What is the Motorcycle Highway Code?
The Highway Code is a set of rules that dictates the rules of using public roads. As of 29th January 2022, the regulations have changed and should be read and understood by all road users.
Is the Highway Code law?
The Highway Code is not a legal document, but failure to comply with the rules will result in a fine.
What are the new road rules for motorbikes?
The new rules have placed some of the more vulnerable road users, more at risk in the event of a collision, at the top of the road hierarchy. This means cyclists and horse riders are at the top of the road hierarchy.
Walking, cycling, or riding in shared spaces
People cycling, riding horses, and driving a horse drawn vehicle should respect the safety of the people walking in these spaces. However, people walking should also show the same respect to not obstruct the path or endanger others.
Cyclists on the road
Cyclists riding on the road must ride in the centre of their lane on quiet roads, in slower moving traffic and at the approach to narrow junctions and at road narrowings.
Keep at least 0.5 meters away from the curb edge when riding on busy roads with vehicles moving faster than them.
Overtaking
The guidance for passing speeds and distances when overtaking vulnerable road users has been updated.
- Leave at least 1.5 meters when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30 mph. You must also give additional space if overtaking at higher speeds.
- When passing people riding horses or driving horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph, allow at least 2 meters of space.
- Allow at least 2 meters of space and keep to low speeds when passing people walking in the road. (i.e., if there were no pavement).
People cycling to pass slower-moving or stationary traffic
The updated code confirms that people cycling may pass slower-moving or stationary traffic on their right or left. They should proceed with caution as people driving may not be able to see them. This is particularly important:
- On the approach to junctions
- When deciding whether it is safe to pass lorries or other large vehicles
- What the Highway Code changes mean for motorcyclists
Cycling at junctions
Some junctions now include cycle traffic lights to allow cyclists to move before other traffic. People cycling are encouraged to use these facilities to make their journey safer and easier.
If there are no separate facilities the code recommends that people cycling should proceed as if they were driving a vehicle where there are no separate cyclist facilities. This includes positioning themselves in the centre of their chosen lane, where they feel able to do this safely. This is to:
- Make them as visible as possible
- Avoid being overtaken where this would be dangerous
People cycling, riding a horse, and driving horse-drawn vehicles on roundabouts
The code has been updated to clarify that people driving or riding a motorcycle should give priority to people cycling on roundabouts. The new guidance will say people driving and or riding a motorcycle should:
- Not attempt to overtake people cycling within that person’s lane
- Allow people cycling to move across their path as they travel around the roundabout
The code already explained that people cycling, riding a horse, and driving a horse-drawn vehicle may stay in the left-hand lane of a roundabout when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout.
Guidance has been added to the new code to explain that people driving should take extra care when entering a roundabout to make sure they do not cut across people cycling, riding a horse, or driving a horse-drawn vehicle who are continuing around the roundabout in the left-hand lane.
What the Highway Code changes mean for motorcyclists
The new changes should not negatively affect motorcyclists and work to place more vulnerable road users at the top pf the road hierarchy. While there are no immediate changes to motorcycle users specifically, motorcyclists should read and understand the new rules to continue to execute safety and respect on all public roads.
Improved safety
Following the new Highway Code regulations, improved safety on the roads is essential to following the new guidance. For those who feel most vulnerable on the road we recommend dash cams for improved safety and evidence in the event of an accident. Motorcycle cameras work to give you, the rider, improved safety and protection in the event of an accident: protecting your license, insurance and possibly your life.
K3 Motorcycle Dual Camera
- Front and rear recording
- Full 100P full HD
- Loop recording
- External microphone
- Smart remote control and app
The K3 motorcycle dual camera is a great addition to monitor your journeys. Its front and rear recording provides perfect coverage in the event of an accident, offering HD footage for any claims or evidence in the event of an accident.
K5 Motorcycle Camera
- 4K ultra-HD 1080P
- Smart remote control and app
- Loop recording
- External microphone
- Industry leading 5Hz GPS receiver
Ideal for enhanced protection on all your journeys. The K5 motorcycle dash camera is recommended for protection on the road. In the event of an accident the dash cam begins recording and provides evidence if needed.
C5 Front motorcycle camera
The Innovv C5 front motorcycle camera is a fantastic camera system designed for motorcycles. It is wired into your bike electrics using an easy-to-use power converter (supplied) that ensures the camera runs seamlessly every time you ride.