Many people, including cyclists, are confused about the legalities of riding a bike. Most ‘rules of the road’ are set out in the Highway Code which applies to all road users.

What’s often not appreciated is that the Highway Code is a combination of both mandatory and therefore legal requirements and advisory rules. Not complying with advice isn’t a criminal offence, but can be used in evidence against you in court.

Here’s some of what the Highway Code stipulates as legal requirements:

Pavement cycling

It’s an offence to drive a “carriage” on “any footpath or causeway by the side of any road made or set apart for the use or accommodation of foot passengers”.

As a bicycle is legally a ‘carriage’ it’s therefore illegal to cycle on a pavement.

However in 1999 and again in 2014 the responsible Ministers issued guidance that the police should use their discretion in enforcing the law saying it was not aimed at “responsible cyclists who sometimes feel obliged to use the pavement out of fear of traffic and show consideration to other pavement users when doing so.”

READ MORE: DIY Permablitz in your garden

Now for the urban myths.

Riding outside a cycle lane

Using a cycle lane isn’t compulsory. Whether or not you use them or the road “depends on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer”.

Indeed, there are many cycle lanes around Worcester that are either so badly designed, maintained or littered with metal barriers that they are no safer than the roads and certainly less convenient.

‘Road Tax’

Finally, cyclists have exactly the same rights to be on the road as any other highway users.

Our roads are mainly paid for out of general taxation and most cyclists pay as much if not more than the average motorist and partly because the vast majority also drive.

The big difference is they take far less road space, cause less wear and tear and are one of the most environmentally friendly and efficient forms of transport.