An update to the Manx Highway Code will see drivers encouraged to change the way they open car doors.
Drivers will be pushed to open the door with their left hand, a technique known as the Dutch reach, as part of a major revision to the Isle of Man’s road rules.
The updated Manx Highway Code, due this year, will incorporate the UK’s 2022 Official Highway Code with local modifications, marking the first update since 2014.
Infrastructure Minister Dr Michelle Haywood said: “The new version of the Manx Highway Code will continue, as in previous versions, to adopt the guidance and rules from the UK’s Official Highway Code, subject to specified Manx modifications.”
These include references to Manx legislation and adaptations for local features like horse trams and derestricted roads.
Hierarchy
Key updates will include a formalised hierarchy of road users, placing greater responsibility on drivers to protect vulnerable groups such as pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders.
Cyclists will also be giving way to pedestrians and horse riders on shared paths, while pedestrians crossing side roads will have priority over turning vehicles.
Drivers overtaking cyclists must leave at least 1.5 metres of space, increasing to 2 metres for pedestrians on roads without pavements while cyclists will also gain priority over vehicles at junctions when going straight ahead.
The Dutch reach technique, aimed at improving visibility and reducing accidents, is among the new guidance.
The revised code is expected to be published later this year.
Changes
There will be several key changes in this guidance for road users including:
• Formalising 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. In
effect this is a duty of care towards road users that are more vulnerable than you are in your
vehicle.
• Cyclists should give way to pedestrians and horse riders on shared-ways and bridleways.
• Pedestrian 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 t
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