30/11/2025
For all those who moan about cyclist's. Cyclists and the law
13/27
Do cyclists have to use cycle lanes?
Actually, no - they don’t. Often the cycle lane involves more stopping and starting, which uses more energy, so cyclists try to avoid it, and very often cycle routes necessitate taking a longer route which is another thing many cyclists like to avoid. The following Highway Code rules make it clear:
Rule 61
Cycle Routes and Other Facilities. Use cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless at the time it is unsafe to do so. Use of these facilities is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.
Rule 63
Cycle Lanes. These are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway (see Rule 140). When using a cycle lane, keep within the lane when practicable. When leaving a cycle lane check before pulling out that it is safe to do so and signal your intention clearly to other road users. Use of cycle lanes is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.
Can cyclists use bus lanes?
Yes, they can use most of them, but it needs to be indicated on the bus lane sign.
Rule 65
Bus Lanes. Most bus lanes may be used by cyclists as indicated on signs. Watch out for people getting on or off a bus. Be very careful when overtaking a bus or leaving a bus lane as you will be entering a busier traffic flow. Do not pass between the kerb and a bus when it is at a stop.
Can cyclists ride on the pavement?
No, they cannot, it is illegal as stated in the following rule.
Rule 64
You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.
Laws HA 1835 sect 72 & R(S)A sect 129
Can cyclists ride alongside each other?
As mentioned below they shouldn’t on narrow roads, but as rule 66 infers it is not illegal.
Rule 66
You should
keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or changing gear
keep both feet on the pedals
never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends
not ride close behind another vehicle
not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled up with your wheels or chain
be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians. Let them know you are there when necessary, for example, by ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted.
Can cyclists jump red lights?
There is a simple answer to this one: No. Rule 69 and 71 explains as follows:
Rule 69
You MUST obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.
Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD reg 10(1)
Rule 71
You MUST NOT cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red. Some junctions have an advanced stop line to enable you to wait and position yourself ahead of other traffic (see Rule 178).
Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10 & 36(1)
Can cyclists ride up the inside of trucks?
The Highway Code rule 73 warns against riding between trucks and the kerb and if the truck is indicating left to wait until the manoeuvre is complete:
Rule 73
Pay particular attention to long vehicles which need a lot of room to manoeuvre at corners. Be aware that drivers may not see you. They may have to move over to the right before turning left. Wait until they have completed the manoeuvre because the rear wheels come very close to the kerb while turning. Do not be tempted to ride in the space between them and the kerb.
Can cyclists stay to the left and cycle round a roundabout?
Actually, yes they can. Rule 77 suggests a right signal before each exit to advise others. This procedure has been adopted by many to try to keep them out of the stream of traffic.
Rule 77
You may feel safer walking your cycle round on the pavement or verge. If you decide to ride round keeping to the left-hand lane you should
be aware that drivers may not easily see you
take extra care when cycling across exits. You may need to signal right to show you are not leaving the roundabout
watch out for vehicles crossing your path to leave or join the roundabout.
