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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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In 1997, when Christopher Many started overlanding, he couldn’t imagine how the travel bug would hit him. 27 years later, and he’s still on the move. Somewhere Beyond the Horizon tells the story of his most recent adventure. Publishing date: November 2024
Christopher Many turned his back on conventional society in 1997, having decided that a nomadic existence was a better fit for his restless soul. His plan was to embark on a perpetual journey, and never own more than a vehicle and whatever he could stuff inside it.
Around the same time, in faraway Australia, Laura Pattara felt a similar urge to free herself from the constraints of a settled life. She sold all her worldly belongings and bought a one-way ticket to South America. When the two passionate vagabonds crossed paths in Africa in 2008, the outcome was almost inevitable. They fell in love and have been exploring the globe together ever since. Kevin, an old, bright yellow, post-office delivery van, is their current home on wheels. 
Somewhere Beyond the Horizon isn’t an “around the world in 80 days” travelogue, nor is it a diary full of adrenaline adventures. It’s also not a guidebook or repair manual, detailing how to cross borders or fix a flat tyre. Instead, it narrates a curious tale of wanderlust and explores the nature of the eternal nomad. It’s a story of horizons, distant lands, wonderful encounters, unusual observations, and the freedom of the road. You’ll be taken on an overland quest from Europe to the Arabian Peninsula through a rapidly-changing world. En route to Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Oman, many questions will surface, some entertaining, others perhaps uncomfortable. Either way, the journey will be a memorable one. Hop in, and let’s go for a drive.
Christopher Many’s bestselling Horizon series was launched with the author’s debut book “Left Beyond the Horizon – A Land Rover Odyssey”, following his eight year journey around the world between 2002 and 2010. It was first published on 4 July 2011. “Right Beyond the Horizon – A Motorcycle Odyssey” is the second book in the Horizon series, and was published on 19 September 2016. “Somewhere Beyond the Horizon” is the third volume of the travel-trilogy (November 2024). Foreign language translations are available in German and Portuguese, and a Braille copy can be ordered for those who are visually impaired. The author strongly believes that everybody should have the privilege to experience the world, if only through literature. For further information about Christopher Many’s voyages and future projects, please visit the author’s website: https://christopher-many.com/en/
Christopher Many
Somewhere Beyond the Horizon
An Old Post Office Delivery Van, Two Perpetual Nomads, and a Journey to the Arabian Peninsula
347 pages, 64 photos (B/W), 8 maps, paperback 5.5” x 8.5”
Paperback (RRP): 17.99 € / $ 18.99 / £ 14.99 (ISBN: 9798341234765)
Kindle (RRP): 9.99 € / $ 9.99 / £ 9.99
All three books are available on Amazon in the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain, India, Brazil, and Mexico. www.amazon.com/stores/Christopher-Many/author/B00OP6TQGE
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Innovators in motorcycle care and maintenance, ROKiT OFF, has launched a brand-new Premium Winter Protection Pack, just in time for the colder months.
Formulated specifically to combat harsh winter conditions the Premium Winter Protection pack helps owners ensure that motorcycles remain pristine and protected. Offering peace of mind when they’re tucked up for winter, that they’ll be fresh and ready to run when the sun comes back out.
The Premium Winter Protection Pack is the latest user-friendly kit to join the ROKiT OFF range. Each kit offers a unique suite of products, riding riders with everything they need to keep their motorcycle and helmet clean and protected. Top-ups and refills can be purchased separately from retailers.
Check out the full collection below:
Premium Winter Protection Pack - RRP £49.99
Prep for storage with the latest addition to the ROKiT OFF range.
- DURA COAT Anti-Corrosion: A powerful anti-corrosion solution that prevents rust and moisture damage, ideal for pre-winter storage or frequent riding in wet conditions. Suitable for all bike surfaces - metal and non-metal - apply once before winter storage or once a month if riding in wet conditions.
- Cleaner Degreaser: A versatile degreaser for removing tough grime on both painted and non-painted surfaces, ideal for prepping areas for corrosion protection.
- Fuel System Treatment: A fuel conditioner that cleans and protects fuel systems, ensuring easy start-up and smooth performance after long storage.
Helmet Care Kit - RRP £29.99
Designed for optimal helmet maintenance, this kit keeps both the interior and exterior of helmets clean, fresh, and fog-free.
- Helmet and Visor Cleaner: A quick spray-and-wipe solution for the helmet's exterior and visor. Simply spray on and wipe clean with the included Premium Micro-Fibre Cloth, it leaves a streak-free, clear finish.
- Helmet Cleaner, Freshener and Deodoriser: Formulated to kill bacteria and neutralise odours. Spray on and leave to dry to keep the helmet interior hygienic and fresh.
