Every day, thousands of people of all ages jump on their bikes to cycle to school, university, work, the shops and everything-in-between. Cycling has always been a popular mode of transport but may become even more common in the coming months, as fuel prices continue to soar and the cost of living crisis causes people to try to save money wherever they can.
But cycling to work or town isn't as easy as just buying a bike and pedalling - there are obviously several laws and rules cyclists have to abide by.
Among them, the law states cyclists must not cycle on a pavement and The Highway Code specifies that cyclists must "keep to the side intended for cyclists" when following a cycle path next to a pedestrian footpath or pavement. It's also against the law to carry a passenger on your bike - unless your bicycle has been built or specially adapted for a passenger - and you must not ride under the influence of drink or drugs, including medicine. You can get more traffic and travel news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
Read more: Why giving pedestrians priority over cyclists is just stupid and dangerous
However, British cyclists do not currently have a legal obligation to adhere to the same speed limits as motorists driving cars, vans, lorries or other vehicles. Motor vehicle speed limits were first introduced in 1903 and set at 20mph as standard. After this limit was routinely breached, the speed limit in towns was changed to 30mph in 1934 - but since then there have been no amendments enacted to make cyclists also adhere to the same regulations.
That means cyclists who breach the speed limit may not be prosecuted for a speeding offence - though they can be for “cycling furiously” or “wanton and furious cycling.”
Interestingly, new laws are being considered by UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps which could introduce a new offence of "death by dangerous cycling". It comes after a 29-year-old man was jailed for causing a fatal injury to a 79-year-old woman in a collision in Monmouth. Stewart McGinn pleaded guilty to causing bodily harm by wanton or furious driving to Elizabeth Jayne Stone and was jailed for 12 months.
Currently, a cyclist who kills someone while they're cycling can be jailed for up to two years, whilst car drivers and other motorists can be jailed for life. It's thought reviewing road laws could ensure consistency between cyclists and drivers, amid growing tension following changes to the Highway Code.
Here are all the UK laws and regulations from the Highway Code that apply to cyclists:
For more on these, go to the UK Government website
Cyclists can ride in the middle of the lane
A new rule came into action earlier this year which gave guidance to cyclists to ride in the centre of a lane on quieter roads, in slower-moving traffic, and at the approach to junctions - in order to make themselves as clearly visible as possible. It came as part of a series of rule changes relating to the hierarchy of road users that came into effect on January 29, aimed at ensuring quicker and heavier vehicles abide by their responsibility to reduce the potential danger they may pose to others on the road.
Under the new legislation, car drivers were told they "must not cut across cyclists going ahead, when turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane - this applies whether cyclists are using a cycle lane, cycle track, or riding ahead on the road."
Chief executive at The Bikeability Trust, Emily Cherry, said previously: “We welcome these changes to the Highway Code because they encourage all road users to share their space, whilst protecting the most vulnerable.
“Millions of children in England have been taught how to interact positively with other road users, thanks to Bikeability cycle training. We are pleased the updated Highway Code will now reflect the lessons we already teach children and help the next generation grow up as confident, competent and courteous road users.”
Bikes MUST have white front and red rear lights lit when cycling at night
The Highway Code's rule 60 says: "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 October 1, 1985). 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."
Cyclists MUST NOT jump a red light
It's obvious, really - traffic lights are there to be followed by all road users. Cyclists are breaking the law if they jump a red light.
The Highway Code Rule 71, based on the Road Traffic Act 1988, section 36, says: "At traffic light junctions and at cycle-only crossings with traffic lights, you MUST NOT cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red.
"Some junctions have an advanced stop line to enable you to position yourself ahead of other traffic and wait. When the traffic lights are red, you may cross the first stop line, but you MUST NOT cross the final stop line."
Cyclists can ride two abreast
Cyclists have always been legally permitted to ride two abreast, ie. two cyclists alongside each other, but updates to the Highway Code earlier this year made the rules clearer.
