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* '''Greater Anglia''' - You may take your bike free of charge on most Greater Anglia services without a reservation. You must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving into [[Cambridge]] between 07ː45 and 08ː̩45. You must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving into London Liverpool Street or [[London/Stratford|London Stratford]] between 07ː45 and 09ː̩45, or leaving London Liverpool Street or London Stratford between 16ː30 and 18ː30. Time restrictions do not apply on Greater Anglia Intercity services, with a reservation. You must make a reservation to take your bike on all Greater Anglia Intercity services (fast trains calling only at Norwich, [[Diss]], [[Stowmarket]], [[Ipswich (England)|Ipswich]], [[Harwich (England)|Manningtree]], [[Colchester]], [[Chelmsford (England)|Chelmsford]], Stratford and London Liverpool Street). Check online before you travelː [https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/your-journey/cycling '''greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/your-journey/cycling''']
* '''Greater Anglia''' - You may take your bike free of charge on most Greater Anglia services without a reservation. You must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving into [[Cambridge]] between 07ː45 and 08ː̩45. You must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving into London Liverpool Street or [[London/Stratford|London Stratford]] between 07ː45 and 09ː̩45, or leaving London Liverpool Street or London Stratford between 16ː30 and 18ː30. Time restrictions do not apply on Greater Anglia Intercity services, with a reservation. You must make a reservation to take your bike on all Greater Anglia Intercity services (fast trains calling only at Norwich, [[Diss]], [[Stowmarket]], [[Ipswich (England)|Ipswich]], [[Harwich (England)|Manningtree]], [[Colchester]], [[Chelmsford (England)|Chelmsford]], Stratford and London Liverpool Street). Check online before you travelː [https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/your-journey/cycling '''greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/your-journey/cycling''']
* '''Great Northern''' - You may take your bike free of charge on most Great Northern services without a reservation. You must not take your bike on any trains between [[London/North|Drayton Park]], [[London/North|Highbury and Islington]], [[London/North|Essex Road]], [[London/City of London|Old Street]] and [[London Moorgate]] at any time. You must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving into Cambridge between 07ː45 and 08ː45, if travelling southbound between [[King's Lynn]], [[Norfolk (England)|Watlington]], [[Norfolk (England)|Downham Market]], [[Cambridgeshire|Littleport]], [[Ely (England)|Ely]], [[Cambridgeshire|Waterbeach]], [[Cambridge|Cambridge North]] or Cambridge. You must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving into London between 07ː00 and 09ː30 (applies south of [[Stevenage]]/[[Hertford|Hertford North]]). You must not take your bike on weekday trains leaving London between 16ː00 and 19ː00. Check online before you travelː [https://www.greatnorthernrail.com/travel-information/onboard-travel/bringing-a-bike '''greatnorthernrail.com/travel-information/onboard-travel/bringing-a-bike''']
* '''Great Northern''' - You may take your bike free of charge on most Great Northern services without a reservation. You must not take your bike on any trains between [[London/North|Drayton Park]], [[London/North|Highbury and Islington]], [[London/North|Essex Road]], [[London/City of London|Old Street]] and [[London Moorgate]] at any time. You must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving into Cambridge between 07ː45 and 08ː45, if travelling southbound between [[King's Lynn]], [[Norfolk (England)|Watlington]], [[Norfolk (England)|Downham Market]], [[Cambridgeshire|Littleport]], [[Ely (England)|Ely]], [[Cambridgeshire|Waterbeach]], [[Cambridge|Cambridge North]] or Cambridge. You must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving into London between 07ː00 and 09ː30 (applies south of [[Stevenage]]/[[Hertford|Hertford North]]). You must not take your bike on weekday trains leaving London between 16ː00 and 19ː00. Check online before you travelː [https://www.greatnorthernrail.com/travel-information/onboard-travel/bringing-a-bike '''greatnorthernrail.com/travel-information/onboard-travel/bringing-a-bike''']
* '''Great Western Railway''' - You may take your bike free of charge on most Great Western Railway services. The company has advised a bike reservation is "strongly recommended" on its Intercity Express Trains (fast trains). A bike reservation is mandatory on the Night Riviera Sleeper service between [[Cornwall]], [[Devon]] and London Paddington. Cycles are permitted on stopping services, except services arriving into London Paddington between 07ː30 and 09ː̩30 or leaving London Paddington between 16ː00 and 19ː00. Check online before you travel̊ː [https://www.gwr.com/travelling-with-us/on-our-trains/bringing-your-bike '''gwr.com/travelling-with-us/on-our-trains/bringing-your-bike''']
* '''Great Western Railway''' - You may take your bike free of charge on most Great Western Railway services. The company has advised a bike reservation is "strongly recommended" on its Intercity Express Trains (fast trains). A bike reservation is mandatory on the Night Riviera Sleeper service between [[Cornwall]], [[Devon]] and London Paddington. Cycles are permitted on stopping services, except services arriving into London Paddington between 07ː30 and 09ː̩30 or leaving London Paddington between 16ː00 and 19ː00. Check online before you travelː [https://www.gwr.com/travelling-with-us/on-our-trains/bringing-your-bike '''gwr.com/travelling-with-us/on-our-trains/bringing-your-bike''']
* '''Heathrow Express''' - You may take your bike free of charge on most Heathrow Express services without a reservation. You must not take your bike weekday trains leaving [[Heathrow Airport|Heathrow Central]] between 06ː30 and 10ː00 or trains leaving London Paddington between 16ː30 and 19ː00.
* '''Heathrow Express''' - You may take your bike free of charge on most Heathrow Express services without a reservation. You must not take your bike weekday trains leaving [[Heathrow Airport|Heathrow Central]] between 06ː30 and 10ː00 or trains leaving London Paddington between 16ː30 and 19ː00.
* '''Hull Trains''' - You must have a free cycle reservation to bring your bike on board. You must store your bike in the designated areas. Check online before you travelː [https://www.hulltrains.co.uk/travel-information/travelling-with-a-bike '''hulltrains.co.uk/travel-information/travelling-with-a-bike''']
* '''Hull Trains''' - You must have a free cycle reservation to bring your bike on board. You must store your bike in the designated areas. Check online before you travelː [https://www.hulltrains.co.uk/travel-information/travelling-with-a-bike '''hulltrains.co.uk/travel-information/travelling-with-a-bike''']
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== Road rules ==
== Road rules ==


