Road signs and laws
The Law, the Highway Code and the Cyclist
When on the road, a cyclist has similar rights and
responsibilities as any other road user. You should learn the law
and guidance given in the Highway Code.
Main points to remember:
- You must obey all traffic signs and traffic signals and ensure
that you never ride under the influence of drink or drugs
- When there are no cycle lanes, always cycle on the left, with
traffic, on the road
- Cycling on pavements is illegal unless signs indicate
otherwise
- Riding in the dark without lights is illegal. By law, your
bicycle must always have a white front light, a rear red light and
a rear red reflector. (and amber pedal reflectors, if bicycle was
manufactured after 1.10.85). White front reflector and spoke
reflectors will also help you to be seen
- You are not permitted to carry a passenger on a bicycle unless
it is a tandem (i.e. a bicycle for two people). However, you are
permitted to carry a young child up to about 4 years old in a child
seat specifically for bicycles
- Cyclists should ride in single file on busy, narrow roads and
never ride more than two abreast on wider roads
- Cyclists can use bus lanes - if the sign says so
- Retailers must sell all new bicycles with a bell fitted - use
it
- Your bicycle must have properly working front and rear
brakes
- Cyclists may ride across toucan crossings (specially designed
for pedestrians and cyclists) but not across pelicans, puffins or
zebra crossings which are for pedestrians
- Always walk across wheeling your bicycle
Road signs
