Drivers across Sussex will face changes to the rules of the road this weekend.
A revised Highway Code comes into force on Saturday (January 29) that gives cyclists clear priority over drivers — with motorists given specific instructions on how much room to allow when overtaking.
Drivers will have more responsibility to watch out for people cycling, walking or riding a horse — while cyclists will have more responsibility to be aware of pedestrians.
The new rules mean cars must leave at least 1.5 metres room when passing bicycles, while revised guidance also says "it can be safer" for cyclists to ride two abreast.
Other key amendments include drivers turning into a road being required to give way to pedestrians waiting to cross.
Provisional Department for Transport (DfT) figures show 4,290 pedestrians and 4,700 cyclists were killed or seriously injured in crashes on Britain's roads in the year to the end of June 2021.
But with just days before they come into force, a survey indicates one in three drivers are unaware of the major changes aimed at protecting cyclists and pedestrians.
Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK's head of campaigns, told Sky News:
"The changes to the Highway Code will happen overnight, so it is frustrating official communications come only after their introduction.
"That helps no one - neither the walkers and cyclists the rules are meant to protect, nor the drivers who are somehow meant to telepathically know about them.
"These are fundamental changes about the way we use our roads, it's essential we have a long-term well-funded public awareness campaign to make that change happen."
In response, A DfT spokesman insisted the changes were "announced to national press".
However, the department's website and social media accounts of the government's Think! road safety campaign have not yet mentioned the changes.
The government has announced it has invested £5.5m in cycling and walking schemes, including £3m to boost infrastructure around railway stations.
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