THE GOVERNMENT has launched a review of the Highway Code in an effort to increase safety for cyclists.

Transport minister Jesse Norman announced plans yesterday to rewrite the guidelines for how drivers interact with pedestrians and bike riders to reduce unnecessary deaths.

Among other things the new code will urge people to adopt the 'Dutch reach', a method of opening car doors with the hand furthers from the handle to force people to look over their shoulders.

The review follows recent casualty figures showing that 101 cyclists died in 2017 in road traffic collisions.

"Britain has some of the safest roads in the world, but we need them to be safer still for all – and particularly for cyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users," Mr Norman said.

"Cycling and walking are increasingly being understood as crucial parts of an integrated approach to issues of health, obesity, air quality and town and city planning.

"But this will only happen if people feel safe on the roads."