 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
54 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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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...
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.
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!
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?
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
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.
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. Leave a Reply. |
