2022 Highway Code updates

[daviemac]

In city centres it is often cyclists that can move faster - similar to your motorbike point you often get cars nudging left to stop you moving up the traffic.  Frankly all of this would be easier if we could get rid of the arseholes, whether they ride a bike or drive a car.  Some good manners and courtesy all around would go a long way.  Oh god I am so old fashioned.

I think you have hit the nail on the head with the 'good manners and courtesy' point, it seems to be lacking in society in general these days.

I think it's part ignorance of the rules and regulations and part being an awkward selfish arsehole. Cyclists can legally filter through traffic on either side but car drivers just don't like it.

I try to have consideration and give cyclists the room they need but it really boils my piss when they ride two abreast or on the road adjacent to a cycle track, it's such a selfish and inconsiderate attitude.

[lamboman]

A motorcyclist can always keep up with traffic so nobody is going to want to get past, cyclists are slower and them riding in the middle of the road is bound to cause frustration, especially if cars could easily get past if they were nearer the curb.

Well some motorcyclists can but a lot don't keep up with traffic,scooters certainly can't and anyone that gets frustrated by getting stuck behind a cyclist for a couple of seconds has anger issues or needs to leave earlier.
The trouble is a lot of car drivers idea of easily getting past is taking the paint of your bike as they pass or knocking you into the verge.
I ride about 500km a week so I see this all the time and also this is something you simply don't come across on the continent.

[Sha99er]

and anyone that gets frustrated by getting stuck behind a cyclist for a couple of seconds has anger issues or needs to leave earlier.

~

Well thats just it, its not normally a few seconds sometimes it can be long enough to have a tailback behind the cyclists and they still dont have the comon decency to move over from two abreast to let the build up of cars past.

[lamboman]

~

Well thats just it, its not normally a few seconds sometimes it can be long enough to have a tailback behind the cyclists and they still dont have the comon decency to move over from two abreast to let the build up of cars past.

You simply don't understand the issues.

[lillythesavage]

I think you have hit the nail on the head with the 'good manners and courtesy' point, it seems to be lacking in society in general these days.

I think it's part ignorance of the rules and regulations and part being an awkward selfish arsehole. Cyclists can legally filter through traffic on either side but car drivers just don't like it.

I try to have consideration and give cyclists the room they need but it really boils my piss when they ride two abreast or on the road adjacent to a cycle track, it's such a selfish and inconsiderate attitude.

On the A13 from Essex into London, the lanes are plenty wide enough for motorcycles to filter through but some see this as an excuse to do it at speed, and  impatient car drivers change lanes and do not see them, I would guess 7 out of 10 rush hour knocks happen this way, completely avoidable by both taking a little more time and consideration.

[Sha99er]

You simply don't understand the issues.

I think its the opposite.

[Marmalade]

If I am approaching a group of walkers who are spread out and walking alongside each other -  I always move to the near side of the pavement - then they make room. If I move to the outside they don't and expect me to step out into the road.

A good move.

Though if they are also talking, coughing and gesticulating with large volumes of air they will also endow you with a greater dose of other variants!

[Marmalade]

Well thats just it, its not normally a few seconds sometimes it can be long enough to have a tailback behind the cyclists and they still dont have the comon decency to move over from two abreast to let the build up of cars past.

You simply don't understand the issues.

I wonder how many people actually do — understand all the issues from all sides?

I don’t live in a heavy conurbation where the issues are probably most pressing, and cannot claim to be a frequent pedestrian, cyclist, driver or town planner in such an area. Somehow I often doubt if the last of those has a good grasp of the first three.

If it’s about rights, I like to think I can live in an area where road rage (and it’s variants) is low or non-existent, and serious injury from road use rare. I’d like to think we can still get to where we’re going with a reasonable minimum of fuss and delay.

But we all get annoyed at times. I instinctively classify pedestrians, cyclists and drivers as annoying or not annoying.



Two suggestions:

One is from the advanced motoring course. Imagine that most other road users are idiots. Look out for and allow for their idiocies.

The other is as a pedestrian, cyclist or driver in hurry. Imagine you’re on a fucking bus. Nothing you do, say or think will make the fucking bus go any fucking faster. Fucking chill out till you get where you’re going!

[Sha99er]

And here we have it, officially as of tomorrow.

External Link/Members Only

[Sha99er]

Any of you old enough to remember rthis bloke lol 

Hidden Image/Members Only

[Blackpool Rock]

Any of you old enough to remember rthis bloke lol 

Hidden Image/Members Only

Yeah he was a wolf in sheep's clothing and wanted to kill kids really, funny how he got the highway code changed to do it rather than slaughtering everyone with his light sabre but I guess there's no comeback that way 

And don't say he's dead it's impossible to kill the fucker 



Hidden Image/Members Only

[lamboman]

Any of you old enough to remember rthis bloke lol 

Hidden Image/Members Only

Beat me to it.

