HITCHIN: The Highway Code is about to be updated - but are you aware of how the changes will affect you?

Changes will become law across the UK on January 29, pending parliamentary approval - but it seems the vast majority of drivers are unaware of the changes.

Among the modifications to the code is the creation of a hierarchy of road users, which seeks to protect those most at risk of collisions, for example cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.

In the new rules, cyclists are given clear priority over cars, which must leave at least 1.5 metres room when passing bicycles and bikes must remain at least 50cm from the pavement.

Hitchin

Hitchin's roads can become snarled up with plenty of cyclists all year around.

Busy roads include the A505 and A602 with many of cyclists using part of these routes to reach country lanes.

In slow moving traffic, bikes must now ride in the centre of the road rather than to the left, and guidance also suggests that cyclists could ride two abreast to further protect themselves.

Cyclists are also now given priority at roundabouts, so be aware of this when using the Moorhens/Gosmore roundabout.

Other important changes to the law include drivers turning into a road are now required to give way to pedestrians crossing the road, or waiting to cross. Previously, drivers had right of way.

Dutch Reach

Drivers are being asked to use 'The Dutch Reach' technique to reduce the risk of opening a car door into the path of a cyclist.

This involves using the hand on the opposite side to the door, as that will lead to people looking over their shoulder into the road behind them.

Horses

A feature of driving the country roads around our town, the back route from St Ippolyts to Stevenage, for example, is the number of horses being ridden.

A further change to e aware of is the fact it will now b illegal to cut across cyclists or horses when turning into or out of a junction.

The government has been criticised for not publicising the changes sufficiently.

A survey by the AA found that a third of motorists said did not know the Highway Code was being updated.