Cycling on road

There is often much discussion about how and where cyclists should cycle - whether on the road, on dedicated cycle paths or even on the pavement.

Why cycle on the road? 

Some cyclists can feel nervous or unsure about cycling on the road, especially in traffic. This can lead to people limiting their cycling to designated off-road tracks or cycling on the pavement. While this is understandable in some circumstances there are a number of good reasons why cyclists should aim to graduate to on-road cycling.

1) Law
Bicycles are classed as “carriages” in law, so should be on the highway rather than the footway. This means it is illegal to cycle on pavements (alongside roads) and some walkways and footpaths.
2) Consideration
Footways are designed for pedestrians. Cycling on pavements can cause antagonism and bad feeling towards cyclists and, at worst, injury or damage to either party.
3) Speed
Cycling on footways and shared-use paths is generally slower than cycling on the road, as you are required to give way to pedestrians and slow down when crossing side roads and driveways. Roads are often the most direct route to your destination and offer a smooth, fast surface for cycling.
4) Convenience
If you cycle on the footway or off-road cycle route, you usually have to give way to other vehicles at every side road or crossing. You will also have to cross the road at junctions or whenever turning right, rather than moving with the traffic. This can make your journey very fragmented. 
5) Accessibility
If you limit yourself to cycling on off-road routes, you effectively limit the number of places you can get to and may have to take a much longer route. By learning to cycle on the road, the whole road network opens up to you, allowing you to go wherever you want.

Techniques for safe cycling

In 2005, the Government introduced new National Standards for Cycle Training. These set out exactly how people should be taught to cycle on the road. It was mainly intended for those training children, but the principles are applicable to everyone. A complete summary of the National Standards can be found on the Bikeability website. 

The National Standards were based on the principles of safe cycling developed by John Franklin in his book Cyclecraft. This is an excellent book for anyone wishing to discover safe cycling techniques in all sorts of road situations, though the best way for anyone to learn about cycling on the road is through professional training.

Safe cycling behaviour

• Keep your bike in good condition. Our Bike Check video might help you.
• Be seen – use front and rear lights and consider light or reflective clothing in dull conditions
• Plan your route according to your ability, avoiding things like large roundabouts or very busy roads if necessary. Our cycling maps for urban areas may help you.
• Obey traffic signals and signs.
• Gaining eye contact with other road users is a good way of ensuring that they have seen you.
• Use clear signals at all times to indicate what you are planning to do
• Take care when overtaking
• Cyclists must also adhere to the Highway Code - (Note that those rules that state “must” are compulsory, the remainder are advisory).