‘When will cyclists be fined for recklessness!?’ Drivers rage as new rules start TONIGHT

In a poll of 1,681 Express.co.uk readers, held from January 25 to 26, a huge 85 percent of voters said cyclists should not be given priority under the new Highway Code changes. Many readers voiced frustration with the lack of regulation imposed on cyclists and felt that more needs to be done to ensure drivers are not put at risk by reckless bicycle use.

—————-

One voter, Brock, said: “I am normally courteous towards cyclists when driving around, but it’s just a pity cyclists often break the law in every which way they can.

“Many of them simply don’t have respect for other road users and get away with it. In a car I wouldn’t get away with shooting a red light, why should they?”

Another reader added: “Is it not about time cyclists are prosecuted for breaking the law and respect other road users?”

The changes to the Highway Code will mean:

  • Drivers have to leave 1.5m space when overtaking cyclists
  • Drivers should leave at least 1.5m when overtaking cyclists to help keep them safe
  • Cyclists advised to ride in middle of road
  • Cyclists will be advised to ride in the middle of the road when approaching junctions and on quiet roads – currently, those on bikes typically ride on the left-hand side
  • Drivers have to give priority to cyclists, pedestrians, and horse riders
  • Drivers will be told to give more priority to cyclists and pedestrians, and everyone will have to give way to pedestrians that are waiting to cross a road they are turning into
  • Pedestrians will have priority when on a zebra crossing, on a parallel crossing or at light controlled crossings when they have a green signal
  • Cars indicating to turn left or right will also have to give way to cyclists coming from behind and going straight on, under the new rules
  • Car users should reduce the risk of opening a door into the path of a cyclist by using the hand on the opposite side to the door, as that will often lead to them looking over their shoulder

Express.co.uk reader Bob Page said of the new rules: “I’ll always try to follow the law, but these laws are going to make the roads more dangerous for everyone.”

When asked whether Express.co.uk readers will give cyclists priority at roundabouts after the changes come into effect, a majority of 53 percent of voters said they will not, while 30 percent said they will, and a further 17 percent were not sure.

One reader said they will follow the new rules as long as “cyclists obey road signs”.

They added: “It seems that give way signs and traffic lights do not apply to many cyclists. As well as undertaking slow moving traffic.”

Some 76 percent of voters said they do not support the new rule to open a car from the inside with the hand furthest away from the door, whilst 19 percent said they did, and five percent were not sure.

DON’T MISS:
POLL: Should billionaires be banned from space?
Nicola Sturgeon POLL: Has SNP blown independence hopes?
Nigel Farage slams Liz Truss for spending £500k on private jet

A huge 96 percent of voters said it is not a good idea for cyclists to ride in the middle of the road, as per the new guidance.

One voter commented: “Living in a rural area, I already give priority to horse riders and cyclists, but if they insist on hogging the centre of the road this simply isn’t going to do anything other than create resentment from motorists.”

Many other voters already voiced resentment towards reckless riding by cyclists.

Robert said: “Even walking around a country park the cyclists ride as if there is no tomorrow! Those that have bells fitted do not use them, they assume pedestrians enjoying the walk have eyes in the back of their heads and have A1 hearing!”

Stay up to date with the latest changes in road tax, fuel prices, and traffic updates by signing up for the Cars newsletter here.

source: express.co.uk