Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, for what reason the revised highway code gives priority to cyclists to ride in the middle of single carriageway roads which have dedicated cycle lanes alongside the carriageway; what arrangements are available on a regional basis to monitor any increase in (a) road-rage incidents and (b) accidents arising from cyclists declining for protracted periods to allow motorists to overtake them; and if he will make it his policy to publish on a quarterly basis national (i) totals of and (ii) statistical trends arising from such incidents.  [115826]

[Due for Answer on 4 February]

ANSWER

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Trudy Harrison): The advisory changes introduced to The Highway Code on 29 January are an extension to the previous advice and guidance. They are not expected to pose any major challenges as they simply reinforce the good behaviours that we would expect every road user to adhere to. Cyclists are advised to ride in the centre of the lane in certain situations and this is taught as part of the national standard of cycle training. The Code now includes that safety advice for consistency.