There are some specific rules for cyclists in the UK's [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82 Highway Code], but other traffic rules are equally applicable.
Road laws and etiquette are set out in the '''[https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code Highway Code]'''.


=== Legal requirements ===
It is a legal requirement to have a rear reflector, pedal reflectors and a bell, and working front & rear lights which must be used during the night or hours of darkness <!-- Still have Lighting up times in the UK?. Flashing LED lights are legal.<!--Sure on this?--> Reflective clothing is always a good idea at night, as well as making your more visible in the day.
At night, you '''must''' ride with white front and red rear lights lit. Flashing lights are permitted. You '''must''' also fit your bike with a red rear and amber pedal reflectors.
Cycling is banned on all motorways (M roads), and primary roads designated as motorway (e.g. the A1 (M)). Cycling can be forbidden on stretches of "A" roads, such as Hindhead Tunnel on the A3: these will be signposted. It is also illegal to cycle on a pavement unless it is marked as a cycle route. This is punishable by a fine, although police will often just tell a cyclist to get off the pavement and are likely to ignore young children cycling slowly on the pavement. Certain footpaths also restrict cyclists or require them to dismount.


You '''must not''' cycle on pavements, which are reserved for pedestrians, but cycling is permitted on shared-use paths marked with [[File:UK_traffic_sign_956.svg|alt=Shared-use path sign - a circular blue sign with a bicycle icon above an icon showing two people holding hands.|30x30px|A1 (M)]] or similar blue signs bearing the white bicycle icon.
When cycling on roads, you must ride on the left with other vehicles. Traffic signs and lights still apply, and it is illegal to jump through a red light as for motorists. Advance stop lines at traffic lights, where provided, allow cyclists to wait ahead of other traffic at red lights. In practice, many car drivers ignore this and occupy the cycle space when waiting at lights.


