What are the legal requirements for cyclists?
There is always confusion around the legal requirements for cyclists in the UK. The Highway Code is the de facto guide on this however it’s not always clear what is a legal requirement and what is advisory notwithstanding recent changes to the code have made it more complicated.
Here’s a brief guide breaking down the key points.
Brakes
Cyclists must have independent, working front and rear brakes. If you ride a fixie, the fixed wheel counts as a brake, so a front brake only is legal.
Lights
A white front light and rear red light is required when cycling between sunset and sunrise (there is no legal requirement during the daytime). They must not be obscured and lights attached to the rider don’t count. Flashing lights are fine, provided they flash between 60 and 240 times a minute.
Reflectors
Legal requirements for reflectors are similar to lights. They only apply between sunset and sunrise, and you need a red rear reflector and four amber pedal reflectors at the front and rear of each pedal. However, many pedal systems don’t have the ability to take reflectors these days eg clipless systems, therefore this part of the law is rarely enforced.
Electric Bikes
The legal requirements for Electric Bikes are no different to Non-Electric. However there are additional regulations they must adhere to around the motor, power and assistance.
Can cyclists ride and use their mobile phone?
They are exempt from any law that drivers must adhere to however phone use while riding could be considered ‘careless’, in some cases, and attract a fine if caught.
Do cyclists have to wear a helmet?
No, its personal choice. Cycling is a safe past time, other factors make cycling less safe. In countries where segregated infrastructure is common, helmet-use is often less and casualty numbers are far less too. On the other hand, compelling riders to wear a helmet legally is often seen as a barrier to take-up. The lower number of people that cycle bear this out.
Do cyclists have to stop at red lights?
It is a legal requirement for cyclists to stop at red lights. Riding through a red light, like driving through one is dangerous and an offence.
Further Reading
- Top 5 reasons to buy an Ebike this year
- Top 10 Health Benefits of Riding an Ebike
- How to ride an Electric Bike
Can cyclists ride on the pavement?
Cyclists don’t have a right to cycle on pavements unless it’s a designated shared path, but it’s not a criminal offence either and rarely enforced by Police. However some councils can and do enforce local byelaws that prohibit cycling in certain areas. Parks and Town Centre’s for example. Make sure you read the signs if you intend to ride amongst pedestrians.
Do cyclists have to use cycle lanes?
In short no, there is no legal requirement for cyclists to use cycle lanes where provided. However, if it’s shared and segregated cyclists should yield to pedestrians.
Can cyclists ride two abreast?
To the surprise of many, in particular, ill-informed, impatient drivers, riding two abreast is actually perfectly legal. If it’s a group, it’s actually safer too. The Highway Code encourages cyclists to ride two abreast for this reason. Passing a group of, say, 12 cyclists in one long line is more difficult than two lines of 6. Drivers can pass more quickly. For smaller groups on narrow roads, courteous cyclists will often form a single line to allow cars to pass more easily.
Can cyclists drink alcohol and ride?
Cyclists cannot be prosecuted under the same laws as motorists for riding under the influence of alcohol but that doesn’t exempt them either. It is an offence to cycle unfit through drink or drugs and that can attract a hefty fine if prosecuted.
Can cyclists break the speed limit?
If a cyclist is caught breaking a speed limit, they can’t be prosecuted under the same law as drivers as bikes are not ‘motorised vehicles’. However they can be prosecuted if harm is inflicted on a third party due to their cycling. A potential prison sentence upto two years beckons for this. Cycling carelessly or dangerously can attract fines upto £2500 too.
Can cyclists ride on dual-carriageways?
Yes, danger aside, riding on a dual-carriageway is perfectly legal.
Do cyclists need a licence?
No, no licence is required. A cycling proficiency test used to be a thing. It was often delivered to school children but that was optional and stopped in 2007. A new scheme called Bikeability has replaced it now and is still optional but worthwhile to learn some basic cycling skills on the road.
