Cyclists Don’t have to use the Cycle lane

Something that a shocking amount of road users in the UK don’t know is that cyclists are not limited to using cycle lanes, where available. A cyclist is permitted (by the Highway Code) to use as much of the road as they feel they need to.

A lack of awareness of this right frequently causes motorists to question whether cyclists should even be able to share the road with them as they see the use of the full road (by cyclists) as a blatant disregarding of their own safety.

As with most things, however, this is not a simple case of saying motorists don’t do enough to educate themselves on the rules of the road. This is a case of the rules of the road not being good enough.

Firstly, you would assume that the commissioning of cycle lanes (at the expense of motorists) would come with an obligation that they be used, unless it is unsafe or impractical to do so. If cyclists are allowed to use the whole road what was the point of spending a single penny on a specific lane for them?

Secondly there are some cyclists who will forever say “read the Highway code; I have the right to use the whole road” assuming that the “right” is completely unconditional. A car driver has the right to use the whole road; he/she may move on to the opposite side of the road to avoid a hazard for example or change lanes where the road allows it. However when doing such things he/she is obliged to demonstrate judgement as to whether it is safe to do so. What some cyclists don’t seem to realise is that they have to do the same.

If you’re cycling and change lanes and a driver honks their horn at you, there’s a good chance that you just forced them to slow down rapidly or stop. I’m not saying that’s always the case, but at least consider that the fact they’re annoyed with you isn’t that you’re not in the car club, but that you cut them up.

In summary, if you’re driving and you see a cyclist not in the cycle lane, remember that they have every right to use the whole road.

If you’re cycling and decide to leave the cycle lane, be aware that that the vast majority of drivers aren’t out to get you and that you have just as much of an obligation to let them know what your intentions in the road are as they do.