New Highway Code Proposal

[swallace1]

From the CTC site

The Driving Standards Agency has begun a public consultation on a revised draft of the Highway Code - it can be viewed at www.dsa.gov.uk/highwaycode


The Code ought to play a key role in the Government’s efforts to create safer conditions for cycling. Unfortunately, despite CTC’s recent efforts to make it easier for cyclists to claim injury damages from drivers who hit them, the revised draft of the Code seems set to take us in exactly the opposite direction.




The major problem is a proposed new rule telling cyclists to “use cycle routes when practicable and cycle facilities ... where they are provided” (Rule 58). If confirmed, this would open the way for driver's insurance companies to seek to reduce the damages for any cyclists injured by their clients, on the basis that the cyclist’s failure to use a nearby cycle facility (in accordance with the Highway Code) represented "contributory negligence".

To support the CTC campaign to combat the new proposed Highway code rule change go to

www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4303

All you need to do is enter your postcode & a standard letter will be sent to your MP giving a cyclist view point

[Bob P]

Most of the cycle paths only exist so that Dard, doe or what ever they are called are eligible for euro grants.

Pity a lot of these paths seem to run out at the most dangerous or curious part of a road.

Further more fair dues to Belfast council as I have seen them sweep parts of route 9. That makes a big difference from the likes of Downpatrick were the main cycle route on the Belfast road is un-ridable due to the amount of glass from bottles and other crap from the road.

quote:
“use cycle routes when practicable and cycle facilities

I personally can't see how it is practicable to cycle anywhere you are going to puncture every 2 mile, especially when there is a perfectly good road to use, and lets not forget the lamp posts..
Does this mean motorists are exempt from driving with the same due care and attention required where there are no cycle routes?
Think it is time they went over to Holland and had a look at how it should be done.