[mr.bluesky]

Yeah he was a wolf in sheep's clothing and wanted to kill kids really, funny how he got the highway code changed to do it rather than slaughtering everyone with his light sabre but I guess there's no comeback that way 

And don't say he's dead it's impossible to kill the fucker 



Hidden Image/Members Only

Went from Green Cross Code man to Darth Vader but had to have his lines dubbed by Actor James Earl Jones as you could not have Darth Vader speaking with a west country accent. 

[Sha99er]

Tried to post a funny link but it didnt work.

[Gordon Bennett]

I was out and about on my bicycle today on a wide cross section of busy roads and junctions. I had the distinct impression that motorists were giving me far more space and time than in past several years. Be interesting to see if it lasts.
It could be that irrespective of any controversy over recent Highway Code update, it's actually caused folks to think about the futility of being impatient on the roads.

[Marmalade]

There will always be some fucking animals taking advantage of the small print…

Hidden Image/Members Only

[myothernameis]

I was out and about on my bicycle today on a wide cross section of busy roads and junctions.

My bike currently due to have its yearly service, and have been out this week, buying some new parts, for the engineer to put on my bike

So out local, and in Glasgow, so when crossing any roads, i have been checking the road is clear to cross.   So in general I give the cars a 500 meter distance before crossing, but what I have seen with motorist, was appalling

Out of around 15 cars, at least 6 of them, made no attempt to slow down, even with me looking directly at them, and two of them were taxi drivers, and one of them hooted his horn 

Now one thing occurred to me, were these motorists aware of the change in the highway code, so decided to drive on.  Other option, they are aware, but have decided not to yield and give way to me or others crossing the road

Motor groups, are saying this change in the highway code is going to cause accidents, as pedestrians just step out on to the road.
I would say the opposite, if a  pedestrian looks to make sure it safe to cross the road, its the motorist responsibility to slow down

[lillythesavage]

I was out and about on my bicycle today on a wide cross section of busy roads and junctions. I had the distinct impression that motorists were giving me far more space and time than in past several years. Be interesting to see if it lasts.
It could be that irrespective of any controversy over recent Highway Code update, it's actually caused folks to think about the futility of being impatient on the roads.

It was the bright mild weather

[lamboman]

My bike currently due to have its yearly service, and have been out this week, buying some new parts, for the engineer to put on my bike

So out local, and in Glasgow, so when crossing any roads, i have been checking the road is clear to cross.   So in general I give the cars a 500 meter distance before crossing, but what I have seen with motorist, was appalling

Out of around 15 cars, at least 6 of them, made no attempt to slow down, even with me looking directly at them, and two of them were taxi drivers, and one of them hooted his horn 

Now one thing occurred to me, were these motorists aware of the change in the highway code, so decided to drive on.  Other option, they are aware, but have decided not to yield and give way to me or others crossing the road

Motor groups, are saying this change in the highway code is going to cause accidents, as pedestrians just step out on to the road.
I would say the opposite, if a  pedestrian looks to make sure it safe to cross the road, its the motorist responsibility to slow down

It will be a long education process,you only have to look at the replies here from some that don't even realise you can't leave a 5ft gap without crossing the median line.

[lillythesavage]

Little will change, there is no enforcement, no money in it and very few traffic cops, they have all been moved to Commercial vehicle enforcement units, there is money in that.

[lamboman]

Little will change, there is no enforcement, no money in it and very few traffic cops, they have all been moved to Commercial vehicle enforcement units, there is money in that.

There will be plenty of money in the "where there's blame" lawyers who will be licking their lips at these rules and education has to start somewhere.

[myothernameis]

Little will change, there is no enforcement, no money in it and very few traffic cops, they have all been moved to Commercial vehicle enforcement units, there is money in that.

Enforcement is likely to come from cyclist camera, submitted through police portal.  Money wise, some of the traffic law has now been passed over to the councils, who now potentially could fine you for

Stopping in yellow box junctions, parking on payments, do a u-turn, parking in cycle lanes, and fines could be up to £120

[lillythesavage]

Enforcement is likely to come from cyclist camera, submitted through police portal.  Money wise, some of the traffic law has now been passed over to the councils, who now potentially could fine you for

Stopping in yellow box junctions, parking on payments, do a u-turn, parking in cycle lanes, and fines could be up to £120

Councils have been doing that for years, and how often do plod act on camera footage? Policing by camera has become the norm, but cameras other than personal cannot police the new regulations.

