Unfortunately the government has used the opportunity to throw in stupid ideas like giving way to pedestrians on a roundabout, and allowing cyclists to take a primary position and then switch to staying close to the pavement to force the car to stop (there’s nothing in the rules explicitly preventing the scenario ash pointed out).

Im a bit lost on 3:13 so if traffic is doing lets say 10mph setting off and im turning left and a cyclist comes up the nearside at 25mph, i have to stop and let them go straight? Wouldnt this cause issues for people behind who may not react in time/not know why you are stopping..i would say if a cyclist sees an indicator, stay behind that vehicle surely? This is what I took from this part but i could be wrong..?😅

Aside of being a motorist, *I am a cyclist too* I ride about 6,000 miles a year (really, I do! - for weight loss / control). I really DON'T want more secluded, never swept cycle lanes. Most people in their cars are decent individuals but about once a quarter I get the "overtake and just turn left" clowns or "overtake, pull back to the left then brake hard" types too. I always wear a helmet. I always wear bright yellow clothing. I have 4 back lights (of which one flashes) at the back, 5 at the front (of which one flashes). One of each of the still front and back set of lights are on permanently too as I ride along day or night (the rest I keep until dark). The part of the road I prefer to use is the part where your left wing mirror would be. This gives me options to come back to the left to miss a pot-hole if I see it very late (like when it's dark) without otherwise having to swerve to the right were I riding along by or in the gutter. I do NOT ride on the pavement unless permitted (or instructed by a policeman, etc) I will always obey a red stop light *WHERE I HAVE A REASONABLE EXPECTATION THEY WILL ACTUALLY AT SOME POINT CHANGE FOR +ME+ ALONE* that means _without having to wait 10,20,30,40 ??? minutes for a car to come along for it trip the sensors because the signals have NOT been calibrated to "see me approach" properly_ (and before you all start moaning - for the love of God please understand I don't want to ride across a red traffic light even if the road is empty PLEASE FIX THEM! I am sick of reporting them!) My bike has brakes and is properly maintained and I also DO have 3rd party insurance too _though I question how some insurers (who are not interested in my losses {just those I might do to others} want to price the insurance at around £100 per annum when my tonne weight car is only £185 per annum._ I usually ride in the evening (going after around 8 pm but sometimes as late as midnight). About once a month I have people throw MacDonald's packets, beer cans and all other detritus at me while I'm minding my own business. WHY? I really am not in the way! (especially not at that time of night). For what it's worth, I don't and won't be undertaking traffic indicating to go left that was there before me _even though these new rules imply I somehow now get right of way._ Undertaking like this may be a way to get to the undertakers! At the end of the day, this is about driving / riding / walking RESPECTFULLY of other people. We are all people too, BTW. Try to be predictable. Indicate and don't "surprise" other people. We will all make mistakes. Let's apologise when we make ours and be prepared for try to forgive the minor transgressions of others, no matter how we're getting around. 10 people a day die on our roads. Put your phone away and don't touch the bloody thing until you get to where you're going. Likewise, if you wouldn't want someone to maim a member of your family through being inebriated, don't mix any amount of alcohol with any form of mechanised transport (including cycling). If you wouldn't want this done to you then *don't do it to anyone else!* Stay safe out there and use places like Ashley's here and elsewhere to refine and suggest improvements so we can all learn from it. The roads can be safer with a little patience and forethought / consideration.

When I was learning to drive 30 years ago my driving instructor told me I should always think ahead and show common sense for everyone on the road or path as you don't know what there gonna do

We are one step closer to adopting the Netherlands dutch way of road thinking and priority now and I love it.

Like the clear explanation! I already do all of these things when driving and when passing a cyclist/horse rider etc. I pretty much go as far onto the other side of the road as is safe to pass. I figure that if the cyclist falls off or a horse bolts whilst I am alongside them, the further away the better! Does the code also give any mention of following cyclists / horse riders? People often are too close behind them if they have to stop suddenly.

Thanks Ashley. I didn't know that these changes were coming until I watch your videos. I'm older than 21 and remember the government road safety cartoons constantly being played on all channels when I was a kid. It seems there is definitely a lack of communication concerning the highway code updates.

Thanks Mr Neal Clear and concise again. As for the ending.....just fantastic👏👏

So when passing parked cars cyclists should move out into the Lane to avoid opening doors effectively adopting primary position, they should also slow down in case pedestrians emerge from between the cars. I can see that's not going down well with the following car drivers despite the slow speed being being exactly the same speed car drivers should have in those circumstances.

