Alsager Nub News asked Alsager Harlequins Cycling Club for their response to the changes to the Highway Code.

We reported yesterday here. how Cheshire East Council's walking and cycling champion says the changes are about common courtesy and protecting more vulnerable road users.

In a letter to Nub News, the Harlequins say the changes include a few tips for all road users – not just cyclists. Here is their response ...

Alsager Harlequins Cycling Club welcome the new changes to the Highway Code but feel it is necessary to stress that the changes are not just about making things better for the Sunday morning Lycra- clad community. They are designed to improve the safety of all road users

They are for everyone who uses the road - whether it be on two wheels or four, or even on four legs or two!

Too often people using the road space that we all share find themselves at odds with one another.

Whether it be people on bikes holding up people in cars or people in cars endangering the safety of people on bikes.

Or people being put at risk when crossing the road or even people on horseback not being given proper respect by people that try to get past.

The key word in all these scenarios is "people" – us, the ones who use the road in all the various forms of transport and mobility.

Apart from a few individuals who seem to care very little for the safety and well-being of others, the vast majority of people want to go about their journey, whether it be for work, personal or pleasure, in a safe way without endangering others.

However, as the Highway Code now recognises there is a hierarchy of vulnerability and it's incumbent on all of us to respect that and abide by the new rules.

Cycling is a fantastic sport and hobby and a great way to get fit, meet other people and make friends.

Every cyclist though can tell a story about the time when they have had some form of accident, whether it be their own fault by misjudging the road conditions or coming off second best after an incident with a motor vehicle.

Cyclists accept these risks as part of the cycling experience. It's worth commenting though that almost everyone who rides a bike on the road in all likelihood also drives a car.

Not everyone who drives a car however, rides a bike.

Just because people put on a cycling helmet and set off for a spin down our roads and lanes, they don't suddenly become oblivious to the urgencies of those other road users who are driving a car or a van or even a HGV. Everyone is in a hurry now it seems. Whether it is to get to work, or pick the kids up or make yet another van delivery and cyclists know that on occasion their presence on the road ahead may slow other roads users down and that this can lead to frustration. A responsible cyclist will recognise this and should always seek to accommodate other road users so that we can all occupy the same space in a safe manner but until you get on a bike and experience a close pass, or an impatient motorist who wants to get past when there isn't room, or even an aggressive one who seems oblivious to the safety of others, then it's impossible to understand just how vulnerable someone riding a bike on our busy roads actually is. At times it would appear even the mere presence of someone on a bike on the road ahead seems to enrage some people sat behind a wheel. We would like to reassure anyone who encounters one of our members riding their bike in the very recognisable Harlequins club colours, that if they are in the middle of the lane ahead of you then they will be doing that for a reason, not to be obstructive. As a club one of our values includes the word Respect and this includes being respectful to everyone we meet on the road. There's plenty of room for all of us so let's all try to be as safe as possible. Dave Price,

Chairman,

Alsager Harlequins Cycling Club.