UK Cyclists

ghudson92

My OH is buying me a bike at the weekend so I can cycle to the gym as it is only 3.4 miles away and I HATE stationary cardio.

I am just wondering what the rules are, am I legally obliged to cycle on the road? I live along a country road with lots of fast moving traffic and I would be frightened to cycle on it if I'm honest, but also I would not want to break the law. The pavement is more or less always empty as my road literally leads to nothing so not many people walk along here, do you reckon I would be ok to cycle on the pavement? Once I get to the end of my road and go right at the roundabout there is a designated cycle lane which I am happy to use.

If I have to use the road, what are the other rules? E.g. will I need to have lights fitted on the bike?

Any help appreciated!

Scubdup

I wasn';t sure myself so looked it up - It is *technically a breach of the law and liable for a fixed Penalty Notice - so, akin to a speeding fine, BUT... "Fortunately, when FPNs were introduced for pavement cycling in 1999, Home Office Minister Paul Boateng issued guidance saying that: "The introduction of the fixed penalty is not aimed at responsible cyclists who sometimes feel obliged to use the pavement out of fear of traffic and who show consideration to other pavement users when doing so. Chief Police Officers who are responsible for enforcement, acknowledge that many cyclists, particularly children and young people, are afraid to cycle on the road, sensitivity and careful use of police discretion is required"."

You're absolutely ok to ride on the pavement if you do so considerately.

Get some lights though - and if the road is unlit, you will need a light that is bright enough to see by, not just bright enough to be seen.

NorthCascades

You're more likely to be in an accident on the sidewalk than on the street, at least if the sidewalk crosses any driveways. Drivers looking for hazards in the road but not on the sidewalk. If they see you, they'll expect you to yield automatically which is probably what you're expecting of them; riding in the street clears that up.

girlinahat

worth getting yourself a copy of the Highway Code and reading it - it should tell you everything you need to know (although note that much of it is guidance and not law). https://gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82 Note that where it says 'should' these are advisory terms, and where it says 'MUST' this is the law and failure to comply means you are breaking the law. As with driving a car, you MUST obey traffic signals, zebra crossing etc. (please don't give cyclists a bad name like some idiots do!!!)

Some places run courses for adults - Bikeability or similar, which are designed to teach adults safe riding on the roads (much like the Cycling Proficiency test I did as a kid I think). This will help you understand how it is safe to ride along the road - there are occasions ESPECIALLY on a country lane when you may want to 'take the lane' to prevent a car overtaking, however sadly many drivers think it their right to get past you and squeeze you into a bush so riding on the pavement seems the safe and sensible thing to do whilst you get experienced and understand the area you are cycling in.

Lights - note the REQUIREMENT for a rear reflector:

Rule 60
At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.


Also - a helmet and high vis stuff is good. The helmet will save your life if you fall off.

Enjoy your cycling.

ghudson92

Scubdup wrote: »

I wasn';t sure myself so looked it up - It is *technically a breach of the law and liable for a fixed Penalty Notice - so, akin to a speeding fine, BUT... "Fortunately, when FPNs were introduced for pavement cycling in 1999, Home Office Minister Paul Boateng issued guidance saying that: "The introduction of the fixed penalty is not aimed at responsible cyclists who sometimes feel obliged to use the pavement out of fear of traffic and who show consideration to other pavement users when doing so. Chief Police Officers who are responsible for enforcement, acknowledge that many cyclists, particularly children and young people, are afraid to cycle on the road, sensitivity and careful use of police discretion is required"."

You're absolutely ok to ride on the pavement if you do so considerately.

Get some lights though - and if the road is unlit, you will need a light that is bright enough to see by, not just bright enough to be seen.

Thanks for this helpful response! I think I will chance it along my road then, I am captain sensible when I'm in my car so definitely no fear of me being an inconsiderate cyclist

ghudson92

girlinahat wrote: »

worth getting yourself a copy of the Highway Code and reading it - it should tell you everything you need to know (although note that much of it is guidance and not law). https://gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82 Note that where it says 'should' these are advisory terms, and where it says 'MUST' this is the law and failure to comply means you are breaking the law. As with driving a car, you MUST obey traffic signals, zebra crossing etc. (please don't give cyclists a bad name like some idiots do!!!)