Ah I really don't get these changes. Again as many people mentioned in comments on the previous video, in many European countries traffic going straight on the same road gets priority over turning traffic. That includes pedestrians, cyclists, horse-drawn carriages, maybe even helicopters who knows. The point is why does this have to be so convolutedly stated in the UK and how on earth was this not a thing before????

The biggest issue has always been cars that overtake and then turn, this rule should stop that, what worries me now is where there is no safe space for a cyclist to pass on the left when the vehicle in front is turning, but will still try to do so because of these changes (common sense says cyclist should be in the primary position for this but most wont). I can still see some cyclists trying to pass aver the lines at a junction because that is what they interperate the new rules as saying they can do (as some roads will be too narrow to have safe space down the left) or cyclists going from the right and cutting left to turn in front of slow moving traffic.

I was cycling riding and Scooter rider for long time then after car drivers now a minibus driver so Awareness in safe driving Most essential but what I can't understand is if cyclist Are using the public road shouldn't may have the responsibility of using the highway code themself Giving out hand signals to let drivers and other people on the road know what they doing if they were turning left they do L left hand signal and if they on the right side they do a right hand signal to make drivers aware which way they going also they should have high viz. Lights Too often is not countably they should put that in the highway code I always give people give way now this is in effect immediately I try tell other drivers to be wary of what they do when they behind the wheel, by the way I was Driving instructor for my sister and she pass 1st go so I've done very proud She's very safe driver fantastic videos of your driving school and lessons

These videos have given a great explanation to the new rules. Haven't really seen any government push on this and it scares me. Chaos will ensue

An Undertaking cyclist at a junction is putting themselves in danger if the vehicle in front has a left signal on and has had it on before the cyclist caught up as the vehicle slows down . Are we going to fit the " caution this vehicle is turning left" sound from HGV's on all cars? A competent cyclist will look at the nearside mirror to see if they have been seen or just hold back but ability varies as it does in all road users.

as a cyclist, if I see a car signalling left and I want to go straight on, I will either wait behind them, wait in front of them and make it clear that I'm going to let him pass or, if possible, manoeuvre to his right so that he can turn left without paying any attention to me.

I'm in agreement with these new advisories and I think most people were doing a lot of this already, but I did notice that the cyclist in the accident clip was sitting in a potential blind spot for the driver. I think most drivers check their blind spots when they're changing lanes on the motorway but much less so when on A roads, especially a left manoeuvre.

Daily Mail comments have been in uproar RE these changes. A lot of anger towards cyclists. Seems mostly irrational. I cycle purely for pleasure, not to commute or even stay fit just to get out into the countryside.

Is there going to be a video on the changes about cyclists and roundabouts? That's the change which most concerns me as it seems the most dangerous. "If you are turning right you can ride in the left or right-hand lanes and move left when approaching your exit. Position yourself in the centre of your lane if it is safe to do so (see Rule 72) and signal right to indicate that you are not leaving the roundabout." Surely it's safer to just ride primary in the correct lane rather than cutting across traffic at each exit.

All good advice as usual as an ADI myself been teaching these new rules or awhile now, the only problem I foresee is drivers who have been driving for awhile may not reread the Highway Code updates. Hopefully new drivers can educate others and maybe help there parents out with the new rules too. What do you think Ashley……

every driver should do an e-learning course on changes to the highway code at least annually.

Glad to see we're moving more towards the Dutch & Danish road safety rules. 👍

I think it's about time that cyclists should have a registration number on their bikes so THEY can be held responsible for their actions, too. I see so many cyclists riding on the road, then the path and not stopping at a red traffic light or zebra crossings. not having lights, but there is just no way of stopping them nore prosecuting for breaking the law! So, giving the cyclists who have this type of mind set more power on our roads is quite frankly ludicrous and dangerous too!

I’m reasonably happy that these changes are to do with common sense. Good motorists should be doing these things anyway.

I’ve just bought an e-bike with the intention of cycling to work every day. I’m petrified. Thanks for spreading the word Ashley.

In my opinion the new rules relating to cyclists will do little for safety but lots for the egos of the male dominated cycling lobby. If they really were thinking about safety then they would be advocating defensive riding. I have just recently passed my motorcycling tests and now have my full licence, that experience has taught me to be more defensive, to try and anticipate the actions of others by putting myself in the safest position possible in the circumstances. These amendments do not do anything like that. On giving way to cyclists going straight on, how can it be safe that the entity with poorest visibility or opportunity to see the cyclist must give way when it's obvious that the cyclist has the best view and opportunity to anticipate the cars actions? This whole thing plays into the cycling, car hating lobby and their selfish agenda and i fear will make them even more angry and righteous but not any safer.

