When learning to drive you must have a full understanding of the Highway Code as it is important not only for the Theory Test and Hazard Perception Test, but also when you are out behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while taking lessons and ultimately your practical test. Rules for cyclists These rules are in addition to those in the following sections, which apply to all vehicles (except the motorway section). Clothing: You should wear A cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations, is the correct size and securely fastened Appropriate clothes for cycling. Avoid clothes which may get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure your lights Light-colored or fluorescent clothing which helps other road users to see you in daylight and poor light Reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) in the dark At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp. 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. Cycle tracks. These are normally located away from the road, but may occasionally be found alongside footpaths or pavements. Cyclists and pedestrians may be segregated or they may share the same space (unsegregated). When using segregated tracks you MUST keep to the side intended for cyclists as the pedestrian side remains a pavement or footpath. Take care when passing pedestrians, especially children, older or disabled people, and allow them plenty of room. Always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary. Take care near road junctions as you may have difficulty seeing other road users, who might not notice you. The Highway Code book is essential to help both fully qualified and learner drivers to understand the 'rules of the road' while taking driving lessons for your driving practical test. . This book includes guidelines, rules and regulations for pedestrians and cyclists. Cycle lanes. These are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway (see Rule 140). Keep within the lane when practicable. When leaving a cycle lane check before pulling out that it is safe to do so and signal your intention clearly to other road users. Use of cycle lanes is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer. Bus Lanes. Most bus lanes may be used by cyclists as indicated on signs. Watch out for people getting on or off a bus. Be very careful when overtaking a bus or leaving a bus lane as you will be entering a busier traffic flow. Do not pass between the kerb and a bus when it is at a stop. Road junctions On the left. When approaching a junction on the left, watch out for vehicles turning in front of you, out of or into the side road. Just before you turn, check for undertaking cyclists or motorcyclists. Do not ride on the inside of vehicles signaling or slowing down to turn left. On the right. If you are turning right, check the traffic to ensure it is safe, then signal and move to the centre of the road. Wait until there is a safe gap in the oncoming traffic and give a final look before completing the turn. It may be safer to wait on the left until there is a safe gap or to dismount and push your cycle across the road. Dual carriageways. Remember that traffic on most dual carriageways moves quickly. When crossing wait for a safe gap and cross each carriageway in turn. Take extra care when crossing slip roads. Roundabouts You may feel safer walking your cycle round on the pavement or verge. If you decide to ride round keeping to the left-hand lane you should Be aware that drivers may not easily see you. Take extra care when cycling across exits. You may need to signal right to show you are not leaving the roundabout. Watch out for vehicles crossing your path to leave or join the roundabout. Crossing the road Do not ride across equestrian crossings, as they are for horse riders only. Do not ride across a pelican, puffin or zebra crossing. Dismount and wheel your cycle across. Toucan crossings. These are light-controlled crossings which allow cyclists and pedestrians to share crossing space and cross at the same time. They are push-button operated. Pedestrians and cyclists will see the green signal together. Cyclists are permitted to ride across. Cycle-only crossings. Cycle tracks on opposite sides of the road may be linked by signaled crossings. You may ride across but you MUST NOT cross until the green cycle symbol is showing. Level crossings/Tramways. Take extra care when crossing the tracks (See Rule 306). You should dismount at level crossings where a 'Cyclist Dismount' sign is displayed. Source: Driving standard agency
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