Riders’ chance to have a say on Highway Code changes
Equestrians are urged to have their say on Government plans for change
PROPOSED changes to the Highway Code relating to vulnerable road users are “very significant” to riders, who are urged to have a say on the plans.
The Government has launched a consultation on the amendments, designed to benefit riders, walkers and cyclists.
The changes include creating a hierarchy of road users, to ensure those capable of causing most harm have the most responsibility to reduce the threat they may pose to others. It lists pedestrians as the most vulnerable, followed by cyclists, riders and motorcyclists, then drivers of vehicles.
Another major change covers establishing guidance on safe speeds and distances when overtaking horses.
British Horse Society (BHS) director of safety Alan Hiscox told H&H this focus on riders is very significant, adding: “I’m so pleased. I hope riders and carriage drivers will see this as a very positive step.”
H&H reported in November 2018 that in announcing the code review, the Government mentioned cyclists and pedestrians, but not riders.
MPs intervened, and the transport minister said horses would be included, which Mr Hiscox described as a “watershed moment”. He has since been on the focus group for the review, working with other organisations.
“Riders and carriage drivers now have the opportunity to look at the proposals and comment,” he said. “I’m really excited by this. I think there’s a lot of good stuff in there, including the Dead Slow messaging; they’ve gone above and beyond what I expected.
“This is a really significant result, and I can’t stress enough how important this is for riders.”
Mr Hiscox cited joint working with cycling and walking groups, including Cycling UK, for better changes for vulnerable road users.
“We’ve had so much support from them,” he said. “As a group, we’re so much stronger; this is the culmination of three years’ hard work developing this relationship with other vulnerable road users, and getting the Department for Transport working with us.
“I think it’s really important riders put their views forward.”
Claire Lilley, of road safety campaign group Canewdons Equestrian, told H&H the proposals are encouraging.
“It’s a chance to have a say, and get the ball rolling,” she said.
Ms Lilley said Canewdons’ aim had always been to benefit all vulnerable road users, so she was pleased by the joint approach, and she praised Mr Hiscox’s efforts.
“He’s incredible,” she said.
“The time, effort and energy he’s dedicated to this is commendable.”
Cycling UK head of campaigns Duncan Dollimore told H&H: “The proposed changes have come through collaborative working between Cycling UK, Living Streets and the BHS.
“The proposal to introduce a hierarchy of responsibility reflects this. It will benefit cyclists and riders. The benefits of collaborative working are clearly demonstrated by the proposed amendments relating to drivers’ being careful of horse riders.”
The consultation is open until 27 October.