Cycling safely

Cycling safely

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Rules of the road 2007 | Road Signs | Driving Schools | Forum | Advanced Test

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Section 17 - Rules for cyclists

Keeping your bicycle roadworthy

Bicycle checklist

Protective clothing and equipment

Cycling safely

Rules on cycle tracks for other road users

Cyclists on roundabouts

Print this page Cycling safely

Section 17.4 - Cycling safely

You must obey the rules applying at traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, pelican crossings and zebra crossings.
Keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or changing gears.
Keep both feet on the pedals.
Make sure you keep to the left. Always look behind and give the proper signal before moving off, changing lanes or making a turn.
Do not take up a position on the 'inside' of a large vehicle out of view of the driver. Instead, stay behind if the large vehicle has stopped at a junction with the intention of turning left.
When turning left, keep close to the left-hand side of the road and watch out for pedestrians.
When turning right, get into the left side of the right-turning lane, look behind and give the proper signal before you move out and ensure traffic in that lane is not going straight ahead. On steep hills or busy roads, pull into the left-hand side of the road and wait until there is a break in traffic in both directions to let you make the turn safely.
When cycling alongside traffic stopped in line, be aware of gaps in the traffic to allow other vehicles to turn across the stationary lane. The view of the car that is turning may be blocked due to the traffic build-up.
In poor weather conditions, it may be safer to dismount and cross the roadway on foot. Where available, you should use a pedestrian or controlled crossing.
Wear reflective clothing at all times.

Cycle Tracks

A cycle track or lane is a reserved part of a roadway for bicycles (not motorcycles) and can be either:

mandatory, or
non-mandatory.

A mandatory cycle track is bordered by a continuous white line on the righthand side. It is only for bicycles and motorised wheelchairs, so no other drivers may use it or park in it.

A non-mandatory cycle track has a broken white line on the right-hand side. The cyclist may leave this type of cycle track if:

they have already indicated they want to change direction,
a bus is letting passengers on or off at a bus stop located beside the track, or
a vehicle is parked in the track while loading or unloading (see Section 10).

Mandatory cycle tracks are reserved 24 hours a day, unless an upright information sign at the start of and/or the side of the track shows another period of time.

A cycle track can also be a reserved part of a footpath or other area off the road. A cyclist must use a cycle track if it is provided.

If a cycle track is two-way, meaning bicycles travelling in opposite directions at the same time can use it, cyclists should stay as near as possible to the left-hand side of their track.

You must obey cycle track lights.