Where can I ride my road bike?

[JoniL]

Hi,
I'm quite confused as to where I can go on my road bike by UK law and by how I'm limited by the bike's frame. The owner's manual states that my road bike can only be used on flat paved surface, with no breaks in the surface of the road. Because of this and also due to the speed at which I can go, I've refrained from riding on cycle paths that are segregated with pedestrian footpaths, as the paths aren't very well maintained and actually make my journey time longer. However, when riding on the road that runs parallel to the cycle path, a bus driver opened his doors to tell me to get off the road and ride on the cycle path, which, apart from being very annoying, got me thinking. Should I be riding on cycle paths where they are available? I always ride in cycle lanes that run alongside roads, despite them often being in poor condition. Also, can cyclists ride in bus lanes at any time? I actually saw it on Top Gear, Richard Hammond said cyclists can use them as part of a challenge in London. Does this law apply to all parts of the UK? As I'm getting all of my questions out here, I may as well ask about the technicalities of signalling. When I approach a junction or roundabout when moving, I signal appropriately. But should I need to stop, do I still need to leave my arm out to signal where I intend to go? It occurred to me when I was stuck at a junction for some time, so the cars that were passing by the time I actually turned didn't know where I was going.
Thanks for the help, I know this is the boring bit!

Joni

 

[Banjo]

I believe there are one or two roads that bikes are not allowed and are signposted to tell you other than that its up to you if you use a cyclepath or not.

 

[sheddy]

Buy and read Cyclecraft by John Franklin
http://www.cyclecraft.co.uk/

 

[slowmotion]

The owner's manual states that my road bike can only be used on flat paved surface, with no breaks in the surface of the road

Those are just weasel words inserted into your bike's manual by the bike manufacturer's lawyers. They fear you will sue them if you hit a pothole in the road. Ignore that.

But not the pothole.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

it sounds like the bike's manual was written by a lawyer, unless it's something very pricy, exotic and made for racing. i've seen all sorts of road bikes with quite expensive wheels manage a club run with parts of fairly rough, uneven track.

 

[JoniL]

Wow, thanks a lot, didn't expect to have all my questions answered so quickly. I've been looking for a "Highway code for Cyclists" and it looks like Cyclecraft is exactly what I'm looking for. I suspected that the section of the Owner's Manual that I quoted was just to cover the backs of the lawyers.

 

[snorri]

I've been looking for a "Highway code for Cyclists"

Cyclecraft is certainly highly recommended, but there are sections in the Highway Code for cyclists http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/index.htm

You will also find a section on Signs which will show you the No Cycling sign, and lots of others too.

 

[on the road]

That bus driver was out of order You should have got his number and reported him.

Road bikes like smooth tarmac roads, but it doesn't mean you have to avoid cycle paths at all costs. I mainly ride on the road but there are times when I might ride on a cycle path, for example, if it's a short cut.

You can't ride on motorways but you can ride on most A roads unless there's sign saying "no cycling" . If there's a cycle path at the side of the road you don't have to use it, you are within your rights to use the road, unless there's a sign saying "no cycling".

 

[fossyant]

Cross bikes are effectively road bikes with knobbly tyres.

The manual is a legal 'get out'.

If you are doing over 15mph, then you are better off on a road for the safety of the other cycle lane users, certainly shared use.

 

[fossyant]

Road bikes like smooth tarmac roads,

Ohhh where - have you found any smooth tarmac ? Please share !

 

[Fab Foodie]

Road bikes are surprisingly tough. I've ridden my TCR1 places like the Tarka trail/Camel-trail, canal and riverside mud-tracks without any problems whatsoever. You may need to slow down to avoid narrow-tyres meeting big rocks and causing pinch-flats, but you'll be surprised what a race-wheel can withstand... and I weigh 90kg, so no lightweight.

 

[on the road]

Ohhh where - have you found any smooth tarmac ? Please share !

If you can find them that is

There's a road that I like, the A51 going from Tarperley to Tarvin, they resurfaced it a little more than a year ago, now it's a treat to ride on it.

 

[Ravenbait]

When I lived in Exeter there was a section of the M4 just outside Bristol on which I used to fantasise about being able to ride after some distant-future dystopian oilpocalypse meant there were no cars and cyclists could go wherever they liked.

Keep meaning to write a story about it.

Sam

 

[sheddy]

Was tempted to ride on the M25 before it opened along the Enfield section just after it was tarmaced.
No construction working on sundays

 

[Davidc]

Smooth tarmac. Oxymoron in english England