Sheffielders are split on the new Highway Code advisory, which gives pedestrians the most priority on UK roads.
Drivers now have to give way to pedestrians waiting at junctions and cyclists are advised to ride in the centre of their lane on quiet roads.
There has been controversy since the update was announced at the end of last month, as many believe it is unclear what the rule is and how it should be carried out.
Betty-Ann Hutchin
Betty-Ann Hutchin, 75, a cycling coach and the Ride Leader for the Sheffield Youth Cycling Club said: “I have heard people say that certain rules within this change are risky because there doesn’t seem to be any real announcement or advertising around it.
“As a pedestrian I find it quite disconcerting, because for so long I have got used to cars paying no attention to me.
“Now I feel apprehensive about what to do. To be confident that they will let me cross or be worried they don’t know what the changes are.”
New cycling position to be in the middle of road, credit to GOV.UK
Shelley Cockayne, 50, an Insurance Broker from Thompson Road, Sheffield, said: “Giving priority to people waiting to cross is an accident waiting to happen.
“There will be even more emissions produced as vehicles stop and wait while people hesitate, dither. That new rule is rubbish.”
Since the first lockdown, there has been notable increase in the number of cars on the road.
Rebecca Hammond, 40, a member of Cycle Sheffield, from Lodge Moor, started cycling to work about 18 months ago.
She said: “I hope the THINK! campaign (a government campaign to deliver road safety) can emphasises this new hierarchy of road users. It is absolutely terrifying when someone drives too close to me.”
Pedestrian and cyclist shared space sign, Credit to GOV.UK
RAC Head of Roads Policy, Nicholas Lyes, said these major changes to The Highway Code should make the roads safer for the most vulnerable road users. All road users, especially drivers should take the time to fully understand the alterations.