The UK government is considering a major change to local road layouts aimed at improving safety for cyclists. Under newly released proposals by Active Travel England (ATE), lane widths on local roads could be altered significantly to discourage motorists from overtaking cyclists unsafely.
For nearly 150 years, the standard lane width has been 12 feet. However, recent guidance suggests that this measure is outdated and may increase risks for cyclists when vehicles attempt to overtake within insufficient space. The proposed changes would see lanes either reduced to a maximum width of 10 feet 8 inches or expanded to a minimum of 12 feet 10 inches.
These guidelines will influence billions of pounds of upcoming road infrastructure projects, with local authorities potentially losing transport funding if they do not adhere to the recommendations.
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However, the proposals have met criticism. Brian Gregory, policy director at the Alliance of British Drivers, warns that narrowing lanes to match cyclists’ pace could impose significant economic drawbacks and make driving more frustrating. Similarly, Howard Cox of FairFuelUK cautions that narrowing already congested roads may exacerbate driver frustration and negatively impact local businesses.
Supporters argue that narrower lanes clearly signal to drivers that overtaking may be unsafe, fostering patience and increased road safety. Led by former Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman, Active Travel England emphasizes that standard 12-foot lanes often tempt drivers to overtake cyclists despite inadequate space, heightening collision risks.
While the guidance from ATE is advisory rather than legally binding, adherence is strongly encouraged to secure funding and promote safer coexistence between motorists and cyclists on UK roads.