AA launches Cyclist's Highway Code, backed by Boardman

A Cyclist’s Highway Code has been launched today by the AA, with backing from Chris Boardman and BikeBiz editor, Carlton Reid.

Last month the Road Safety Minister, Andrew Jones, told the House of Commons “There were no plans to publish a cycling specific excerpt of the Highway Code.”.

However, the AA believes a Code is necessary to help people stay safe cycling on Britain’s roads, and has aimed the book at parents and new cyclists.

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Edmund King, AA president, hopes the guide will encourage more people to cycle.

“Cyclists and drivers are often the same people and the Highway Code is important whether you are on two wheels or four,” he says.

“I am grateful to cycling expert Carlton Reid, executive editor of BikeBiz magazine, who has helped to check this publication in terms of good advice and accuracy. As a keen cyclist and father of three cycling children, I would urge you to check out this book. Today more than one fifth of AA members regularly cycle and this guide will encourage a new generation to join them.”

The book is designed as a companion guide to help cyclists, and parents whose children are learning to cycle. It includes sections on Your Bike, including choosing and maintaining a bike, and accessories, Safe Cycling, including all the Highway Code rules, and Learning to Ride, encompassing cycle training.

Carlton Reid said: “I welcome the AA’s Cyclist’s Highway Code. It is practical, timely and useful – and it’s also an indication that more and more people are taking up cycling, for transport, for leisure, and most definitely for pleasure.”

Although the Highway Code has a section titled “you and your bike”, covering rules for cycling on the road, the government says it has no plans to produce a cycle-specific Highway Code. Instead it is investing £50m over four years into Bikeability training for children in schools.

Chris Boardman says: “The bicycle is such a simple tool, but one which can improve your health, reduce congestion and make our towns and cities more liveable. British Cycling welcomes the AA Cyclist’s Highway Code as it should encourage new cyclists and help parents get their children into cycling.”

AA’s Cyclist’s Highway Code is priced £4.99, and available from bookshops and online