• AA publishes Cyclist’s Highway Code
  • Publication supported by Chris Boardman, Olympic cyclist and British Cycling
  • Comes just weeks after Road Safety Minister said there were no plans to publish a cycling specific excerpt of Highway Code

Motoring organisation, the AA, has published the Cyclist’s Highway Code a month after the Road Safety Minister, Andrew Jones MP, told the House of Commons: “There are no plans to publish a cycling specific excerpt of the Highway Code.”

AA Publishing already had such plans in place and has released the publication which is designed as a companion guide for cyclists and parents of children learning to ride safely.

The AA has been involved in cycling since its foundation in 1905, from its first patrols using cycles to assist members to its recent award-winning Think Bikes sticker campaign.

A recent AA-Populus Survey revealed that 21 per cent of AA members cycle, with one in ten saying they cycle between one and five miles each week. The AA therefore felt it was appropriate for cyclists to have their own Highway Code – the AA Cyclist’s Highway Code.

The training section tests cycling knowledge and features the full syllabus for the national Bikeability course.

For new cyclists there is a section on choosing, setting up and maintaining your bicycle.

Carlton Reid, cycling expert and executive editor of BikeBiz magazine 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.”

The AA works closely with former Olympic champion and British Cycling policy adviser Chris Boardman and the AA was one of the first businesses to sign up to the #ChooseCycling network which highlights the role cycling can play in helping businesses thrive by encouraging people to live healthier lives.

Chris Boardman said: “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.”

Edmund King, AA president, said: “Cyclists and drivers are often the same people and the Highway Code is important whether you are on two wheels or four.”