 Bicycles should be fitted with front and rear lights to make cyclists more visible in the dark. According to the THINK! Cycling Campaign, the number of cyclists seriously injured has increased in recent years, faster than the increase in cyclists on the roads. If you are planning to start cycling on the road, it is important to make sure you have a full understanding of the Highway Code and know how to keep yourself safe. Below we have outlined some of the key rules from the Highway Code for cyclists to follow. Section 59 Section 59 of the Highway Code explains the appropriate clothing cyclists should wear in order to make it easier for other road users to spot them and help to keep them protected in the case of a collision. Cyclist clothing:
This section of the Highway Code is all about cyclists’ lights and reflectors. At night cyclists must have their white front and red rear lights lit. Their bicycles must also be fitted with a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors. White front reflectors and spoke reflectors can also increase your visibility to other road users. Flashing lights are permitted but cyclists riding in areas without street lighting should use a steady front lamp instead.  Cyclists should use dedicated cycle lanes and routes wherever possible. Section 61
Section 61 covers cycle routes and other facilities for cyclists. If cycle routes are available cyclists should make use of them, as they can make their journeys safer. Cyclists should also use advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings, unless it is unsafe to do so. Section 62 Section 62 covers the use of cycle tracks, which can be used to make a journey safer. Cycle tracks are usually located away from the road, but are sometimes found alongside footpaths and pavements. Sometimes cycle tracks will have a separate path for pedestrians, however this is not always the case. If you are using a segregated path, it is important to make sure you stay on the right side of the track to avoid colliding with pedestrians. Be on high alert in case pedestrians pass into your lane without realising. If you are sharing a path, take extra care and give plenty of room to children, the elderly and disabled people. You should always be riding at a speed that would allow you to slow down and stop if necessary. Section 63 Cycle lanes are marked by a white line (which may be broken) and are found alongside the carriageway. Although not compulsory, you should use the lanes whenever practical as they can make your journey safer. If you need to leave the cycle lane, always check that it is safe to do so and signal to other road users. Section 64 Something that confuses many cyclists is whether or not they are allowed to cycle on the pavement. According to Laws HA 1835 section 72 & RSA 1984, section 129, cyclists must not cycle on the pavement. Section 65 Cyclists can use bus lanes when permitted to by road signs. Take extra care and watch out for people getting on or off buses. Only overtake a bus pulling into a bus lane if it is safe to do so. Do not pass between the kerb and a bus when it is at a stop. Section 66 This section explains what cyclists should and should not do when riding on the road. You should:
Follow the steps below to promote safety on the roads:
Cyclists should not carry a passenger on their bicycle, unless it has been build to carry one. They must not ride in a dangerous, careless or inconsiderate manner. Cyclists must not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including some medications). Section 69 Traffic signs and traffic light signals apply to all road users. Cyclists must obey them. Section 70 Just as there are parking rules for vehicles, there are also ones for cyclists. You should always aim to use cycle stands of cycle parking facilities wherever possible and avoid leaving your bike where it would cause an obstruction or hazard to others. Section 71 A red traffic light applies to all road users. Cyclists must not cross the stop line if the traffic lights are red. Use the separate stop line for cyclists when practical. We hope this article has helped you gain a better understanding of the Highway Code for cyclists and given you more confidence in riding safely on the road. If you have any questions feel free to get in touch. Image source: Richard Masoner and samsaundersleeds
160 Comments
David Proctor
1/2/2016 17:04:29
Why are cyclists no longer required to have a bell to warn of their presence?
Sadie??????
22/9/2017 20:59:06
Love help
me
4/10/2017 23:30:59
I think the reason bicycles are no longer required to have a bell is because most modern humans are fitted with a "gob" or sounding device which can be used to warn others of their presence.
Bob.C
10/12/2018 09:49:19
The problem is not that cyclists have a gob but that they are distracted by many things some being on the phone or listening to other devises. As such their attention is not 100% on the road / pavement and they don't realise that they may cause a danger to other road users ie pedestrians. A bell and the law with legislation should be in force and persons cycling without reasonable consideration or due care and attention or dangerously should be brought to book.
Judy
1/7/2020 11:39:33
Shame most don't use it!
Christopher Johns
24/7/2020 09:50:18
Who 'deemed that the bell was no longer necessary' but deemed that no cycle can be legally sold without a bell? The problem it when we do use the bell walkers ignore us. I have it all the time I ride 4 mile to work. Always ppl with dogs on extended leads moan when we pass. Moan when we use Bell. Moan when we as can we pass please. And moan when they are on the cycling side of the shared path. No matter what we do you ppl will moan that's "shoe-makers". if you (the cyclist) are approaching your potential victim from BEHIND, and are riding a 2-wheeled killing machine which is very quiet, we pedestrians WILL NOT HEAR YOU, if we pedestrians are old or infirm, possibly walking very slowly, we could be shocked by your sudden and unannounced speeding presence. have some common sense, USE A BELL, REPEATEDLY, until you can see the poor pedestrian has acknowledged your impending attack. if you treat the conjoined foot-cycle paths as a VELODROME, learn to SLOW DOWN to walking speed, most cyclists are so rude and selfish. BUY LIGHTS, a BELL, AND USE THEM!
