THE Driving Standards Agency is nearing the end of a public consultation on a revised draft of the Highway Code it can be viewed at www.dsa.gov.uk/highwaycode and the deadline is later this month.

Potentially, the code could create safer conditions for cycling but, unfortunately, the revised draft does exactly the opposite. The main problem is a proposed change to the existing rule on cycle facilities.

The most significant change is to old Rule 47, new Rule 58. Old Rule 47 says: "Use cycle routes when practicable. They can make your journey safer." By contrast, new draft Rule 58 says: "Use cycle routes when practicable and cycle facilities such as advanced stop lines, cycle boxes, and toucan crossings where they are provided, as they can make your journeys safer."

The proposed new instruction to "use cycle routes where provided" creates three problems: On a day-to-day level, there will be even more hassle for cyclists from people who think they're part-time policemen. I've lost count of the times I've been shouted at to "get off the road" by people who have clearly not read the (old) Highway Code. Motorists assume that the provision of an alternative means that cyclists must use it. Wrong! Motorists have a choice of routes from A to B, for example, A roads versus motorways. Sometimes, cyclists have a choice of routes, too.

On a practical level, cycle paths on pavements bump up and down driveways, go through bus stops and often become car parks. Statistics indicate that cyclists who use cycle paths which run parallel to a road are much more likely to have an accident involving a vehicle than cyclists who use the road. The points of conflict tend to be where side roads cross cycle paths On a more theoretical level, and perhaps most worryingly of all, the wording of the draft code would make it easier for negligent drivers to dismiss, on the grounds of contributory negligence, claims from cyclists who have failed to use the appropriate facilities.

The CTC, the national cyclists' organisation, is calling for the following changes to the code: Remove all words which could give rise to unwarranted contributory negligence claims against cyclists Include clearer advice to drivers on safe interactions with cyclists (for example, on how much space to leave when overtaking a cyclist) Ensure that its advice to cyclists (particularly that on negotiating roundabouts) is in line with the Government-backed national standard for cycle training Recommend that anyone wishing to improve their confidence and safety should undertake cycle training to the National Standard.

Lobby your MP to make sure that, instead of a further erosion of cyclists' rights, the new Highway Code helps achieve a real advantage for cycle safety.

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