Clarion response to Highway Code consultation

The National Committee submitted a response on behalf of the club to the recent consultation as part of the government’s review of The Highway Code to improve road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.

The response is presented below, and can also be downloaded as a PDF using the button below.

Consultation on the revision of the Highway Code

I am writing on behalf of the National Clarion Cycling Club. We are one of the oldest cycling clubs in the country, having been founded in 1894. We have 14 sections and approximately 2,000 members in Great Britain.

Our comments are as follows:

H1] We support the concept of a “Hierarchy of Road Users” giving priority to the needs of the most vulnerable. It is reminiscent of the law of the sea that “sail comes before steam”.

H2] We would support pedestrian priority at junctions and priority on shared pedestrian / cycle paths.

H3] We would support the rule prioritising cyclists going straight ahead at junctions.

Rule 67] We would strongly support the advice to leave a door’s width when passing cars. We would endorse caution when passing on the left of large vehicles due to their blind spots.

Rule 72] We would support the recommendation to take the “primary position” on quieter roads.

Rule 76] We support the priority given to cyclists going straight ahead, unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise.

Rule 163] We support the changes to this rule:

1] Allowing cyclists to filter though slow moving and stationary traffic provided they exercise caution.

2] Advising a minimum overtaking distance of 1.5 metres under 30mph and 2 metres at speeds over 30 mph and for all large vehicles.

Rule 239] We support drivers using the so-called “Dutch Reach” to avoid the “dooring” of cyclists and motorcyclists.