New rules for Drivers

My mother, a cyclist, in her 70s, was cycling slowly. She pulled out gradually to pass a parked car, when the driver opened his door. My mother hit the door with the front wheel of her bike and flew over the door, landing bruised and bleeding on the road. The driver ranted at her for passing his car too closely. The police took a completely different view. As did the courts.

The up side was that having had a scan for her injuries, they caught a small tumour in her brain, just touching the optic nerve. It was removed and she lived for a few more years. She was a little more careful when cycling.

But, it's common sense looking before you open the door, I always do, don't fancy stepping out and go for a ride on someones bonnet! Same for Dinky, we've taught him to open his door carefully, wherever we're parked. I had some funny looks when I use to say "mind the car next to us when you open the door"

A long time ago (the eighties), I was sitting in the passenger seat, my boss was driving. He parked the car (a large Audi). He was still ranting at me about a client and without looking he yanked the door open not heeding my warning and a car (a Mercedes) just went past and took the driver side door off. My boss (he had had a drink at the time ie working lunch). He was hopping mad and the expletives were out of this world. It was a very expensive stop off for a takeaway curry. Your post @harryflatters just triggered this memory and even whilst typing it is remembered with a giggle. It was the summer of 1989 and I was employed as a personal assistant/secretary to an Insurance Broker. The business folded at the end of 1990. Seeing what was on the cards, I left just before Christmas 1989. I worked there for five years and some of the goings-on were out of this world.

The warning words about one of the partners was - make your business with him before lunch because after 2 pm he is three sheets to the wind.

It was at a time were computers and word processors were the big things in office equipment. So I took time out and went to college for an update on everything new an office wallah has to know and do. It was lovely going back to school.

I have certainly taken an interest in these changes @Janet 💋🍰🍝🍹 as @Tanith says, many roads (all of them where we used to live!) are simply not wide enough to allow 1.5m gap! In certain circumstances, cyclists are now encouraged to ride two abreast or be in the centre of the road!! They and horses are not supposed to be overtaken at roundabouts and they are also allowed to keep in the left hand lane at roundabouts even if exiting at 3 o'clock, thus passing at least two exits taken by cars etc!! I predict chaos! Pedestrians crossing at a junction have right of way! I can see cars turning left off a main road coming to a screeching halt to give way, being rear ended pretty often! Still, us drivers will just have to try and get used to it! I certainly think the 'dutch' door open is a good idea - it might have helped the poor chap who opened his door wide just as I passed at 28mph - took it clean off!! Fortunately, he wasn't hurt but definitely shaken!!

When I passed my test in the 70s the rule was 'ALWAYS leave at least one door's width when passing a vehicle'. The inference being that someone might open their door (or the lock may fail) at any moment. Since it is difficult to tell what that distance might be, a 1-1.5m distance always sounded right. This is merely an extension to that.

What happens on a country road, where there is not 1.5m to pass? What happens if two bicycles are riding side by side? More importantly, what happens if the cyclist swerves suddenly when being overtaken?

It would have been at lot easier to state 'Pass cyclists with care, at reduced speed and leaving enough space'. Then let the courts decide if, on a particular case by case basis whether the driver undertook those simple instructions. With these current rules, the court would have to decide whether the driver was 1.5m or more from the cyclist. More difficult to prove.

I don't drive either, tho have a licence. Hubby drives and when over taking anything, he always makes sure there is plenty of gap. While I agree with the rules, I say also cyclist should follow some rules, by cycling in a line rather than bunched up making more difficult for motorist to over take.

I used to drive but have not sat behind a steering wheel since 1997 when I took early retirement and send my licence back at on my 70th birthday. Reading what you just posted should have been in the Highway Code a long time ago. It is just common sense. I am just glad that I do not have to drive, the roads are full of idiots and I often wondered how many have actually learned to drive properly and passed the test.

The update should also have a lot of info about mobile phones and the usage thereof in the car and whilst driving. The penalties and fine are far too low.