Recent changes to the Highway Code have been revealed after footage showing an incident between a cyclist and Land Rover went viral.
The video showing a woman falling off her bike into a ditch after the Land Rover drove past them on a country lane has divided opinion.
The Highway Code was updated on January 29 this year to “improve the safety of people walking, cycling and riding horses”, according to the Government.
The fresh guidelines include new rules for drivers overtaking when driving or cycling.
In a report published on the Government website, drivers are told to “leave at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph, and giving them more space when overtaking at higher speeds".
The regulations also urge drivers to “wait behind them (cyclists) and do not overtake if it’s unsafe or not possible to meet these clearances".
The video involving the Land Rover and cyclist caused widespread controversy, with many believing that the car driver, Paul Nigel Miley was not at fault.
Mr Miley, 52, was handed a fine of £1,008 for driving without due care and attention.
One person commented on the video of the incident posted by Northamptomshire Police: “Can’t see what he did wrong.
Changes to the Highway Code made on January 29
Gov.uk
“Looks like she just fell over because her feet were attached to her pedals. Maybe she just needs to learn how to get off her bike.”
Another wrote: “Honestly. If someone had been on foot, stepped to the side and fallen in a ditch, it most certainly wouldn’t have been the drivers fault. He left plenty of room.”
PC Mo Allsopp-Clarke of Northamptonshire Police’s Safer Roads Team said the video footage “clearly showed that Miley had no consideration for the cyclists on that day, and when he appeared at Magistrates’ Court, he changed his plea to guilty".
Mr Allsopp-Clarke said: “Miley initially pleaded not guilty to the offence, claiming he had driven extremely slowly past the group and was unable to move further across.
“The video evidence clearly showed that Miley had no consideration for the cyclists on that day, and when he appeared at Magistrates’ Court, he changed his plea to guilty."
He added: “His driving fell below the standard of a competent and careful driver, which could have very easily ended in tragic consequences, and I’m pleased the courts have dealt with the driver positively.
“Drivers should always try to give cyclists and other vulnerable road users at least 1.5m of space and pass slowly. In this instance, on this road, that would not be possible.
“On this occasion, the correct thing to do would have been to come to a stop to allow the cyclists to pass safely. It takes a couple of seconds and then everyone can continue their journey in safety.”
Footage of an incident involving a cyclist and a Land Rover went viral
Northamptonshire Police