Does anyone know the law about cycle lanes?

Thebigbee

Hi - just wondering if anyone knew the legal state of a marked cycle lane on a road?

There are cycle lanes near me which I always stay in. However these have been marked with no consideration to the actual state of the road.

The roads are a joke full stop. However, in some of the cycle lanes there are massive pot holes and drains.

I try to avoid these as I don't want my wheels and tyres utterly ruined, but I still keep the bike wheels within the markings.

Sometimes I have to cycle into the outside of the bike lane due to the terrible state of the roads. As stated, my wheels are within the markings but sometimes my bars are protruding onto the road.

Anyone know the legal status of this because sometimes cars pass within a "gnats cock" as my builder so eloquently puts a measurement so minute?

I will also inform you that I ALWAYS use my 1/2 watt rear light - day or night - just to get some kind of "space" on the road.

Unfortunately some drivers will overtake by the aforesaid gnats genitals and then, if you are approaching some traffic lights, completely encroach the 1- 1.5m of MARKED cycle lane that I have.

Is it just because they are endowed like this squirrel? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... ewers.html

Looks great on the squirrel - if you are an editor that finds these things funny. I assume all male drivers that do this have the equivalent, but not in so much proportion.

Maybe a couple of Hazlenuts coupled with a cashew nut.

I'd be angry too - but no need to drive like a maniac!

mousetoo

There's no legal obligation to use marked cycle lanes

mousetoo

There's no legal obligation to use marked cycle lanes

tarquin_foxglove

Thebigbee wrote:

Hi - just wondering if anyone knew the legal state of a marked cycle lane on a road?

There are cycle lanes near me which I always stay in. However these have been marked with no consideration to the actual state of the road.

If it is a solid white line, that is a Mandatory Cycle Lane. Cars have to stay out but you are allowed to choose your route either within the line or outside in the lane with normal traffic.

If it is a dashed white line, that is an Advisory Cycle Lane. Cars can drive or park in these but the Highway Code advises them not to 'unless it is unavoidable'. Again you can choose your route either within the line or outside in the lane with normal traffic.

I'd advise looking ahead for obstacles and if your planned route round one takes you outside of the cycle lane, shoulder check & indicate in plenty of time rather than swerving at the last second.

richk

No legal requirement for you to use anything marked as a cycle lane. You are at liberty to ride outside this area should you choose to.

There may be a legal requirement for motor vehicles to stay outside depending on whether it's marked with a solid or dashed line.

morstar

Nothing worse than an unrideable cycle lane. You move out into the road through necessity but lose any semblance of right to be there in the eyes of the motorist as you should be in the cycle lane in their opinion.

Generally, the roads I ride seem to be better than many others on here appear to have to put up with. However, I can think of a long stretch of A road near me which has a shockingly bad cyle path. Unfortunately, it is the same bit of road where I opt to do most of my nighttime riding as it is well lit, wide and relatively quiet (due to the parallel running motorway).

bompington

The fact that it was dotted lines a driver crossed into a cycle lane to wipe me out didn't reduce by a penny the thousands of pounds he's finally had to pay me 4 years after the event

merak

Where cycle lanes are marked at the side of the road, they are often narrow and filled with grills, potholes etc. I ride outside the lane if the road surface is poor or if the lane is so narrow that you cannot take primary position while staying inside. This is very frequently the case. If you take primary position, cars will not be able to squeeze by unsafely.There is no legal requirement for a cyclist to use a cycle lane. I very rarely use or stay inside cycle lanes because they are either poorly designed (eg too narrow) and dangerous, or they mix cyclists and pedestrians which is inadvisable when riding at 20mph, or the lane surface is covered with broken glass and other cack, or they are the sort that have give-ways every 20 yards as they cross driveways.

Thebigbee

Great answers guys - thanks. I am getting the impression that it is NOT a legal requirement for me to ride in these - even though I do?

Interesting - and in all honesty begs the question - WTF are they even implemented at the major cost of councils?

Wouldn't they do better sorting the actual state of the roads out?

I bet the contractors love it.

"What have we got on today"?

"Oh - we have to dig up the roads and make them flush"

"Bugger it! - I wish it was just painting a random line on the road. My back is hurting"!

CiB

You're under no obligation to use marked cycle lanes. As already stated the lineage (dotted or solid) informs drivers whether or not they're allowed in but that doesn't mean you're not allowed out.

