Speeding cyclist and Highway Code Rule 69

[helston90]

On a local Facebook group I made the point speed limits do not apply to cyclists (someone was moaning about cyclists going way over the speed limit).

Someone else has come back pointing to rule 69 of the Highway Code

Under 'Rules for cyclists'
Rule 69
You MUST obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.

Does this not include speed limits? Surely a 40mph sign is a traffic sign and cyclists can't go above it?
Just trying to back up statements I make with evidence.

 

[tyred]

Unlike a car/van/etc, there is no legal requirement for a bike to have a speedometer so I don't see how it could be legally enforced.

The old "stop in the distance you can see to be clear" advice applies which is very good advice and sadly often ignored by many road users of all road going vehicles.

 

[Alan O]

Here's a lawyer's take on it...

https://www.slatergordon.co.uk/medi...imit-or-does-the-law-only-apply-to-motorists/

"In general, British cyclists share no legal obligation to adhere to the same speed limits as motorists."

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Speeding cyclist, in law in England and Wales, is a contradiction in terms. A fast cyclist might be cycling furiously though, depending on circumstances.

 

[DaveReading]

The Highway Code gives advice - it is not the law.

Though the word "must" in the Highway Code indicates that disobeying the instruction is a criminal offence.

 

[mcshroom]

Though the word "must" in the Highway Code indicates that disobeying the instruction is a criminal offence.

It means there is a law that the HC is referring to. In this case the law only applies to motor vehicles.

 

[midliferider]

I would love to get a speeding ticket while cycling.
Last weekend, I was cycling along a rural village road and there were mobile unit holding camera. I cycled furiously fast but couldn't exceed the 30 limit. The policeman smiled and said not good enough!

 

[Drago]

The Highway Code is a code of practice, not a legal reference. Should and must is all well and good, the the remit of the code is far, far too brief to be taken as a legal guide.

If you're not in/on a motor vehicle, the speed limit can not be enforced with respect to you.

 

[Tim Hall]

Unlike a car/van/etc, there is no legal requirement for a bike to have a speedometer so I don't see how it could be legally enforced.
.

There's no breathlyser in my car, but I can still be done for having excess alcohol in my bloodstream. Or in other words, it's not the lack of a speedo that makes the law not applicable to cyckusts.

 

[Beebo]

Royal parks police can enforce speed limits in the parks. I have seen them in Greenwich Park with a speed gun.

 

[Drago]

Indeed, mopeds and motorcycles under 100cc built before a certain year are not required to have speedos, but will still fall down the stairs in the back of the coppers panda car if they break a speed limit.

Edit - don't the parks police have some particular legislation for their sites?

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Edit - don't the parks police have some particular legislation for their sites?

Yes

 

[DaveReading]

It means there is a law that the HC is referring to. In this case the law only applies to motor vehicles.

Yes, and equally the instruction in the Highway Code Section 69 doesn't cover speed limit signs, so there's no inconsistency between the HC and the law.

 

[Tim Hall]

Yes

I'm not up to date with the carious by laws / statutory instruments, but my last reading of the Royal Parks regulations had the speed limits applying to "mechanically propelled vehicles" again (thus not including bikes) after a time when they did apply to bikes as well.

 

[growingvegetables]

There's no breathlyser in my car, but I can still be done for having excess alcohol in my bloodstream...

... but not if you're riding a bike .