If riding in twos, cyclists must be aware of drivers behind them and allow them to overtake, if it's safe to do so. The code also states cyclists should take particular care when passing parked vehicles, leaving enough room (a door’s width or one metre) to avoid being hit if a car door is opened
Whilst cyclists are permitted to pass slower-moving or stationary traffic on their right or left, they should proceed with caution as people driving may not be able to see them, particularly on the approach to junctions.
Cyclists MUST NOT ride under the influence of drink or drugs - or hold onto a moving vehicle or trailer
The Road Traffic Act 1988 (amended 1991) (and echoed in Rule 68 of the Highway Code) perhaps outlines four of the most important laws cyclists should abide by:
Cyclists must not: carry a passenger unless [their] cycle has been built or adapted to carry one; hold onto a moving vehicle or trailer; ride in a dangerous, careless or inconsiderate manner; ride when under the influence of drink or drugs, including medicine.
Cyclists must NOT cycle on the pavement
It's there in black and white. Cycling on the pavement is a breach of the Highway Act 1835 and a breach of The Highway Code. Section 82 of the Highway Act says that a "penalty" should be imposed "if any person shall wilfully ride upon any footpath or causeway by the side of any road made or set apart for the use or accommodation of foot passengers". Further, Rule 64 of The Highway Code puts this into layman's terms: "You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement".
Cyclists must not pass between a kerb and a bus when it is at a stop
Obvious, really. Whilst cyclists are permitted to use most bus lanes - as indicated by signs - cyclists should watch out for people getting on or off the bus. And they must not pass between the kerb and a bus when it's at a stop and should be careful when overtaking a bus or leaving a bus lane and entering busier traffic.
Cyclists should not carry anything that could cause them to lose their balance
"You should avoid any actions that could reduce your control of your cycle [and] be considerate of the needs of other road users when riding in groups. You can ride two abreast and it can be safer to do so, particularly in larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders. Be aware of drivers behind you and allow them to overtake (for example, by moving into single file or stopping) when you feel it is safe to let them do so," Rule 66 of the Highway Code says, adding: "You should not ride close behind another vehicle in case it stops suddenly [and] not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled up with your wheels or chain [and] be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians, and horse rider. Let them know you are there when necessary, for example, by calling out or ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted."
Cyclists should use cycle lanes, track etc when they make travelling safer and easier
According to Rule 61 of The Highway Code, cyclists should use facilities like cycle lanes and tracks, advanced stop lines and toucan crossings "where they make your journey safer and easier" - though the code does say this depends on people's experience, skills and the individual situation they're in. "While such facilities are provided for reasons of safety, cyclists may exercise their judgement and are not obliged to use them," the Code adds.
Cyclists should wear appropriate clothing
Rule 59 of the Highway Code states that cyclists "should avoid clothes that may get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure your lights when you are cycling."
It continues: "Light-coloured or fluorescent clothing can help other road users to see you in daylight and poor light, while reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) can increase your visibility in the dark. You should wear a cycle helmet that conforms to current regulations, is the correct size and securely fastened. Evidence suggests that a correctly fitted helmet will reduce your risk of sustaining a head injury in certain circumstances."
Cyclists must keep to their side when a cycle track runs alongside a footpath or pavement
Rule 62 of the Highway Code explains: "Cycle tracks: these are routes for cyclists that are physically protected or located away from motor traffic, other than where they cross side roads. Cycle tracks may run alongside footpaths or pavements and be separated by a feature such as a change of material, a verge, a kerb or a white line. You must keep to the side intended for cyclists as the pedestrian side remains a pavement or footpath.
"Some cycle tracks shared with pedestrians will not be separated by such a feature. On such shared use routes, you should always take care when passing pedestrians, especially children, older or disabled people, and allow them plenty of room. Always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary."
Cyclists should not pass pedestrians, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles closely or at high speed
Rule 63 of The Highway Code asks cyclists to be conscious that a pedestrian they're cycling near could be deaf, blind or partially sighted - and if they are any of these things, it may not be obvious. With this in mind, cyclists are asked to take care when passing pedestrians and horse riders, especially children, older people and/or disabled people.