In your circumstance you're making it harder for yourself by trying to stay in but moving towards the road space out of the cycle lane. You'd be better off taking primary or secondary as appropriate and ignoring the cycle lane. If any driver engages you in discussion you can point out the unsuitable nature of the cycle track if you feel like it.

Get a copy of CycleCraft and read it twelve times. The best £8 you can spend on cycling.

Bobbinogs

Highway code:

"Rule 63: Cycle Lanes. These are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway. When using a cycle lane, keep within the lane when practicable. When leaving a cycle lane check before pulling out that it is safe to do so and signal your intention clearly to other road users. Use of these facilities is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer."

Note this is not the Road Traffic Act though which is the actual law rather than an advisory code.

Thebigbee

Really useful advice. I seem to be cycling whilst squeezing myself in to situations I have no legal obligation to be in.

I think the problem is really with motorists. They see the cycle markings and assume that is the only place you "should" be in - and if a cyclist isn't you are "encroaching" on their huge 4 - 6 metre wide roads.

It really seems a massive problem with a lot of motorists to not automatically give a cyclist a wide berth of say, 2 metres!

Thebigbee

It reminds me of one instance I was cycling on a dual carriage way that had variable speed limits from 40 to eventually national speed limits.

I had a roughly 3 mile journey between one major town and my location and it happened to be the most direct and quickest route and I had every legal right to ride along there.

For parts of the journey there were car width hard shoulders. Unfortunately they were littered with detritus. There were also a couple of cycle lane signs and random cycle lane markings that were placed at junctions coming onto the dual carriageway and were marked for literally 100 metres and then disappeared.

What is the point in wasting money marking them?

Anyway - my point was that when I was about halfway into this journey I noticed this HGV basically sniffing my farts. I kept turning round and making eye contact. The fast lane wasn't busy at all and he had plenty of opportunity to overtake.

I was avoiding the hard shoulder full of sihte and the guy actually started using his horn on me!

I felt like I was in a remake of Duel. What a muppet. I pointed to the empty fast lane and then gave him my own silent signal.

I would have loved to have been in a Tyhoon jet hanging behind him whilst the only option on his left would have been broken beer bottles. And then given him a boost of my afterburner.

Bell end! lol

bompington

Thebigbee wrote:

It reminds me of one instance I was cycling on a dual carriage way that had variable speed limits from 40 to eventually national speed limits.

I had a roughly 3 mile journey between one major town and my location and it happened to be the most direct and quickest route and I had every legal right to ride along there.

For parts of the journey there were car width hard shoulders. Unfortunately they were littered with detritus. There were also a couple of cycle lane signs and random cycle lane markings that were placed at junctions coming onto the dual carriageway and were marked for literally 100 metres and then disappeared.

What is the point in wasting money marking them?

Anyway - my point was that when I was about halfway into this journey I noticed this HGV basically sniffing my farts. I kept turning round and making eye contact. The fast lane wasn't busy at all and he had plenty of opportunity to overtake.

I was avoiding the hard shoulder full of sihte and the guy actually started using his horn on me!

I felt like I was in a remake of Duel. What a muppet. I pointed to the empty fast lane and then gave him my own silent signal.

I would have loved to have been in a Tyhoon jet hanging behind him whilst the only option on his left would have been broken beer bottles. And then given him a boost of my afterburner.

Bell end! lol

If you want sympathy,

some plonker (I can't remember who) wrote:

I have seen a site that your post may be better off being posted on, I don't know.

Iamawhingingchickencryingbabymisery.com

Please let me know if that helps.

If it does could you please visit

Icouldntgiveatossinyourmoronicmiserygetalife.com

pilot_pete

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069837

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070314

PP

Crispybug

Pilot Pete wrote:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069837

Rule 60:- At night your cycle MUST be have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with red rear reflectors (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85)

Question is where does that leave us roadies as my, and I suspect all other, spd pedals dont have amber reflectors!!!

On the subject of cycle lanes, the only cycle lanes in Southend are on the seafront and frankly as I can ride along the seafront at a steady 25/26 mph so I consider it too dangerous for me to be in the lane with the hybrid riders!! Doesn't stop me getting called all the names under the sun by White Van Twatt though!!

flappy8

ah yes - amber reflectors on the pedals. Completely impractical on anything sensible.

As a motorist though- sometimes you can pick out someone by the pedals as they move up and down... Normally the best way to do this is when they have no (or useless) lights and they are wearing a black jacket!

If you get knocked off apparently you can lose up to 10% of your claim if you don't have reflectors. Its time they changed the rules - I know that I'm more visible with my Opticube, and Smart 1w together with Hi vis rucksack pedals and reflective rears on the Spesh shoes I commute in!

Thebigbee

bompington wrote:

Thebigbee wrote:

It reminds me of one instance I was cycling on a dual carriage way that had variable speed limits from 40 to eventually national speed limits.

I had a roughly 3 mile journey between one major town and my location and it happened to be the most direct and quickest route and I had every legal right to ride along there.

For parts of the journey there were car width hard shoulders. Unfortunately they were littered with detritus. There were also a couple of cycle lane signs and random cycle lane markings that were placed at junctions coming onto the dual carriageway and were marked for literally 100 metres and then disappeared.

What is the point in wasting money marking them?

Anyway - my point was that when I was about halfway into this journey I noticed this HGV basically sniffing my farts. I kept turning round and making eye contact. The fast lane wasn't busy at all and he had plenty of opportunity to overtake.

I was avoiding the hard shoulder full of sihte and the guy actually started using his horn on me!

I felt like I was in a remake of Duel. What a muppet. I pointed to the empty fast lane and then gave him my own silent signal.

I would have loved to have been in a Tyhoon jet hanging behind him whilst the only option on his left would have been broken beer bottles. And then given him a boost of my afterburner.

Bell end! lol

If you want sympathy,

some plonker (I can't remember who) wrote:

I have seen a site that your post may be better off being posted on, I don't know.

Iamawhingingchickencryingbabymisery.com

Please let me know if that helps.

If it does could you please visit

Icouldntgiveatossinyourmoronicmiserygetalife.com

bom - you do realise how ironic your moronic post comes across don't you?

I guess not - as you actually think you are being witty.

You're not. But you are hilariously sad.

I have gone through a lot of your posts - wow - you do know how to witter on and talk rubbish. Is Billy still popular up in sweaty sock land?

Seems to be based on the drivel you spout. You are an unhelpful troll and a joke.

So glad you got off on it though!

LOL

Thebigbee

Crispybug wrote:

Pilot Pete wrote:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069837

Rule 60:- At night your cycle MUST be have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with red rear reflectors (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85)

Question is where does that leave us roadies as my, and I suspect all other, spd pedals dont have amber reflectors!!!

On the subject of cycle lanes, the only cycle lanes in Southend are on the seafront and frankly as I can ride along the seafront at a steady 25/26 mph so I consider it too dangerous for me to be in the lane with the hybrid riders!! Doesn't stop me getting called all the names under the sun by White Van Twatt though!!

One of the first things I did when I took delivery of my new road bike was remove the pointless "reflectors" and shttiy pedals and bell.

Having a bell as a legal requirement, and reflectors is IMO utterly futile.

I think it is incredibly rude when you are walking along, minding your own business, and then some aggresive cyclist rings his bell, and you are expected to just get out the way.

Unless you are mute, what is wrong with politely saying - "excuse me please"?

esspeebee

Thebigbee wrote:

I think it is incredibly rude when you are walking along, minding your own business, and then some aggresive cyclist rings his bell, and you are expected to just get out the way.

Unless you are mute, what is wrong with politely saying - "excuse me please"?

The brakes on my crappy pub bike squeal horribly. Who needs a bell when you have that?

bompington

Thebigbee wrote:

bom - you do realise how ironic your moronic post comes across don't you?

I guess not - as you actually think you are being witty.

You're not. But you are hilariously sad.

I have gone through a lot of your posts - wow - you do know how to witter on and talk rubbish. Is Billy still popular up in sweaty sock land?

Seems to be based on the drivel you spout. You are an unhelpful troll and a joke.

So glad you got off on it though!

LOL

At last I have an internet stalker, I've always wanted one, it's so flattering
But please explain where the irony is in turning your playground taunting from another thread back at you? Do you actually know what irony means?
And please help me out. I genuinely have no idea who Billy is or where sweaty sock land is, I'd love to know.

PS you might want to avoid posting late on a friday night if you want to keep your dignity intact

andy_wrx

Cycle lanes encourage drivers to cut too close...

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/w ... -lanes.pdf

meanredspider

The trouble with crappy cycle lanes and shared footpaths is that most drivers don't seem to know that you're under no obligation to use them and that you have every right to be on the road. OP if you cycle outside the marked cycle lane, be prepared for abuse from ignorant car drivers.

RoadyForever

Most cycle lanes are a waste of time, especially badly designed ones. The lanes running through the center of town are useless, vans block them, people stand in them when crossing the road. So I take up the entire road, never had a problem with car drivers, I think they understand when they see all the craziness unfold on the left hand side and why I am not there!

I think crappy off road ones are worse, there's a shared one near me that isn't wide enough for two people to pass. Or junctions every few meters with little visibility of what may be lucking. These are the ones where drivers think you shouldn't be on the road and they will try to 'educate you' by cutting too close (even when you are going to fast to use them). Maybe they should walk next to the cycle lane and see if they live bikes passing them doing the best part of 20mph?

shouldbeinbed

For commuting Shimano m324's can easily take reflectors & are v good pedals.

The motion of reflectors says cycle more than anything else but proper road pedals.....

Dave Escandell

As already mentioned, no legal obligation to use a cycle lane, but they can be a pain on the backside to use in any event. Sometimes it's more dangerous to use cycle lanes

http://cycling.access-legal.co.uk/2010/ ... er.html#tp


As for amber pedal reflectors, they are a legal requirement but one that I think would play very little part in any claim against a cyclist for contributory negligene. I'd be very interested in further information on the possible reduction of 10% previously mentioned. I's also be suprised if the majority of police officeers were aware that it's the law.

Anyway, lots of use have some form or reflective tape, material on our shoes if we are clipped in and that is certainly in keeping in the spirit of the law.

gilesjuk

Thebigbee wrote:

One of the first things I did when I took delivery of my new road bike was remove the pointless "reflectors" and shttiy pedals and bell.

The bell is a bit pointless but the reflectors aren't. They are for when your lights have failed without you noticing.

I've seen plenty of people with red rear lights with the battery on its last legs. Having the red reflector made them more visible.

gilesjuk

meanredspider wrote:

The trouble with crappy cycle lanes and shared footpaths is that most drivers don't seem to know that you're under no obligation to use them and that you have every right to be on the road. OP if you cycle outside the marked cycle lane, be prepared for abuse from ignorant car drivers.

Well if they had their way you wouldn't be there are all.

As for cycle lanes, it's often safer to be in the road. Especially when the lane crosses many roads.

Also, if you're doing more than 15MPH you should be on the road anyway.

rubertoe

gilesjuk wrote:

meanredspider wrote:

The trouble with crappy cycle lanes and shared footpaths is that most drivers don't seem to know that you're under no obligation to use them and that you have every right to be on the road. OP if you cycle outside the marked cycle lane, be prepared for abuse from ignorant car drivers.

Well if they had their way you wouldn't be there are all.

As for cycle lanes, it's often safer to be in the road. Especially when the lane crosses many roads.

Also, if you're doing more than 15MPH you should be on the road anyway.

I wish

thecrofter

On the subject of pedal reflectors, I'm sure I saw another thread, probably on here, where the poster had sucessfully argued against pedal reflectors as the judge accepted the reflectors on the back of his cycle shoes adequately fulfilled the purpose of the law. The case also said reflective bands would be acceptable.

Imagine that a judge with a grasp on reality :shock:

Dave Escandell

I think one needs to be careful when discussing the legality of amber pedal reflectors.

if you don’t have them or what you do have do not meet the required standard then you are committing an offence - this is a criminal matter.

under these circumstances one would probably weigh up the likelihood of your local bobby a) knowing it's a legal requirement, b) noticing that they are missing and c) wanting to do anything about it.

Under these circumstances the penalty may be worth the risk.

The other legal issue to consider is that of being involved in an accident and therefore a civil matter.

In my experience I have not come across any cases where the non existence of amber reflectors was a material matter to be considered.

simply having an illegal bike is not a relevant factor when looking at fault in a civil claim unless one was hit from behind at night. If your well lit up with lights, have reflective on your shoes and complying with the spirit of the legal requirement, you will be seen and should not have been hit from behind.

under these circumstances any defence raising this as an issue, and this alone, is really clutching at straws.

If you hit something or somebody else, it’s irrelevant – you would not have hit said thing or person because your bike was illegal in this way.