A keen amateur cyclist from Hartshorne has welcomed the move which has seen a Highway Code exclusively for cyclists produced for the first time.

The book, released by British motoring association the AA, contains sections of the main code which are relevant for cyclists, as well as offering advice on the purchase and maintenance of bikes and the full syllabus for the national Bikeability cycle training programme.

The AA had been planning to issue the 'biking bible' for a while, despite Andrew Jones, road safety minister, recently stating that the government had "no plans to publish a cycling specific excerpt of the Highway Code".

Chris Boardman, policy adviser to British Cycling and a Olympic gold medal winner, said: "The bicycle is such a simple tool, but one which can improve your health, reduce congestion and make our towns and cities more liveable.

"British Cycling welcomes the AA Cyclist’s Highway Code as it should encourage new cyclists and help parents get their children into cycling."

Geoff Girvan-Merryweather, 36, of Hartshorne is a keen amateur cyclist and restorer of vintage bikes. He said: "Anything which can help to keep riders educated is a good thing, although it all can be found in the pages of the Highway Code anyways.

"As cyclists we often come under fire from other road users, so making sure we know the rules is very important. The roads are busier now than ever, so all road users need to learn to rub along together to avoid tensions.

"The fact that the guide covers maintenance really interests me, as I feel too many riders don’t know how to look after their bikes – even down to the basics of checking brake pads or fixing a puncture.

"I think the guide would make a good read for motorists too, as some drivers can be guilty of not understanding what cyclists are allowed to do on the road.

"Although I’m sure there are already a number of guides available these days, anything which will inspire confidence and get people out on their bikes can only be a good thing – especially here in Burton with the upcoming roadworks."

Rules include:

Lights: Cyclists must have approved front and rear lights, lit, clean and working properly, when cycling between sunset and sunrise.

Brakes: It’s an offence to ride a bicycle on a public road without two efficient braking systems, operating independently on the front and rear wheel.

Alcohol and drugs: Cycling on a road or other public places whilst unfit through drink or drugs can carry a fine of up to £1,000.

Cycling carelessly: Cycling in a careless, dangerous manor without due care or attention for other road users can carry a £1000 max fine.