As a cyclist you must keep to the rules of the Highway Code.
On road
- Follow the Highway Code
- Obey all traffic lights and road signs
- Bus lanes can be used by cyclists if there is a sign saying they can be. Take extra care when overtaking or leaving a bus lane as you will be entering a busier flow of traffic.
- You must have lights and reflectors when on the road between sunset and sunrise
Your position on the road
- Ride at least 0.5 metres away from the kerb, or further away on busy roads
- Leave a door’s width (1 metre) when passing parked cars – to avoid someone opening their car door into you
- Consider riding in the centre lane on quiet roads, in slower traffic, or when approaching junctions, moving to the left if a faster vehicle comes up behind you
- On busy roads, you should allow them to overtake you where it is safe to do so, keeping at least 0.5m from the kerb
- If you are riding with others, you can ride 2 abreast, particularly in larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders
- Signal you turns clearly and check over your shoulder before changing your road position
- Ride defensively and assume drivers can’t see you
- Use cycle lanes when available
- Use advance stop lines at traffic lights, to position yourself ahead of other vehicles
- At a junction with no separate facilities for cyclists, make yourself as visible as possibly by taking a central position
Off road
- Cycle only on pavements designated as shared use
- On shared use pavements, take care passing pedestrians
- Be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary
Both on and off road
Visibility
- Wear bright or reflective clothing
- Wear a helmet that meets safety standards and fits correctly
- Use lights and reflectors between sunset and sunrise
Considerate cycling
- Hierarchy of road users – cyclists have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians
- Be aware of drivers behind you and allow them to overtake
- Use your bell to make others aware of you as not all pedestrians can see you
- Signal when carrying out turning manoeuvres and check blind spots
- Cycle at an appropriate speed
- When cycling in a group, be considerate of other road users