People using a cycle land in London (PA)
(Picture: PA)The updated Highway Code has proved a controversial topic over the past few days, with the £1,000 potential fine for opening the door incorrectly seeming particularly harsh to some. However, the new rules have been in the works for some time, with Cycling UK feeling they are necessary to properly protect cyclists when using the roads in the UK.
The biggest introduction is the so-called ‘Dutch Reach’ which asks passengers to use the opposite hand to the side of the door they are sitting on when exiting their vehicle. This is to make sure people rotate their bodies when opening the door and allows them to easily check if there are any oncoming cyclists.
Research by Cycling UK estimates that there are up to 500 injuries to cyclists every year due to motorists blindly opening their door when getting out of their car. Under changes to the Highway Code, the new section under rule 239 will now read: “Where you are able to do so, you should open the door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening; for example, use your left hand to open a door on your right-hand side.
“This will make you turn your head to look over your shoulder.
“You are then more likely to avoid causing injury to cyclists or motor cyclists passing you on the road, or to people on the pavement.”
What do you think of the new rules being brought in at the end of this month? Will they make a difference to make the roads safer for everyone? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below for the chance to be featured on the ES website tomorrow.
