Although lots of our tours are on traffic free routes we do use quiet roads and country lanes to join them up so as part of our risk assesments we have carefully reviewed the highway code and how it is applicable to cyclists
The Highway Code explains the rules of the road, road signs and traffic signals. It applies to all road users including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, motorists and horse riders and is designed to make road usage easier & safer.
The following sections of the Highway Code are most relevant to cyclists:
Rules H1 to H3 which set out the hierarchy of road users
Rules 59 to 82 setting out the specific rules for cyclists
The Highway Code is a legal requirement and so failure to follow the code could be used as evidence of negligence in the event any accident so it is important to familiarise yourself with the Code as best you can. Detailed below is a useful summary .
Rule H2 - Pedestrian priority at junctions
Recently updated this rule says that pedestrians have right of way when crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from other road users (including cyclists) are turning. If people have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, the people crossing have priority and the traffic should give way.
People driving, riding a motorcycle or cycling must give way to people on a zebra crossing.
Cyclists should also be aware that they have to give way to pedestrians on shared use cycle tracks and to horse riders on bridleways
Rule 59 - Clothing & Helmets
This rule is all about what to wear on the bike and says that cyclists, "should avoid clothes that may get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure your lights when you are cycling".
The code says that light-coloured and fluorescent clothing can make you more visible to other road users but does not state this must be worn
This rule does specify that cyclists must wear a securely fastened cycle helmet that conforms to current regulations.
Rule 60 - Lights at night
The Code says that the correct lights must be used when cycling in the dark. This means a powerful white front light and a red rear light. All our eBikes have built in lights powered by the battery
Rules 61, 62 and 64: Using Cycle lanes
The Highway Code has a lot of information about where you can legally ride your bicycle. Rule 61 says cycle lanes can be used where they make your journey safer and easier but that cyclists "may exercise their judgement and are not obliged to use them.”. Rule 64 on the other hand states that cyclists must not cycle on a pavement unless it is designated cycle lane (there are some of these in the Peak District).
Rule 65: Using Bus lanes
Lots of cyclists don’t know that you can ride in a bus lane. Just double check that signage indicates cycling is permitted (most do) and, as long as you watch out for pedestrians and don’t undercut a bus at any point, you can cycle in the lane, staying out of regular traffic.
Rule 66: Cycling two abreast
Rule 66 says cyclists can ride two abreast but you should never ride more than two abreast and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends.
Cyclists should also be aware of drivers behind them and allow them to overtake by moving to single file or stopping if it’s safe.
Rule 69: Cyclists and red lights
Rule 69 states that cyclists must never skip a red light, especially at a dangerous junction. The rules on traffic lights are the same for cyclists as motorists
Rule 72: Cycling in the centre of the lane
This was a key update in the January 2022 version of the Code. The rule relates to the position cyclists are permitted to take on the road.
The Code says there are two basic positions cyclists should adopt depending on the situation. These are designed to improve road safety for everyone:
Cycling in the centre of the lane (not 'the road'), to make yourself as visible as possible, is advised in certain situations (e.g. on quiet roads, in slow-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions) We use these types of roads a lot in the Peak District
Cycling at least 0.5 metres away from the kerb edge (and further where it is safer) when riding on busy roads with vehicles moving faster than them.
We hope you found this summary useful - there is a link to full Highway Code for cyclists below
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