Dangers of close passing and advice on ‘Dutch reach’ will be added to Highway Code

Cycling campaigners including Chris Boardman have welcomed the news that guidance for drivers will be updated

Cyclists will ride away from parked cars in case someone opens a door (Toronto Star via Getty Images)

(Image credit: Toronto Star via Getty Images)

The Highway Code will be updated in an attempt to improve the safety of cyclists and pedestrians, with warnings about the dangers of close passing and advice on the ‘Dutch reach’.

Cycling campaigners including Tour de France stage winner Chris Boardman have welcomed the progress after the Department for Transport announced the changes on Thursday morning.

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Alex Ballinger

Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers.  Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.