Higway code- progress!

It appears common sense is beginning to prevail. It's also fairly clear that the actions of individuals writing to MPs and signing online petitions helped the CTC a great deal. There's news from the CTC here and, inevitably, another petition here which should help the CTC show the wide grass-roots support for their campaigning position.

From BikeForAll.com: Following a high-profile campaign by CTC, the Government has agreed to amend the draft Highway Code wording to improve cyclists’ safety and to encourage drivers to take more care around vulnerable road users. 11,000 people contacted their MPs, 20,000 signed an online petition and a cross-party coalition in both Houses of Parliament defended cyclists' right to cycle on the road.

CTC campaigner, Richard George, said "We're delighted that the Minister has decided to make these changes to the Highway Code; it now makes clear that cyclists have every right to be on the road. Following some intensive negotiations the Department for Transport has listened to cyclists, and this new version is a definite improvement."

From The Daily Mail:

Rule 61, stated: "Use cycle routes and cycle facilities such as advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings wherever possible, as they can make your journey safer."

It is now planned that it will read: "Cycle Facilities. Use cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless at the time it is unsafe to do so. Use of these facilities is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer."

Rule 63, said: "(cycle lanes) are marked with a white line (which may be broken). Keep within the lane wherever possible."

The proposed revision now reads: "Cycle Lanes. These are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway. When using a cycle lane, keep within the lane when practicable. When leaving a cycle lane check before pulling out that it is safe to do so and signal your intention clearly to other road users. Use of these facilities is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer."