No. 1217 — Road Traffic Act(CHAPTER 276)
Highway (Revision) Code 2018
It is notified for general information that, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 112 of the Road Traffic Act, the Minister for Home Affairs has issued the following Code:
Citation and commencement
1.  This Code is the Highway (Revision) Code 2018 and comes into operation on 5 May 2018.
New paragraph 20A
2.  The Highway Code (R 11) (called in this Code the principal Code) is amended by inserting, immediately after paragraph 20, the following paragraph:
20A.  If there is a choice between using a bicycle crossing or a pedestrian crossing to cross a road, use the pedestrian crossing.”.
Amendment of heading to Part III
3.  Part III of the principal Code is amended by deleting the Part heading and substituting the following Part heading:
PEDAL CYCLISTS AND POWER‑ASSISTED BICYCLE RIDERS”.
Amendment of paragraph 29
4.  Paragraph 29 of the principal Code is amended by deleting the words “on a dual carriageway but do not ride on a footpath” and substituting the words “of a roadway”.
Deletion and substitution of paragraphs 30 and 31
5.  Paragraphs 30 and 31 of the principal Code are deleted and the following paragraphs substituted therefor:
30.  If a road has a bicycle lane, cycle on the bicycle lane and no other part of the road, except when the bicycle lane is blocked or obstructed, or making a U‑turn or right turn.
31.  Ride in a single file when possible.”.
Amendment of paragraph 32
6.  Paragraph 32 of the principal Code is amended by deleting the words “held up” and substituting the word “slow”.
Deletion and substitution of paragraphs 33 to 36 and new paragraphs 35A and 35B
7.  Paragraphs 33 to 36 of the principal Code are deleted and the following paragraphs substituted therefor:
33.  Keep a safe distance from the rear of a motor vehicle (especially when riding behind a moving vehicle) so as to avoid collision if the vehicle in front stops suddenly.
34.  When riding, maintain awareness of traffic.
35.  Slow down and look out for other road users when approaching road accesses, bends, junctions, and crossings, or when passing a parked motor vehicle. When passing a parked motor vehicle, beware of the vehicle door opening. Allow a margin of safety when passing.
35A.  Do not squeeze between a bus at a bus stop and the bus stop kerb.
35B.  Avoid staying close to the rear of a turning motor vehicle or squeezing between the turning vehicle and the road kerb.
36.  If a hill is so steep that the bicycle you are riding on wobbles before you reach the top, get off and walk with the bicycle. Keep your cycling speed under control on downhill roads. If you travel too fast, you will not be able to stop in time in an emergency.”.
Deletion and substitution of paragraphs 38, 39 and 40
8.  Paragraphs 38 (including heading), 39 (including heading) and 40 of the principal Code are deleted and the following headings and paragraphs substituted therefor:
Roadworthiness
38.  Check that your bicycle’s front and back lights, brakes, tyres and chain are in safe working condition before setting off. Check the height of the bicycle’s handlebars and seat. If you are unable to touch the ground with your foot on either side of the bicycle, your seat is too high and you will not have full control of the bicycle when coming to a sudden stop in an emergency.
General
39.  Switch on your bicycle lights at night or when it is dark. Your bicycle’s front light should show a white light. The rear of your bicycle should display a red light or a red reflector. The front and back lights (or rear reflector) should be visible from a reasonable distance. The bicycle’s back mudguard should be white and kept clean to increase visibility from the rear. If you ride at night, wear light‑coloured clothing. This will help drivers of other vehicles and pedestrians to see you clearly.
40.  Keep both hands on the handlebars of your bicycle. When signalling your intention to change direction or make a turn, do so ahead of time and return your hand to the handlebars, before you actually start to turn.”.
Amendment of paragraph 41
9.  Paragraph 41 of the principal Code is amended by deleting the words “During rainy weather you should not hold an umbrella while riding your bicycle.”.
Deletion of paragraph 42
10.  Paragraph 42 of the principal Code is deleted.
New paragraphs 44A, 44B and 44C
11.  The principal Code is amended by inserting, immediately after paragraph 44, the following heading and paragraphs:
Pedal cyclists and power-assisted bicycle riders using crossings
44A.  If there is a choice between using a bicycle crossing or a pedestrian crossing to cross a road, use the bicycle crossing.
44B.  Stop and look for on‑coming traffic at pedestrian crossings and cross only at walking speed.
44C.  Slow down and give way to motor vehicles when approaching courtesy (informal) crossings and car park exits and entrances.”.
New paragraph 49A
12.  The principal Code is amended by inserting, immediately after paragraph 49, the following paragraph:
49A.  Do not drive, stop or park your motor vehicle on a bicycle lane at all times.”.
Amendment of paragraph 50
13.  Paragraph 50 (including heading) of the principal Code is deleted and the following heading and paragraph substituted therefor:
Keep left
50.  When driving along, do not hog the middle of the road. Keep well to the left and as near as practicable to the edge of the road (including on dual carriageways) unless ––
(a)you intend to overtake;
(b)you intend to turn right; or
(c)there is a bicycle lane, in which case, you should keep to the left-most vehicle lane.”.
[MHA 112/2/033; AG/LEGIS/SL/276/2015/48 Vol. 1]