Cycling (UK)?

Question

I am hoping to cycle to and from University starting in September as it'll be a great source of exercise.

However, the roads are quite busy, particularly in the morning as the route I'd take is the one people driving from the suburbs into town take.

My question is:

1) Is it illegal for me to ride my bike on the footpaths?

(I am 19).

2) Is it illegal to ride a bike on a road without a helmet?

3) Any other advice?

Answer 1

It is illegal to ride on the pavement.

You are not compelled to ride with a helmet on, BUT if you had an accident and claimed because of head injuries, you might receive a reduced pay out.

Read the highway code and follow it's advice.

Use cycle lanes if you want to. I generally don't because the ones around where I live are a joke.

Buy the most expensive lock you can afford in order to protect the bike if you have to leave it anywhere.

Get some good quality cycling clothing. There are lots of types of clothing available from Lycra to almost undetectable.

Fit mudguards.

Look after the bike to the best of your ability.

Answer 2

As long as you can ride without wobbling about on the road and know how turn right in the correct way you should be safe enough.  Wear bright or reflective clothing, ensure your bike is in good working order and have a set of good lights if your commute is in dark or dusky conditions.

!)  It is illegal to cycle on a pavement but if it is a quiet country footpath I would not think you would be pulled over for cycling on it.

2)  It is not illegal to ride a bike without a helmet in this country (UK) but if you are quite new to cycling I would advise you to wear one.

3)  Get good rain wear and mudguards, learn how to remove and refit the wheels.  Carry a pump, a spare tube and Tyre levers in the event of a puncture.  Learn how to put the spare tube inside the Tyre and refit the Tyre and wheel.  Take your mobile phone with you in the event of problems.

There may seem a lot to learn and carry but don't let it put you off, get out and enjoy your cycle.  Hope that helps.

Answer 3

1) Yes.

2) No.

3) Read the highway code. It is essential if you are to be riding on the road. You can find it online or buy it in any good book shop.

While riding along the road, do not ride in the gutter. This will result in punctures, and will reduce visibility. Ride two or three feet out.

Answer 4

I ride on the footpath all the time so i think it should be ok

Answer 5

I think it is illegal to ride on the footpath. Wearing a helmet is a very good idea but its up to you. If you want wear it if not leave it.

Answer 6

Technically it IS illegal - and if you are spotted by a cop in a bad mood he will probably give you an earful.

You don't NEED a helmet, it's not required by law but it's probably a good idea.

Suggestions:

BRIGHT lights front and rear, reflective stripes on all clothing, stick on reflective stuff on the bike (not pretty but car drivers don't see d**n great motorbikes, so a pedal bike will be worse)

and...always assume they don't see you, ride very defensively especially around the big trucks and articulated lorries (18 wheelers) as they cut corners and can squish you without even noticing.

Answer 7

well most cyclists dont seem to care about footpaths , and a lot dont have helmets so why should you lol , just move those lil legs as fast as you can and sod evreyone else lol , oh get a lil water bottle on yer bike as you might get a lil thirsty with your lil legs going ten to the dozen on yer lil bike lol

Answer 8

It is illegal to cycle on a footpath but you would probably just get a telling off unless you hit someone. If the footpath runs alongside a road you are much better off in the road. No pedestrians to worry about and no having to cross the road at every junction. It's scary at first but you just have to stay out of the gutter and claim your own part of the road and always give clear signals. watch out for cars turning left and you'll be fine. Helmet is personal choice but I don't leave home without mine

Answer 9

1 yes

2 yes

3 what out for cars because they just pull out in front off you for no reson and over take very close to you