Jan 29th, 2022 Highway Code changes.

Changes have been made to the Highway Code. One newspaper has presented the changes in a way some may misinterpret so please be aware the best place to read about the changes is in the Highway Code! It is available on:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-highway-code-8-changes-you-need-to-know-from-29-january-2022

Will these changes improve cyclists’ safety,  reduce carbon emissions and climate change? 

I wonder how many people have questions about the value of the changes and how long will it take everyone to realise the changes have been made? Please pass on this item to everyone you know!

My particular interest, as well as for my safety and the safety of others is to do with cycling.  I live in Guisborough and in 2020 a number of cyclists told me they wanted a safer cycle way from Guisborough to Nunthorpe. It would be a safer way to get to the Tees Valley area.

In July 2020 the Government set out its vision to make England a great walking and cycling nation and pledged £2 billion cycling and walking fund.

In a publicity statement, in 2020, the Tees Valley Combined Authority suggested more walking and cycling could cut carbon emissions, improve air quality and reduce the dominance of vehicular traffic which is particularly important with a number of authorities in the Tees Valley declaring Climate Emergencies. The authority’s view was that encouragement of walking and cycling and implementation of improvements to infrastructure can help to meet carbon reduction targets.

I put forward a plan which was considered by the Tees Valley Combined Authority. I was told there had been a breakthrough and was hopeful something would be done. Some time later I was told nothing was totally finalised. There is no safer cycle track!

I wonder if the new rules will make cyclists feel safer cycling along the A171. Is there a need for a new cycle track? Please let me know. Email your comments to me. Thank you.

References:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/2-billion-package-to-create-new-era-for-cycling-and-walking

https://teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Tees-Valley-Cycling-Walking-Implementation-Plan-2020.pdf