David
29/9/2019 11:46:42
Just like car driver's not paying attention yell out of their window and blast their horn highway code says only use your horn if another car doesn't see you why don't car drivers get fined for misuse of horn
aDub
29/9/2019 12:01:32
Police at 3am, at full chat with lights ^ sirens going on a road section without junctions and no traffic! WHY?
Sarah Tagg
29/8/2022 18:22:47
Paul seems very angry
John Corrigan
31/12/2017 19:47:03
A bicycle cannot be sold without a bell under fairly modern legislation however, there is nothing in the legislation requiring it to remain on the bike and, in many instances it is never fitted. Also, most serious cyclists don't buy complete bikes, they specify what they require and usually fit pedals themselves, so they have not bought a complete bike. The law requires consideration for other road users and I believe that my voice allows me to give good and clear indication of my presence. It is going to be interesting to listen to the 'bell' arguments applied to, virtually silent, electric cars!
Graham Cullimore
15/6/2018 09:51:42
I totally fail to see your point about 'virtually silent electric cars'. Cycles are virtually silent too - but cars are required to have a horn if a warning is needed, something you seem to be overlooking. Why would there ever be a 'bell' argument about electric cars when they already have a superior device intended for the same purpose?
aDub
29/9/2019 12:21:34
Near silent electric cars? I've had near silent petrol cars, so not a new issue! As said, bikes are pretty quiet. I use my bell a lot when approaching pedestrians and other cyclists. I often wonder why people don't react. Then see that they are *walking on the wrong side of the road *wearing head headphones *looking at a phone.
Irene mckay
13/5/2020 16:52:11
I am registered blind with only 5% vision in one eye I use a long white cane I use a cycle/pedestrian path by the river where I live I am so annoyed that none of the many many cyclists don’t use a bell or shout out when approaching me when walking I try to stay as near the edge on the left side of the path but they fly by at great speed which is pretty frightening I do think bells should be compulsory I don’t use any music devices which I would love to do so that I can try to listen for the bikes but they whizzing by so fast
Andrew Sommerville
21/4/2021 14:09:52
John,
Angela
8/9/2021 23:19:04
Section 66 as mentioned about states you should use your bell to inform others of your presence. It doesn't say "If you have one, us your bell". It assumes you have one, therefore it should be used. there is legislation in place in most countries to ensure that those who are blind or partially sighted can still "hear" an electric vehicle when within a reasonable distance. this is being written into all new, non-combustion engined vehicle manufacture legislation (it's my job!) and "serious" cyclists should be using the road, cycle paths which run along roads or dedicated cycle paths. where the local council has not sub-divided the allocated paths, the cyclist is secondary, the pedestrian has full right of way. therefore, the cyclist should slow to walking speed when approaching ANY pedestrian on these particular paths. it should also be noted that, where NO allocation has been made for cyclists, they SHOULD NOT ride on a public footpath.
Owen Lawson
14/1/2018 22:50:05
Because is a driver going to hear a bell no. And nower days nethier to pedestrians.
David
29/9/2019 11:48:06
Here here well put
Steve Burnell
19/1/2018 14:01:03
I don't think they ever were required to have a bell. The cyclist had to have (and it may still be) 'an audible means of warning'. Warning could or can be made by voice. A new bicycle offered for sale has to have a bell fitted, but that law isn't part of the Highway Code.
David
29/9/2019 11:49:22
It is also highway code says only use your horn when needed
Ian Poskitt
1/5/2018 20:46:11
Is this true? I think cyclist should have a bell, those who object to the insignificant weight of a bell just aren't thinking straight. A bell can forewarn pedestrians of your approach and it uniquely identifies you as cyclist.
David
29/9/2019 11:51:38
Who are these people on here bicycle have to have a bell not that people would not here them cause they are always on their phone
Stephen Holroyd
7/3/2019 14:03:04
All new cycles must be fitted with a bell before sale. recent law.
Christopher Johns
7/12/2019 11:32:35
About time too. And now there should be introduced a new law whoch says that no bicycle shall be used where others may be present (eg. road, cycle track, bridle path (footpath!) without the bell being in place and in working condition, capable from a simple flick of generating a ring of a certain, audible-to-a-person-not-wearing-headphones number of decibels,
Anthony McNally
17/9/2020 16:01:40
Rarely does one ring the bell or toot the horn in a real scenerio where it's required.people step out unexpectedly and we express our feelings using them.when people are considerate there is no need for warning.i agree about a wave and apology.even if ingenious.
R.Craven
27/6/2019 15:31:53
Because they never have been require by law ti have a bell or other warning dec vise at all.
