Cycling law

[nickp]

Hi all.

It seems my understanding of where you can cycle is wrong.

I have always belived i could ride on all coastal paths, woodland trails, and off road paths etc.

From what i have just read it is illegal to ride on footpaths, which would include the SW coast path.

Feel free to tell me i have it all wrong (As i think i might have)

 

[Dan B]

http://www.bikeforall.net/content/cycling_and_the_law.php is a good place to start

 

[Sam Kennedy]

I was surprised to find out that as well.

I've never seen anybody stopped and fined for cycling on the path.

I don't see why they make cycling on the path illegal when they don't even do road cycling training in schools.

Sure they do cycling proficiency in Year 5, but what they teach you is mostly wrong, and by the time you get to the age where you want to cycle on the road properly you can't remember anything from it. (At least I can't anyway, and it was only 6 years ago)

I wouldn't mind cycling on paths to be illegal if they did do proper training in schools, but they shouldn't expect you join a cycle club to learn, or buy cyclecraft.

I think its a REALLY STUPID LAW.

Maybe someone else can shed some light on this, but I think it's STUPID!

 

[nickp]

thanks for the link coruskate, i understand why you shouldn't ride on pavements etc but it's a bit silly that you can't ride through larges parts of the countryside.

Also it dosen't help that there are no signs on most of the routes i walk saying where you can and can't use a bike.

 

[Gromit]

They do teach you how to ride on roads, level 2 and 3 of cycling proficiency. level one is done in school grounds in order to gauge what stage you can cycle at.

I did all 3 a few years ago in order to be come a cycle trainer.

 

[nickp]

They do teach you how to ride on roads, level 2 and 3 of cycling proficiency. level one is done in school grounds in order to gauge what stage you can cycle at.

I did all 3 a few years ago in order to be come a cycle trainer.

I was thinking more of off road paths.

 

[Bigtwin]

Basically, It's bridlepaths and BOATs.

Which round here is great, as we all know how well horses and bikes mix.

 

[Panter]

There is a little overlap though. For example, large parts of the North & South Downs Way are rideable because of their classification (I forget what it is) but basically they're footpaths and also bridleways or something like that.

 

[Bigtwin]

There is a little overlap though. For example, large parts of the North & South Downs Way are rideable because of their classification (I forget what it is) but basically they're footpaths and also bridleways or something like that.

Them's BOATs - Bridleways Open to All Traffic.

 

[nickp]

Is there an easy way to find out what classification a path has, because most of the pathways around me have no signs etc, or do you have to ring up local councils?

 

[fossyant]

If you get an OS map, anything other than Bridleways, you shouldn't be on unless it's a named bike route...very confusing. I had to ask a walker the other night if it was OK to ride down a track.

The signs just said no horses..... Anyway, she said it was a bit steep, I laughed and just pointed to where I came from...... "Oh I'm not picking you up if you fall off" - "Fine" I said..."Thanks........Cheerio" ...and off I went....steep what...a couple of dips that's it........

Be responsible, you won't get in trouble. Don't go tearing past folk on foot, horses etc, be considerate, and you'll be fine.

 

[marinyork]

Is there an easy way to find out what classification a path has, because most of the pathways around me have no signs etc, or do you have to ring up local councils?

There is no general rule. Some places colour code bridleways and footpaths. Most just say. In cities there are various bicycle path signs and things that are blue. Some aren't blue though.

Best place looking is OS map. The council have what is called the definitive map. This is what is actually correct irrespective of whether for example the landowner has hidden signs or blocked routes (happens occasionally) etc.

 

[nickp]

If you get an OS map, anything other than Bridleways, you shouldn't be on unless it's a named bike route...very confusing. I had to ask a walker the other night if it was OK to ride down a track.

There is no general rule. Some places colour code bridleways and footpaths. Most just say. In cities there are various bicycle path signs and things that are blue. Some aren't blue though.

Best place looking is OS map. The council have what is called the definitive map. This is what is actually correct irrespective of whether for example the landowner has hidden signs or blocked routes (happens occasionally) etc.

Looks like i'll be getting an OS map, thanks very much.

It certainly is confusing, maybe we need a more scottish approach, it seems they can go pretty much where they like.

 

[bonj2]

Correct rules of where you can and can't cycle on paths can be found here.
IN particular the last one.

 

[buzzy bee]

I was surprised to find out that as well.

I've never seen anybody stopped and fined for cycling on the path.

I don't see why they make cycling on the path illegal when they don't even do road cycling training in schools.

Sure they do cycling proficiency in Year 5, but what they teach you is mostly wrong, and by the time you get to the age where you want to cycle on the road properly you can't remember anything from it. (At least I can't anyway, and it was only 6 years ago)

I wouldn't mind cycling on paths to be illegal if they did do proper training in schools, but they shouldn't expect you join a cycle club to learn, or buy cyclecraft.

I think its a REALLY STUPID LAW.

Maybe someone else can shed some light on this, but I think it's STUPID!

Hi

After my cycling profiency in primary school, it not only set me on the track of safe cycling, touch wood! It also set me up in a different way, arm signals, are also very helpful on vintage vehicles, tractors cars etc, that are pre indicators/brake lights.

If they still teach what they did to me, then it is a good thing, although there is no saying they do teach the same thing/same way.

Cheers

Dave