British Cycling has joined The AA and other pedestrian groups in calling for a ‘universal’ rule to give way to cyclists and pedestrians to create safer junctions for all road users.

The organisations is proposing to have the existing rules in the Highway Code strengthened whether you are driving or cycling so that you would be clearly obliged to give way to vehicles and cyclists when turning to people who are continuing straight ahead.

The new proposal follows research that was conducted on behalf of British Cycling in a bid to make junction safer. If the rules were to go ahead, the changes that would be seen include:

• Drivers turning at a junction give way to people cycling and walking who may be on your nearside or crossing the road a driver wants to turn into.
• Cyclists turning at a junction give way to people walking across the road the cyclist wants to turn into.
• Pedestrians gaining from increased protection when crossing a side road or junction.

British Cycling’s policy advisor, Chris Boardman said “Whether driving, cycling or walking, negotiating a junction is the most hazardous manoeuvre you can make on the road – this is evidenced by the fact that nearly two thirds of motor vehicles collisions take place at junctions.”

For more information on the new proposed rules and the sign the petition visit The British Cycling Federation website here.