Some places run courses for adults - Bikeability or similar, which are designed to teach adults safe riding on the roads (much like the Cycling Proficiency test I did as a kid I think). This will help you understand how it is safe to ride along the road - there are occasions ESPECIALLY on a country lane when you may want to 'take the lane' to prevent a car overtaking, however sadly many drivers think it their right to get past you and squeeze you into a bush so riding on the pavement seems the safe and sensible thing to do whilst you get experienced and understand the area you are cycling in.

Lights - note the REQUIREMENT for a rear reflector:

Rule 60
At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.


Also - a helmet and high vis stuff is good. The helmet will save your life if you fall off.

Enjoy your cycling.

Thanks! I know the highway code for driving (you would hope so after eight years on the road!) just not for cycling. I have looked at my local council website and fortunately the country park behind my house that runs parallel to the road I mentioned is in fact a cycle route (I thought it was just a footpath) so I might actually take that as it brings me out on to the main road with a proper cycle lane. I will make sure I get all the safety gear that's the reason for my question, I am mrs health and safety on the road lol

TimothyFish

Riding on a cycle path through a park is usually safe. Riding on the pedestrian walkway next to a road is about twice as dangerous as riding in the same lane as traffic. Streets with few driveways are safer than those with many.

MeanderingMammal

http://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/latest-news/do-cyclists-have-to-ride-on-the-road-356754

You might find that useful.

_mr_b

Get some lights and use them day or night, with the proliferation of daytime running lights on cars drivers have become more tuned to looking for lights than actual objucts.
Make sure you’re in visible clothing, if you go down the safety gear route then reflective is better than high-vis.

If there are times when it’s safer to cycle on the pavement then do it if it’s safe to do so. I’m presuming you’ve got common sense and aren’t about to run through a group of pedestrians at 20mph. Realistically while the letter of the law says you shouldn’t I’d be amazed if the police would ever stop to point out the error of your ways, they’ve bigger fish to fry.

Most importantly - have fun!

sijomial

See that the pavement part has been covered already - although you aren't legally required to have and use lights during daylight I would recommend you do. I live on the edge of the London urban sprawl but lights make you stand out whether in urban or rural environments. Especially at this time of year when it's often gloomy.

Modern LED lights are both inexpensive and have great battery life (USB rechargeable or rechargeable removable batteries). Good time to shop for them now with end of season online sales (Evans Cycles, Wiggle, Cycle Republic etc. etc.)

I'm unusual in that I'm also a fan of using a rear view mirror on my bicycles, knowing what's coming up behind you gives you more control over your environment.

Do wear a helmet too - I had a big collision less than a mile from home and wearing a helmet saved me from potentially a serious head injury.

PS - if you do decide to take to the pavement (in a considerate way...) then beware that it doesn't need much of a lip between road and pavement to deflect your front wheel. So don't go at a shallow angle. Been there, done that, learned how to fly but not how to land!

ghudson92

Thanks everyone for answering my question, and for all the other tidbits of information you have provided. Please rest assured I do not plan on running over any pedestrians, unless provoked
Also, I am a driver myself so I am aware of where I may encounter cars. Thanks again

DAGridesagain

Personally, I prefer to ride on the roads. I just plan my routes wherever possible to avoid major A roads, although I'm quite prepared to when there's little alternative.

I am fortunate, I think, to have mainly rural back roads where I'm just as likely to encounter a horse or a tractor as I am a car. Generally, cars on the back roads are considerate.

Ultimately, it boils down to YOUR confidence and not what I'm or anyone else is happy with. I'm sure that the more you ride on the road, the more you will be happy to do so in preference to footways.

That said, in France I love their network of cycle paths - some are as big as our country lanes, and better maintained.

Happy cycling.