"Slow down when necessary and let them know you are there: for example, by ringing your bell (it is recommended that a bell is fitted to your bike), or by calling out politely," the code says. "Do not pass pedestrians, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles closely or at high speed, particularly from behind. You should not pass a horse on their left. Remember that horses can be startled if passed without warning. Always be prepared to slow down and stop when necessary."
Cyclists should watch out for obstructions in the road and position themselves so that they can move to the left and/or right to avoid the obstacle
Rule 67 of the Highway Code explains: "You should look all around to make sure it is safe before moving away from the kerb, when pulling out to overtake or to pass stationary vehicles, or when turning at junctions or stopping, [and] watch out for obstructions in the road, such as drains, service covers and potholes, positioning yourself so you can move to the left (as well as to the right) to avoid them safely, [and] take care when passing parked vehicles, leaving enough room (a door’s width or one metre) to avoid being hit if a car door is opened, and watch out for pedestrians stepping into your path, [and] be aware of traffic coming up behind you, including other cyclists, and give a clear signal to show other road users what you intend to do."
The code continues: "You should take extra care near road humps, narrowings and other traffic calming features [and] when cycling on the road, only pass to the left of large vehicles when they are stationary or slow moving and you should proceed with caution as the driver may not be able to see you. Be particularly careful on the approach to junctions or where a large vehicle could change lanes to the left."
Cyclists MUST obey all traffic signs and park in an appropriate place
Again, quite obvious. The Road Traffic Act 1988 requires cyclists to follow all traffic signs and traffic light signals, like other road-users. Whilst Rule 70 of the Highway Code requires cyclists to park their bike in a "conspicuous location" where passers-by can see it; use cycle-stands or cycle-parking wherever possible
Cyclists must NOT cross on pelican, puffin or zebra crossings
Cyclists should dismount and wheel their bike across at these crossings and should not ride across equestrian crossings either, states Rule 81 of the Highway Code.
Cyclists should beware of their road positioning
The Highway Code says: "When riding on the roads, there are two basic road positions you should adopt, depending on the situation.
1) Ride in the centre of your lane, to make yourself as clearly visible as possible, in the following situations
- on quiet roads or streets – if a faster vehicle comes up behind you, move to the left to enable them to overtake, if you can do so safely
- in slower-moving traffic - when the traffic around you starts to flow more freely, move over to the left if you can do so safely so that faster vehicles behind you can overtake
- at the approach to junctions or road narrowings where it would be unsafe for drivers to overtake you
2) When riding on busy roads, with vehicles moving faster than you, allow them to overtake where it is safe to do so whilst keeping at least 0.5 metres away, and further where it is safer, from the kerb edge. Remember that traffic on most dual carriageways moves quickly. Take extra care crossing slip roads."
Cyclists should be careful at junctions
The Highway Code says: "Some junctions, particularly those with traffic lights, have special cycle facilities, including small cycle traffic lights at eye-level height, which may allow you to move or cross separately from or ahead of other traffic. Use these facilities where they make your journey safer and easier.
"At junctions with no separate cyclist facilities, it is recommended that you proceed as if you were driving a motor vehicle. Position yourself in the centre of your chosen lane, where you feel able to do this safely, to make yourself as visible as possible and to avoid being overtaken where this would be dangerous. If you do not feel safe to proceed in this way, you may prefer to dismount and wheel your bike across the junction."
Cyclists should be careful turning
The Highway Code says: "When approaching a junction on the left, watch out for vehicles turning in front of you, out of or into the side road. If you intend to turn left, check first for other cyclists or motorcyclists before signalling. Do not ride on the inside of vehicles signalling or slowing down to turn left.
"If you are turning right, check the traffic to ensure it is safe, then signal and move to the centre of the road. Wait until there is a safe gap in the oncoming traffic and give a final look before completing the turn. It may be safer to wait on the left until there is a safe gap or to dismount and push your cycle across the road.
"When turning into or out of a side road, you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross."
You can read more on these laws and guidance on the UK government website here
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