David
29/9/2019 11:43:25
They are why do people walk in bike lanes rather than their lane
Christopher Johns
19/4/2020 11:38:20
David: assuming your hieroglyphics were a question - why do cyclists cycle on the pavement rather than 'their lane' (the road)?
Grandad
12/7/2020 13:17:57
section 66 of highway code use your bell when necessay to warn people of your presence.
Bob Cunliffe
17/9/2020 16:20:29
Yes , Section 66 of the Highway Code needs to be deleted. 9/8/2020 21:55:16
We've only got 2 thumbs.
Anthony McNally
17/9/2020 16:03:34
100% agree.
John
12/10/2020 20:39:26
If you're on a cycle path and going so fast you can only ring a bell or use your brakes then it sounds like you are going too fast for that stretch of the cycle path. If you can't see the pedestrians (sharp corner or whatever) then you should be slowing down well in advance of the corner ... there might be some idiot coming towards you from the other direction going so fast they can only ring a bell or brake.
Kevin Green
25/9/2020 23:35:52
They never have been required to have a bell.....it is only and advisory!
Angela Dyson
17/9/2021 18:36:39
Section 66 of the highway code requires cyclists to use their bell when necessary, automatically assuming that your bike will have a bell which implies cyclists are required to have one.
Myk
20/3/2022 18:53:31
Wrong, it says "should" use a bell. Anything in the high way code that says should is only advice, if it said must than it means it's backed up by law but it doesn't so it is only advice that a cyclists has and uses a bell 2/3/2022 06:17:37
Your blogs are always interesting. Thank you for sharing helpful content with us.
William
21/8/2016 06:38:15
"Cyclists should use dedicated cycle lanes and routes wherever possible." - Cycle lane use is not compulsory and the choice as to whether or not to use them is down to the cyclist. Saying they "should" use said facilities "wherever possible" sends out the wrong message as many facilities are badly designed and poorly maintained. There have been many instances whereby cyclists have been injured by riding in cycle lanes, by things like car doors swinging open. In many cases you are simply better off OUT of the lane. If other people don't respect your legal rights then that's their problem to rectify, not yours.
David
15/11/2016 13:32:06
"should" means it's a recommendation, "must/must not" would refer to a legal requirement.
Paul
21/9/2017 02:11:19
The same can be said for bus lanes. Sticking strictly to the law you need to make a sharp left hand turn across the bus lane to enter the local college. Would be better to terminate the bus lane like is done a junctions a few meters before the college entrance.
David
29/9/2019 11:54:56
Drivers should also look in mirrors and ahead they fiddle with to many sound and phone equipment nowadays 16/5/2017 00:37:03
More to the point: these Lithuanians have just made that bit up - it's not even in the real Highway Code!
Pete
1/9/2017 17:41:17
I gather you're too macho to use a cycle lane
Amedeo Felix
5/2/2018 10:07:32
Nothing to do with bravado. It cannot be assumed that the painted stripe making the lane is necessarily the best place to be. I can think of many reasons to be outside it: the surface of many roads close to the kerbs are especially damaged and so a hazard, there could be parked vehicles ahead and leaving the lane well before getting to them is best practice...
aDub
29/9/2019 12:51:29
You don't cycle do you Pete? Cycle lanes occupy the part of the road were you wouldn't want to drive your car. Potholes, bits of car, glass, puddles, drains, gratings, uneven surfaces, fast food packaging dumped by car drivers, parked cars, even on the solid stripe, moving cars, brambles, bits of tree, I could go on!
Amedeo Felix
5/2/2018 10:04:11
I do not know where this rubbish comes from but it is NOT official wording, this is from the .gov site:
Chris
12/8/2020 13:38:55
Oh how I agree!
Andrew
11/10/2020 17:28:31
Cycle lanes in my area take up half the pavement. Cyclists should be aware that a cycle lane is not a right of way but advisory..in that if I am trying to socially distance myself from oncoming pedestrians by first checking and using the cycle land briefly.. an more distant but oncoming cyclist should respect that and slow down briefly to allow this 10s event... 5 times in lockdown high speed cyclists have refused to slow down and sworn at me in the unpleasant aggressive manner that many cyclists adopt .... 6/4/2022 08:18:27
Your blogs are always interesting. Thank you for sharing helpful content with us. Its Amazing I ride and have ridden more miles than all of you and seen all tossers on cycles going through red lights & being knocked off doing so!! No I'm not a office worker Sunday black lycia wearing tosspot ither!! I cycle 110miles a week and totally ashamed to say most cycles are tosspots wearing BLACK No lights (day & night) cycling on pavements Going through Red lights double abreast in restricted areas!!! I've been doing this for 35 years day & night & seen it all!! Be ashamed of yourself and engage the brain bla bla bla. Yes I've camara footage of incompetent car & cycle but please make me proud of being a cyclists!!!
Ricky J Klapper
5/8/2021 15:15:09
W
F FAROZ
11/12/2016 19:48:38
what organisation in the UK does one complain to regarding a UK-based delivery company which employs paddle cyclists on British roads as workers who do not know and have not received cycling training about cycling SAFELY on British roads ?
joyce cattanach
10/6/2018 00:47:55
You report them to the Police, if they are breaking the LAW. Contravening the road traffic act.
