Cyclists are being advised to ride in the middle of the road in some situations as part of a huge shake-up to the Highway Code.
Riders will be advised to take the new position instead of the left-hand side of the lane when approaching junctions and on quiet roads. This rule remains in place even if there is a cycle lane, which they are not obliged to use.
The rules favour cyclists and pedestrians over drivers in a new "hierarchy of road users", with the logic that they are the ones who can cause the least harm.
But critics have warned the changes, which come into affect at the end of the month pending final approval, could cause accidents and tension between drivers and cyclists.
Another new rule stats that drivers must leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists.
The positioning of cyclists is just one of many new changes announced by the Department of Transport, with those who don't follow the rules facing tougher £200 fines and six points for motorists.
Bosses at road safety charity IAM RoadSmart are concerned the changes could cause an increase of road rage.
Director of policy and research Neil Greig told The Times: "A lot of drivers are going to think that somebody cycling in the middle of the lane in front of them is doing it to deliberately slow them down.
"That leads to conflict and road rage and inappropriate overtaking. Everybody needs to know all of these changes at the same time for it to work."
The Highway Code shake-up will also see a change to how drivers use roundabouts, and for the first time the law will require those who can do the greatest harm to others to have a higher level of responsibility to reduce the danger.
Rule 186 under the new section says people on the road will need to give priority to cyclists at roundabouts.
It states: "You should give priority to cyclists on the roundabout. They will be travelling more slowly than motorised traffic.
"Give them plenty of room and do not attempt to overtake them within their lane. Allow them to move across your path as they travel around the roundabout.
"Cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout and should signal right to show you they are not leaving the roundabout.
"Drivers should take extra care when entering a roundabout to ensure that they do not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles in the left-hand lane, who are continuing around the roundabout."
It is a driver's responsibility to remain up-to-date with changes to the Highway Code, but the AA found in a survey last month that only a third of motorists were aware of the amendment.
Charity campaigners have issued a warning to the government the new rules have not been promoted widely enough.
Cycling UK's Duncan Dollimore said: "Many people won't have read the Highway Code for years so it's essential that the key changes are clearly explained, with simple, accurate and memorable messages."
A DfT spokesman said: "The proposed upcoming changes to the Highway Code will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders and were announced to national press.
"The department has established a working group of key organisations to ensure that messages about the changes are as widespread as possible and our well-established Think! campaign will continue to ensure all road users are aware both when these changes come into effect and beyond."