ROAD POSITION
The centre is allowed
On quiet roads, in slower traffic and approaching junctions, the Code says cyclists can ride in the centre of their lane.
Check your positionWHAT THE HIGHWAY CODE SAYS
Take the lane
when it is safer.
Since January 2022, the Code says it plainly.
Check your position
RIDE CLEARseen, spaced and steady
The Highway Code changes of 29 January 2022 put the road users most at risk at the top of a hierarchy, set clear passing distances and said when cyclists can ride in the centre of the lane.
At a glance
- Centre of the lane at junctions
- 1.5 m to overtake
- Lights on at night
- Rules for riders and drivers
1.5 m
Gap when overtaking a cyclist at up to 30 mph
Drivers should leave at least 1.5 metres at up to 30 mph and more at higher speeds. For horse riders, slow to a maximum of 10 mph and leave at least 2 metres.
OVERTAKING · HIGHWAY CODE
1 m
Gap when riding past parked vehicles
The Code advises riding at least a door's width or 1 metre from parked cars. Drivers are asked to open doors with the Dutch reach: using the far hand, which makes them look over their shoulder.
PARKED CARS · HIGHWAY CODE
TWO NUMBERS WORTH KNOWING
Room to pass,
room for doors.
One distance for drivers overtaking,
one for riders passing parked cars.
Rule H1 says those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in a collision bear the greatest responsibility, but the hierarchy does not remove the need for everyone to behave responsibly.
A QUICK POSITION CHECK
Where should
you ride?
Pick a situation to see where the Highway Code suggests you ride. The bar shows how much of the lane the Code says you can take.
Based on Highway Code rules 66, 67, 72 and 213 and the January 2022 changes. Always ride where it is safest for the conditions.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Space for riders,
care from everyone.
Some rules are law, marked MUST.
Others are advice, but can be used as evidence in court.
OVERTAKING
At least 1.5 metres
Drivers should leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30 mph, and more at higher speeds. If they cannot, they should wait.
See the numbers
AT NIGHT
Lights are the law
Rule 60 says at night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit, plus a red rear reflector.
Before you ride
FOUR RULES TO KNOW
Know the MUSTs,
use the shoulds.
Rules marked MUST are legal requirements. These are the ones every rider meets most often, along with the advice that goes with them.
Lights on after dark
White front and red rear lights MUST be lit at night, with a red rear reflector. A steady front lamp is recommended where there are no street lights.
Stop at red
You MUST NOT cross the stop line at a red light. At an advanced stop line you may cross the first line, but not the final one.
Stay off the pavement
Rule 64 says you MUST NOT cycle on a pavement. Cycle lanes and tracks can be used where they make the journey safer.
Wear a fitted helmet
Rule 59 advises a helmet that meets current regulations, fits and is fastened, which can reduce the risk of head injury in certain circumstances.
AT JUNCTIONS
Going ahead
has priority.
Since 2022, the Code says cyclists going straight ahead have priority over traffic waiting to turn into or out of a side road, unless signs or markings say otherwise. Drivers should not turn if it would make a cyclist stop or swerve.
Cyclists have duties too: when turning into or out of a side road, they should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross, and at roundabouts drivers should give cyclists priority and not overtake them within their lane.
QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK
Highway Code questions for cyclists
Can cyclists ride in the middle of the lane?
Yes, in the right places. The Highway Code says cyclists can ride in the centre of their lane on quiet roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions or road narrowings.
How much room should a driver give a cyclist?
At least 1.5 metres when overtaking at speeds up to 30 mph, and more at higher speeds. If that space is not available, drivers should wait behind and not overtake.
Is riding two abreast allowed?
Yes. Rule 66 says riding two abreast can be safer, especially in larger groups or with children or less experienced riders, as long as you let drivers overtake when it is safe.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
It is advice, not a legal requirement: rule 59 says you should wear a helmet that meets current regulations, fits and is securely fastened.
Are bike lights a legal requirement?
Yes, at night. Rule 60 says your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit, and a red rear reflector. Bikes made after 1 October 1985 also need amber pedal reflectors.
Can I carry a passenger on my bike?
Only if the cycle has been built or adapted to carry one. Rule 68 of the Highway Code says you MUST NOT carry a passenger otherwise, hold onto a moving vehicle or trailer, or ride under the influence of drink or drugs, including medicine.
Sources
Where the facts come from
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