Paul
27/6/2021 12:19:54
If they’re “gig economy”, they’re in limbo in regard to employment status, they’re self employed contractors, but have some employee rights. 5/6/2017 10:48:56
Dear Sir/Madam,
R Craven
7/3/2019 15:53:09
NIce advert for your business muhammad
Martyn Edney
8/6/2017 10:18:49
Is there any guidance if you are in a cycle lane, parrallel to the road lane for cars and the cars are stacked up in a queue. The cycle lane is often still free but I feel like I am undertaking. Cars also undertake other cars and use the cycle lane to do so, often putting me at risk as they do not check their side mirrors before moving.
Paul
21/9/2017 02:14:27
Legally a bike can overtake by the left (the legal definition) or undertake as you put it irrespective of the speed of the traffic. As for cars etc, should the traffic flow be below 10mph they can do the same.
R.Craven
7/3/2019 15:57:59
Incorrect Paul any vehicle can overtaken/undertake another if there are two distinct lanes or lines of traffic going in the same direction and the outside one is going slower than the inside one the inside one can undertake and visa versa. Relative speeds of vehicles don't come into it.
Matthew Burns
16/9/2019 12:13:47
Common sense is always necessary.
John in Cambridge
25/8/2017 12:06:17
Incorrect page numbering on contents of downloaded version. Cyclists section does not start on page 22 but on page 28 (page 29 of pdf).
Paul
9/9/2017 15:29:24
Clearly the local cycle clubs in my area haven't read the Highway Code or done any sort of proficiency test. They ALL ride 2-3 abreast on busy roads sometimes blocking roads for miles. They ride on pavements when they shouldn't. They don't ride on cycle paths when they should. I can fully understand why some drivers get rather frustrated. I had a 6 mile slowdown recently as a group of 20 cyclists on country roads stopped all cars from getting past them, the queue was 20 deep and I'm surprised the front car didn't nudge the back bikes wheels
Paul
21/9/2017 02:17:30
It is an offence for any vehicle to obstruct the flow of traffic on the public highway. It is a prime example of how selfish people have become. Only 2 abreast is permitted and only when not causing an obsctruction
Steve
22/9/2017 15:30:08
Paul, can you provide a reference to the part of the code you're referring to (i.e. going too slow)? I've only heard of the police stopping cars on motorways for going too slow - even then I don't think it's an offence.
Bob.C.
1/12/2018 09:16:23
The offence with any motor vehicle would be driving without reasonable consideration. S.3 RTA 1960 as amm. When travelling too slow and holding up traffic. Farmers on tractors that cannot travel as fast as others and that are slowing traffic down would commit the offence if there is a queue of traffic being held up. In those circumstances the driver should always be aware of what he is doing or is likely to do and should from time to time and where safe and applicable pull in to allow that traffic to pass. The same would happen to a cyclist if not being reasonable by purposely or otherwise holding traffic up and not allowing them safe passage on the Highway.
Julia
24/1/2018 09:42:47
nudging the back wheel of a cyclist is an incredibly dangerous and aggressive thing to. The cyclists' behaviour might have been frustrating for the motorists but motorists have to deal with driving frustrations all the time
Amedeo Felix
5/2/2018 10:09:31
The 'should' is NOT from the highway code. In the real code (I posted it above) is clearly states a cyclists does not have to use a cycle lane.
iain bunniss
17/2/2018 14:49:37
the only problem I have is cycists using footpaths and going though red lights as a car driver and perdestrian its damed annoying
Tim
23/2/2018 11:33:18
the only problem I have are cars parking on footpaths and going though red lights, as a cyclist and pedestrian its damned annoying! I like spelling as well!
Marcus
25/8/2019 10:32:27
As far as the current law stands in England , pedestrians have complete right of way on footpaths. A cyclist can only be on a footpath if they have the Landowners permission! Otherwise they are trespassing!
David
29/9/2019 11:58:03
Same when car drives jump red lights and use cycle lanes
Francis
3/5/2020 16:41:03
You are on rather weak ground when it comes to pointing out that motorists do so, but, hey so do you, more so in fact.
Fed up pedestrian
26/4/2018 00:42:41
Since the lycra clad lunatics use the pedestrian footpaths with total impunity is there any law stopping pedestrians from wandering along a bicycle lane?
David
29/9/2019 12:00:32
Same as a cycles fed up with people using bike lanes when there's a path for them
John Millard
14/5/2018 16:10:51
Is two way cycling on a one way street allowed.I know it is not recommended but is it legal. The police could not tell me or tthe county council
joyce cattanach
10/6/2018 00:44:34
A bicycle is a road vehicle, therefore is subject to every traffic regulation which includes one way streets.
Graham Cullimore
15/6/2018 10:22:52
Cyclise MUST obay ALL road signs and road markings, same as any other vehicle. One way streets usually have a sign stating such!