Cyclists '''must not''' use motorways (e.g. '''{{European road|UK|M|25}}''') which are marked with [[File:UK motorway symbol.svg|alt=UK motorways symbol - a blue sign with a white symbol of a bridge crossing two carriageways|30x30px|A1 (M)]] signs or any road/passage marked with the [[File:UK_traffic_sign_951.svg|alt=Cycling prohibited sign - a circular white sign bearing a bicycle icon with a red border|30x30px|A1 (M)]] (no cycling) sign. This could include major dual-carriageways (e.g. '''{{European road|UK|A|4232}}'''), pedestrianised streets or small passageways.
Although as of 2018, there was no mandatory helmet requirement for cyclists in England and Wales, their use by cyclists of any age is indicated in the highway code, along with appropriate clothing (such as reflective high visibility bands at night or in poor weather).

You '''must''' obey all traffic signs and signals. At red traffic lights or cycle-only crossings, cyclists '''must not''' cross the stop line. Some junctions shared with motor traffic have an advanced stop line, which will be marked for cyclists' use. Cyclists may in those cases cross the first stop line at a red light but '''must not''' cross the second.

=== Cycleways ===
Cycleways vary in style, quality and width throughout the UK. Examples include:

* [[File:UK_traffic_sign_956.svg|alt=Shared-use path sign - a circular blue sign with a bicycle icon above an icon showing two people holding hands.|30x30px|A1 (M)]] - shared-use paths are marked with blue signs bearing the white cycle icon alongside other modes of transport. Cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians (horse riders, if signposted) must share the space together. You should cycle with great care on shared-use paths, paying attention and being patient with other shared-use path users, who are also entitled to the same space you are using. Canal towpaths are usually shared-use paths, for example, Regent's Canal between [[London Kings Cross|King's Cross]] and [[London/Marylebone|Lisson Grove]], [[London]].
* [[File:UK traffic sign 957R.svg|alt=Cycle and pedestrian path sign - a circular blue sign with a bicycle icon to the right of a line, and two people holding hands to the left|29x29px|A1 (M)]] - segregated pedestrian and pedal cycle routes are marked with blue signs bearing the white cycle icon on one side and walking people on the other. Cyclists '''must''' stay on their side of the pavement or route. One such route runs alongside [[Brighton]] King's Road between [[Hove|Hove Lawns]] and Brighton Pier.
* [[File:UK traffic sign 955.svg|alt=Cycle-only route - a blue sign with a white cycle icon|29x29px|A1 (M)]] - cycle-only routes are marked with blue signs bearing the white cycle icon. Only cyclists are permitted to use cycle-only routes. These could run in either one or two directions. Pay attention to cycle icons painted on the road, along with arrows and [[File:UK traffic sign 616.svg|alt=No entry sign - a red sign with a white bar across the centre|29x29px|A1 (M)]] (no entry) signs. Cycle to the left on two-way cycleways, unless instructed otherwise. Victoria Embankment in London features a busy two-way cycleway between the [[London/Westminster|Houses of Parliament]] and the [[London/City of London|Tower of London]], which can become congested at peak times. Newmarket Road ({{European road|UK|A|11}}) in [[Norwich]] features a city centre-bound one-way cycle track, next to the main carriageway.
* [[File:UK traffic sign 958.1.svg|alt=Cycle lane sign - a blue sign with a white bike behind a diagonal white dashed line and a straight vertical line|40x40px|A1 (M)]] - cycle lanes are marked with square blue signs bearing a cycle lane pattern. These sit alongside lanes designed for motor traffic. Drivers of motor vehicles '''must not''' drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line. They may drive in a cycle lane marked by a broken/dashed white line, but only if it is unavoidable. Drivers of motor vehicles should give way to cyclists in a cycle lane, including when they are approaching from behind. [[Cardiff|Cardiff's Penarth Road/Heol Penarth]] ({{European road|UK|A|4160}}) features narrow painted cycle lanes between the River Taff and Cardiff Central station. Cyclists may also use most bus lanes, shared with some motor vehicles. Check local signage.
* [[File:UK traffic sign 967.svg|alt=Recommended route for pedal cycles sign - a blue sign with a white bike icon|40x40px|A1 (M)]] - a recommended route for cyclists, particularly on quiet roads. This is a recommendation by highways authorities and not an indication of cycling infrastructure.
* [[File:NCN Route Sign 8.svg|alt=National Cycle Network route 8 sign - a blue sign with a white bike icon, with a red panel and the number "8" printed within|40x40px|A1 (M)]] - a National Cycle Network route. This symbol indicates the route is part of a national cycling route and not an indication of cycling infrastructure.

