 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
85 Comments
David Proctor
1/2/2016 05:04:29 pm
Why are cyclists no longer required to have a bell to warn of their presence?
Sadie??????
22/9/2017 08:59:06 pm
Love help
me
4/10/2017 11:30:59 pm
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 am
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.
David
29/9/2019 11:46:42 am
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 pm
Police at 3am, at full chat with lights ^ sirens going on a road section without junctions and no traffic! WHY?
John Corrigan
31/12/2017 07:47:03 pm
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 am
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 pm
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.
Owen Lawson
14/1/2018 10:50:05 pm
Because is a driver going to hear a bell no. And nower days nethier to pedestrians.
David
29/9/2019 11:48:06 am
Here here well put
Steve Burnell
19/1/2018 02:01:03 pm
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 am
It is also highway code says only use your horn when needed
Ian Poskitt
1/5/2018 08:46:11 pm
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 am
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 02:03:04 pm
All new cycles must be fitted with a bell before sale. recent law.
R.Craven
27/6/2019 03:31:53 pm
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 am
They are why do people walk in bike lanes rather than their lane
William
21/8/2016 06:38:15 am
"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 01:32:06 pm
"should" means it's a recommendation, "must/must not" would refer to a legal requirement.
Paul
21/9/2017 02:11:19 am
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 am
Drivers should also look in mirrors and ahead they fiddle with to many sound and phone equipment nowadays 16/5/2017 12:37:03 am
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 05:41:17 pm
I gather you're too macho to use a cycle lane
Amedeo Felix
5/2/2018 10:07:32 am
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 pm
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 am
I do not know where this rubbish comes from but it is NOT official wording, this is from the .gov site:
F FAROZ
11/12/2016 07:48:38 pm
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 12:47:55 am
You report them to the Police, if they are breaking the LAW. Contravening the road traffic act. 5/6/2017 10:48:56 am
Dear Sir/Madam,
R Craven
7/3/2019 03:53:09 pm
NIce advert for your business muhammad
Martyn Edney
8/6/2017 10:18:49 am
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 am
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 03:57:59 pm
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 pm
Common sense is always necessary.
John in Cambridge
25/8/2017 12:06:17 pm
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 03:29:24 pm
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 am
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 03:30:08 pm
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 am
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 am
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 am
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 02:49:37 pm
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 am
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 am
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 am
Same when car drives jump red lights and use cycle lanes
Fed up pedestrian
26/4/2018 12:42:41 am
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 pm
Same as a cycles fed up with people using bike lanes when there's a path for them
John Millard
14/5/2018 04:10:51 pm
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 12:44:34 am
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 am
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 am
A pedal cycle is a "motor vehicle" on the road within the meaning of the Road Traffic Act 1972.
Bob C.
7/3/2019 04:06:14 pm
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 pm
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
Gordon McKay
29/7/2018 12:46:27 pm
Can people cycle on dual carriage A roads?
Martin Staines
12/8/2018 06:48:10 pm
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 am
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 am
Some A Roads are beginning to prohibit cyclists.
Matthew Burns
16/9/2019 12:23:15 pm
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 am
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 am
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 am
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 am
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 am
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 04:11:52 pm
Wot a load of twoddle.
jenny talwarts
5/6/2019 10:41:32 pm
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 08:21:53 pm
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.
Vanessa Washington
21/8/2019 05:39:22 pm
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 12:39:00 am
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 am
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.
Holly
22/8/2019 03:58:44 pm
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 12:10:53 am
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 am
Well done. Your feedback makes good reading.
Bob C
25/8/2019 02:31:59 pm
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 05:06:48 pm
Hi Bob,
Bob C.
25/8/2019 08:48:15 pm
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 pm
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 04:52:04 pm
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 02:28:05 pm
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 11:17:16 pm
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 am
@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 03:49:08 pm
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. Leave a Reply. |
