New cycling rules will drive up road rage
The Department for Transport has to address the mess caused by the new rules for cyclists in the Highway Code. Reports of cyclists laughing and deliberately holding up traffic by riding in the middle of the road or cycling two abreast is not only increasing anger, it is also dangerous.
J. Mckie, Gateshead
This updated Highway Code will perhaps raise the question by some of why cyclists do not have insurance or pay any form of excise duty while motorists have to. On another point, I think it would help all road users if the Department for Transport actively encouraged the wearing of high-visibility smocks or jackets, as this would benefit everybody on the roads, especially in rural areas.
Peter Nanson, King’s Lynn
In six months’ time, I wouldn’t be surprised if we started to see reports stating that incidents of road rage have dramatically increased following the changes to the Highway Code.
Mark Madden, Ditchling, East Sussex
As a cyclist, I don’t think these new rules go far enough. Drivers should be made to pay higher road tax in order to build more cycle lanes. After all, the cyclists are saving the environment.
F. Evans, Leeds
All the money spent on cycle lanes in Shropshire has been wasted. The new Highway Code has made all the country lanes, which make up the majority of our roads, cycle lanes, meaning these lanes are now impassable by motor vehicles.
Mick Downes, Shrewsbury
As someone who drives before dawn, I am horrified at the number of pedestrians and cyclists who wear dark clothing and expect us to see them in the gloom.
Please could people remember to wear something light-coloured, reflective or high-vis if they intend to step into the road at any time? This goes for prams and pushchairs too.
Penny Simpson, Mudeford, Dorset
I have been driving for over 38 years and in all that time I have been courteous to my fellow road users, whether on a bike, horse or a pedestrian wishing to cross the road. So imagine my surprise when it seems that car owners do not have priority and my fellow road users do. Does this mean they will be contributing to paying an annual road tax and taking out insurance? Yet again, it seems motorists are to be penalised.
Alicia Tetley, Bingley, Bradford