Kelly
10/12/2018 03:38:13
A pedal cycle is a "motor vehicle" on the road within the meaning of the Road Traffic Act 1972.
Bob C.
7/3/2019 16:06:14
Sorry but generally a cycle is not a motor vehicle in RTA legislation. iI is considered to be a carriage ie like a horse and carriage or other conveyance for the carriage of a person or persons
David
29/9/2019 12:03:54
It isn't because they have no moter in them a bicycle can't do 60 mph or more driver's should obey speed limits even police aren't bothered so much now
Christopher Johns
7/12/2019 11:49:19
John, Many Thanks for your posting. I find it incredible, but at the same time the only logical explanation of the apparent attitude of the Police to cyclists (Don't apprehend them for crossing traffic lights at red, Don't apprehend them for cycling on the pavement) that the Police are indeed not even aware of The Law with respect to cyclists. How can we bring them up to speed? Offer them courses on 'The Law with respect to Cyclists' at £100 a throw?
Gordon McKay
29/7/2018 12:46:27
Can people cycle on dual carriage A roads?
Martin Staines
12/8/2018 18:48:10
Yes cyclist can use all roads except motorways or where a sign states no cycles (a very few horrendously busy big roads)
Bob.C
1/12/2018 09:34:49
It says that one should stop on the red light but the law and regs. do say that one must stop on the AMBER light also. Many drivers and cyclists don't do that but speed up to the green light even though that increases the chance of it changing to AMBER and RED. It appears that they don't want to be held up for a minute or two and are prepared to commit an endorsable moving traffic offence but also and more importantly commit to something that could endanger themselves or others. The AMBER light is on for 3 seconds and should only be passd if too close and cannot stop in time...that doesn't mean running through it at speed in order to beat it. That creates more tailgating and more danger and that ends badly in rear end shunts . damage to at least two vehicle and possible injuries, some that can have serious consequences.. Drive with care and consideration all the time should be a reminder in the H.C.
Kelly
10/12/2018 03:42:04
Some A Roads are beginning to prohibit cyclists.
Matthew Burns
16/9/2019 12:23:15
Generally A roads that have been deemed to have become too dangerous for cyclists have been turned into motorways.
Bob.C
1/12/2018 09:24:11
If the law and there are two of them say that riding on the pavement is unlawful then why are they facilitated to do so. It appears that they are allowed to ride on any and all pavements where there is no provision made for them at all. Who makes that provision or makes the allowances allowing unlawful usage and what legislation makes them lawfull.
Lucy
6/12/2018 06:56:46
Any speedy rider would not be bothered to use pavement. There is no need to worry worry about considering rider even young child who rides as fast as walk
Bob C
6/12/2018 08:51:17
I have no problem with children under 11 years of age riding on the pavements as that to me would be safer than allowing them on the roads, providing that they don't create a danger. What I am subjected to every day where I live is male adult cyclist cycling past me from behind at what can only be described by Jane as excessive speed. As I am at walking pace and they are doing more than 10 mph.or more. The swerve past without any pre warnings, not heard. Many of them, as on the roadway are using hand held devices, on phones and i pods etc. I know of some elderly person who have been run into by them and they just rider of as they have no lawful responsibility.
ole
30/4/2019 10:20:02
Riding in excess of 200 miles a week, I can attest it is actually quite the opposite. It is mainly pedestrians, especially dog walkers who don't give a flying f...ck about anything but themselves. They think they own the space even if it is a shared footpath/cycle lane. Oftentimes walking with headphones on, while staring at a smartphone, completely oblivious to their surrounding. Walking onto the carriageway or cycle lane without even checking if a car or bike is approaching. Sometimes they say "sorry" with a moronic face on (to which I reply "you will be one day", or look at me as if I was the one doing something wrong. I get 2-3 mongs like that over a 20 mile long commute. How is having a bell fitted and ringing it supposed to warn them of my presence is beyond my understanding.
Jen
9/5/2019 03:26:15
This is so true. I had a miserable old lady grumble at me today on a shared path. My bike is a small fold up and pulls a bike buggy with my toddler in it. The road is busy as anything and the main this is the damn pavement is a shared one.
terry
7/5/2019 16:11:52
Wot a load of twoddle.
jenny talwarts
5/6/2019 22:41:32
The Highway Code's not clear enough about Dual Use Zebra Crossings where there are seperate areas for pedestrians and bikes ( as opposed to Toucan crossings that have traffic lights ). They are a recent phenomena and are becoming more widespread. If it's not in the Highway code how are motorists and cyclists to know who has priority ?
Ian
16/7/2019 20:21:53
I live in halifax west yorkshire and regulary use the a646 to visit an elderly relative. People who ride bikes is say this as they wear lycra and once on the road the do not indicate when they pull out nor look behind also ride two and three abrest on a very busy single lane at upwards to 40 mph to emulate the tour de yorkshire on several occasions i have had to brake these people spoil it for proper cyclists who do use the high way code, god forbid a accident as the car driver is always in the wrong .on one occasion i beeped to make my presence known further down the road at lights the cyclist caught me up and put up two fingers very very sad.all these people if they are in training should know the importance of the highway code.