=== Etiquette ===
In the UK, you should cycle to the left of the road or cycleway unless told otherwise. Make room for other cyclists to overtake. Ring your bell or call "on your right" if another cyclist has not noticed you waiting to pass them.

Cyclists are allowed to use roads with motor traffic even where a cycle lane is present, unless signposted otherwise. There is no obligation to use routes with cycle lanes.

You can ride two abreast but make room for other cyclists and drivers to overtake where appropriate.

You should be aware of other road users, including pedestrians and particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians.


== In cities ==
== In cities ==

Revision as of 00:36, 19 October 2024

Cycling in England and Wales is quite good for leisure routes, with a national network developed and signposted by Sustrans. Some routes follow former railways. There are also some regional routes, and byways. Some roads will also have dedicated cycle lanes, especially in major urban centres.

A separate guide exists at Cycling in Scotland for an overview of touring and mountain biking in Scotland.

Articles on cycling
Urban cycling • Tour cycling • Mountain biking • Personal electric vehicles
Cycling in China • Cycling in Japan • Cycling in New South Wales • Cycling in the United States • Cycling in the Philippines
Cycling in Europe: Netherlands (Achterhoek) • Denmark (Copenhagen) • Germany • Sweden • Switzerland • England & Wales (London) • Scotland
Rail and bus travel with bicycles • Flying with bicycles
Yorkshire was gripped by Tour de France fever in 2014, when the prestigious race's Grand Départ kicked off in the county.

Choosing a bike

The bicycle of choice for most cyclists in Britain is the hybrid - they have the comfort and practicality of a city bike combined with the performance (multi-speed gearing) and ruggedness of a mountain bike. Conventional mountain bikes and single-speed roadsters are also common, and folding bikes are becoming more popular in major cities. Expect to pay £100 or more for a basic model hybrid bike.

Get around

By bike

Cycling and road conditions vary from place to place throughout England and Wales. It is not always possible to travel between towns and cities on traffic-free cycle routes.

National Cycle Network

Active travel charity Sustrans looks after the National Cycle Network of signposted leisure cycle routes, on a mix of urban streets, quiet rural roads and traffic-free routes. Each route is assigned a number, displayed on a red panel - National Cycle Network Route 6 sign - throughout the United Kingdom. Routes do not always provide the fastest connections between villages, towns and cities. Notable routes includeː

Some routes are incomplete. The National Cycle Network is marked on Ordnance Survey Explorer and Landranger series maps.

London

See also: Cycling in London

London has a network of signposted cycleways, marked with green panels - Lime green background with text: "C6" - and managed by Transport for London, the borough councils and the City of London. Most routes use segregated cycleways, with occasional mixing with motor traffic. Some routes follow quieter roads, including residential streets. A mix of leisure and commuter cyclists use these routes.

Transport for London operates a network of cycle hire docking stations throughout Central London and parts of East London, including Stratford. These are sometimes known as "Boris bikes".

