Riding a Bicycle in the UK

So you want to ride your bike in the UK. Smart idea. It's good for your health, good for the environment, and in certain really busy cities, it'll save you a bundle in parking and fuel, not to mention a tax exemption. A lot of people ride their bikes here, despite the rain and the damp, and the roads that go up and down. Here are the principle rules to follow for cyclists in the United Kingdom.


The information in the following post is based on the Highway Code for England, Wales and Scotland. (The Highway Code in its entirety is probably a must-read if you have the time. But I will be covering more of it at a later date.) For detailed instructions on how to use the road (whether on your bike or in a car), read Using the road. Furthermore, the government has created a Cycle Training program, where you can learn first-hand about all the rules, as well as riding techniques and safety measures.

Keep in mind that a road is also called a carriageway, and a sidewalk is referred to as a pavement in British English. A dual carriageway is a type of highway; bikes are allowed on these, though to me it seems a bit suicidal.

The Shoulds:

1) Wear appropriate clothing.

• Helmet. If you're out in the dark, red/white reflectors on the back/front make you visible from a different point of view.
• Clothes that won't get tangled in the chains and other parts of the bike—think socks over pant legs, visible colours, no long necklaces, etc.
• A reflective vest or band over your clothes. (So many people do this in the UK that you won't feel embarrassed to do it too!) You can pick one up at Halfords (pronounce the L), a reasonably priced store for car and bike parts and services.

2) Use designated zones when available.

• Cycle routes. Actual bike paths found all over the country.
• Toucan crossings. This is a wide area of the street, painted a dark-greenish colour, with a dotted line along two sides. Press button, wait for light, ride across. You can cross at other crossings, but walking your bike, not riding it.
• Advanced stop lines and cycle boxes. These are designated areas on certain streets allowing you to ride between the sidewalk and cars on your own "marked road", and to wait, stopped, ahead of traffic at intersections until the green light says go.
• Cycle tracks. These are marked zones, usually away from the actual road, usually shared with pedestrians. There are two types of cycle tracks: segregated and unsegregated. The segregated one will show you which side of the track to use, with pedestrians using the other side. This doesn't grant "right-of-way", so always use caution.
• Cycle lanes. A cycle lane is a designated area along the road, marked with a solid or dotted white line.

3) Other things you should do.

• Never ride more than two abreast, and single-file only in a bend.
• Use hand signals.
• Install a bell on your bike. 
• Be cautious and considerate of others on the road.
• As a cyclist, you are allowed to use most bus lanes. But don't pass between the curb and the stopped bus.
• Install white front reflectors and spoke reflectors. (Also see "The Musts" below.)
• For cyclists riding in areas without street lighting, the use of a steady front lamp is recommended. (Also see "The Musts" below.)
• When in a roundabout, it's safest to walk it. Car accidents in roundabouts are common, so imagine bringing your bike in there. If you plan to ride around, read Using the road.
• Dismount before crossing a train or tram track when advised by a "cyclists dismount" sign.

The Musts:

1) Be visible at night (or in the dark):

• Lights: Your bike must have white front and red rear lights that you turn on and that stay on. Not blinking ones or regular reflectors, though they are also a good way of staying visible.
• Reflectors: Your bike must also have a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors.

 2) Other things you must do.

• Don't ride on the sidewalk.
• One person on a one-person bike, two people on a two-person bike, etc. In other words, no passengers.
• No holding on to moving vehicles.
• Obey all traffic signs and lights.
• Do not cross the stop line when the light is red. Use advanced stop lines and cycle boxes when available.
• Make sure your brakes work. 
• Cycle-only crossings. You can ride across these junctions, but wait for the green cycle symbol.

With regards to The Musts listed above, those points are clearly indicated in the Highway Code. They are part of the law, but you will see people doing them, as people do all over the world. Just be aware that you can be caught and fined for breaking the rules.

If you're really into riding your bike, and are looking for a way to meet new people, you can try British Cycling or Cycling UK. Or, as with any other hobby you'd like to get involved in, you can always look into Meetups.

Have fun, and please stay safe!