The Bikeability Trust response to the Department for Transport review of The Highway Code
The review of The Highway Code focused on a range of proposed changes aimed at improving road safety for vulnerable road users; cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.
The Bikeability Trust welcomed the opportunity to engage in the DfT’s consultation and approached this initially by consulting professionals from across the industry. A survey was sent out to instructors, providers and grant recipients, with 181 responses and 686 comments made. Responses were predominantly from instructors, but a good number of providers also completed the survey.
In the survey we focussed on the rule changes that would directly impact cycling and cycle training, including road position and paired riding. We have shared the responses with the Dft, along with a summary of direct quotes and comments that illustrate the full range of concerns and support expressed.
Most of the changes, were welcomed, with nuanced wording changes to rules recommended. It is clear that any changes must also be accompanied by a powerful publicity and educational campaign to embed the behaviour change required.
Our fundamental position is that changes should give members of the public increased confidence to cycle more often, and more safely, and should simplify and align the rules for all road users where possible.
Unsurprisingly, there was resounding support for the strengthened recommendation that cyclists can access training. Although some did suggest that there should be more mention of training throughout and that greater alignment generally was required between the Highway Code, Bikeability and the National Standards for Cycle Training.
Thank you very much for your responses and if you would like to read the reports in full they are available below:
A summary of our response to the consultation:
Summary of Highway Code Consultation Response
Our official response to the Highway Code consultation, which was submitted to the DfT:
Bikeability Trust Official Response to the Highway Code Consultation
Analysis of all survey results, including a summary of comments from the industry:
Highway Code Survey Results