You may be aware that the Highway Code had some significant changes over the weekend, especially for cyclists and pedestrians.
Unfortunately, the changes have been poorly communicated and many road users are not aware of the changes. The poor communication has allowed certain sections of the press and social media to frame the changes as anti-motorist, whereas they are just common sense or just reinforcing how many cyclists already ride.
A good summary of the changes can be found at the Cycling UK website: A Safer Highway Code for Cyclists.
As far as cycling on the campus both the Harwell Campus and STFC have stated, in the past, that the Highway Code applies on their roads as it does on any public roads.
One of the main changes is the simplification of the rules at junctions – anybody or vehicle going straight ahead has priority over anybody or vehicle turning into or out of a junction. This sounds great but it may take a while for motorists behaviour to change so be careful at junctions, make sure you have been seen and if a motorist does stop and give way (as they should) give them a thumbs up, a wave or a smile.
Don’t forget as a cyclist you have to give way to pedestrians at a junction, if you are turning and they are continuing straight ahead.
The, poorly designed, end of cycle path at the RAL main gate has always been an issue and the changes would not affect this junction. As a cyclist, you would not be carrying straight on at this junction but turning left into RAL so you would not have priority here.
If anybody has any comments on the new rules or how we can make sure they are applied / known about on the campus, please leave a message.