Is it illegal to cycle on the pavement and can I be fined for being in the wrong lane? Highway code rule explained

CYCLING is a healthy and environmentally-friendly way of getting from A to B, but that doesn't mean riders are entitled to do whatever they please.

Here we look at what the Highway Code says about riding on the pavement and which lane you should be in on your bike.

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Is it illegal to cycle on the pavement?

Cycling on the pavement is illegal in the UK, except in specific circumstances — for example, when there are dedicated cycle lanes on them.

Rule 64 in the Highway Code states that cyclists must not cycle on pavements.

Section 72 of the Highway Act 1835 also prohibits “wilfully riding” on footpaths, which includes pavements.

While police may exercise discretion when enforcing this rule, cycling on the pavement is still an offence.

Some police forces, like Camden, may choose not to enforce this rule unless there is a good reason, but this is not a blanket exemption.

Even in cases where cyclists feel unsafe while riding on the road, there is no provision for cycling on the pavement.

Cyclists may only ride on the pavement when there are dedicated cycle lanes situated on them, which are clearly indicated by lines and symbols.

Rule 62 in the Highway Code provides further guidance for how to behave when bike lanes are positioned alongside footpaths and pavements.

When a pavement is shared with pedestrians, cyclists should "take care when passing pedestrians, especially children, older or disabled people, and allow them plenty of room".

Cyclists should also be prepared to stop or slow down if necessary, and keep on the side intended for them in order to protect pedestrians.

Can I be fined for cycling in the wrong lane?

While there is no specific mention of fines for being in the wrong lane on a bicycle in the UK, you could be slapped with a hefty fine if your riding is deemed "careless" or "dangerous" by police.

If a cyclist is found to be causing an obstruction or posing a hazard to others, they could potentially be charged with careless cycling, which carries a maximum £1,000 fine

In more extreme circumstances this could be upgraded to dangerous cycling, with those found guilty receiving fines of up to £2,500.

Where does the Highway code say cyclists should position themselves?

Cyclists should exercise caution and follow general traffic rules to avoid conflicts with other road users, and it is essential to understand the general guidelines for bike lane usage.

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When there is no cycle lane, there are two basic road positions cyclists should adopt, as Rule 72 in the Highway Code explains:

1) Ride in the centre of your lane, to make yourself as clearly visible as possible, in the following situations:

• On quiet roads or streets – if a faster vehicle comes up behind you, move to the left to enable them to overtake, if you can do so safely
• In slower-moving traffic — when the traffic around you starts to flow more freely, move over to the left if you can do so safely so that faster vehicles behind you can overtake
• At the approach to junctions or road narrowings where it would be unsafe for drivers to overtake you

2) When riding on busy roads, with vehicles moving faster than you, allow them to overtake where it is safe to do so whilst keeping at least 0.5 metres away, and further where it is safer, from the kerb edge. Remember that traffic on most dual carriageways moves quickly. Take extra care crossing slip roads.

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Rule 73 in the code states you should use special cycle facilities at junctions, such as "small cycle traffic lights at eye-level height, which may allow you to move or cross separately from or ahead of other traffic".

At some signal-controlled junctions there may be signs and markings informing cyclists to turn right in two stages.

The highway Code's Rule 75 says these stages are:

• Stage 1 — When the traffic lights turn green, cyclists wishing to make the turn should go straight ahead to the location marked by a cycle symbol and turn arrow on the carriageway; then stop and wait there
• Stage 2 — When the traffic lights on the far side of the junction, now facing the cyclists, turn green, they should then complete the manoeuvre