[Marmalade]

So out local, and in Glasgow, so when crossing any roads, i have been checking the road is clear to cross.   So in general I give the cars a 500 meter distance before crossing, but what I have seen with motorist, was appalling

Out of around 15 cars, at least 6 of them, made no attempt to slow down, even with me looking directly at them, and two of them were taxi drivers, and one of them hooted his horn 

My main impression of roads in that fair city of culture and architecture is that smaller items travelling about on motor highways can conveniently be viewed as roadkill.

This includes pedestrians and cyclists. Whereas in Edinburgh they will tend to regard such things as festival attractions and even humbly slow down for them. I tell tourists hesitantly waiting for the 'green man' sign that this is not Glasgow and motorists are not trying to kill them. 

[lamboman]

and how often do plod act on camera footage?

Very often is the answer 1 in 4 ends in a prosecution,it's ideal for them.
Little work for a nice tick in the conviction box and it keeps the dickhead drivers in check.

[spiralnotebook]

I wonder if the changes have been pushed by lobbyists on behalf of the insurance companies, expect an increase in the number of pedestrian/car collision claims a true charter to print money for the scammers. 

[spiralnotebook]

And with parity comes responsibility. It’s time for compulsory insurance, PPE inc approved crash helmet, body armour, hi viz and an MOT. The same should apply to pushbikes.

[Sha99er]

And with parity comes responsibility. It’s time for compulsory insurance, PPE inc approved crash helmet, body armour, hi viz and an MOT. The same should apply to pushbikes.

Yup, I dont see why they should be exampt, for those that dont have any kind of drivers licence I would be all up for making them do some kind of test as well.

[Marmalade]

Are cyclists the new national speed bump??

Clearly if they decide to hog the road, as some now feel so entitled to do, much of the nation’s traffic will have to slow down to no faster than cycling-speed.

Motor-vehicle-only lanes are called “motorways”.

 

[daviemac]

Are cyclists the new national speed bump??

Clearly if they decide to hog the road, as some now feel so entitled to do, much of the nation’s traffic will have to slow down to no faster than cycling-speed.

Motor-vehicle-only lanes are called “motorways”.

 

Cyclists are expected to have consideration for other road users and allow traffic to overtake by stopping if need be.


Hidden Image/Members Only

[lostandfound]

Yup, I dont see why they should be exampt, for those that dont have any kind of drivers licence I would be all up for making them do some kind of test as well.

First they came for the cyclists. Then they came for the pedestrians ... 

Not going to happen.

[Gordon Bennett]

Not specifically Highway Code but same ballpark.....

The laws regarding using a mobile whilst driving will be updated next week to cater for modern day smartphone usage. Seems folks using phone for stuff other than communicating have been getting off.

External Link/Members Only

[Marmalade]

Not everyone knows this but it’s important not to go over 30 m.p.h. when driving over a cyclist. 

[Sha99er]

illuminating the screen
checking the time
checking notifications
unlocking the device
making, receiving, or rejecting a telephone or internet based call
sending, receiving or uploading oral or written content
sending, receiving or uploading a photo or video
utilising camera, video, or sound recording
drafting any text
accessing any stored data such as documents, books, audio files, photos, videos, films, playlists, notes or message
accessing an app
accessing the internet.

So let me get this right, if your phone rings your not allowed to reject the call, you've just to leave it ringing till who ever on the other end think's fuck this?

I dont see much difference in alot of these things to changing a radio station, or turning on your light, beeping your horn or any other thing that may take a second to do?

[daviemac]

So let me get this right, if your phone rings your not allowed to reject the call, you've just to leave it ringing till who ever on the other end think's fuck this?

I dont see much difference in alot of these things to changing a radio station, or turning on your light, beeping your horn or any other thing that may take a second to do?

You can still use the phone for hands free calls and as a statnav etc as long as it's in a cradle and not hand held.

BTW you can be prosecuted for all the things you mention along with various others if the distraction causes you to drive without due care and attention.

[myothernameis]

Finally Police Scotland have come into the digital age of cycle camera footage, and footage can be sent in by cyclist, or even motorists.  So very soon Police Scotland will allow camera footage to be uploaded to a portal online, and most English forces already do this


External Link/Members Only

[Sha99er]

BTW you can be prosecuted for all the things you mention along with various others if the distraction causes you to drive without due care and attention.

I can be prosecuted for turning on my lights or beeping my horn, thats a new one to me lol.

[Marmalade]

I can be prosecuted for turning on my lights or beeping my horn, thats a new one to me lol.