Always look out for cyclists & give them plenty of room etc whilst I'm driving, however, here in London, SOME cyclists are a danger to themselves with how they ride. They think nothing of jumping red lights/zebra crossings (at high speeds) also whilst pedestrians are crossing. They don't slow/look when coming from a side road (even seen them shoot through give ways into other cyclists as they were not looking). I have no issue with the onus being on the vehicle as they can injure/kill easily......BUT, 100% responsibility should not be on the vehicle's, cyclists need to be more responsible also (saying this as I am also a cyclist)

A very sensible and balanced run-through of the changes. So much more thoughtful than some of the mass media opinion pieces which are simply sowing division on our roads.

These rules always applied. However the cyclists passing on the left of any vehicle going straight ahead is dangerous in any circumstance. It also is still illegal to overtake on the left regardless of priority. And that shouldn't be changed. Cyclists have a right to use the same as other road users. Just one other thing cyclists have the ability to travel at the same speed as other vehicles on the road. When they run up on the left of other road users who are excruciating a manoeuvre at a junction without warning the same rules applies. It's illegal to overtake any vehicle on the left. There should a compulsory highway code test for cyclists.

If I'm queuing to turn left, as I get close to the corner I try to keep as close to the left hand kerb as possible to minimise the risk of a cyclist trying to squeeze up my nearside. I think that's safer for everyone, but unfortunately it doesn't stop the cretin who's prepared to mount the pavement to get by.

The rules are fair enough. But..... Cyclists should be mandated to be visible - the amount who don't even have lights in the gloomy mornings is amazing.

Your clip illustrating overtaking a cyclist showed the cyclist near the kerb, in good visibility and on a relatively straight piece of road. A different scenario - cyclist towards the centre of the road, in poor visibility, near a bend presents a different challenge; a dangerously different challenge.

As a motorcyclist and cyclist and also a car driver you’ve got to remember there is not only very very bushy car drivers there are also some very bushy cyclists as well and the average is only achievable if they broke conditions suitable not every road is suitable for timekeeping I think the highway code says you’re not supposed to have timekeeping events on the public highway I know this is definite for motorcycles and cars I think cyclist could learn a lot from this as well it is not their race track thank you Michael

Nice video, the cycling rules are pretty spot on as you've very clearly pointed out. I totally agree with the taking primary position as well, just hope it doesn't generate aggro with idiotic vehicle drivers, although that rarely happened with me when I used to cycle 250 miles a week. Personally I'm in favour of more formal training for cyclists though. When I switched up my commute to a motorcycle I noticed the broad range between a competent and incompetent cyclist as a road user. Even basic safety points like shoulder/lifesaver checks before overtaking weren't used (nearly resulting in me rear ending an experienced cyclist who just swerved out in front of me with headphones in when we were both sharing a bus lane). At the next lights I advised him to shoulder check for his own safety, whereupon another cyclist retorted that "I shouldn't be in their lane anyway". Fortunately the big blue sign directly in front of us enabled me to swiftly educate without need for argument. We wouldn't dream of sending people out on 125cc bikes without CBT training, so why not for cyclists? After all, with electric bikes now many bicycles are as quick if not quicker in city traffic.

Don't know why there's such a clamour to overtake a cyclist anyway. I was driving home before and was behind a cyclist on a bunch of 30 roads and he was pedalling away like a demon, sticking to around 25-27 and with the amount of traffic lights there were, I saw no reason to overtake when my car was going barely any quicker and we were always catching up to the snake of cars anyway. People have too much of a "must pass cyclist" mentality.

Great video Ashley once again ,I hope people take note of the changes to keep every one safe who and what ever you use to commute, I do have one question, shouldn’t cyclists be forced to wear helmets , hivis vest and have lights on there cycles ? What are your thoughts on this ?

I have also observed signs on the rear of HGVs to keep clear of the nearside and stay within vision of the driver.

It’s a real shame they have to highlight and even legislate common sense..

Interesting to see the UK changing these rules to a situation where they're very much like the ones we have where I live, which is the Netherlands. I'm honestly surprised that these rules are only coming in now rather than decades ago... Who would even dare get on a bike if any motor vehicle is allowed to cut you off at a junction? Same thing for the last video, about pedestrians gaining right-of-way over traffic turning in at the junction. So everyone in the UK has had to look over their shoulder at every junction on the off chance someone's about to come careening from behind and cut in front / run you over? Horrifying.

I wonder how much additional road rage this is going to generate? Not from the people observing the new rules, but from those "behind them" who are ignorant of them, or don't care

I've learnt a lot from your videos and they've helped me to become a better driver. Your advice and video's makes driving a lot more enjoyable