Cycling routeUnited 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.


47. Cycling route

A cycling route is a planned or signposted route intended to guide cyclists between places or through a particular area. It may follow cycle paths, quiet streets, shared roads, greenways or other routes considered suitable for cycling.

A cycling route does not necessarily give cyclists exclusive use of the road or path and should not be confused with a cycle path or cycle lane. The traffic rules, priority rules and permitted road users depend on the individual roads and paths that form the route and on the local signs and regulations.

Sign with information and directions of the cycling route. (London, United Kingdom)
Wikimedia.org • Isochrone • CC BY-SA
How can you recognise a cycling route?

Cycling routes are commonly indicated by direction signs, bicycle symbols, route numbers, colours or destination markers. The design of the signs and route-numbering system varies between countries and regions.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, sections D, G and H; Article 26 bis; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 18, 21 and 27; international framework subject to national law

Do cyclists have priority on a cycling route?

Not automatically. Being on a designated cycling route does not normally change the priority rules. Cyclists must continue to obey traffic lights, give-way and stop signs, crossing rules and other applicable traffic regulations.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, sections D, G and H; Article 26 bis; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 18, 21 and 27; international framework subject to national law

What should you do when a cycling-route sign conflicts with a traffic sign?

Always follow the official traffic signs, signals and road markings. A route marker provides navigation and does not override a prohibition, mandatory direction, road closure or other traffic regulation.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, sections D, G and H; Article 26 bis; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 18, 21 and 27; international framework subject to national law

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 ...