person-bike-car

Are you looking forward to the “Dutch Reach”?

These are the top seven highway code changes that will affect you.

Lately, you may have seen the proposed Highway Code changes causing a stir on the internet. Well, those new rules come into force this Saturday, 29 January 2022, so what better time to check what’s expected of cyclists and drivers alike?

We sifted through the seven most important changes to help you. So without further ado please don your helmets and high-vis jackets, then proceed with the new Highway Code!

1. Primary Position

Cyclists should use the centre of the lane when it is dangerous for a car to overtake – for example at junctions, in narrow sections of road or approaching a roundabout. This is known as the “Primary Position”.

cyclist-riding-in-primary-position
Cyclist enforcing Primary Position on the road

2. Cycle lanes

Cyclists are not obliged to use cycle lanes even if one is available. The code has made this rule clearer but hasn’t changed it, cyclists should “exercise their judgement”.

Cyclist using Cycle lane

3. Crossing the road at junctions

A new section in the rulebook outlines that drivers should not turn into a junction if to do so, they would have to stop or swerve a cyclist, horse rider or vulnerable road user.

cyclist waiting to cross at the junction

4. Group riding

The new code also says that you can ride two abreast, particularly in large groups or accompanying a child or someone less experienced.

Why riding abreast is safer for everyone: Cycling Cartoons by Dave Walker

5. Slow moving traffic

Cyclists and pedestrians may pass the traffic in slow-moving traffic, and drivers should allow this.

man on bicycle passing in slow-moving traffic

6. Overtaking when cycling or driving

Drivers should also allow more room for cyclists when overtaking them – the code outlines that 1.5m should be given.

Why leaving space is important on a bicycle: Cycling Cartoons by Dave Walker

7.) The ‘Dutch Reach’.

The code will recommend a new technique when leaving vehicles. It’s sometimes called the ‘Dutch Reach’. Where people driving or passengers in a vehicle are able to do so, they should open the door using their hand on the opposite side to the door they are opening. This will make them turn their head and prevent a collision with cyclists passing on the road.

Driver performing ‘Dutch Reach’ to leave the vehicle

What are your thoughts on the changes? Let us know!

Comments

6 responses to “Are you looking forward to the “Dutch Reach”?”

  1. Kevin Armstrong avatar
    Kevin Armstrong

    Difficulty is, a certain cyclist mindset will take these changes as approval, when some will cause more problems than they solve. Riding two abreast by two experienced cyclists, with no reason to do so, other than having a pleasant chat is bound to annoy. HGVs forced to slow and delay deliveries has environmental and economic costs to no real benefit.
    I’m a leisure/touring cyclist and ride behind my wife to keep her safe, two abreast only on deserted country or cycle routes, and reverting to single should we hear a car or other vehicle behind approaching; it’s called consideration for other road users.
    If there is a cycle lane available, it is reasonable behaviour to use it and unreasonable not to, the DVLA’s energies should be aimed at increasing the availability and ensuring they are in good, ride-able condition. As the Netherlands found, the best answer is total separation

    Reply
    1. cyclerevolution avatar
      cyclerevolution

      Humans eh?
      If sharing our roads is as problematic as it appears to be: why not follow the example set by the Netherlands?
      Doing this may encourage even more people to take up cycling.

      Reply
  2. el gato avatar
    el gato

    Beautiful now to enforce it.
    There are many that will forget don’t care or don’t know.
    This is an amazing site i am not from this country and do’t know the Laws of cycling here i would love to see more of this, I’ve been riding all my life on sunny days only since i was 2 i am now 74 and still excited for the good weather to get out there but first i need to educate myself on road safety.
    Regards
    The cat.

    Reply
    1. cyclerevolution avatar
      cyclerevolution

      This is always the problem, rules are difficult to enforce but at least they’re trying!
      Glad to hear that you’re still enjoying cycling. You must have some stories to tell from your long years in the saddle.
      Read up on Road Safety and get back out there!

      Reply
  3. Dave avatar
    Dave

    Firstly I am a cyclist and a car and motorhome driver, so I speak as a cyclist and a motorist.
    As a cyclist, I certainly won’t be riding down the centre of the road, I would feel vulnerable.
    It’s not ideal to ride in the gutter either, so I ride somewhere in between. If there is a cycle lane, I would definitely use it and think it should be mandatory. As for riding in a group, which I regularly do, two or more abreast is a definite no no and does antagonise Motorists, it does me. As a road user, you should be considerate as best you can. I/we only ever ride 2 abreast max say on a quiet country lane and separate again if another car approaches in either direction. It is vital though that cyclists wear appropriate reflective or bright clothing to ensure they are seen more easily and have lights on both front and rear. The DVLA should look at making all cyclists even the teenage wheelie type bike riders who don’t give a ****, adhere to these rules and if deemed an equal user of the road, they should pass a test as do motorists.
    This needs to apply to all road users such as scooter riders and powered wheelchair users who seem to do what they like continually switching from road to pavement and back again. There’s an accident waiting to happen. Also cyclists shouldn’t ride on the inside of traffic, it’s dangerous and inconsiderate. Don’t agree that drivers should have to wait to turn at junctions. As a pedestrian we were taught years ago how to cross the road and that includes crossing at a safe place and looking and listening all the time. Motorists can’t see round corners. You can’t just hold up the traffic because someone as chose to cross the road at a busy junction. Of course you have to be aware that someone might be crossing and you should be considerate. I’m guessing this is to safeguard the cult that has become the jogger and walker who choose to go about in their own little world listening to music and totally oblivious to what’s going on around them. I love music same as the next person. I listen and sing along to it in the car, but I’m still aware what’s happening on the road, ahead and behind. I’m sorry but it’s up to everyone to ensure the road is safe, the onus can’t and shouldn’t be just down to motorists.
    When I overtake a cyclist or occasionally a horse, I always slow down and give a wide berth, always have. Don’t need some law to tell me that and if other motorists aren’t doing that already, then the DVLA need to look at the driving test theory. I’m more concerned about electric scooters. There’s no mention of this and as I’m aware they are neither legal or illegal yet, but there are plenty of them whizzing about and most without due care or consideration, and that applies to both road or pavement. As for the state of the roads, don’t get me started. When are the DVLA going to ensure there are no more pot holes for us cyclists to have a nasty accident on.

    Reply
    1. cyclerevolution avatar
      cyclerevolution

      Plenty of meat there Dave.
      I think it all boils down to how we should conduct ourselves in everyday life:
      Be considerate of those around you.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *