A CLYDEBANK cycling club says it's vital for all road users to be up to speed with the latest changes to the Highway Code.

Changes to the Code came into force on January 29 and saw various updates made to the rights and responsibilities of both motorists and cyclists.

Gordon Dick from Lomond Roads Cycling Club told the Post he believes the recent changes “should definitely make things safer”.

The 55-year-old said: “To be honest, I think it can only help.

"I think anything that can highlight and try and make more of us more aware of how vulnerable cyclists are.

"Even now if we’re out on a Saturday there’s very seldom a ride goes by where we don’t have to take some kind of what we’d call 'defensive action' to avoid an accident - which is not really what we want to do.

“What people have to remember is 95 per cent of our members are motorists as well.

"We know that cyclists can annoy cars, so we’re not totally out there to rule the road.

“We’re out there to enjoy the countryside and get fit, stay healthy and enjoy a better lifestyle.

"We want everybody to do the same so it’s just about showing respect for all road users.

“I think it should definitely make things safer.”

The main changes to the Highway Code include cyclists having priority over cars when cars are turning, pedestrians having priority over cars at junctions, and changes to cyclist positioning on the road to ensure better visibility.

Cyclists are now to ride in the centre of the lane, which Gordon says is a practice members of the Club has already adopted.

He added: “[The Highway Code] has put in place an official backing to what we do as responsible cyclists and a responsible cycling club anyways.

“On a roundabout we have right of way, so it’s official that we can change lane, and if cars are stopped at lights it's official now that we can safely make our way to the front.

“These should definitely help to change motorists' attitude.

"But again, it’s not just about just going out there and saying 'we’ve got this Highway Code and we can do what we like'.

“We want to all just get out there and get on with each other. 

"We don’t want to go out and have to fight with cars - we want to go out and enjoy it, and be responsible as well.”

Gordon, who lives in Old Kilpatrick, said it is important for everyone on the road to be aware of their rights and responsibilities and that having an understanding of the Highway Code is “absolutely essential”.

He said: “I think anybody on the roads should be aware of their rights and their responsibilities.

“It’s all about trying to stay safe. It's very remiss of anyone to go out and not have an understanding of what the correct procedure should be for turning left, turning right and for roundabouts. It's absolutely essential."

Lomond Roads Cycling Club meets three times a week, with rides leaving from Kilbowie roundabout and Erskine Garden Centre at the weekend.

The club, which was founded in 1933, holds a meeting in the Double L Centre in Linnvale at 7.30pm on Wednesdays and welcomes members of all abilities.

Find out more at the club's official website.