Jason
31/12/2019 05:06:29
Lucky you only got two fingers , do car drivers not realise just how dangerous and reckless it is to come up behind a bike and bib there horn
Christopher Johns
19/4/2020 11:55:30
Sorry, Jason. Are you really saying that you would rather a car driver did not give you a warning beep to let you know of his approach?
Vanessa Washington
21/8/2019 17:39:22
Hi can anyone comment re the two abreast cycling. Is it deemed right for cyclists to ride 2 abreast through towns and highways chatting if they are holding up motorised traffic behind them? I live in the lake district which becomes very busy through summer and often find cyclists riding through the towns 2 abreast chatting to their fellow cyclist with little regard for the traffic building behind them. There are always corners and bridges in the towns and some remain 2 a breast over and around these. I worry for their safety. Clarification from other cyclists please!
A Dub
25/8/2019 00:39:00
Riding two abreast is legal, but one should not hold up other road users (same goes for horses!).
robert craven
25/8/2019 09:54:07
If cyclists want to train they don't have to do it on the road. There are plenty of establishments that will and can accomodate them and improve their abilities off road rather than on it. A motorcyclist and car driver who wants to improve their abilities to go faster goes onto a track. There are plenty of such tracks available and some private roads so why don't they use race tracks to improve their performance and leave the roads for general usage. Sounds very much to me that some cyclists go out for a blast just like some motorcyclists do or by boy racers in cars. Pushing the envelope to what... improve their times from point A to B. Pushing the envelope of not only their own abilities but putting themselves and other at risk on our roads at the same time. Creating a rolling road black which is in itself an offence in law if being a motorised vehicle. and using the highway as there play place. Road racing is road racing whether its registered as one with the authorities or not and time Time trials and road racing should be made illegal if it isn't already. With the freedom of the road comes responsibility and it sound to me that some cyclists are too selfish or ignorant and fail to understanding that that they cannot use the road as their fun and pleasure place without being responsible for their actions and the collective actions of others as a group. If groups of motorcyclist behaved in the same way with the same bad attitudes then they would be dealt with by the laws of the land. This is a new phenomena and Its about time the Law and the Highway Code were updated to take into account the various problems and possible offences appertaining to the rights and freedoms and offences of cyclists on our roads today.
Christopher Johns
7/12/2019 12:02:00
I would prefer to admire what the human body can achieve at the swimming pool. Or the Sports Field, or the tennis court. Anywhere (including cycle stadiums) in fact except the Public Highway where I wish persons wishing and needing to get FROM A TO B (as opposed from A to A) to experience the minimum hassle and delay.
Holly
22/8/2019 15:58:44
I was wondering if anyone could advise whether who has more right on a cycle path? A cyclist or a pedestrian?
A Dub
25/8/2019 00:10:53
Interesting! As a car driver, cyclist, and pedestrian, I take cycling seriously - all of those activities actually.
Mike R
15/10/2019 07:40:25
Well done. Your feedback makes good reading.
Bob C
25/8/2019 14:31:59
A.DUB I believe that we are coming from the same side of this matter. I have ridden two wheeled vehicle since a kid over 65 years ago. I still drive a car and also for the last 55 years a motorcycle or scooter so I have experienced most of the stupid and dangerous things that others, including pedestrians do except I don't drive or ride my vehicles on the pavements and yes there are idiots that we all suffer from but that's life an it has its trials and tribulations.
A Dub
25/8/2019 17:06:48
Hi Bob,
Bob C.
25/8/2019 20:48:15
Thanks for A.DUB that but I am fully aware that Tailgating is an offence but not as a stand alone offence of tailgating. Just recently its been identifiably rightly placed under the umbrella of driving without reasonable consideration for other road users, even as far as without due care and attention and sometimes of reckless driving.
A Dub
26/8/2019 12:28:53
I was saying that we need to share the road, I was making no claim about "rights", just pointing out as an interesting fact the time-line in which different users 'joined' the roads - I admit that I didn't explicitly say that either, my bad. Take from the data what you will.
Bob C.
26/8/2019 16:52:04
My comments were about the number of cyclists killed on our roads in 1934. Prior to that circumstance the speed of 20 mph limit had been instituted in towns and cities where there was street lighting fitted. So in every town and city and village that had such lighting all that was needed was a sign at the borders and repeater signs so far apart. However that was in the 1920st and there was a public outcry and that speed limit was abolished for a while. Its then that mayhem reigned in towns and cities and villages where motorised vehicles could be driven through them at any speed they wanted as there were now no speed limits. As a result of these and many more deaths and serious collisions it was felt necessary to introduce a speed limit and in the later 1930's one was to be the 30 mph that we have today. So that speed limit has served us well for nearly a full century. Not only was there the imposition of a 30 mph speed limit but crossing places were introduced on the roads to allow free passage of pedestrians to cross with some degree of safety. They were named after the politician who was instrumental in their introduction.
