The Highway Code is a comprehensive guide that provides practical advice and guidelines for UK road users, including cyclists. The Code is a valuable resource, promoting safe and responsible road use.
Which Highway Code rules apply to cyclists?
Cyclists are considered road users and are subject to the same traffic laws as motorists. Rules 59 to 82 apply specifically to cyclists and these rules can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Most of the Highway Code is advisory and not legally binding. Some of the rules are, however, based on law and they will usually include the word ‘MUST’ if they are.
Rule 59: Clothing
Section 59 explains the type of clothing and helmets that cyclists should wear in order to make them visible to other road users. Specifically, you will need:
- A correctly sized helmet that conforms to current regulations
- Fitted clothing that will not get tangled in the chain or wheel of your bicycle
- Light-coloured clothing that will help other road users spot you in daylight and poor light
- Reflective clothing or accessories (helmet strip, sash, ankle bands) in the dark.
Rule 60: Visibility
Bicycles must be fitted with white front lights, red rear lights, amber pedal reflectors and a red rear reflector. After dark, cyclists must have their front and rear lights lit. Driving at night without lights is a criminal offence under the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989.
Rule 61: Cycle lanes and facilities
Use dedicated cycle lanes, toucan crossings and cycle boxes wherever possible since these facilities are designed to keep you safer.
Rule 62 - 65: Cycle tracks, cycle lanes, bus lanes and pavements
- When using an unsegregated pedestrian/cycle track, you must keep to the side intended for cyclists. Exercise care when passing pedestrians and stop where necessary.
- You don't have to use marked cycle lanes but they can make your journey safer. Keep in the lane where practicable and clearly signal to other road users before pulling out.
- Cyclists must not cycle on the pavement. This is a legal requirement.
- Cyclists may ride on bus lanes where permitted on signs. When the bus is at a stop, it is prohibited to pass between the bus and the kerb.
Rule 66 and 67: Handling the bicycle
These sections contain some common-sense rules for riding safely. For example, cyclists should keep both hands on the handlebars except when changing gear or signalling, and keep both feet on the pedals. The Code urges cyclists to take care when pulling away from the kerb, turning corners, passing parked cars, overtaking and navigating traffic calming measures.
Cyclists should not ride more than two abreast and ride only single file on narrow or busy roads.
Section 68: Illegal actions
Cyclists must not:
- Carry a passenger unless the cycle has been designed 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.
Section 69: Traffic signs
Cyclist must obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.
Section 70: Parking
When parking, you should use cycle stands wherever possible and avoid leaving your bike where it would cause a hazard or obstruction to others.
Section 71: Red lights
You must not cross the stop line when traffic lights are red.
Other rules
In addition to the general cycling safety provisions, the Highway Code contains rules that are relevant to cyclists in certain road situations. These include:
Road junctions - Rules 72 to 65
Roundabouts - Rules 76 to 78
Crossing the road - Rules 79 to 82
Looking after your bicycle - Annex 1 of the Highway Code
The following is a simplification of the key points of the Highway Code:
| Cycling on the road | |
|---|---|
| Road positioning | Stay as close to the left-hand side as is safe and practical. |
| Cycling two abreast | This is legal and can be safer in groups and with children. |
| Traffic lights | Don't cross the stop line when traffic lights are red. |
| Signals & signs: | Give way to pedestrians at pedestrian crossings. Observe all road signs including one-way signs. |
| Cycle lanes and paths | Use of cycle lanes and paths is encouraged (but not mandatory) if they make your journey safer. Give way to pedestrians on shared cycle tracks and paths. |
| Pavements | Cycling on the pavement is against the law. |
| Bus lanes | You can cycle in a bus lane if indicated on a sign. |
| Roundabouts (without cycle facilities) | Unless there are special cycle facilities, follow the same procedure as cars. (see rules: 184 to 190). |
| Junctions | Unless there are special cycle facilities, follow the same procedure as cars. (see rules: 170 to 183) |
| Motorways | Cycling on motorways is against the law. |
| Pedestrian crossings | You are allowed to cycle across pedestrian crossings, but dismount if necessary and give way to pedestrians. |
| Carrying passengers | Illegal unless the bike is designed for 2+ riders (e.g. tandem). |
| Drink/drugs | Illegal to ride under the influence of drink, drugs or pharmaceuticals. |
| Interactions with other road users | |
| Be predictable | Signal your intentions clearly, and make eye contact with drivers and pedestrians if possible to ensure they are aware of your actions. |
| Overtaking | Look around to ensure it is safe before overtaking. |
| Passing parked or stationary vehicles | Allow one door’s width or 1 metre to avoid opening doors (dooring). |
| Undertaking | Only pass vehicles to the left when they are stationary. |
| Hand signals | Use hand signals to indicate your intention to turn. |
| Safety Gear and Equipment: | |
| Lights and Reflectors |
The following are legal requirements when cycling at night:
|
| Helmets | While not mandatory, wearing a helmet that conforms to current regulations is strongly recommended. |
| Clothing |
If possible wear:
|
