ROUNDABOUT RULE CHANGE: Cyclists in LEFT lane turning RIGHT handed priority in Highway Code shake up

Roundabout rules have changed after a raft of new changes to the Highway Code were introduced earlier this year.

One of the rules recently updated applies to motorists who are sharing the same roundabout as a cyclist. A hierarchy of road user came into effect, which provides priority to more vulnerable road users like pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists.

Cyclists can now position themselves in the LEFT-HAND LANE to turn RIGHT at a roundabout. Motorists are urged to take ‘extra care’ when cyclists signal to turn right from the left lane.

Highway Code Rule 186 now states: “You should give priority to cyclists on the roundabout. They will be travelling more slowly than motorised traffic. Give them plenty of room and do not attempt to overtake them within their lane. Allow them to move across your path as they travel around the roundabout.

“Cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout and should signal right to show you they are not leaving the roundabout.

“Drivers should take extra care when entering a roundabout to ensure that they do not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles in the left-hand lane, who are continuing around the roundabout.”