River crossings

Several major road bridges feature cycle crossings. Where they do, cyclists must not use motorways and should follow signs which might prohibit cycling on A-roads. Cycleways run alongside the main carriageways in many cases. Crossings includeː

  • Hawarden Bridge - across the River Dee between Shotton and Deeside Industrial Park in Flintshire. ̪Part of National Cycle Network route 5. A shared-use path runs alongside railway tracks.
  • Humber Bridge - across the Humber between Barton-upon-Humber, Lincolnshire and Hessle, near Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire. Part of National Cycle Network route 1. A shared-use path runs alongside the dual-carriageway between Barton-upon-Humber Far Ings Road and Humber Bridge Country Park in East Yorkshire.
  • Menai Bridge - across the Menai Straight between the mainland (Gwynedd) and Anglesey Island. Part of National Cycle Network routes 5 and 8. Cyclists should use the main carriageway with motor traffic.
  • Severn Bridge - across the River Severn between Aust, Gloucestershire and Chepstow, Monmouthshire. Part of National Cycle Network route 4. A shared-use path runs alongside the motorway between Aust Passage Road and Chepstow Caerwent Lane.
  • Silver Jubilee Bridge - across the River Mersey between Runcorn and Widnes in Cheshire. Part of National Cycle Network route 562. A two-way cycleway runs alongside the road.

Cyclists cannot ride across () Dartford Crossing, part of the London Orbital between Kent and Essex. A free pickup service operates every day of the year at select times. Solo cyclists can use a yellow telephone to summon the pickup service to the designated collection areasː

  • Kent - Crossing Offices Roundabout, South Orbital Road, Dartford, DA1 5PR
  • Essex - 859 London Road, Grays, RM20 3AT

Full Dartford Crossing information, including group booking information, is on the UK Government websiteː gov.uk/dartford-crossing-bike

By plane

Among the largest domestic flight operatorsː

  • British Airways - Bicycles are listed as sports equipment. You can check in bicycles as part of your baggage allowance, stored in a padded cover or box with the maximum dimensions 190 x 95 x 65cm. Bicycles are considered oversize luggage and additional restrictions may apply. E-bikes are not permitted.
  • easyJet - Bicycles are listed as sports equipment. You can check in bicycles for a fee, stored in a padded cover or box with a maximum 32kg weight. E-bikes are not permitted.
  • Ryanair - Bicycles are listed as sports equipment. You can check in bicycles for a fee, stored in a protective bag or box with a maximum 30kg weight. E-bikes are not permitted.

By ferry

Isle of Wight

You can take your bike on Wightlink ferries betweenː

You must make a reservation at no additional cost. Bikes are stowed on the ferry car decks of car ferries or the bike store on Portsmouth–Ryde Pier Head FastCats.

You can take your bike on Red Funnel ferries betweenː

  • Southampton, Hampshire and West Cowes, Isle of Wight
  • Southampton, Hampshire and East Cowes, Isle of Wight

You can bring bicycles on board free of charge. Cyclists should board via the lower car deck on the car ferry between Southampton and East Cowes. Bike racks are available aboard ferries between Southampton and West Cowes.

Isles of Scilly

You can take your bike on the Scillonian passenger ferry between Penzance, Cornwall and St Mary's Harbour in Hugh Town, Isles of Scilly. You must book your bike on the boat before you travel, and excess luggage fees may apply.

By train

National Rail

Folding bikes are allowed on all trains. You must carry folding bikes in a protective carrying case if you use c2c or Stansted Express services in London, Essex and Hertfordshire.

Cycle reservations are compulsory for a small number of journeys. Cycle spaces are usually available on a first-come, first-served basis, if they are unreserved. Some operators require passengers with bikes to use vestibule areas near the doors or another clearly marked area.

E-bikes and e-scooters are not permitted on all trains. Check with the operator.

Tandems are not usually permitted.

For other cycles, check with the train operatorː

Bicycles are not generally permitted on rail replacement services, during periods of disruption.

London Underground and DLR

As a rule of thumb, non-folded bicycles are allowed on London Underground and DLR services when they are not in tunnels.

