Manx Highway Code to be updated for the first time in over a decade

Includes new guidance for cyclists and how to open your car door

The Manx Highway Code is set to be updated this year for the first time in more than a decade. 

It was last updated in 2014, and the latest edition will adopt the guidance and rules from the UK’s Official Highway Code (2022), subject to 'specified Manx modifications'.

These include references to Manx legislation and amendments for local variations such as the horse trams and derestricted roads.

Key changes to be introduced include:

• The formalisation of the hierarchy of road users so that those driving vehicles have a responsibility for more vulnerable road users including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.
• Cyclists should give way to pedestrians and horse riders on shared-ways and bridleways.
• Pedestrians crossing or about to cross side roads have the right of way over vehicles or cyclists that are entering or exiting the side road. 
• i.e. if a pedestrian is or is about to cross a side road cars and others must stop and let them pass. 
• Guidance for cyclists positioning on the road and behaviour when riding in groups. 
• When overtaking, drivers to give cyclists at least 1.5 metres and at least 2 metres for people walking in a road with no pavements.
• Cyclists can overtake slow moving traffic on the left or the right taking appropriate care. 
• Cyclists going straight ahead at side road crossings (cycleway and shared spaces) have priority over, vehicles turning into or out of the junction.
• Drivers will be encouraged to open their door with their left hand, so that they have better visibility behind them.

The details of the upcoming changes have been published by Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood in response to a Tynwald Question for Written Answer from Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas.