can bikes go on dual carrigeways?

rockon338

hi , simple question can bikes go on dual carriageways.
many thanks,
george

Aidocp

Yes, unless there's a special byelaw banning bikes and it has to be signed

rockon338

ok cheers! coulnt seem to find anywhere on the internet that gave an answer!

onbike 1939

The only exception I've found was in France during July and August. It appears the Regional authorities introduced an order banning bikes as the amount of heavy traffic was such that it made cycling very dangerous. The sign informing me of this consisted of a white car outlined on a blue background. It meant nothing at all to me so I used the road and was promptly chucked off.

Airfriday

Bikes can't go on Motorways (dual carriageways).

SteveR_100Milers

On some duallies they are banned, e.g. parts of the A470 at the southern end for example. There are clear signposts to tell you this though.

cooper.michael1

Due to the hard shoulder, i usually find dual carriageways quite safe, the only problem comes when you get to a round-a-bout and are turning right...looking over your shoulder at two lanes for cars coming at 80mph+ ....as easy as riding a bike.

Id love my car driving family and friends to attempt cycling the above situation....or maybe a wouldent as they wouldent survive very long.

giant_man

Airfriday wrote:

Bikes can't go on Motorways (dual carriageways).

Motorways aren't dual carriageways. It's legal to ride on A roads, many which are dual carriageways but it is illegal to ride on motorways, not that i would anyway, blinkin' dangerous.

Gambatte

Usually OK, generally a check of the traffic beforehand may be advisable to see how its driven tho'. Although its alllowed, it might not be a good idea!

Exception local to me.

Main dual carriageway in/out of Sheffield to the M1, known as the 'Parkway'

Cycling not allowed, due to local byelaw.

Gussio

Some A Roads have an (M) attached - you can't ride on those, I don't think.

Worse than roundabouts on dual carriageways are slip roads, where cars can leave the main carriage way without slowing down. It can feel like an age having to cross those, all the time being in the firing line.

Eat My Dust

There's a couple of dual carriageways on my way to work. You want to see the drivers reactions as you pass on the outside of BOTH lanes!!! Don't you just love the morning rush!

bahzob

The "blue car" sign on French major (but non-motorway) roads is something to be aware of. Usually they appear near larger cities, with no advance warning or signing of options for alternative routes (so far I have found them approaching Rennes, L'Orient and Strasbourg).

They are also not highlighted on road atlases (natch because cars can use them). My preferred method of dealing with them is to press on using the hard shoulder and come off at the first exit to try and find a safe way in. (I am not alone in doing this, I have met other French cyclists and moped riders doing ditto).

pneumatic

bahzob wrote:

The "blue car" sign on French major (but non-motorway) roads is something to be aware of. Usually they appear near larger cities, with no advance warning or signing of options for alternative routes (so far I have found them approaching Rennes, L'Orient and Strasbourg).

They are also not highlighted on road atlases (natch because cars can use them). My preferred method of dealing with them is to press on using the hard shoulder and come off at the first exit to try and find a safe way in. (I am not alone in doing this, I have met other French cyclists and moped riders doing ditto).

Yes, I got caught out on one of these approaching Grenoble from Bourg D'Oisans in the rush hour. The road became a flyover with no hard shoulder; very scary. However, I have to say that motorists were very considerate, even when I had to cross two lanes to safety when it merged with another road.

Tip for slip roads: as soon as you can, cross over onto the slip road itself and then "rejoin" the main carriageway.

spen666

Gussio wrote:

Some A Roads have an (M) attached - you can't ride on those, I don't think.

....

The M is a clue - it signifies it is a motorway

SteveR_100Milers

cooper.michael1 wrote:

Due to the hard shoulder, i usually find dual carriageways quite safe, the only problem comes when you get to a round-a-bout and are turning right...looking over your shoulder at two lanes for cars coming at 80mph+ ....as easy as riding a bike.

Id love my car driving family and friends to attempt cycling the above situation....or maybe a wouldent as they wouldent survive very long.

Until a couple of cars kiss and spin into you at 80+ mph......The only time I would ride on a duallie is for a TT when there are great big signs up and a numbered rider every minute (or so) just to remind the drivers. Otherwise, the last place I'd want to ride a bike!