Cycling and the law

Extracts from the Highway Code

Last update 25th January 2008

Please click here for the top level page.

Please click here for the cycle index page.

Phil Deaves, Swindon, Wiltshire

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Most of the Highway Code's regulations for cyclists are common sense and self-explanatory.  However, when I browsed them last there were some surprises.  A summary of the regulations is shown here, together with one or two pertinent to motorists when encountering cyclists.

Many of the Highway Code's regulations are purely advisory, but some are compulsory, these being enshrined in law.  Breaking the compulsory regulations is an offence.  In the event of an incident, breaking of the advisory regulations may be taken into account in a court of law when considering any other offences.

Regulation numbers are those used in the Highway Code.  Numbers missing from this page refer to other aspects of road use not pertinent to cycling.  A new version of the Highway Code is currently (June 2007) under discussion: the new version may be substantially different to this version.  As far as cyclists are concerned, the new Highway Code is likely to differ mainly in the wording concerning cycle path use.  The regulation numbers may also, of course, change to suit.

At the bottom of this page you will find a table highlighting the obligatory and advisory regulations.

Clothing

Regulation 45 recommends (in other words, it is not compulsory) the use of a cycle helmet and "appropriate" clothing.  The latter draws attention to clothing which may get caught in moving parts or obscure lights, and also high visibility clothing for daytime riding, and reflective accessories for night-time riding.  It is interesting to note that clothing that obscures lights is, apparently, acceptable!

The cycle at night

Lit front and rear lights are obligatory, according to regulation 46, as is a rear red reflector.  Any cycle manufactured after 1st October 1985 must also have pedal reflectors.  The use of spoke reflectors and a white front reflector is only recommended.

When cycling

Ten regulations cover the rider's conduct when cycling.  Regulation 47 recommends the use of cycle routes when practicable.  It is unfortunate that many such routes are not easily usable, being badly placed, maintained or cleaned.  The next regulation, 48, defines cycle tracks.  When segregated tracks are provided, the law states that cyclists must stay on the correct side: it is illegal to ride on the pedestrian's side, even when ribbed paving slabs are used with the ribs parallel to the direction of travel!  Use of cycle lanes on the highway (regulation 49) is only recommended.

Regulation 50 makes it quite clear that the cyclist is subject to the same laws as any other motorist in being required to obey all traffic signs and traffic lights.  This means no passing red lights!  Interestingly, cyclists are not bound by the speed limit (with one or two local exceptions), though it is probably a good idea to comply anyway.  There is an offence of "cycling furiously" (not mentioned in the Highway Code) which could be used to cover speeding if appropriate.  A cyclist is only encouraged by regulation 51 to: keep both hands on the handlebars; keep both feet on the pedals; ride no more than two abreast (single file on narrow or busy roads); ride close to another vehicle; be careful carrying anything that may affect balance; or be considerate to other road users.

The advice in regulation 52 is also only advisory, but is also common sense.  Riders are asked to look and signal before pulling out, turning or otherwise manoeuvring.  Included in the advice is to look ahead for obstructions, to avoid suddenly swerving, and to take care at traffic calming features.

Regulation 53 is again a statement of law, to which all riders must adhere.  Top of the list is the statement that passenger carrying is forbidden, unless the cycle has been built or adapted to carry one.  Good news, then for tandem riders!  Holding on to a moving vehicle (one presumes that the handlebars of one's own cycle are excluded!), and riding in a dangerous, careless or inconsiderate manner are also forbidden, as is riding under the influence of drink or drugs.  It is interesting that cyclists must not ride inconsiderately (regulation 53), but are only advised to be considerate in regulation 51.

It is against the law to cycle on the pavement (regulation 54).  Additionally, it is better not to leave a cycle where is causes an obstruction to road users or pedestrians.  Use of cycle parking facilities is recommended.  It is also illegal, according to regulation 55, to cross a stop line when the traffic light is at red, unless there is an advanced stop line.

It is only permissible to use bus lanes if the signs include a bicycle symbol (regulation 56).  The regulation also suggests taking care when entering or leaving bus lanes, and when overtaking buses.

