We’ve all heard those little rumours about cycling that we think can’t possibly be true. I mean, is it really illegal to cycle on the pavement? And do I actually have to have lights on my bike? Well, here is a simple guide that aims to bust some of those rumours that “can’t possibly be true”.
Sourced from Morguefile
Is it illegal to cycle on pavements?:
In short, yes! And there is no exemption from this law for children either. However, Police use their common sense when it comes to children and tend to not pull them up on it. But being a child doesn’t technically exempt you from Section 72 of the Highways Act 1835. If a child is below the age of 10, they aren’t responsible for any criminal actions. So they can cycle on the footpaths freely until they reach that age of being responsible for their actions. However, a young child would never be stopped by police for cycling on the pavements.No child would be expected to cycle on the road at a young age.
Do I actually have to have lights on my bike?:
For your cycle to be legal at night, you have to have a rear and front reflector at the very least. You also have to have pedal reflectors. These are usually all built into a bike. However, bikes built before 1985 don’t have to have pedal reflectors at night. The laws about cycle lighting is very unclear, but at the very least you should have 1 flashing LED light on the front of the cycle. For the light to be legal on the road, it must flash at least 1-4 times per second and the rear lamp must be red. The front lamp must be white and flashing. They must only have a flashing mode and no steady mode. Any light that doesn’t meet these requirements is technically illegal to have on your bike on the road.
Do I have to report cycling incidents?:
As with other offending. The Government encourages members of the public to give evidence of specific problems, and of particularly dangerous behaviour to the police. This will help ensure that the police target their resources effectively. You aren’t required to report an incident involving your bike, but it is strongly advised that you do. Giving evidence could also support you in making cycle claims.
Sourced from Morguefile
Cycling under the influence:
That’s right, it’s technically illegal to cycle on the road whilst you’re under the influence of alcohol. It’s classed as being in charge of a carriage under section 12 of the Licensing Act 1872. A bicycle or tricycle is a carriage for the purpose of that section. If caught on your bike when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You can be charged with cycling on a road or public place whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.
There you have some common misconceptions of cycling and they have all been busted in some way. You can’t ride a bike whilst drunk, so please don’t try to. And you can’t legally cycle on the pavement either, unless you are a minor in which you wouldn’t be prosecuted. And you aren’t required to report accidents. But it’s advised that you do report them to the police so they can take evidence for any claims you may wish to make.