Cycling and the Law

Avonmouth Neighbourhood Policing Team are working in partnership with Bristol City Council and the community of Henbury and Brentry to reduce the number of cyclists riding on footpaths and pavements in your area. From a recent PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meeting the number of cyclists riding on the pavements and footpaths is a great concern to community members and as a result has now become a PACT priority for us to look at and if necessary enforce the laws that cover all aspects of cycling.

Pavements are for pedestrians and people using the pavement have the right to feel safe and protected from traffic, including bicycles. You may feel that you are doing no harm by cycling on the pavement and you may feel confident that you will not injure or hurt anyone. But pedestrians don’t share your confidence. Because while you know where you and your bike are going, they do not, and may believe they are in danger. It’s not easy for pedestrians to predict your exact route. They could be worried about a number of things:

• Is the cyclist headed for the same area of pavement as me?
• Has the cyclist seen me?
• Will the cyclist slow down, as they get closer?
• Will the cyclist be skilled enough to avoid me if they don’t slow down? Cycling on the pavement can be even more threatening to people with poor balance. Many of these people are older or disabled and have a constant fear of falling. Cycling on the pavement simply adds to this fear.

CYCLING ON THE PAVEMENT IS ILLEGAL

You are breaking the law when you cycle on the pavement. If you are found to be cycling on the pavement, you could have to pay an on the spot fine or be prosecuted. It is important that cyclists are familiar with the parts of the traffic law that apply to them.

Cyclists are not permitted to ride on pavements (unless specifically signed as shared use), through subways or over pedestrian crossings.

Cyclists must obey traffic signals, signs and one-way orders.

At night, cyclists must show a white light to the front and a red light and red reflector to the rear of the bicycle. The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations require bicycles to be fitted with lights and reflectors which are clean and working, when being ridden on public roads between sunset and sunrise and at other times in conditions of severely reduced visibility.

A white front and a red rear light are required by the legislation, as are one red rear reflector and four amber pedal reflectors (for bicycles manufactured since October 1985).

Since October 2005, it has been legally permitted to ride a bicycle with a flashing light.

This is aimed at the cyclists who are cycling on the pavement that are causing a danger to pedestrians in the manner in which they are cycling.

Discretion will be used in the prosecution of offenders.