Bike Law

Rules for those who cycle

There are several offences that the law prescribes in relation to cycling. They are as follows:

Dangerous cycling 

An offence committed by any person who rides a bicycle in a manner that would be considered dangerous by a competent and careful cyclist; danger of injury to any person, or of damage to property.
The punishment for dangerous cycling is a fine, subject to the court's discretion, of up to £2500.

Careless cycling

An offence committed by any person who rides a bicycle without due care and attention and consideration for others.
The punishment for careless cycling is a fine, subject to the courts discretion, of up to £1000.

Cycling whilst under influence of drink or drugs

An offence committed by any person who rides a bicycle whilst unfit to do so through drink or drugs.
As this could be considered dangerous cycling it can carry a fine of up to £2500.

Cycling on the pavement

It is an offence to cycle on any pavement that gives right of way to pedestrians. Police officers and Community Support Officers can issue Fixed Penalty Notices for this offence, which carry a fine of £30 though it is possible to incur a fine of up to £500. There are, however, guidelines in place that advise officers to issue a fine only if the cyclist is acting in a way that endangers others.

Other offences:

• to carry a passenger unless the bicycle is adapted to carry two or more people (tandems); 
• to race or have a trial of speed on a road unless authorised; 
• to disregard a red light (which carries a £30 Fixed Penalty Notice);

A cyclist in Telford in 2006 was fined for obstructing motorists by using a road and not a cycle lane. This is not a specific offence but can be enforced.

Helmets

It is not a legal requirement to wear a helmet whilst cycling, however, it is strongly recommended for your own safety.

Cracking the highway code

The Highway Code was originally created in 1930. The foundations of the Highway Code are essential to everyone in society. It was not designed just for drivers, in fact, the most vulnerable road users are; children and other pedestrians, the elderly, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.

Using a road traffic solicitor

Due to the wide variety of road incidents that take place throughout the UK, solicitors specialising in road traffic law are often required by motorists to provide legal advice on everything from personal injury insurance claims to driving incidents and offences.

What role does the Highway Code play in road traffic law?

The Highway Code is the official guide for all road users in Great Britain. There are 307 different rules of the road that users are to adhere to. It is in place to give a guide on how to drive safely to protect both the driver and others around them.