Friday, July 30, 2010

The Highway Code - Rules for cyclists(59-82)

The Highway Code Introduction
The Highway Code - Rules for pedestrians(1-35)
The Highway Code - Rules for users of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters(36-46)
The Highway Code - Rules about animals (47 - 58)
These rules are in addition to those in the following sections, which apply 
to all vehicles (except the motorway section). See also ‘You and your
bicycle’.
59)
Clothing. You should wear
a cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations, is the correct size and securely fastened
appropriate clothes for cycling. Avoid clothes which may get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure your lights
light-coloured or fluorescent clothing which helps other road users to see you in daylight and poor light
reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) in the dark
Highway Code - Clothing.
60) At night your cycle have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST
also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors,
if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke
reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted
but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without
street lighting use a steady front lamp.
61) Cycle Routes and Other Facilities. Use cycle routes, advanced stop
lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless at the time it is unsafe
to do so. Use of these facilities is not compulsory and will depend on
your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.
62)
Cycle Tracks. These are normally located away from the road, but may
occasionally be found alongside footpaths or pavements. Cyclists and
pedestrians may be segregated or they may share the same space
(unsegregated). When using segregated tracks you MUST keep to the
side intended for cyclists as the pedestrian side remains a pavement
or footpath. Take care when passing pedestrians, especially children,
older or disabled people, and allow them plenty of room. Always be
prepared to slow down and stop if necessary. Take care near road
junctions as you may have difficulty seeing other road users, who might
not notice you. Law HA 1835 sect 72
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.
64) You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement. Laws HA 1835 sect 72 & 
R(S)A 1984, sect 129
65) Bus Lanes. Most bus lanes may be used by cyclists as indicated on
signs. Watch out for people getting on or off a bus. Be very careful
when overtaking a bus or leaving a bus lane as you will be entering
a busier traffic flow. Do not pass between the kerb and a bus when
it is at a stop.
66) You should
keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or
changing gear
keep both feet on the pedals
never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow
or busy roads and when riding round bends
not ride close behind another vehicle
not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled
up with your wheels or chain
be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially
sighted pedestrians. Let them know you are there when necessary,
for example, by ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended
that a bell be fitted.
67) You should
look all around before moving away from the kerb, turning 
or manoeuvring, to make sure it is safe to do so. Give a 
clear signal to show other road users what you intend to do
(see ‘Signals to other road users’)
look well ahead for obstructions in the road, such as drains, 
pot-holes and parked vehicles so that you do not have to 
swerve suddenly to avoid them. Leave plenty of room when 
passing parked vehicles and watch out for doors being 
opened or pedestrians stepping into your path
be aware of traffic coming up behind you
take extra care near road humps, narrowings and other traffic
calming features
take care when overtaking (see Rules 162-169)
68) You MUST NOT
carry a passenger unless your cycle has been built or adapted to
carry one
hold onto a moving vehicle or trailer
ride in a dangerous, careless or inconsiderate manner
ride when under the influence of drink or drugs, including medicine.
Law RTA 1988 sects 24, 26, 28, 29 & 30 as amended by
RTA 1991
69) You MUST obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.  
Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD reg 10(1)
70) When parking your cycle
find a conspicuous location where it can be seen by passers-by
use cycle stands or other cycle parking facilities wherever possible
do not leave it where it would cause an obstruction or hazard to
other road users
secure it well so that it will not fall over and become an obstruction
or hazard.
71) You MUST NOT cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red.
Some junctions have an advanced stop line to enable you to wait and
position yourself ahead of other traffic (see Rule 178).
Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10 & 36(1)

     The Highway Code - Rules for road junctions
72) On the left. When approaching a junction on the left, watch out for
vehicles turning in front of you, out of or into the side road. Just before
you turn, check for undertaking cyclists or motorcyclists. Do not ride
on the inside of vehicles signalling or slowing down to turn left.
73) Pay particular attention to long vehicles which need a lot of room to
manoeuvre at corners. Be aware that drivers may not see you. They
may have to move over to the right before turning left. Wait until they
have completed the manoeuvre because the rear wheels come very
close to the kerb while turning. Do not be tempted to ride in the
space between them and the kerb.
74) On the right. If you are turning right, check the traffic to ensure it is
safe, then signal and move to the centre of the road. Wait until there
is a safe gap in the oncoming traffic and give a final look before
completing the turn. It may be safer to wait on the left until there is
a safe gap or to dismount and push your cycle across the road.
75) Dual carriageways. Remember that traffic on most dual carriageways
moves quickly. When crossing wait for a safe gap and cross each
carriageway in turn. Take extra care when crossing slip roads.
76) Full details about the correct procedure at roundabouts are
contained in Rules 184 -190. Roundabouts can be hazardous
and should be approached with care.

     The Highway Code - Rules for roundabouts
77)
You may feel safer walking your cycle round on the pavement or  verge. 
If you decide to ride round keeping to the left-hand lane you should
be aware that drivers may not easily see you
take extra care when cycling across exits. You may need to 
signal right to show you are not leaving the roundabout
watch out for vehicles crossing your path to leave or join the
roundabout
78)
Give plenty of room to long vehicles on the roundabout as 
they need more space to manoeuvre. Do not ride in the space 
they need to get round the roundabout. It may be safer to wait 
until they have cleared the roundabout.

     The Highway Code - Rules for crossing the road
79)
Do not ride across equestrian crossings, as they are for horse riders 
only. Do not ride across a pelican, puffin or zebra crossing. 
Dismount and wheel your cycle across.
80)
Toucan crossings. These are light-controlled crossings which 
allow cyclists and pedestrians to share crossing space and cross 
at the same time. They are push-button operated. Pedestrians 
and cyclists will see the green signal together. Cyclists are permitted 
to ride across.
81) Cycle-only crossings. Cycle tracks on opposite sides of the road may
be linked by signalled crossings. You may ride across but you MUST
NOT cross until the green cycle symbol is showing.
Law TSRGD regs 33(2)& 36(1)
82) Level crossings/Tramways. Take extra care when crossing the
tracks (See Rule 306). You should dismount at level crossings
where a ‘Cyclist Dismount’ sign is displayed.