With cyclists now accounting for 10% of traffic in London (up to
20% at rush hour), it is vital that both cyclists, and other road
users, are aware of the law relating to cycle lanes and other cycle
facilities.
A better understanding of the law will not only allow cyclists
to ride more safely but also enable other road users to understand
how cyclists are likely to react on a road and hopefully ensure
that they themselves only drive where they are authorised to do
so.
In short, cyclists are not legally obliged to use cycle lanes,
instead cycle lanes are supposed to give cyclists a safer
alternative to cycling with traffic on the road. It is however
generally prohibited for non cyclists to enter cycle lanes.
Unfortunately the majority of road users are unaware of the
above, with the consequence that cyclists feel intimidated on the
road and are often subject to adverse consequences as a result of
poor driving.
Mark Bowman, LCC member, avid cyclist
and solicitor at FFW said "it amazes me how ignorant the general
public are with regards the law relating to cycle lanes. It is far
too common a phenomenon for cyclists to be victims of other road
users' poor practice. Hopefully a better understanding of the law
will help them cycle more safely."
Mark Bowman's article "Cycle lanes - do you have to use them?"
was published in the June/July edition of London Cyclist. For more
information, please contact Mark
Bowman.
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