- Anti-Mist Spray: Prevents fogging on the inside of visors and goggles, ensuring clear vision in all weather conditions. Spay and allow to evaporate.
Motorcycle Cleaning Kit - RRP £29.99
A versatile cleaning kit that provides a gentle yet effective solution for all motorcycle surfaces, leaving a professional-grade finish.
- Motorcycle Cleaner: A pH-neutral shampoo that safely cleans all surfaces without stripping essential finishes - safe to use on all motorcycle surfaces.
- Rapid Clean and Protect: A unique, non-abrasive cleaner that forms a medium-term hydrophobic layer, providing protection against water and dirt. Used regularly, it can help prevent the build-up of dirt and grease.
- Micro-Fibre Cloths, Cleaning Brush and Expanding Sponge: The kit includes two premium cloths for application and buffing, designed to preserve a scratch-free finish. A brush for hard-to-reach spots and a sponge.
Motorcycle Premium Ceramic Pack - RRP £69.99
For long-term protection, the Premium Ceramic Pack is designed to offer professional-grade, ceramic-based defence against the elements.
- Ceramic Bike wash: A high-performance pH-neutral wash, which is safe to use on all motorcycle surfaces, helps prepare the surface for the ceramic coating.
- Dura Seal Ceramic spray: This premium ceramic coating provides a hydrophobic layer for 6-12 months when used with the Ceramic Bike Wash and Rapid Clean and Protect. Simply spray on a clean dry surface, wipe on with one of the two included Micro-Fibre Cloths and buff off with the other. Easy as that!
- Rapid Clean and Protect: Perfect for the upkeep of the Ceramic coating, to be used as a regular bike wash.
- Expanding sponge: Premium long-lasting sponge included in the kit.
Former superbike racer Gary Mason from ROKiT said: “With this product range, we wanted to demystify the world of motorcycling cleaning and make it as easy as possible for riders to know what to use and how to use it. Our easy-to-use kits allow riders to spend more time on the road and less on maintenance!”
ROKiT OFF is exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by Nevis Marketing, to find a list of official stockists or to view the full range, visit www.nevis.uk.com.
About ROKiT
ROKiT Industries, co-founded by Jonathan Kendrick and John Paul DeJoria, comprises a wide portfolio of multinational businesses and services including drinks, merchandise, apparel, content creation and distribution, new technologies, electronic consumer goods, mesh wi-fi services, ebikes, rapid-assembly homes and tyres, amongst other interests and have invested heavily in recent years in sports sponsorship such as England Rugby League and particularly in motorsports, including being title partners of the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK and BSB teams and the ROKiT British F4 championship as well as BTCC, Formula E and the NHRA.
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Touratech comfort seats are now also available for the BMW R 1300 GS. Equipped with a new type of heating as standard, the seats, which are available in different heights, can be easily replaced with the original equipment thanks to plug-and-play technology.
As the central interface between rider and machine, the motorbike seat plays an important role in a holistic ergonomic concept. Touratech has been committed to this important area of vehicle equipment for three decades and has developed world-leading technologies for optimum motorcycle seating.
Advanced technologies for maximum comfort
Touratech comfort seats always have a core made of high-quality foam, the properties of which are not only model-specific, but also customised depending on the respective padding thickness using individual formulations. The carefully shaped foam core has an anatomically optimised groove that relieves pressure on the coccyx and concentrates power transmission on the sit bones. The precisely defined angle of the seat surface supports an ergonomically correct posture. The ingenious design of the seat cross-section makes it possible to realise a minimum crotch arch length with maximum cushion thickness. This makes it easy to reach the ground with your feet despite the generous upholstery.
Premium quality made in Germany
Touratech comfort seats are supplied exclusively as a ready-to-mount unit, so that easy replacement with a perfect fit is guaranteed. Like the foam core, the high-quality, accurately fitting seat base is a quality product made in Germany. Touratech comfort seats are equipped with the advanced Fresh Touch cover as standard. The special finish of this material ensures intense reflection of the sun's rays, reducing the heating of the surface by up to 10 degrees Celsius compared to conventional materials. Naturally, all seams are carefully taped so that the cover is 100 per cent waterproof.
Comfort seats with model-specific features for the BMW R 1300 GS
The new Touratech comfort seats for the BMW R 1300 GS also build on this high-quality technical basis. And they impress with a number of additional model-specific details. The most striking feature is the elaborate decor, which is coordinated with the vehicle design but sets striking visual accents.
However, the seats also have some special technical features. The pillion seat, for example, has no longitudinal adjustment, so that a bombproof hold is guaranteed. This was made possible by the anatomical contour, which allows the pillion passenger to sit in a sovereign position independently of the rider.
