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Bike pathUnited Kingdom

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of United Kingdom. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
United Kingdom

4. Bike path

A bike path is a part of a road or a separate route intended primarily or exclusively for people riding bicycles. It may be physically separated from motor traffic, marked on the road surface or identified by traffic signs.

Bike paths may be one-way, two-way or shared with other road users. The permitted users, direction of travel, priority rules and obligation to use the path depend on local traffic signs and regulations.

Highway for cyclists. (London, United Kingdom)
Wikimedia.org • Spsmiler • CC0
Must cyclists use every cycle lane or track in Great Britain?

No. The Highway Code allows cyclists to use their judgement and does not oblige them to use these facilities. Use them where they make the journey safer and easier, considering your skills and the conditions. This answer concerns the Great Britain Highway Code.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 61–64: facilities and segregated tracks

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings (Great Britain)

How does the British Highway Code distinguish a cycle lane from a cycle track?

A cycle lane is marked along the carriageway by a white line. A cycle track is protected from or located away from motor traffic. A track may run beside a pavement or may be shared with pedestrians.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 61–64: facilities and segregated tracks

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings (Great Britain)

Which part of a divided British walking and cycling track must I use?

Cyclists must keep to the part intended for cycling; the pedestrian part remains a pavement or footpath. On an undivided shared route, give pedestrians plenty of room and be prepared to slow down or stop.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rules 61–64: facilities and segregated tracks

🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings (Great Britain)

1 United Kingdom 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Bike path 5 Pedestrian warning 6 Bridge 7 Speed bump 8 Toll road 9 One-way traffic 10 Quay 11 Slope 12 Bus lane 13 Bus stop 14 Dead end 15 Stop sign 16 Give way 17 Roundabout 18 Road narrowing 19 Priority over oncoming traffic 20 Give way to oncoming traffic 21 Pedestrian crossing 22 Railway crossing 23 Mandatory direction 24 Turn prohibition 25 School area 26 Crossing animals 27 Slippery road 28 Rockfall 29 Aircraft 30 Curve 31 Chevron 32 Wrong-way driving 33 Roadworks 34 Height limit 35 Radar speed sign 36 Selective barriers 37 Low-emission zone 38 Priority at the next junction 39 Traffic lights 40 Traffic lights warning 41 Road markings 42 Climbing lane 43 Bike box 44 Left-hand traffic 45 Speed feedback 46 Driving licence 47 Cycling route 48 Parking 49 No parking 50 Park and ride 51 Disabled parking 52 Reversing 53 Detour 54 Road surface 55 Verge 56 Traffic calming 57 Horse riding 58 Emergency exit 59 City limit 60 Tourist attraction 61 Licence plate 62 Charging station 63 Dangers 64 Dip 65 Tram lane 66 Cyclist 67 Bus 68 Police 69 Ambulance 70 Roadway 71 Street 72 Pothole 73 Private road 74 Path 75 Particulates 76 Air pollution 77 Rush hour 78 Road code 79 Two-way traffic 80 Tram stop 81 Street gutter 82 Cargo bike 83 Forestry vehicle 84 Construction vehicle 85 Semi-trailer truck 86 Trolleybus 87 Speed pedelec 88 Delivery vehicle 89 Idling 90 Tow truck 91 Four-wheel drive 92 Passenger 93 Bicycle 94 Motorcycle equipment 95 Tram 96 Rail track 97 Public transport 98 Caravan 99 Trailer 100 Tow hitch ...