Do I Legally have to ride on a cycle path?

[Markpallen]

Hi, new to the forum so apologies if this has already been asked before.

I was riding home on Friday on the road but there is a cycle path to the left separate from the road (joint bike/ped path) but sections of this are heavily soiled with leaves and tree debris so makes it treacherous to ride on. I was subjected to some verbal abuse from a 4x4 driver who informed me (through the profanities) that i was legally obliged to ride on a cycle path if there was one available. Does any one have any info on this - if i was to have an accident on a road where there is a cycle path available would this cause problems with insurance etc? Any help would be appreciated!

 

[ianrauk]

No you don't have to.

From the highway code

63
Cycle Lanes. These are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway (see Rule 140). Keep within the lane when practicable. When leaving a cycle lane check before pulling out that it is safe to do so and signal your intention clearly to other road users. Use of cycle lanes is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.

 

[Markymark]

I much prefer not to ride on them on my commute. There is no law saying you should. However, motorists ignorant of the HC may think you should and have been shouted out to do so.

How you deal with that is up to you, I prefer to ignore and carry on how I feel safest.

 

[User269]

When motorists shout anything at you as they drive by, always shout back "don't shout at other road users while you're driving". Or if you prefer a more subtle approach; "do you also give advice to other motorists while you're driving?" Take your pick.

Other replies are available.

 

[DCLane]

I tend to avoid them; the ones in Leeds are either full of debris or go 20 feet, stop and cross the road, to go another 20 feet and repeat.

 

[Glow worm]

When motorists shout anything at you as they drive by, always shout back "don't shout at other road users while you're driving". Or if you prefer a more subtle approach; "do you also give advice to other motorists while you're driving?" Take your pick.

Other replies are available.

Just a straight Foxtrot Oscar does it for me!

Much of my commute is either along a long, straight NSL 'A' road where drivers routinely speed well in excess of the limit, or a parallel, reasonably wide, well surfaced cycle path with few interruptions. Needless to say, I would never cycle on the road.

 

[Markpallen]

Thanks everyone, I did think this was the case but wasnt sure! I tried to catch up with this guy to 'have a word' but just didnt make it unfortunately

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Other replies are available.

I prefer to shout: "Quarter past ten!" or similar irrelevant nonsense, it never fails to get that bewildered look.

GC

 

[HLaB]

I mostly avoid them, generally they are of poor surface quality, badly maintained, and there's more chance of conflict with pedestrians, I'm pretty sure others could go on
I do on occaisions use ones at busy junctions when I'm on the fix and my acceleration up hill is poor.

 

[gavintc]

Cycle paths are typically, but not universally useless.

 

[albion]

The separated one north out of Warkworth is extremely hazardess as is the windy road parallel.

You would really have thought they would have given that supposed safety path some priority budget for resurfacing.

 

[albion]

That new Motorola G is said to be water repellent and splash proof.

Not human proof though !

 

[Pale Rider]

Chances are there will be a speed limit byelaw on the path of 10 or 12mph.

Not only is it not compulsory to use the path if you are a speedy commuter it would be illegal for you to use it.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

I've had this happen to me as well - car drivers saying I must ride on a cycle path. In Denmark and Germany, as I recall, you do have to ride on a cycle path, if one is provided. But their's are much better than ours, so it's no issue.

We have the same law in Australia, but it also includes the wording "unless impracticable to do so", which gives us the option of not using cycle lanes if they're not suitable. Of course, we also have motorists hassling us about it.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

Nope..driver was an ignorant knob.