Optimum heat diffusion thanks to innovative heating technology
The new Touratech comfort seats for the BMW R 1300 GS, which are always supplied with heating, also offer real innovations on the inside. A new technology enables even more homogeneous heat distribution over a maximum area. The extremely slim design of the new seat heating, which is completely laminated into the base material, now makes it possible for the first time to equip low - and therefore thinly upholstered - seats with this comfort feature.
Plug & Play: Simple replacement, operation as usual
As you would expect from Touratech, the new heated seats for the BMW R 1300 GS also work as an easy-to-install plug-and-play solution. They are operated as usual via the existing BMW control system. This means: via a rotary switch on the handlebars for the rider's seat and a separate switch for the pillion rider.
The rider's seat for the BMW R 1300 GS is available in four heights: low (-2 cm seat height), standard (standard seat height), high (+2 cm) and extra high (+4 cm). The pillion seat is always supplied in standard height.
Further information in the webshop
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Cannabis has become a topic of interest in many subcultures, including biker life. From using CBD for pain relief after long rides to its role in social biker gatherings, understanding the legalities and safety measures is essential. This article explores how cannabis fits into the biker lifestyle, focusing on legal use, responsible consumption, and how it can sometimes enhance the riding experience without compromising safety.
Legal Cannabis Options for Bikers
The legality of cannabis varies widely, but in the UK, products such as CBD are permitted under strict guidelines. Bikers looking to incorporate cannabis into their lifestyle should be aware of these legal distinctions to avoid legal troubles.
Cannabis Products Legally Available to Bikers:
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CBD oils and tinctures: Ideal for post-ride muscle recovery and relaxation, provided they contain less than 0.2% THC.
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CBD-infused edibles and drinks: Non-psychoactive options for casual use.
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Medicinal cannabis: Available by prescription for specific conditions, such as chronic pain or anxiety.
Understanding these categories ensures compliance with the law and a safer riding experience.
Legal Framework: Cannabis and Biking in the UK
The UK's Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 strictly regulates cannabis, classifying it as a Class B drug. Recreational use and possession are illegal, but exceptions exist for CBD products and medicinal cannabis. Bikers must adhere to these rules to stay safe on and off the road.
Key Legal Guidelines for Bikers Using Cannabis:
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Legal
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Illegal
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CBD products with less than 0.2% THC
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Recreational cannabis with THC >0.2%
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Medicinal cannabis by prescription
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Riding under the influence of cannabis
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Cannabis-derived cosmetics and balms
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Carrying unapproved cannabis products
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Staying informed about these distinctions ensures bikers remain within legal boundaries.
The Role of Cannabis in Biker Culture
Cannabis has a complex relationship with biker culture, often seen as a way to unwind after long rides or a means of connecting socially within the community. For those interested in exploring legal options, you can buy weed in London through trusted retailers offering CBD products and medicinal cannabis.
Popular Uses Among Bikers:
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Post-Ride Recovery: CBD balms and oils help soothe sore muscles after hours of riding.
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Social Bonding: CBD-infused edibles or drinks are popular in biker meetups, providing relaxation without intoxication.
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Managing Stress: Medicinal cannabis is sometimes used by bikers dealing with anxiety or chronic conditions.
While cannabis can complement the biker lifestyle, responsible use is critical to ensure safety on the road.
How Cannabis Affects Riding: The Importance of Responsibility
Cannabis, particularly products containing THC, can impair motor skills and reaction times, making riding extremely dangerous. Bikers must be aware of how cannabis affects their performance and prioritize safety.
Tips for Responsible Cannabis Use:
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Avoid THC Before Riding: THC impairs judgment and coordination, which are crucial for safe riding.
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Use CBD for Recovery: CBD products can help with muscle relaxation and pain relief without affecting motor skills.
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Wait Before Riding: If using medicinal cannabis, ensure it’s out of your system before getting on your bike.
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Know Your Limits: Understand how your body reacts to cannabis and avoid risky behavior.
By prioritizing responsible use, bikers can enjoy the benefits of cannabis without compromising safety.
Where to Buy Legal Cannabis Products for Bikers
Knowing where to find legal cannabis products ensures bikers access safe, high-quality options.
Trusted Shops for Biker-Friendly Cannabis Products:
Holland & Barrett: Mainstream retailer providing reliable CBD capsules and balms.
Online Retailers:
Online platforms like CBD Brothers offer convenience and verified product quality, making them a popular choice for bikers.
Cannabis in Biker Life: A Balanced Approach
Incorporating cannabis into biker life requires a balanced approach. By focusing on legal, non-intoxicating options such as CBD and using products responsibly, bikers can enhance their lifestyle without jeopardizing safety. Whether you're recovering from a long ride or bonding with fellow riders, cannabis can play a role in the biker experience - but always ensure it’s legal and safe.
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