The Highway Code covers Cycling in Rules 59 – 82.
These rules cover the things that cyclists SHOULD do, as well as the things that they MUST do.
Some of the things cyclists MUST do:
At night, cycles must have a white front light and a rear red light lit. All cycles must also have a rear red reflector fitted at all times and, if manufactured after October 1985, must have amber pedal reflectors.
If you don’t use lights at night, you could receive a £30 fixed penalty notice.
The Sussex Safer Roads Partnership recommends cyclists use a battery powered front lamp – while flashing lights are acceptable, they can be difficult for drivers to make out clearly and won’t give the same amount of visibility as a steady beam of light.
Cyclists must comply with all traffic signs and traffic light symbols. This includes obeying red lights at pedestrian crossings, one-way street signs etc.
Some of the things cyclists SHOULD do:
Wear light coloured or reflective clothing, especially when out at night. Cyclists in dark coloured clothing are much harder for drivers to see in low light conditions.
Wear a cycle helmet which conforms to current safety standards.
Use cycle lanes and advanced stop signs (at traffic lights for instance) where safe to do so.
Conduct regular maintenance on their bikes.
Avoid riding two-abreast on the roads and keep to the left hand edge of the carriageway where safe to do so.
