New Highway code rules on the way.

Oh the new Highway Code rules! Agree with the concept of protecting our most vulnerable road users, however there should have been a big advertising campaign across various platforms prior to the rules coming into effect!
To me, it seems like many road users are not aware of the new rules, do not understand the application of them or possibly do not give two hoots! I cycle to work quite often and believe me, if i was pigheaded in sticking to the principles of the rules, i would be in a hospital (or worse) already.
The other difficult thing is, as a motorist, applying these rules when a pedestrian is waiting to cross the junction at which they now have priority. I have waited, as i should, they have waited looking at me in an unsure manner, but i cannot gesture them across! So it is then a case of who moves first?
The craziest thing about this? Something so typically British, the hard copy of the new Highway Code book will not be published until April!; April Fools anybody?

 

Respect works both ways

Was out on the road yesturday walking and 30+ horse's galloped + 3 quad bikes +25 pickups past me with only 6 inchies of room between us and didn't slow down so rules are not working

 

Must admit I've not really seen the new rules put into practice yet.

The one I would like clarification on is giving way to pedestrians waiting to cross a road which you are turning into.
Does this still apply if you are turning right, only I envisage getting across the path of oncoming traffic and having to stop to allow someone to cross the road.
I think it's downright dangerous for every one involved.

It's like all things, we don't see a big difference until there is an accident then the blame game begins.

 

Yes, the rule applies if you are turning right into a road, i am sure. This is where, so far, i have found most issues when on my bike! Drivers are often looking for a suitable, but often small, gap to turn right across a traffic lane. You now need to be very aware (which is a good thing of course) that, while waiting a while to turn, a cyclist could well have approached the junction from the same direction you have come from, the view of them obscured by traffic passing between the two of you.
Motorist are going to have to rightly exercise more caution (a good thing of course) and ensure that a pedestrian/cyclist etc is not about to cross over.

 

As I stopped yesterday at a junction to allow the two ladies standing at the kerbside to cross, they carried on talking without attempting to move. So what do I do? I can either drive on and risk them stepping out, or I can apply the hand brake and wait for them to finish their conversation. I'm sure the queue of vehicles behind me will be only too happy to wait. Whilst I'm retired, I have plenty of time, but other road users have work to get on with. I'm so glad I live in a rural area because I can only guess that this must be a pain at times in town.
Whilst moaning, why do cyclists not have to use the cycle lanes provided for them? I'd make it mandatory unless they are in an organised race or time trial.
Tax payers fork out to pay for cycle lanes and many Herbert's ignore them! Why hold up queues of vehicles when they could ease the traffic flow by getting in the cycle lane where it's much safer for them

 

If the Highway Code says "MUST" then there is already legislation in place to cover that. If it says "MUST" and there is no legislation in place then it is just a typo. The Road Traffic Act is the legislation that governs what you can be prosecuted for. The Highway Code is just that. A code.

 

I'm confused about a bike coming from the same direction that you have come from?

I'm sitting in the centre of the road indicating to turn right, where is the bike coming from?

Is it in the lane I want to cross or in the lane I am in.

 

The cycle would be on a cycle lane across the carriageway from you. Looking at the thumbnail picture, if you were the white car, the cyclist would be on the pathway (where pedestrian/wheelchair user are shown) travelling in the same direction as you.

 

So I think I get your meaning, this is a shared pavement and cycle lane?
And the bike will be travelling in the the same direction but on the opposite side of the road?

Sounds like suicide if the bike just goes straight across without even looking of slowing its pace.

This is a fault with cycle lanes IMO, they should be on both sides of the road, if they are present, and bikes should have to go in the same direction as the traffic, otherwise its just madness for pedestrians and road users bearing in mind these new rules.

 

I'm wondering if the passing distance that is being reinforced for cars passing bikes also applies to bikes passing cars.
Yesterday in slow moving traffic, (is there any other kind these days), a bike overtook me and clipped my door mirror, now if that had happened when I was passing him I'm sure he would have shouted loud and clear and started taking my number and looking at his camera footage when he got home.

Also I'm wondering if bikes are still told or allowed to overtake other vehicles on the inside, ie. the left, only it still seems to be happening and those really vulnerable cyclists are putting themselves at risk, presumably because if anything should happen, it will NEVER be their fault.