Non-folded bicycles are not allowed on the entire London Underground or DLR (Docklands Light Railway) network weekdays between 07ː30 and 09ː30 and between 16ː00 and 19ː00. Outside of these busy times, non-folded cycles are allowedː

Bicycles are allowed on the cable car (between Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks) at any time.

By coach

Some FlixBus coaches in the UK are cycle-friendly with special carriers or covers for non-folding bikes. Cyclists can check online whether the coach for their journey can carry non-folding bikes - and reserve a slot - when they book their journey. Folding bikes can be booked on FlixBus as "special luggage" with passenger journeys.

Non-folding bikes are generally not permitted on Megabus or National Express coaches.

If you are considering touring in the United Kingdom, it's worth considering buying the maps and guides produced by Sustrans to accompany the national routes they have helped develop. The routes can be found on Open Cycle Map, but Sustrans' guides are helpful for nearby places to stay or visit. See also Cycling in Scotland for an overview of touring and mountain biking.

CycleStreets. A national journey planner for cyclists, available online as well as an app for Android, iPhone and Windows Phone. Free to use and download. (updated Apr 2016)

Road rules

Road laws and etiquette are set out in the Highway Code.

At night, you must ride with white front and red rear lights lit. Flashing lights are permitted. You must also fit your bike with a red rear and amber pedal reflectors.

You must not cycle on pavements, which are reserved for pedestrians, but cycling is permitted on shared-use paths marked with Shared-use path sign - a circular blue sign with a bicycle icon above an icon showing two people holding hands. or similar blue signs bearing the white bicycle icon.

Cyclists must not use motorways (e.g. ) which are marked with UK motorways symbol - a blue sign with a white symbol of a bridge crossing two carriageways signs or any road/passage marked with the Cycling prohibited sign - a circular white sign bearing a bicycle icon with a red border (no cycling) sign. This could include major dual-carriageways (e.g. ), pedestrianised streets or small passageways.

You must obey all traffic signs and signals. At red traffic lights or cycle-only crossings, cyclists must not cross the stop line. Some junctions shared with motor traffic have an advanced stop line, which will be marked for cyclists' use. Cyclists may in those cases cross the first stop line at a red light but must not cross the second.

Cycleways

Cycleways vary in style, quality and width throughout the UK. Examples include:

  • Shared-use path sign - a circular blue sign with a bicycle icon above an icon showing two people holding hands. - shared-use paths are marked with blue signs bearing the white cycle icon alongside other modes of transport. Cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians (horse riders, if signposted) must share the space together. You should cycle with great care on shared-use paths, paying attention and being patient with other shared-use path users, who are also entitled to the same space you are using. Canal towpaths are usually shared-use paths, for example, Regent's Canal between King's Cross and Lisson Grove, London.
  • Cycle and pedestrian path sign - a circular blue sign with a bicycle icon to the right of a line, and two people holding hands to the left - segregated pedestrian and pedal cycle routes are marked with blue signs bearing the white cycle icon on one side and walking people on the other. Cyclists must stay on their side of the pavement or route. One such route runs alongside Brighton King's Road between Hove Lawns and Brighton Pier.
  • Cycle-only route - a blue sign with a white cycle icon - cycle-only routes are marked with blue signs bearing the white cycle icon. Only cyclists are permitted to use cycle-only routes. These could run in either one or two directions. Pay attention to cycle icons painted on the road, along with arrows and No entry sign - a red sign with a white bar across the centre (no entry) signs. Cycle to the left on two-way cycleways, unless instructed otherwise. Victoria Embankment in London features a busy two-way cycleway between the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London, which can become congested at peak times. Newmarket Road () in Norwich features a city centre-bound one-way cycle track, next to the main carriageway.
  • Cycle lane sign - a blue sign with a white bike behind a diagonal white dashed line and a straight vertical line - cycle lanes are marked with square blue signs bearing a cycle lane pattern. These sit alongside lanes designed for motor traffic. Drivers of motor vehicles must not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line. They may drive in a cycle lane marked by a broken/dashed white line, but only if it is unavoidable. Drivers of motor vehicles should give way to cyclists in a cycle lane, including when they are approaching from behind. Cardiff's Penarth Road/Heol Penarth () features narrow painted cycle lanes between the River Taff and Cardiff Central station. Cyclists may also use most bus lanes, shared with some motor vehicles. Check local signage.
  • Recommended route for pedal cycles sign - a blue sign with a white bike icon - a recommended route for cyclists, particularly on quiet roads. This is a recommendation by highways authorities and not an indication of cycling infrastructure.
  • National Cycle Network route 8 sign - a blue sign with a white bike icon, with a red panel and the number "8" printed within - a National Cycle Network route. This symbol indicates the route is part of a national cycling route and not an indication of cycling infrastructure.

