The Highway Code
Rules for motorcyclists (83-88)
These Rules are in addition to those in the following sections
which apply to all vehicles. See also 'Motorcycle licence requirements'.
Motorcycle licence requirements
General
83 On all journeys, the rider and pillion passenger on a motorcycle, scooter or moped MUST wear a protective helmet. This does not apply to a follower of the Sikh religion while wearing a turban. Helmets MUST comply with the Regulations and they MUST
be fastened securely. Riders and passengers of motor tricycles and
quadricycles, also called quadbikes, should also wear a protective
helmet. Before each journey check that your helmet visor is clean and in
good condition.
[Laws RTA 1988 sects 16 & 17 & MC(PH)R as amended reg 4] 84 It is also advisable to wear eye protectors, which MUST
comply with the Regulations. Scratched or poorly fitting eye protectors
can limit your view when riding, particularly in bright sunshine and
the hours of darkness. Consider wearing ear protection. Strong boots,
gloves and suitable clothing may help to protect you if you are involved
in a collision.
[Laws RTA sect 18 & MC(EP)R as amended reg 4] 85 You MUST NOT carry more than one pillion passenger who MUST sit astride the machine on a proper seat. They should face forward with both feet on the footrests. You MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger unless your motor cycle is designed to do so. Provisional licence holders MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger.
[Laws RTA 1988 sect 23, MV(DL)R 1999 reg 16(6) & CUR 1986 reg 102] 86 Daylight
riding. Make yourself as visible as possible from the side as well as
the front and rear. You could wear a light or brightly coloured helmet
and fluorescent clothing or strips. Dipped headlights, even in good
daylight, may also make you more conspicuous. However, be aware that
other vehicle drivers may still not have seen you, or judged your
distance or speed correctly, especially at junctions.
87 Riding in the dark. Wear reflective clothing or strips
to improve your visibility in the dark. These reflect light from the
headlamps of other vehicles, making you visible from a longer distance.
See Rules 113–116 for lighting requirements.
Lighting requirements (113-116)
88 Manoeuvring. You should be aware of what is behind and
to the sides before manoeuvring. Look behind you; use mirrors if they
are fitted. When in traffic queues look out for pedestrians crossing
between vehicles and vehicles emerging from junctions or changing lanes.
Position yourself so that drivers in front can see you in their
mirrors. Additionally, when filtering in slow-moving traffic, take care
and keep your speed low.
How about suggesting to car drivers to flippin well look !!! IMHO all car drivers should spend a week or two on a bike/moped just to see how darn scary it can be out there when you're a biker !!
Maybe not a week or 2 fiesty, I would suggest that either before or very soon after the car test they should be required to do a CBT, this may be enough to give them a taste of what we suffer at thier hands and maybe teach them a little respect for bikers..
In the spirit of fairness:- A little less feistyness, and a bit more reading, will show the Highway Code does indeed specifivally instruct drivers to look out for bikes. (Rules 211 -213) Of course, getting them to read and implement the rules is another matter entirely! Meanwhile, close inspection will show that the bike in the ticked picture does indeed have its light on. An interesting demonstration of how useless they are, off-axis. (Sorry, I think I have my pedantic head on today....)
What a cracking idea feisty, for those drivers who never experience being on two wheels, a controlled riding weekend on a closed course and let them experience situations where drivers just dont look will surely made them look for bikers more and make them more aware to motorcyclists in general !!!
I agree that there is some good content which drivers should brush up on.
Cynically though, who but a learner is ever going to read it. None of the content appears to be dated; there is no summary of changes. What is there to draw attention to the fact that there might be important changes? What's the motivation for a licensed driver to read it again (since they passed)? Do you think car drivers have someone telling them they should check it out?
Makes you wonder what can be done to ensure driver do read it...
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