There can often be confusion around whether cyclists are allowed on the pavement or not, and it can cause some arguments between cyclists and pedestrians. However, the facts are straightforward.
Is it against the law to cycle on pavements?
Yes, it is against the law to cycle on pavements in the UK. It states under the Highway Code Rule 64 that as a cyclist, you must not cycle on the pavement. This is also backed up by law, under the Highway Act 1835, and Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.
Using cycle lanes
In some places there are dedicated cycle lanes for cyclists on pavements. These are clearly indicated by lines and symbols; you’ll see a bicycle and usually a solid or broken white line next to it.
Where the pavement is split, the pedestrians walk on one side, and the cyclists ride on the other.
Sometimes you’ll see a cycle lane on the road instead of the pavement. These are great, but they aren’t often taken care of, which means that they can be flooded, or blocked by debris. In this case, it may be safer for the cyclists to use the road like other vehicles.
What if I’m pushing my bike?
If you’re a cyclist who has dismounted your bike, and you’re pushing it, you should be on the pavement. This is because you’re now as pedestrian as you’re not riding the bike.
Some pavements can be narrow, so just make sure that your bike isn’t taking up too much of the pavement when you’re walking. Also, you should be considerate of wheelchair users or people with pushchairs.
Cyclists should use the road and not the pavement
Unless there are cycle lanes which you would prefer to use, cyclists should always use the roads. This is because they are a lot faster than pedestrians, which makes them a hazard to them.
Cycling on the road doesn’t have to be daunting through, as there are many precautions you can take to help keep you safe.
How to be safer as a cyclist on the road
With the large volume of traffic on our roads, it’s essential as cyclists that we are keeping ourselves as safe as possible. This includes being extra vigilant and aware of our surroundings and ensuring that we have the correct clothing on. Safety precautions can include:
- Wear bright high visibility clothing so that you can be seen at all times, especially in the dark.
- Keep a good positioning on the road, making sure you’re visible to motorists and far enough away from the debris, potholes, and drain covers.
- Clearly signal when you are turning; you can do this by putting your hand out on the side where you’re turning.
- Make sure that you’re not in larger vehicles blind spots, as they can pose a very dangerous risk to cyclists.
What do you do in the event of a cycle accident?
Unfortunately sometimes accidents do happen, and they may be through no fault of your own. If you do find yourself in this situation, the most important thing is that you are physically okay.
You’ll need to seek a medical professional to get yourself checked over, and they can give you report of your injuries, if you have any.
If you’re physically able to, you should take some photos of the scene, and if a third party is involved in the accident, make sure you gather their insurance details. If there are any witnesses, you’ll also want details from them as well.
I want to proceed with a cycle accident claim
After you’ve done all of the above, you should have the relevant information if you wish to make a cycle accident claim. From there our team will work with you to ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve. Need some more information? Visit Cycle Accident Claims today.
After an accident if you’re anxious to get back on your bike, make sure to read ‘How to Overcome Your Cycling Fears’ to help you get back on your bike.
