Rules for cyclists Flashcards
What is the overview of these rules?
These rules are in addition to those in the following sections, which apply to all vehicles (except the Motorway section)
What are the rules for cyclist clothing?
You should wear:
A cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations, is the correct size and securely fastened
Appropriate clothes for cycling. Avoid clothes that may get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure your lights
Light coloured to fluorescent clothing which helps other road users to see you in daylight or poor light
Reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm to ankle bands) in the dark
What are the rules for cyclists at night?
At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit
It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85)
White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp
What are the rules for cycle routes and other facilities?
Use cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless at the time it is unsafe to do so
Use of these facilities is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer
What are the rules for cycle tracks?
These are normally located away from the road, but may occasionally be found alongside footpaths or pavements
Cyclists and pedestrians may be segregated or they may share the same space (unsegregated)
When using segregated tracks you MUST keep to the side intended for cyclists as the pedestrian side remains a pavement or footpath
Take care when passing pedestrian, especially children, older or disable people, and allow them plenty of room
Always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary
Take care near road junctions as you may have difficulty seeing other road users, who might not notice you
What are the rules for cycle lanes?
These are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway
Keep within the lane when practicable. When leaving a cycle lane check before pulling out when it is safe to do so and signal your intention clearly to other road users
Use of cycle lanes is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer
What are rules for cyclists on pavements?
You must not cycle on a pavement
What are the rules for cyclists in bus lanes?
Most bus lanes may be used by cyclists as indicated on signs
Watch out for people getting on or off a bus. Be very careful when overtaking a bus or leaving a bus lane as you will be entering a busier traffic flow
Do not pass between the kerb and a bus when it is at a stop
What should you do when cycling?
You should:
Keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or changing gear
Keep both feet on the pedals
Never ride more than 2 abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends
Not ride close behind another vehicle
Not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled up with your wheels or chain
Be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians. Let them know you are there when necessary, for example, by ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted
What second set of rules are there for cyclists?
You should:
Look all around before moving away from the kerb, turning or manoeuvring, to make sure it os safe to do so. Give a clear signal to show other road users what you intend to do
Look well ahead for obstructions in the road, such as drains, pot-holes and parked vehicles so that you don’t have to swerve suddenly to avoid them
Leave plenty of room when passing parked vehicles and watch out for doors being opened or pedestrians stepping into your path
Be aware of traffic coming up behind you
Take extra care near road humps, narrowing and other traffic calming features
Take care when overtaking
What must you NOT DO when cycling?
MUST NOT
Carry a passenger unless your cycle has been built or adapted to carry one
Hold onto a moving vehicle or trailer
Ride in a dangerous, careless or inconsiderate manner
Ride when under the influence of drink or drugs, including medicine
What MUST you do when cycling?
Obey all traffic signals and traffic light signals
What should you do when parking your cycle?
Find a conspicuous location where it can be seen passers by
Use cycle stands or other cycle parking facilities wherever possible
Do not leave it where it would cause an obstruction or hazard to other road users
Secure it well so that it will not fall over and become an obstruction or hazard
What must you NOT DO on a bicycle at traffic lights?
MUST NOT cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red
Some junctions have an advanced stop line to enable you to wait and position yourself ahead of other traffic
What must cyclists do with junctions on the left?
When approaching a junction on the left, watch out for vehicles turning in front of you, out of or onto the side road
Just before you turn, check for undertaking cyclists or motorcyclists. Do not ride on the inside of vehicles signalling or slowing down to turn left
