Highway Code

[cd365]

Quite often I see people post references to the Highway Code. I was wondering how many cyclists without a driving licence have actually read it?

 

[marinyork]

Quite often I see people post references to the Highway Code. I was wondering how many cyclists without a driving licence have actually read it?

Don't think the DL has much to do with it. Plenty of drivers who have never read large sections of it or if they have long since forgotten. I knew the HC long before I started driving lessons.

 

[ianrauk]

I don't have a driving license (and don't want one), but I do own a copy and have read it (and pick it up now and again for reference.

 

[classic33]

Quite often I see people post references to the Highway Code. I was wondering how many cyclists without a driving licence have actually read it?

Was reading it long before I was old enough to drive, and I still don't drive. I had even owned a copy before leaving junior school.

There is a differrence between reading it and actually remembering what you read at a later date.

 

[Mad at urage]

Don't think the DL has much to do with it. Plenty of drivers who have never read large sections of it or if they have long since forgotten. I knew the HC long before I started driving lessons.

This. I used to carry a copy of HC for use in the inevitable arguments with car drivers (including police drivers unfortunately, I still remember "I don't care what the HC says, you are not allowed to wobble") in London in the '70s and '80s.
I also tried at least six different driving schools before finding a DI who actually knew the HC (mind, by then I'd been riding a motorcycle for a while).

 

[Piemaster]

There are sections that apply to pedestrians and horse riders, so a DL is not a prerequiste to having read it.

I'll admit to not having opened one for years though, and I suspect I'm part of a large majority of drivers.

 

[MontyVeda]

it was my favourite book as a kid

 

[sabian92]

I only read it AFTER I'd passed my driving test. I managed to pass my theory first time so I was happy with that, but after reading stuff on here I actually dug it out and read it in a lot more detail. Worth it, most definitely.

Having said that though, I don't drive - I don't have a car, so a bike is the only way I have of using the roads, so it pays to know.

 

[cd365]

There are sections that apply to pedestrians and horse riders, so a DL is not a prerequiste to having read it.

But as a pedestrian, horse rider, cyclist etc. you are not forced to read it, hence my question. I was just wondering if it should be taught in schools?

 

[Dan B]

I got a copy when I did Cycling Proficiency (I think - either that or my Scout Cycling badge). I don't know if the National Standard training encourages looking at the HC, but I agree that it would be good and that NS training should be promoted/available in schools

But let's retain a sense of proportion: the roads have been here for hundreds of years with no need for a written Highway Code: it was only the increasing use of motorised vehicles that made its introduction necessary

 

[Grizzly]

Quite often I see people post references to the Highway Code. I was wondering how many cyclists without a driving licence have actually read it?

Its a good question, but as most drivers dont read it I wouldn't expect non driving cyclists to. I joined an Ambulance Service 13 years ago and I was examined on the highway code at the start of my driver training, it was shocking how bad my knowledge was, I imagine most road users would be the same.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I have a driving licence and access to a car. I use the HC as a source of reference. I tend to remember the sections that apply to me. I will admit to having no idea about what it says to horse riders and the only thing I remember as a driver and cyclist is slow down when passing them. I would give them priority if turning out of courtesy but am not sure if that is a should, must or even in there.

 

[chillyuk]

I confess to not having looked at a HC since taking my driving test 30 years ago, which was the first time I had looked at it since my motorcycle test several years previously.

 

[Melonfish]

I got a copy when I did Cycling Proficiency (I think - either that or my Scout Cycling badge). I don't know if the National Standard training encourages looking at the HC, but I agree that it would be good and that NS training should be promoted/available in schools

But let's retain a sense of proportion: the roads have been here for hundreds of years with no need for a written Highway Code: it was only the increasing use of motorised vehicles that made its introduction necessary

Snap, i got my first copy with my cycle proficiency when i was about 10.
had one knocking around ever since.

 

[Matthew_T]

I have read the highway code but the rule I remember the most is 160 - which relates to the amount of space you are meant to give cyclists when overtaking. It is the most relevant but have not had the oppurtunity of using it yet.

When I get a seat bag, I will probably print out a copy of the updated version and keep it in that, just for reference.