Kane Brennan
29/8/2019 14:28:05
Toucan crossings. These are light-controlled crossings which allow cyclists and pedestrians to share crossing space and cross at the same time. They are push-button operated. Pedestrians and cyclists will see the green signal together. Cyclists are permitted to ride across.
Julian
2/9/2019 23:17:16
Why are bike sellers and hirers not made to supply bikes that comply with UK Highway Code and law?
aDub
3/9/2019 08:30:16
@Julian from the HWC "Blue rectangles are used for information signs except on motorways where blue is used for direction signs" Cyclists dismount is a sensible suggestion. We don't see signs telling car drivers to stop and get out! :)
This morning I was walking my daughter to the local station. Yet again we had to seek cover from another cyclist coming at us while riding on the pavement. My daughter sought sanctuary behind me. I said (Calmly and politely) to the cyclist "Excuse me but it is not right that you are cycling on the pavement". He shouted "Yes I can read the Highway Code"
Kakhome
16/10/2019 15:49:08
I have been screamed at by a car driver as I was turning right one morning. He mounted the pavement to come alongside me to hurl abuse through his window before wheel spinning away, I still can’t figure out what he was so irate about as witnesses said I’d turned correctly and it seemed to come out of the blue. The next day, at the same place I decided to use the pavement for the last 30 feet of my journey (which I do realise is incorrect but having been stung once, didn’t want a repeat of the previous day) and very cautiously went past a lady on her phone, using the grass verge to go past her, which caused her to swear profusely at me too!!!! Rather ashamedly I reacted very badly to her verbal abuse and shouted back, not something I’m proud of but in light of the previous day I’d had enough! I can’t seem to fathom where everyone gets this innate anger for each other? I was wrong. I shouldn’t have been on the pavement and I shouldn’t have shouted back, but, I will make a conscious effort not to do that again. Other people learn nothing from mistakes and simply lay the blame when perhaps we should all just be a little bit more tolerant. We can all be selfish, thoughtless, we all make mistakes and we are all in a hurry! Can’t we just try and remember we are all only human. There’s not much space per person any more so it’s only going to get worse. Take a breath, remember that most of it isn’t personal, even when we react as if it is (like me today!) and practice a bit of tolerance for each other and our imperfections.
Christopher Johns
7/12/2019 12:35:01
I'm sorry you were screamed at for turning right. Had you clearly signalled?
Andrew Derbyshire
8/12/2019 18:00:41
There is a different between SHOULD and MUST statements. 9/12/2019 00:04:20
For some reason, I've been asked if I want to 'unsubscribe from this post'. [email protected] seem to think I might want to as a result of Andrew Derbyshire's post above, which appears to have nothing to do with my post. If Andrew is referring to the words 'MUST' and SHOULD' when they appear in the Highway Code, then I am in complete accordance with his claim as that is my understanding too. So cyclists MUST NOT ride on pavements is a no-compromise edict conveying the fact that any cyclist who does ride on a pavement is committing a crime. Whereas the hypothetical statement "Cyclists SHOULD not ride on pavements" would have meant that there was some leeway (which there isn't as I understand things).
Unfortunately most cycle groups on the UK roads do not conform to the highway code, one rule for road tax paying motorists, and no rules for cyclists,
Stuart
18/4/2020 22:19:54
My mate recently hit a cyclist who was cycling in the middle of the road with earphones in, they were not seriously injured but im curious as to what this means for the cyclist as the incident was largely their fault, i know cycling with earphones however dangerous to ones own safety is not illegal but what will happen to the cyclist and what are the laws/rules for cycling in the middle of a main road?
David
19/4/2020 11:04:40
Cycling in the middle of the lane is called the primary position and is done for safety. If it had been a motor cyclist would you have said they were mostly at fault as well?
Christopher Johns
3/5/2020 17:29:21
Anyone who makes warning sounds from others unavailable to them must bear some responsibility for when some thing goes wrong and there was action that they could have taken to alleviate the consequences had they heard the cause, but did nothing because they did not hear it, because they had blocked off their hearing sensor channel.
Christopher Johns
24/7/2020 10:12:54
Where is 'Justine's Comment' that according to you says 'Thanks that helped' ?
Josephine Gardiner
4/8/2020 10:04:43
Mine is a question. Car drivers and motorcyclists must have them, some mobility scooters have them and I have four placed strategically on my wheelchair so why don't push-cyclists require their bicycles to be fitted with wing mirrors as I had wing mirrors in the 1950s?
Julie McGlashan
9/8/2020 08:37:17
When it says ride on the right side on a cycle track, does that mean the right side or the correct side as indicated on signs? I was telling my daughter to keep left and someone coming the other way said we should be on the right?
Christopher Johns
9/8/2020 10:47:55
Dear Julie,
Christopher Johns
9/8/2020 10:21:25
PLEASE get Section 62 second paragraph:
Julie McGlashan
9/8/2020 10:36:07
So were we doing the correct thing by keeping to the left (in the UK)?
