I have been looking through the new highway Code. Below are a few extracts relevant to cycling. Maybe everyone else is fully conversant and what I think is worth highlighting says more about my personal lack of awareness.

I was surprised not to find any specific guidance to lorry drivers about the (well recognised) dangers caused by lorries turning left and trapping cyclists. This is particularly important as there appears to be a growing number of short cycle lanes leading to advanced stop areas that, by their presence, encourage cyclists to ?undertake? cars and lorries at approaches to these junctions exposing them to this hazard. Also the rules relating to cyclists riding single file ?when riding round bends? seems severe ?there can?t be too many places in the UK where roads are neither busy, narrow nor bendy.

Lights

At night your cycle must have white front and red rear lights lit. It must also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85).

White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.

Cycle Routes and Other Facilities

Use cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless at the time it is unsafe to do so. Use of these facilities is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.

Cycle Tracks

Cyclists and pedestrians may be segregated or they may share the same space (unsegregated). When using segregated tracks you MUST keep to the side intended for cyclists as the pedestrian side remains a pavement or footpath.

Cycle Lanes

These are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway. When using a cycle lane, keep within the lane when practicable. When leaving a cycle lane check before pulling out that it is safe to do so and signal your intention clearly to other road users. Use of cycle lanes is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.

Advanced stop lines

Some signal-controlled junctions have advanced stop lines to allow cyclists to be positioned ahead of other traffic. Motorists, including motorcyclists, must stop at the first white line reached. Allow cyclists time and space to move off when the green signal shows.

Pavements

You MUST not cycle on a pavement

Bus Lanes

Most bus lanes may be used by cyclists.

Crossing the road

Don't ride across pedestrian crossings.

Toucan Crossings (for cyclists and pedestrians)

You may ride across

Cycle only crossings

You may cycle across. You must not cross until the green symbol is showing.

Roundabouts

You may feel safer walking your cycle on the pavement or verge. If you decide to ride round keeping to the left hand lane you should be aware that derivers may not easily see you. Take extra care when cycling across exits. You may need to signal right to show you are not leaving the roundabout.

Single file

You should never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends. You should be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and sighted pedestrians. Let them know you are there when necessary, for example, by ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted.

Motorists

You MUST not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its time of operation.

Do not overtake when you may come into conflict with other users e.g. forcing them to swerve or slow down. Stay behind a cyclist approaching a roundabout or junction and you intend to turn left.

It is often difficult to see motorcyclists and cyclists, especially when they are coming up from behind, coming out of junctions, at roundabouts, overtaking you or filtering through traffic. Always look out for them when emerging from a junction. When turning right across a line of slow moving or stationary traffic look out for cyclists on the inside of the traffic you are crossing. Be especially careful when turning and when changing lane. Be sure to check mirrors and blind spots carefully.