Archive Website of the UK government

Check the Highway Code

Routes for cyclists

This sign shows a route recommended for cyclists

You can ride your bike on most roads and:

• cycle lanes (on the road)
• cycle tracks and bridleways (found away from the road)
• bus lanes – if there’s a sign saying sign saying cyclists can use them

However, you must not ride, for example:

• on the pavement – unless signs show that cyclists are allowed to cycle on it
• through red lights
• the wrong way down a one-way street – unless signs say that cyclists can do otherwise
• across a pelican, puffin or zebra crossing – but you can cycle across a toucan crossing when the green light for cyclists shows
• on motorways
• where you see a 'no cycling' sign

These rules are set out in the Highway Code – many of the rules are legal requirements. If you disobey these rules, you are committing a criminal offence.

• Highway Code - Rules for cyclists

• Highway Code - Signs and markings

• Highway Code - Full contents

Finding a cycle route

Cycle routes give directions for where you can ride your bike on roads or parts of roads that are suitable for cyclists. They are usually made up of a combination of quiet roads, cycle lanes and off-road facilities, like crossings. Cycle routes may also show where you’ll need to get off your bike to cross a particularly busy road or roundabout.

Many local cycle lanes and routes are part of local cycle networks or the National Cycle Network. You can get a map of the National Cycle Network from the charity Sustrans. The network is made up of more than 12,000 miles of on-road cycling routes, traffic-free paths and quiet lanes.

• National Cycle Network - Sustrans Opens new window

Local cycle routes

Contact your local council for information about cycle routes in your area.

• Find your local council

You can use the Cross & Stitch cycle planner to plan a cycling route in certain areas. You can also make suggestions for improvements to the routes or the tool.

• Find a cycle route Opens new window

Cycle routes for London

You can search for cycle routes in London using the Transport for London (TfL) journey planner. You can also order free cycle guides and find out about the cycle hire scheme and London’s cycling superhighways.

• TfL journey planner Opens new window

• Cycle routes and maps - TfL Opens new window

• London's cycle hire scheme - TfL Opens new window

• London's cycle superhighways - TfL Opens new window

The London Cycling Campaign (LCC) also has a London-wide cycle route library.

• LCC Camden cyclists maps Opens new window

Cycling in the countryside

You can cycle in the countryside on public roads, designated cycle paths and cycle tracks. Traffic signs will show which paths are available for cyclists. You can also use bridleways, but you must give way to horse riders and walkers. For more information on bridleways and how to find them, see 'Public rights of way'.

• Public rights of way (environment and greener living section)

To find a cycle trail in a forest or wood, use the tool on the Forestry Commission website.

• Find a cycle route in a forest - Forestry Commission Opens new window

Cycling along canal towpaths

If you plan to cycle along a canal towpath, check whether you need to display a permit on your bike. You can find out which canals you’ll need a free permit for and download a permit from the British Waterways Waterscape website.

• Download a British Waterways cycling permit Opens new window

• Advice about cycling considerately on towpaths - Waterscape Opens new window

To cycle on London's towpaths, you don’t need a permit but you must follow London's towpath code of conduct.

• London towpath code of conduct Opens new window

Taking your bike on public transport

If you want to take your bike on a bus or coach, check with the operator. You may need to dismantle your bike and put it in a cover.

If you're travelling by train with your bike, check with the train company before you buy your ticket.

Folding bikes on trains

You can travel with your folding bike without restriction on all services. You may need to cover it on some services.

Standard bikes on trains

Many train companies don't allow you to travel with a standard bike at peak times. Peak times are generally 7.00 am to 10.00 am and 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm. You may need to make a reservation for your bike on some routes.

For detailed advice for each train service and links to contact details for train companies, see the National Rail Enquiries website.

• Taking your bike on a train - National Rail Enquiries Opens new window

• Train operating companies - National Rail Enquiries Opens new window

Travelling with a bike in London

For advice about when you can travel on London buses, trains or the tube, check the Transport for London (TfL) website.

• Bikes on public transport - TfL Opens new window

Cycle lanes and cycle parking

Your local council is responsible for providing and maintaining cycle lanes and infrastructure, like cycle stands and signage, in your local area. Contact your council if you want information about existing and planned cycle lanes or stands in your area.

• Find your local council

More useful links

• Cycle safety (parents section)