Rules regarding cycling in the UK?

Question

I want to start cycling again (need to lose weight) but I am petrified of cycling on the road after a friend of mine was hit, luckily she survived but would of died if it wasn't for her helmet.

In the UK, (England) is it illegal to cycle on the footpaths?

I'd be wearing a helmet and would move aside for any pedestrians who 'own' the footpath, but is there any rule saying one cannot cycle on footpaths?

In my fitter days, I did cycle on the roads, but my friend's accident has shuck me up a little and I have noticed how close some idiot car drivers drive near to a cyclist.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hey, no it's not illegal to cycle on the footpaths. Some footpaths even have lanes for cyclers to ride on!

Im sorry to hear about your friend.

Hope i've helped you

:)

Answer 2

Depending on where you live, quite a lot of roads do infact have "cycle lanes" which only cyclists can ride in and motor vehicles can not.

It's not "illegal" to ride on footpaths, but depending where you are, police do have the right to stop you and order you onto the road (I have had this irritable treatment a few times). Just make sure you move onto the road once in site of police because nearly all the time they will ask you :)

I would however advise walking in a crowded area or street whilst wheeling your bike alongside you, just for other peoples sake so you don't cause any accidents.

Answer 3

Another way is too cycle on bridleways.

( you will need a mountain bike )

If you look on a good map it will show them. If your lucky you can find a good route which uses farm tracks or through woods then you get to see the countryside as well.

The hard part is finding a route which does not get too muddy.

Answer 4

It is illegal to cycle on pavements and does cause a lot of ill feeling towards cyclists in busy areas.  

Cycle lanes are ok but are often blocked by parked cars.  I would agree with Lucky Ellie, the best thing is to look for a route that avoids roads altogether.  In addition to bridleways look out for National Cycle Network (NCN) routes.  These are generally well surfaced and are increasingly well signposted and linked up.  Details should be available on your local authority web site.  To give you an idea I cycle 10 miles each way to work and less than 1 mile is on roads, and those are quiet back roads.

Good luck with the cycling.

Answer 5

Sorry, it is illegal.  You are corect about car drivers.  They are an inconsiderate bunch.  However, by riding on the pavement, you are putting the padestrians into the same situation that you face with the cars.

Although you friends accident has shaken you up, you must still have to face the roads.  Might I sugest that you use this as a cause for campaigning to your local council for more cycle routes painted on the roads, or to open up old railway lines etc.

A fatal accident happened last year on a busy road (lorry/cycle).  They, along with the parent and other organisations have therefore been campaigning for a section of old railway track to be opened for cycle use, which would cut out this one mile of dangerous road.  They have raised enought money for the work to be carried out and are just into sorting out the land issues before commencing work.

Another source of help, other than local cycle clubs and shops, might be these people:

www.sustrans.co.uk

(Short for sustainable transport).

In any event, you need to get back on the road and face this demon.

Luck

Answer 6

It is technically illegal, yes, but it depends where you live if anyone would make a fuss or not...if you were caught the first time it would probably only be a verbal "pack it in" anyway, so I wouldn't overly worry...

Answer 7

I'm not sure if it is illegal but alot of police officers have seen me on the pavement and have not said anything so you might aswell ride on the pavement and if possible get into cycle lanes.

Answer 8

Hi, riding on pavements is illegal but don't you have cycle paths at the side of the roads? we do here and are specifically for this purpose. Some car drivers have no time for cyclists and are just as frightened of them as you are of car drivers.

Hope you find the courage to ride your bike, it is an excellent way to loose weight bu take it easy or you'll have very achey leg muscles, start of doing about 10 mins and build up gradually from there.

Hope this helps and have a good week ;-)

Answer 9

There are plenty of cycle paths and cycle lanes on the road. I use the roads all the time but i do understand why some people do not use them.