HC Deb 11 November 1999 vol 337 c700W
Mr. Flight

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to raise awareness amongst cyclists of the need to obey the Highway Code; and if he will make a statement. [98344]

Mr. Hill

The Department and local authorities actively work to ensure that cyclists are aware of the need to obey the Highway Code.

The Code itself was re-issued in February. It applies equally to all road users. For the first time, it brings together the rules applying to vulnerable road users, including cyclists, in specific sections at the beginning of the Code. This made the Code easier to read and assimilate.

The Driving Standards Agency promotes the Highway Code and seeks opportunities for specific road users to be targeted. The Agency has recently published the "Road Code", which is aimed at young road-users and builds on the Highway Code. Its message includes a section on cycling. The Department is also involved in other initiatives which support the principles of the Code. For example, on 22 October we issued a "Cycle Smart" comic and poster using Disney's "Recess" gang characters to promote the rules of cycling.

Local Authority Road Safety Officers make use of the cycle training for both children and adults to stress the need for cyclists to obey the Highway Code. About a third of children receive this training and this ensures that they grow up to be careful and considerate road users of all modes of transport. Every child who undertakes cycle training receives a copy of the "Highway Code for Young Road Users".