With the relatively high price of petrol and cars, along with persistent traffic issues, it’s no wonder why half of the people in England have a bicycle (or at least access to one). But whether you’ve recently got into cycling or just need a refresher, knowing basic UK road rules is essential to remain safe and vigilant and to avoid getting fined for infractions.
Don’t Cycle on Pavement
In the United Kingdom, the pavement is designated for pedestrians, not cyclists. Whether cyclists should be allowed on pavements remains a matter of debate. Many walkers have expressed concerns about cyclists who disregard pedestrian safety by speeding through foot traffic. However, cyclists with families often feel differently, arguing that riding on busy city streets with kids is a risk they shouldn’t have to take. For them, the safety of the pavement is a far better option—much like choosing online operators that accept Revolut payments when playing cash games online.
It doesn’t help that the government introduced a law in 1999 that allows the police to impose a £50 to £500 fine for biking on pavements. Thankfully, the police have taken a balanced approach to enforcing the law and are allowing officers to take a common-sense approach.
Riding Patterns for Groups
Safety and space are a priority on busy streets. Cyclists in groups are encouraged to ride ‘two abreast’, which is side by side, with no more than two people in a row. Rows larger than two take up more space on the road and have potential hazards.
Bike riders should also adapt to traffic conditions. If a group of bicycles might slow down cars, the group should form a single file line instead of cycling side by side. Being mindful of these changes helps keep drivers and cyclists safe. 
Lights and Safety for Cycling
UK laws have specific requirements for light and reflector use. Cyclists will need a white front light and a red rear light between sunset and sunrise. They also need a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors. These laws are especially necessary as the weather in the United Kingdom provides dark, cloudy days and plenty of rain, which puts a cycle light to frequent use.
There are more specifics when it comes to lighting laws. Lights must be mounted on the bike, no higher than 1.5m, so helmet-mounted lights are not allowed. While there isn’t a specific fine or penalty, a cyclist may be found at fault due to contributory negligence if they get into an accident without taking proper lighting precautions.
Lane Rules
Some streets in the United Kingdom have separate lanes painted for cyclists. The UK’s highway code says that cyclists are not required to use cycling lanes, but they can use them if it makes their travel safer. In some areas, the designated cycling lanes may not be adequate, so cyclists can use the rest of the road for efficient travel. Since cyclists may use regular traffic lanes for travel, they are encouraged to stay in the middle of the lane when possible to help avoid collisions with opening car doors and to discourage cars from overtaking cyclists unsafely. The law does not require slower cyclists to keep to the left of the lane or move to a different lane, though it does ask that the cyclists be mindful of faster-moving traffic and move when needed.
Note that local rules also govern lanes in some cases. Watch for unique signs that disallow the use of bus lanes or other areas where road design isn’t as bike-friendly.
Basic Traffic Laws
The United Kingdom doesn’t have a specific speed limit for bikes since they aren’t motorised, but a cyclist can still face significant fines if speed is the cause of an accident with bodily injury or property damage. The government even calls the law ‘wanton and furious cycling’, with penalties beyond a fine with the potential for two years in prison. Generally speaking, bikes aren’t as well protected as motor vehicles and could easily harm their riders and pedestrians. A good rule of thumb is that if there’s a question about safety, don’t go faster.
Red lights are still red lights. Cyclists are required to stop at stop signs and red lights, even if no other people or vehicles are present. Cyclists who ignore traffic signs could face fines.
Cyclists in the United Kingdom can legally use their phones while cycling because they are not travelling with a motorised vehicle. Even though phone use is legal, a bike rider can still be held accountable for talking or texting if they cause an accident because of inattention.
Where to Learn More About British Biking Laws
Knowing biking laws is an excellent start to cycling safely. A cyclist can find laws within the Highway Code directly through the United Kingdom government website. Meanwhile, CyclingUK is a cycling advocate that has contributed to creating road laws that benefit cyclists, drivers, and public transit.
Conclusion
Cyclists should familiarise themselves with the rules of the road before biking in the United Kingdom. Thankfully, the UK has clear rules outlining how cyclists and motorists should interact, as well as dedicated bus and bike lanes to maintain distance. Cyclists will want to watch their speed, obey many of the same laws for traffic lights as motorised vehicles, and be mindful of how much space they are taking up.
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