Overview
- Active Travel England published guidance advising councils to avoid lane widths between 3.25m and 3.9m by designing lanes at or below 3.25m or at least 3.9m.
- ATE says the long‑standard 3.65m lane can tempt drivers to pass cyclists without adequate space, increasing ‘clip’ or ‘shunt’ collision risks, whereas narrower lanes cue drivers to wait.
- The recommendations follow the 2022 Highway Code update that set a 1.5m minimum clearance for overtaking cyclists at up to 30mph.
- Though advisory, the guidance is presented as good practice for future road schemes; the Mail on Sunday reported it could shape funding for projects worth billions and penalize councils that ignore it.
- Motoring groups warn of congestion and costs given constrained urban streets and wider modern cars, while the DfT rejects claims of a ‘war on motorists’ and notes recent investments in roads.