In the UK about four years back the Highway Code was amended. An aspect of the changes was about clarifying a ‘hierarchy of road users’. This hierarchy “places those road users most at risk in the event of a collision at the top of the hierarchy” – which was/is encouraging.

How well you find people respecting this hierarchy can be, shall we say, ‘mixed’ at times. In particular, that “when people are crossing or waiting to cross at a junction, other traffic should give way” has not quite permeated into the minds of all motorists.

Going back to my last post, that as a motor vehicle driver you are having to give way to somebody not in a motor vehicle can be a hard habit or routine to break! Which means that despite such rule changes as a pedestrian, cyclist, wheeler, horse rider etc. as a road user most risk you do really need to keep your wits about you.

With crossings I prefer those with the lowest amount of possible ambiguity as to what is happening and who has priority. I do always feel a bit wobbly with zebra crossings as although as a pedestrian you have priority you never quite know if the vehicle drivers you face are in agreement.

My crossing preference is a pelican crossing because you press the button – ok you do have to wait (sometimes for far too long) – and you then have the lights to back up your pedestrian version of reality that it really is your right of way when they are red for motorists.

So very definately do enjoy your car-free-dom, but when you are out and about please do keep a eye out for people that might not be so up to speed as you are on the ins-and-outs of who has road priority.