New Highway Code rule for cyclists

[Handholding587]

Lots of cyclists apparently have now taken to cycling in the middle of the road, complying with the new law. I think it will just lead to more accidents as motorists will get frustrated at not being able to overtake them.

Nah. I don't overtake anyway unless I can safely overtake anyway- which means waiting until it's clear and pulling out into the other lane. If anything, this helps me- the people behind me chomping at the bit for me to complete an overtake with insufficient clearance will have an obvious reason as to why I'm not doing it.

Totally agree with @ThirdElephant
It is a much safer place for the cyclists to be. Us drivers will just have to get used to it.

I’m more concerned about getting rear ended when turning left, now that pedestrians have right of way.

These are the new rules, doesn't mean all roads 👍

Only on quiet roads, in slow moving traffic or on the approach to junctions or road narrowings.... not all roads.
riding in the centre of their lane on quiet roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions or road narrowings
keeping at least 0.5 metres (just over 1.5 feet) away from the kerb edge (and further where it is safer) when riding on busy roads with vehicles moving faster than them
People cycling in groups
The updated code explains that people cycling in groups:

should be considerate of the needs of other road users when riding in groups
can ride 2 abreast - and it can be safer to do so, particularly in larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders
People cycling are asked to be aware of people driving behind them and allow them to overtake (for example, by moving into single file or stopping) when it’s safe to do so.

I take the point about it being safer for cyclists, but at present, not all drivers are aware of the changes.

Another of the changes is that drivers must stop to let pedestrians cross at crossings, whether they are actually crossing or not. Does this also apply to crossings controlled by lights, because there are not many crossings now that are just zebra crossings with no lights.

No it means zebra crossings or at junctions not at a light controlled crossing where there is no junction.

I saw this the other day and it explains the rule really well ie don't ride in the middle of the road for the sake of it but there are circumstances when it's advisable, safer and legal to do so. I'm a cyclist and have noticed quite a few more mainly MAMIL cycling in the middle of the road when there was clearly no need and unfortunately it's this sort of behaviour that tara all cyclists with the same 'selfish bastards' brush