The Highway Code

The Highway Code covers cycling in Rules 59-82. These rules are either legal requirements, (‘Musts’/’Must not’) or advisory (‘Should’/’Should not’/’Do’/’Do not’).

Please see a list of rules from The Highway Code for your guidance when cycling around Sussex.

Cyclists Highway Code

Cyclists Must:

  • At night, have white front and red rear lights lit with a red reflector
  • Obey traffic light signs and traffic light signals (this includes one way signs unless a cycle contra flow is in operation)
  • Use the correct side of a shared space where marked

Cyclists Must Not:

  • Cycle on pavements
  • Cross the solid white stop line when the traffic lights are red
  • Carry a passenger unless their bicycle is adapted to carry one
  • Hold onto a moving vehicle or trailer
  • Ride in a dangerous, careless or inconsiderate manner
  • Ride under the influence of drink or drugs including medicine
  • Cross on a cycle crossing facility unless the green cycle symbol is showing

Cyclist Should:

  • Wear light coloured or reflective clothing
  • Wear a cycle helmet
  • Use cycle lanes and advance stop signs where safe to do so
  • Avoid riding two abreast on busy roads or on bends
  • Be considerate to other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians, and consider fixing a bell to warn them of your presence

Cyclist Do Not:

  • Ride across a pelican, puffin or zebra crossing. Dismount and wheel your cycle across
  • Park your bike where is could cause a hazard or be an obstruction to other road users
  • Ride on the inside of vehicles signalling or slowing down to turn left

Please see the below links for future information: