My final summary of the changes to the Highway Code is about Group riding . The Rule concerned is No 66, and is of interest because motorists, and I am one, can get frustrated by a large group of cyclists 'blocking' what they see as 'their' road.
In truth, roads belong to all of us, pedestrians , cyclists, and motorists as well as freight and transport vehicles, too.
The old rule said that cyclists should never ride more than two abreast, and single file on narrow roads, among other exceptions.
The new rule is clearer and says what is true to all of us, that we need to be considerate of the needs of other road users when riding in groups. You can ride two abreast, and it goes on to explain that it can be safer to do so , particularly in larger groups which would take too long to overtake if they were strung out in single file, or when accompanying children or less experienced riders who are better by having an outside rider to protect them.
Groups should also be aware of drivers behind them and many clubs adopt the habit of the rider at the back calling out “Car Back” to alert the rest of the group to allow vehicles to overtake by moving into single file or stopping at a lay-by or farm gate as soon as it is possible.
A similar shout of “Car Up” is sometimes called to alert fellow riders on narrow roads if there is an oncoming vehicle when any natural tendency for riders to have spread out needs to be reined in or 'tidied up'.
Our cartoon, borrowed again from Cycling UK illustrates how a short, compact, group of cyclists is easier to pass than a long string, and also how a child is better safeguarded (and also controlled) by having an adult riding alongside.
Even cyclists riding alone need to bear in mind other traffic, not only because of the code but for their own safety and to avoid annoying other road users.
If they are riding in the preferred position where they are easily visible to following traffic then they should move over to the left if faster traffic comes up behind them, but it adds 'if it you can do so safely'. There are many reasons why it may not be safe, potholes and drains are the most obvious, but if the road is narrow or there is a traffic island in the middle of the road, then to 'encourage ' traffic to overtake just there may not be wise. A car may be able to squeeze by but the wind caused by its passing can seriously unbalance even an experienced rider.
Of course, just because the Highway Code has changed doesn't mean that everyone will comply overnight, but the fuss that has been caused by some people misinterpreting these rules mean that it has come much more to the public's attention than might otherwise have happened.