CHANGES have been made to the Highway Code to protect vulnerable road users including cyclists and pedestrians.

Drivers will have greater responsibility to watch out for people cycling, walking or riding a horse, while cyclists will be expected to take greater care around pedestrians.

The new rules, which come into effect on 29 January, give clearer guidance for drivers to leave a distance of at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists – preventing frightening close passes.

At the same time, cyclists are advised that they should be some 50cm out from the kerb.

Cyclists are also now advised to ride in the centre of the lane in slower moving traffic. Although on quiet streets they can choose to move over to the left if there is a faster vehicle comes up behind them - but only if they can do so safely.

In a potentially controversial change, the Code says 'it can be safer' for cyclists to ride two abreast. Historically, this has been a point of conflict with drivers unhappy that this makes it difficult to pass.

Drivers who are turning into a road are instructed that they should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross.

There will also be a recommendation for car users to use the 'Dutch Reach' technique when getting out of the vehicle to avoid hitting a passing cyclist when they open the door.

This involves using the hand on the opposite side to the door, as this will cause the person in the car to turn their body and head to look over their shoulder.

However, the biggest obstacle to improving safety is that many motorists are in the dark about the changes, which are due to come into effect on January 29.

One in three polled for the AA said they did not know the Highway Code is being revamped, including around one in 25 who have 'no intention' of looking at the details.

AA head of roads policy Jack Cousens said: "Too many drivers are unaware of the new rules of the road.

"While the Government formally announced these changes last summer, they have been far too silent in promoting them.

"Shockingly, one in 25 drivers say they have no intention of looking at the new rules.

"These changes affect everyone, so we encourage people to read the updated code now so we can make our roads safer."

RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes described the amendments as 'a significant departure from what's gone before.'

He said it is 'vitally important' that all road users 'fully understand what's new.'

He added: "Any ignorance, or indeed confusion, about the updates to the Highway Code is likely to lead to avoidable collisions."

Provisional Department for Transport (DfT) figures show 4,290 pedestrians and 4,700 cyclists were killed or seriously injured in crashes on Britain's roads in the year to the end of June 2021.

The DfT said: "The changes to the Highway Code will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.

"The department has established a working group of key organisations to ensure that messages about the changes are as widespread as possible and our well-established Think! campaign will continue to ensure all road users are aware both when these changes come into effect and beyond."

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