The rights you didn’t know cyclists have! Cycling can be a great way to travel. On the one hand the environmental and health benefits are beyond dispute, while on the other, we’ve all be terrorised by Lycra-clad couriers hurtling through the streets of just about every major city with equal disregard for pedestrians, motorists and the law alike… But while the jury might be out on whether they’re angels or sinners, the law gives them a number of rights in the UK, some of which might come as a bit of a surprise! Are cyclists allowed on footpaths? While cycling on a pavement at the side of a road is forbidden in England, Scotland and Wales, cycling on a bridleway is perfectly legal, although cyclists are advised to give way to pedestrians and horse riders as a matter of courtesy. Incidentally, there is no exemption in law that allows children to cycle on the pavement in England and Wales, although they may be immune from prosecution by virtue of being under the age of criminal responsibility. Bicycle bell law There is no legal requirement for a bicycle to be fitted with a bell; giving a warning by calling out is sufficient. At one point bikes had to be fitted with a bell at the point of sale, but cyclists could walk out the shop and remove the bell, if they so wished; now a cyclist only need fit a bell if they want to, rather than because of any legal obligation. However, the Highway Code does advise consideration of other road users, in particular blind and partially-sighted pedestrians; although the cyclist calling out a warning as their bicycle approaches may be enough, fitting and using a bell may be the more socially responsible course of action. 14
The only equipment that a bicycle must legally have are reflectors and working brakes, plus front and rear lights if the cyclist intends to bike at night. Lane splitting Lane splitting or filtering is when a cyclist undertakes and overtakes cars in order to make faster progress through traffic, and it’s perfectly legal. The Highway Code advises that road users should be aware of others filtering through traffic, though also mentions cyclists should avoid filtering in instances where they may come into conflict with other road users – eg on the approach to a junction. Overtaking on the right wherever possible is, of course, generally the safer option in most circumstances, as undertaking on the left is more dangerous to the cyclist and should only be done when traffic is stationary. Speed limits Speed limits on public roads only apply to motor vehicles, not bicycles – although you might occasionally find local authorities has imposed speed limits on cyclists, and cyclists also have to obey speed limits in the Royal Parks. But although speeding is not usually an offence in itself, cyclists who ride dangerously (risking causing injury to another person or serious damage to property) are committing an offence under section 28 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, and could be fined up to £2500. Careless cycling (when a cyclist uses the road without due care and attention or consideration for other road users) is also an offence under section 29 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, and can attract a fine of up to £1000.
