It seems a bit pointless adding to the comments about the existing Rule 66, so I thought instead I would comment on the proposed changes.
According to the Summary of the Consultation:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultat ... orcyclists
"update Rule 66 to ensure cyclists are considerate towards horse riders, along with the following text:
Start quote:
[cyclists’ should] ride in single file when drivers wish to overtake and it is safe to let them do so. When riding in larger groups on narrow lanes, it is sometimes safer to ride two abreast
End quote"
Personally I can’t see how the update is much of an improvement.
1.Why is it up to cyclists to decide when "it is safe to let them (ie driver) do so (ie overtake) " ? Surely the onus is (and always has been) on the driver wanting to overtake to make sure it is safe to do so, not on the person in front ! It makes no sense, and is totally inconsistent with Rule 162 and 163.
2.What narrow lanes are being referred to - narrow lanes on a multi-lane road, or narrow (country) roads?
If the proposed changes are meant to clarify Rule 66 then I don't think this wording helps.