Cycling rules of the road

Away With The Fairies

I understand I have to cycle in the same direction as traffic. Do I have to use a cycle lane if there's only one and it's on the opposite side of the road?

John Hutton

Away With The Fairies wrote: »

I understand I have to cycle in the same direction as traffic. Do I have to use a cycle lane if there's only one and it's on the opposite side of the road?

No

Wishbone Ash

Away With The Fairies wrote: »

I understand I have to cycle in the same direction as traffic.....

You are traffic.

buffalo

Away With The Fairies wrote: »

I understand I have to cycle in the same direction as traffic. Do I have to use a cycle lane if there's only one and it's on the opposite side of the road?

You never have to use a cycle lane, unless it's contra-flow and that's the direction you're travelling (i.e. it's a one-way street with a cycle-lane going the opposite direction).

Seth Brundle

Away With The Fairies wrote: »

I understand I have to cycle in the same direction as traffic. Do I have to use a cycle lane if there's only one and it's on the opposite side of the road?

1. you are part of traffic just like cars, busses, taxis and so on. You are just as entitled to use a regular driving lane or bus lane despite the horn blowing idiot behind you.
2. just to clarify, we don't have cycle lanes. We have part of a normal traffic lane painted differently. If there is a solid white line separating the cycle part (e.g. here) then drivers must ensure that their vehicle does not cross the solid white line.
3. Cyclists do not have to cycle on a cycle path and from experience, most times a cyclist is better off not using a cycle path due to the poor surface (stones, shores, leavs, parked cars, etc).
4. as mentioned, you must use a contra-flow if that's the direction you're travelling

Beasty

The "regular" Rules of the Road contain specific sections covering cycling and cyclists