Etiquette

In the UK, you should cycle to the left of the road or cycleway unless told otherwise. Make room for other cyclists to overtake. Ring your bell or call "on your right" if another cyclist has not noticed you waiting to pass them.

Cyclists are allowed to use roads with motor traffic even where a cycle lane is present, unless signposted otherwise. There is no obligation to use routes with cycle lanes.

You can ride two abreast but make room for other cyclists and drivers to overtake where appropriate.

You should be aware of other road users, including pedestrians and particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians.

In cities

Urban cycling varies city-to-city. Most cities have designated cycle lanes in the road, although these are routinely ignored by drivers and are often shared with buses, motorcycles and taxis. Some major roads will have split 'pavements' for pedestrians and cyclists, whilst other times cyclists are expected to ride in the traffic. This can be dangerous if you're not a skilled cyclist and general traffic rules should be adhered to. You will easily find designated bike-parking areas with bicycle racks, which are almost always free to use. Carry a good lock with you as bike theft is common.

Cycling is good in some cities, especially Oxford and Cambridge. London have a network of cycle routes, although they are not as safe or pleasant as a city like Amsterdam. In general, UK city cycling is well below average for Europe. By contrast, rural cycling can be a pleasure.

In a few urban centres (such as Milton Keynes) the "cycle lane" can be effectively grade-separated from the highway network entirely, whereas in others the cycle lane is either on the sidewalk, or in the main carriageway.

Pedal-power is a great way to tour a small city like Oxford

In some areas, you can also use a canal towpath, or riverside path as a cycle lane, where it's allowed it's a quieter alternative to congested urban streets.

In London, Santander Cycles - sometimes called "Boris Bikes" after the former Mayor of London - provides a network of approximately 8,000 bicycles and 570 docking stations across the central area, covering an area from White City in the west to the Docklands in the east. The scheme is available to walk-up users and charges a daily fee. Users can return their bicycle to any docking station on the network. Copycat schemes have been frustratingly slow to materialise elsewhere, though Liverpool's Citybike[dead link] seems to be leading the charge. Otherwise, private bike rental shops are present in most towns and cities and in some scenic areas.

Local city buses and regional buses don't allow full-size bikes but some operators may permit folding bicycles. If a bus is quiet then it's often down to the driver's discretion. Rapid transit systems also have varying bicycle policies e.g. London Underground allows folding bicycles at all times and conventional bicycles (on some parts of the network) outside of peak hours as long as the train isn't crowded.

Off-road

England and Wales have some options for off-road, or mountain biking. However in some areas (such as the South Downs), or on certain routes cycle activities may be curtailed or prohibited to prevent damages to a specific ecosystem from cumulative erosion.

In England and Wales, there are many public bridleways across private land. The public have always had the right to walk or ride a horse on a public bridleway and in 1968 this right was extended to include cycling, but without requiring bridleways to be modified for cycling - do not be surprised if you have to carry your bike for a section. Public bridleways are shown on ordnance survey maps, and are usually marked with signs at roads.

Itineraries

  • Cuckoo Trail, a 14 mi (23 km) surfaced track through the Sussex countryside.
  • Great Glen Way, a 79 mi (127 km) route for walkers and mountain bike in the Scottish Highlands.
  • Speyside Way is a walking and cycling route in Northeast Scotland.

See also

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