If the cyclist was black, foreign, a woman or transexual, you could probably get done for something else as well. 

[Sha99er]

If the cyclist was black, foreign, a woman or transexual, you could probably get done for something else as well. 

haha, point taken! 

[daviemac]

I can be prosecuted for turning on my lights or beeping my horn, thats a new one to me lol.

Try reading the post correctly and maybe understand the words that are written.  Oh nearly forgot, lol

if the distraction causes you to drive without due care and attention.   

In other words it doesn't matter what you do in a car if what you do causes you to drive without due care and attention you can be prosecuted for it.  To clarify the charge would be driving without due care and attention even though you turning your lights on caused the lack of attention.

[Gordon Bennett]

This new app's been in press past few days. It allows you to video a speeding car on your phone. It then uses clever AI stuff to produce a clip and report that could be uploaded to police.
I'm not sure how it would all stack up IRL but the thought of indignant campaigners spending their lives as ad hoc speed  cameras is quite amusing I think.

External Link/Members Only

[Thecunninglinguist]

This new app's been in press past few days. It allows you to video a speeding car on your phone. It then uses clever AI stuff to produce a clip and report that could be uploaded to police.
I'm not sure how it would all stack up IRL but the thought of indignant campaigners spending their lives as ad hoc speed  cameras is quite amusing I think.

External Link/Members Only

Just like any of these citizen evidenced based anti motorist cases. Unless it is 100% you are at fault and that is undeniable, always plead not guilty and make your accuser give evidence in court and ask very searching questions about the context of the evidence taking, weather, traffic flow, anything that may be relevant and their knowledge of the technology they use. If that can't be explained and is not legally accepted like main stream speed checking devices. Which also have to be tested and calibrated regularly, which should be produced if requested. Then ask that evidence be given by a qualified expert that it is fit for purpose. Just make it as awkward as possible and the police would probably discontinue. There may well be a reluctance of your accuser actually standing in open court to give evidence and be cross examined.  Lastly, don't forget that if there is a possibility that penalty points against your licence, then a Notice of Intended Prosecution has to be sent by recorded delivery to the registered keeper's address within 14 days of the INCIDENT, not when it was reported. Otherwise no prosecution can take place. So any delay in submitting or viewing evidence may mean a delay in sending the notice.

[Marmalade]

Edinburgh roads — and probably those of other cities — are awash with cycle lanes, pedestrian drinking huts and dug-up areas for our wonderful mythical trams. I wonder if any road-tax-paying road-user has calculated the resulting percentage of unusable road and applied it against road tax to arrive at a sum he or she should morally be paying.

[lamboman]

I wonder if any road-tax-paying road-user

There's no such thing as road tax.

[Watts.E.Dunn]

Edinburgh roads — and probably those of other cities — are awash with cycle lanes, pedestrian drinking huts and dug-up areas for our wonderful mythical trams. I wonder if any road-tax-paying road-user has calculated the resulting percentage of unusable road and applied it against road tax to arrive at a sum he or she should morally be paying.

You should come to Canbridge sometime! Its not called cycle city for nothing;!...

And we have the wierd and wacky Dutch stylee roundabout where cyclists will go in front of a car without waiting for it to stop!...

The only good thing sis it cost so much to build they can't afford anymore of the damm things!

External Link/Members Only

[Marmalade]

There's no such thing as road tax.

You're right of course. There isn't. It's just an acronym of diseased roads dressed up in a woke euphemism that no-one uses.

And if we add that wonderful ve-hic-ular excise duty (VD tax or VeD for short) to fu-el duty (FuD tax) ...
it seems that the people paying the money must be getting fantastic value in charitable unused top-ups (Cunts).

... since two-thirds of it goes on something other than roads, potholes. 
Could it be for things like speed cameras, roundabouts and cycle lanes?

Wheeeeeeeeee!!! External Link/Members Only
Remember vehicle drivers: it's "DUTY"!
Cyclists everywhere I guess can send a big thankyou to vehicle drivers (though I haven't actually noticed them doing it). Funny that.

[Gordon Bennett]

Will be allowed to watch telly in self-driving cars.

Seems wholly unnecessary really.

BBC News - Highway Code: Watching TV in self-driving cars to be allowed
External Link/Members Only

[petermisc]

Will be allowed to watch telly in self-driving cars.
Seems wholly unnecessary really.

I think it is to help prevent people nodding off.  The first application of self-driving technology is going to be following the car ahead, keeping in the same lane, on a congested road.  Very boring.

It has to be a built-in TV, that is automatically switched off when the auto-driving system needs you to take back control.