Closed petition Change the Highway Code to recommend cyclists keep left in most circumstances

Closed on 31 July 2022

The new Rule 72 in the Highway Code should be amended to advise cyclists to keep left at all times when cycling on the road, except when the road narrows sufficiently that it would be dangerous for vehicles to overtake and when approaching a junction or roundabout to turn right.

The new Rule 72 tells cyclists to "Ride in the centre of your lane, to make yourself as clearly visible as possible", when on quiet roads or streets, (unless being approached from behind by a faster vehicle), in slower-moving traffic, and at the approach to junctions or road narrowings where it would be unsafe for drivers to overtake you.

We believe the new guidance on road positioning could put cyclists and other road users in danger, and will also lead to increased pollution and energy wastage from additional braking and accelerating.