Road junctions

When turning, common sense again applies.  When turning left, regulation 57 suggests keeping an eye on traffic ahead that may be turning, and making sure you avoid riding on the left of vehicles which are slowing or indicating to turn.  Special mention is made of long vehicles (regulation 58), and the need to allow extra turning space.  If turning right, regulation 59 encourages riders to check that the move is safe, then signal before moving to the centre of the road.  Similarly, it is necessary to wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic before completing the turn.  The same regulation also recommends, if appropriate, dismounting on the left and walking the cycle across the road.  Dual carriageways get special mention in regulation 60, it highlighting that these roads are busier, so take extra care (particularly crossing the end of slip roads).  Treat each half of the carriageway as a separate crossing move.

Roundabouts

Regulation 61 points out that cyclists should follow the same procedure as motorists (expounded in regulations 160 to 166), and that roundabouts can be dangerous.  Having pointed out that cyclists are subject to the same rules as their motorised counterparts, regulation 62 suggests keeping left at all times, even when turning right, or even dismounting and walking round.  The former course of action appears as though it may cause confusion: indeed, the regulation then proceeds to tell the rider how much extra care is needed, particularly when crossing exits.  Regulation 63 is very similar to 58, warning the rider to give long vehicles extra space.

Crossing the road

Cyclists are encouraged not to ride across pelican, puffin or zebra crossings (regulation 64), but to walk the bike across.  However, if one isn't riding on the pavement (forbidden in regulation 54), then this is unlikely to be an issue.  It is permissible to ride across toucan crossings (regulation 65).  These are light-controlled pedestrian and cycle crossings, thus "two can" cross together.  Cycle-only crossings are provided in some places.  Regulation 66 makes it clear that the law requires that, although it is perfectly acceptable to ride across, this may only happen when the appropriate green cycle symbol is showing.

Road markings

Most of the regulations regarding road markings are self explanatory, and apply equally to all road users.  I was particularly interested in regulation 108, though.  This refers to double white lines in the middle of the road, where the nearest one is solid (it doesn't matter whether the further one is solid or broken).  Most people will know that this forbids overtaking other vehicles, but I was surprised to read that crossing the line is only lawful if overtaking a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, when the cycle, horse or maintenance vehicle is travelling less than 10mph.  It is illegal for car drivers to cross the white line to overtake cyclists et al at a solid white line if the cyclist is riding like the clappers at over 10mph (if traffic does not cross the line, then overtaking is permitted, but would probably not provide enough clearance for the cycle).  It is probably good practice, though, for cyclists to slow and let other traffic past if it is appropriate and safe to do so.

Cars and bikes together

Regulation 187 encourages drivers to keep a careful look out for cyclists and motorcyclists, especially when pulling out from junctions and roundabouts.  Drivers should give cyclists and motorcyclists plenty of room when passing, says regulation 188 (we can't "just disappear"!).  It also points out that a cyclist looking a shoulder may be wanting to turn right, so be courteous and give time and space to do so.  Regulation 189 reiterates the need to give two-wheeled vehicles plenty of room, as they may swerve to avoid uneven road surfaces, oil, puddles or ice.

Penalties

Certain cycling offences can be punished with fines, at the discretion of the judge, but up to a maximum limit.  The limits are:

Summary of this summary

Remember

Cyclists: always ride safely and sensibly, and treat motor vehicles with respect.  It may seem like a good idea to weave in and out of traffic, and on and off the pavement, but it just annoys other road users.  Is it worth risking your life for a few seconds "saved"?

Motorists: always drive safely and sensibly, and treat cycles with respect.  It may seem like fun to swerve at a bike (particularly a more unusual one), or to go when the only traffic in the priority flow is a bike, but it only flares tempers.  Remember that cyclists are legitimate road users, and you are controlling a killing machine.  Is it worth a life, time in prison, licence points and so on for a "joke" or a few seconds "lost"?

The full text of the Highway Code, with illustrations, can be found here.

With thanks to...

Andy Avis for clarification about speed limits; "Morgyn" for clarification about overtaking and white lines.