Rule 1
Drivers that can cause greater harm (the truck driver compared to the cyclist) must take the most care, as a mistake made by a HGV or LGV can be catastrophic for the cyclist. However the cyclist and the horse rider also has a responsibility to the driver of the car, taxi or pedestrian. So whoever is on the road you need to take care of everyone else and yourself. Be aware of being on the road, the situation and what is happening around you. Do not knock over the cyclist when you are turning left. Do not go through red lights if you are cycling. Do not hover near the road on your phone if you are not planning to cross it. Basic but common sense stuff and all designed to avoid inconvenience, frustration or injuries to others.
Rule 2
New priority for pedestrians at junctions. All road users including horse riders and cyclists have to give way to a pedestrian who is wanting to cross the road at a junction and you are approaching that junction. This is a new rule so we all need to be aware of this. So if you see someone crossing from one side of the road to another at a junction they have priority. This means that pedestrians have right of way on the road and not those on the road. So be aware as brave pedestrians may want to exercise this new right. I am not sure I will be taking this leap of faith. The other rule is to stop and wait if someone is wanting to cross at a zebra crossing. This makes perfect sense as the old rule required a pedestrian to step onto the crossing before a driver or rider had to stop. Fine if you had steel toe capped Doc Martins on.
Rule 3
New priority for cyclists when cars are turning. This covers the scenario where cars or trucks are turning left as many cyclists are killed on our roads every day when vehicles crash into/crush cyclists. The rule also covers cyclists (and horse riders) approaching junctions, whether going straight on or turning right. Basically do not cut across or turn into the cyclist. Lastly it covers cyclists when they are changing or attempting to change lane. So basically anticipate, be aware of the cyclist and make sure there is no question of coming into any contact with them. If you are a cyclist be aware that if you are approaching stationery traffic the other road user may not be aware of you. Not a rule but good guidance as cyclists are very vulnerable (lycra versus steel/aluminium).
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