Pedal Cyclists
Rules for cyclists
You and your bicycle - Clothing:
You should wear
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a cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations, correct size and securely fastened
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appropriate clothes for cycling. Avoid clothes which may
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get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure
your lights
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light-coloured or fluorescent clothing which helps other
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road users to see you in daylight and poor light
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reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle
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bands) in the dark.
Rules for cyclists
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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,
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White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen.
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Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.
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Take care when passing pedestrians, especially children, older or disabled people, and allow them plenty of room.
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Always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary.
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Take care near road junctions as you may have difficulty seeing other road users, who might not notice you.
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You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.
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Be very careful when overtaking a motor vehicle or leaving a one as you will be entering a busier traffic flow.
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Do not pass between the kerb and a motor vehicle when it is at a stop.
You should:
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keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or changing gear;
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keep both feet on the pedals;
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never ride more than two abreast (side-by-side with another);
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ride in single file;
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on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends;
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not ride close behind another vehicle;
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not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled up with your wheels or chain;
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be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and
partially sighted pedestrians. Let them know you are there;
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when necessary, for example, by ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted.
You should:
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look all around before moving away from the kerb, turning or manoeuvring, to make sure it is safe to do so;
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Give a clear signal to show other road users what you intend to do;
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look well ahead for obstructions in the road, such as drains, pot-holes and parked vehicles so that you do not have to swerve suddenly to avoid them.
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Leave plenty of room when passing parked vehicles and watch out for doors being opened or pedestrians stepping into your path;
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be aware of traffic coming up behind you;
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take extra care near road humps, narrowings and other
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traffic calming features
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take care when overtaking any vehicle;
You MUST NOT
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carry a passenger unless your cycle has been built or adapted to carry one;
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hold onto a moving vehicle or trailer;
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ride in a dangerous, careless or inconsiderate manner;
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ride when under the influence of drink or drugs, including
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medicine;
You MUST obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.
When parking your cycle
• find a conspicuous location where it can be seen by passers-by;
• use cycle stands or other cycle parking facilities wherever
possible;
• do not leave it where it would cause an obstruction or
hazard to other road users;
• secure it well so that it will not fall over and become an
obstruction or hazard;
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;
At Road junctions
On the left
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When approaching a junction on the left, watch
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out for vehicles turning in front of you, out of or into the side
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road.
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Just before you turn, check for undertaking cyclists or
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motorcyclists.
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Do not ride on the inside of vehicles signalling
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or slowing down to turn left.
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Pay particular attention to long vehicles which need a lot of
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room to manoeuvre at corners like lories and trailers.
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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.
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Do not be tempted to ride in the space between motor vehicles and the kerb.
On the right
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.
At Dual carriageways
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Remember that traffic on most dual carriageways moves quickly. When crossing wait for a safe gap and cross each carriageway in turn.
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Take extra care when crossing slip roads.
At Roundabouts
Roundabouts can be hazardous and should be approached with care.
Is is safer to walk your cycle round on the pavement or verge. If you decide to ride round, keep to the left-hand lane and you should:
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be aware that drivers may not easily see you;
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take extra care when cycling across exits. You may need
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to signal right to show you are not leaving the roundabout
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watch out for vehicles crossing your path to leave or join the roundabout.
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Give plenty of room to long vehicles on the roundabout as
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they need more space to manoeuvre.
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Do not ride in the space they need to get round the roundabout. It may be safer to wait until they have cleared the roundabout.
Crossing the road
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Do not ride across Zebra crossings, it is safer to walk across;
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Level/ Train crossings Take extra care when crossing the railway lines.
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You should dismount at level crossings where whrere necessary.