Christopher Johns
9/8/2020 11:01:51
JULIE, I have now left the following 'Feedback' on 'Feedback' at
Christopher Johns
9/8/2020 11:16:58
Julie, where was this? Were there really no signs on the 'floor' e.g. symbols [e.g. ARROWS] to indicate in which direction 'vehicles' in that part of the track should be travelling?
phillip
1/10/2020 15:45:20
I ride my bike to work but there are no cycle lanes at all from my house to work so I cycle on the pavement for my own safety and someone stopped me today and asked me why wasn't I cycling in the road and I just replied with but there are no cycle lanes at all for my own safety and I dont want to take on a 7 ton lorry at all
Christopher Johns
1/10/2020 15:57:34
So, Phillip, you consider your view of what is best for your safety to be above the law. Socrates would be weeping in his ROAD. When I started cycling a bicycle on the ROADS, at the age of 11, there were NO cycle lanes.
Rebecca
20/10/2020 18:33:50
I think that there also needs to be rules out in regards to the placement of the lights and a limit on how bright they can be. I was on a foot/cycle/bridal path and all I could see was an extremely bright light hurtling towards me. I had to stop running and cover my eyes it was that bright, the worst part, I was not even able to identify the colours of the bikes or the clothe the cyclist with the bright lights was wearing and neither could I see that there were two cyclists on either side of him until his light had past (riding on the side a bit behind does is not single file). It was not even dark outside at that point. No respect, the path is not a road and elderly people, families with
Katie
23/10/2020 22:04:00
When the person in front dismounted their bike and another decides for an overtake. The front cyclist decides to mount and moved in front of the other cyclist. Who would be at fault?
Tariq
1/12/2020 18:52:45
Why do cyclists never stop at red traffic lights? The highway code says they should stop. So this means they are breaking the law. However no cyclist gets stopped for this. I was nearly run over by a cyclist today whilst crossing when the green man was showing. One zoomed past then as I crossed the next one came flying by. Unbelievable!
Christopher Johns
1/12/2020 19:35:43
Tariq, neer is an overstatement. I did once see a woman stop at red traffic lights. Her male mate had gone through and was being beeped by the lorry that had stopped because they were red. I think there must be an oxygen rush that comes from cycling that disturbs the balance (especially the survival mechanisms) of the human brain.
Christopher Johns
24/1/2021 22:23:58
WHERE is spoonface's contribution: 11/3/2022 06:47:18
Your blogs are always interesting. Thank you for sharing helpful content with us.
Math Gorllwyn
30/6/2021 11:05:14
Hello.
John smith
5/8/2021 23:19:29
Around here cyclists ride 3 abreast on small country back roads and never allow cars to pass causing major tail backs, they also leave my car standing whilst in a 30 limit when I’m travelling at 30 via GPS, they use their phones and are generally very ignorant. The worst ones are the cycle clubs as seem to think that they can do what they like as know that the police only ever target motorists and never then or those people ( kids normally) riding on those illegal privately owned electric scooters/ bicycles. Cyclists should also have to have insurance as often collide with pedestrians whilst on shared paths as ride far too fast plus If they use the roads then they should contribute to the upkeep of them just as other users have too as they have paths and crossings etc built specially for them by the highways that vehicle owners have to pay for.
Kiera
21/8/2021 17:36:41
As a person who cycles and drives I think many road users need to have more respect for each other but I find more car users having issues with cyclists because they believe cyclists should do this and that with no information to back there claims because they are chatting nonsense,
Shaun Collorick
17/9/2021 14:13:52
I often see speed traps, cars stopped for random checks and other car related things, but rarely do I see police on patrol to catch cyclist jumping red lights, riding on paths, riding without lights, two or more abreast on major roads or riding no handed on mobile phones. You always see in the papers about tightening rules for car drivers and easing rules for cyclists to make cycling safer, how about enforcing the rules and laws that already exist. 8/3/2022 08:42:39
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Bluebird
24/12/2021 06:26:52
Organised road based "time trials" should be attended by masses of PCSOs arresting all participants riding with their head down not paying attention to their surroundings. That would soon get rid of them. 1/2/2022 11:48:22
Dissertation Project 2/3/2022 06:19:25
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Your blogs are always interesting. Thank you for sharing helpful content with us.
James
22/4/2022 21:09:02
I was stopped at temp lights on red this evening and a saw a cyclist come up behind me and onto the footpath still riding he was just about to go through red so I beeped at him he came back and said came back and asked why did I beep so I ask he was going through a red and he was on the footpath his reply was " mind your own f**king business" and carried on through. Why can't we do anything about it but they want to rule the road? 7/6/2022 07:46:15
All the sections are explained beautifully. Keep sharing such articles.
Eleanor
7/6/2022 08:52:04
Is it illegal for a cyclist to cycle against the traffic? 9/7/2022 11:12:43
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