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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

ITV Good Morning Britain viewers call out show over Highway Code blunder

The Highway Code has been hitting the headlines of late ahead of changes coming into effect this week.

The major changes to the road rules aimed at protecting cyclists and pedestrians.

Someone driving will have more responsibility to watch out for people cycling, walking or riding a horse, and cyclists will have more responsibility to be aware of pedestrians.

Other key amendments include clearer guidance for drivers to leave a distance of at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists, and instructing drivers turning into a road to give way to pedestrians waiting to cross.

READ MORE: ITV This Morning under fire for 'ignorant' money segment before Charlotte Church interview

The subject also made its way to Good Morning Britain on Tuesday.

The ITV news show was being hosted by Susanna Reid and Ed Balls, and they were joined by double world pursuit champion and former president of the cycling federation Tony Doyle and broadcaster Mike Graham to discuss their views on the new rules.

As they appeared, the programme also featured a clip of a cyclist riding along in Warrington during a busy morning on the roads.

Kickstarting the debate, Susanna said: "Controversial new road rules designed to keep cyclists safe are going to come into effect later on this week."

The programme had a debate on the new Highway Code rules (ITV)

Ed continued: "Previously road positions of cyclists were not mentioned at all in the highway code but now under new rules.

"Cyclists are advised to ride in the middle of the road; I think it’s actually the middle of the lane rather than the middle of the road."

Susanna added: "Motorists have always been told to give cyclists plenty of room when overtaking, but from Saturday, drivers are told to leave a distance of at least one and a half metres."

While Mike branded the rules as "madness", Tony believed motorists have "no respect" for cyclists.

But as the fiery debate raged on, GMB viewers were too busy flocking to Twitter to point out an issue with the cyclist who was out on the roads.

Viewers were distracted by the cyclist (ITV)

@kevocouk tweeted: "#GMB There's a cycle lane on that path, why is she even on the road?"

"Ironically there’s an empty cycle lane on her left… #GMB," @KentWomble said.

@Dr_DavidBanner asked: "Why isn't she using the cycle lane? #GMB."

"Surely this cyclist in Warrington should be on the cycle Lane on the right that been created for safe cycling #GMB @GMB," @LeePartridge16 added.

And that wasn't all they spotted.

@DuringPatient said: "#gmb giving the worst example of a cyclist there. Wobbling slowly in the middle of the lane. Cyclist have got to be sure of themselves when cycling on busy roads."

"That cyclist was giving me anxiety of the highest order #GMB Bambi on a bike!" @Fazza007 tweeted.

@GrassHoppersaid added: "#gmb the cyclist on tv is so unsafe and there’s f**kin cycle path next to her ffs."

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