Cyclists could always be given priority over cars under plans to rewrite Highway Code

Proposal would also see drivers required to learn 'Dutch Reach' technique to force drivers to look over shoulder for passing traffic when opening door

A man cycling in London (Getty Images)

Motorists may be required to always give way to pedestrians and cyclists when turning, under a shake-up of the Highway Code.

Drivers will also be required to learn the “Dutch Reach” technique for opening car doors to force drivers to look over their shoulder for passing traffic in an effort to reduce the number of cyclists knocked off their bikes by careless drivers.

Other updates being considered include actions to reduce the number of cyclists overtaken too closely by vehicles, and efforts to improve the wider public's perception of cyclists.

Road safety campaigners claim the Highway Code is unclear about what drivers should do when turning.

The Department for Transport is considering changing who has priority to boost protection of vulnerable road users going straight on at junctions.

Rule 170 of the code states that pedestrians have priority "if they have started to cross" but does not explain what should happen when someone is about to step off a pavement at the same time a vehicle arrives at a junction.

The Dutch Reach technique for opening doors involves people in a car using the hand which is furthest from the handle, encouraging them to check over their shoulder for approaching traffic.

The technique has been in use in the Netherlands for around 50 years.

The British Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents endorsed Dutch Reach in 2017, saying it provided a continuous view of on-coming traffic and protects both cyclists and those exiting the car.

Last year, 101 cyclists died in crashes on Britain's roads.

In 2016 the then-transport secretary, Chris Grayling, knocked a cyclist off his bike after opening the door of his car while it was stationary in traffic outside Parliament.

The victim survived the crash but the incident reignited the debate over so-called dooring, and what can be done to reduce those injured by it.

The government launched a new UK-wide initiative in June, to help the police crackdown on close passing, which leads to accidents and puts people off cycling.

West Midlands Police are offering drivers a road-side educational input on safe overtaking but repeat offenders - or anyone deemed to have driven dangerously close to a cyclist - can expect to be prosecuted and taken to court.

Cycling and Walking Minister Jesse Norman said: "Cycling and walking are increasingly being understood as crucial parts of an integrated approach to issues of health, obesity, air quality and town and city planning.

"But this will only happen if people feel safe on the roads.

"These measures are part of a steady process of improvement and reform designed to achieve just that."

Highways England is also announcing a £3m contract with Sustrans for improvements to the National Cycle Network.

Duncan Dollimore, head of campaigns at charity Cycling UK, said: "Close overtakes and people opening car doors in front of cyclists are not only dangerous, they also put people off riding a bike.

"That's why Cycling UK has been campaigning for changes to the Highway Code rules for many years, to make the requirements crystal clear to give enough space when overtaking a cyclist, wait if you can't, and look before you open your car door.

"We're delighted the government has listened and we hope to contribute to the discussions regarding the amendments required to prioritise the safety of cyclists and other vulnerable road users."

The move comes as the government is considering introducing new offences for dangerous cycling.

Under the proposals, which are being considered as part of a 12-week consultation, cyclists who kill pedestrians could face charges of "death by dangerous cycling" or "death by careless cycling".

Cycling campaigners have criticised the proposal, saying adding “one or two new offences specific to cyclists would be merely tinkering around the edges”.

Mr Dollimore added: "If the government is serious about addressing behaviour that puts others at risk on our roads, they should grasp the opportunity to do the job properly, rather than attempt to patch up an area of legislation that's simply not working."