Cycle lane...do i have to use it

[naffa]

Had an incident with a motorist on my short commute from work on Monday evening and wanted some clarification if possible.

One of the roads i use has road narrowing to slow the traffic, one side gives way to oncoming traffic as indicated by road markings and signs.

I've linked to
View Larger Map">where the road is narrowed in the direction I was travelling.

As you see I had right of way and due to it being dark, with an excess of leaves on the ground I decided not to use the cycle lane. At the best of times I try to avoid it there as its often littered with broken glass's and bottles from the pub clientele.

A car that had given way to the cars passing me refused to give way to me and accelerated hard towards me, I gestured to him (not rudely or aggressively) and I got lots of shouting and finger pointing towards the cycle lane and that i shouldn't be riding through the narrowed section.

So my question is simple, if theres a cycle lane do I have to use it?

Am I breaking the law by not using it?

Any pointers toward legislation etc?

All your views are appreciated.



Thanks Nathan

 

[Tim Hall]

Hi. Welcome.

In answer to your questions, no you don't have to use it, no you haven't broken any laws not using it.

The highway code, here is a guide to road legislation and "how to do it". It's a good starting point.

 

[daSmirnov]

In short, you don't have to use the lane.

I often find cars don't give way when they should at traffic calming features like these. Even with no cycle lane. I ride through in primary and make eye contact when possible to make them understand I'm not going anywhere. It usually works with them braking after their stop line...!

 

[naffa]

In short, you don't have to use the lane.

I often find cars don't give way when they should at traffic calming features like these. Even with no cycle lane. I ride through in primary and make eye contact when possible to make them understand I'm not going anywhere. It usually works with them braking after their stop line...!

Yes I ride the same way but in the dark its a little harder top get the eye contact. This guy had already given way to cars passing me but was determined not to give way to me, even though I was in primary and had RoW.


I'll take a look at the highway code, thanks.

 

[ufkacbln]

AirZound and Exposure Diablo work for me!

 

[naffa]

AirZound and Exposure Diablo work for me!

Eh?

 

[Red Light]

No need to give way or use the cycle lane and, if you were going east, he had the give way line and it was his legal responsibility to give way to you.

The cycle lane on the right looks a particularly fine example of the road planners art.

 

[MissTillyFlop]

No you don't have to. I had a guy getting narky with me the other day. I mimed to him that there was glass onthe floor and he nodded back apologetically.

I think it's because he's not seeing what I'm seeing.

 

[snorri]

Apart from the debris in the cycle lane, the black and white chevron on the sign post appears to be too close to the cycle lane creating a collision hazard with a cyclists shoulder.

 

[BentMikey]

Eh?

Cunobelin means a very loud horn and a very bright front light.

 

[BSRU]

I have one of these cycling gutters on my route and I never use it. Generally full of rubbish including glass and at this time of year full of wet leaves. It is even more dangerous at night as there is poor street lighting and the cycle gutter is about 50cm wide with two high kerbs either side.

 

[John the Monkey]

.... I was in primary and had RoW.


I'll take a look at the highway code, thanks.

Just a small point, but the Highway Code, iirc, tells you when you have priority, not when you have an absolute "Right of Way"; from the preamble to "General Rules, Techniques and Advice For all Drivers and Riders";

The rules in The Highway Code do not give you the right of way in any circumstance, but they advise you when you should give way to others. Always give way if it can help to avoid an incident.

As for the driver, I'd assume rule 153 applies;

153
Traffic-calming measures. On some roads there are features such as road humps, chicanes and narrowings which are intended to slow you down. When you approach these features reduce your speed. Allow cyclists and motorcyclists room to pass through them. Maintain a reduced speed along the whole of the stretch of road within the calming measures. Give way to oncoming road users if directed to do so by signs. You should not overtake other moving road users while in these areas.

Note that no distinction is made between cars, horses, cycles - "road Users" encompasses them all.

On the use of cycle lanes;

61

Cycle Routes and Other Facilities. Use cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless at the time it is unsafe to do so. Use of these facilities is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.

Given the state of most of them, this is touchingly optimistic, but ultimately, if your experience tells you they're unsafe, there is no compulsion to use them.

 

[Mugshot]

I mimed to him that there was glass onthe floor and he nodded back apologetically.

I noticed the other day that you said you were an actress, but that is seriously impressive, how do you mime "glass on the floor"?

Edit: Sorry, totally OT

 

[pshore]

I've linked to
View Larger Map">where the road is narrowed in the direction I was travelling.

Awesome cycle lane width. They remind me of mountain biking ruts where you are effectively cycling along a tightrope and no longer can you steer to balance but you have to weight shift. Nice and easy for beginners !

IMO, that is worthy of Warrington Cycle Campaign's Cycle Facility of the Month.

 

[akb]

!

IMO, that is worthy of Warrington Cycle Campaign's Cycle Facility of the Month.

Excellent link! I'm lucky enough to have cycle lanes that have had a bit of thought into the design, so never would have expected these sorts of stupid designs elsewhere.