# Cycling in England and Wales

Cycling in England and Wales is quite good for leisure routes, with a national network developed and signposted by Sustrans. Some routes follow former railways. There are also some regional routes, and byways. Some roads will also have dedicated cycle lanes, especially in major urban centres.
A separate guide exists at Cycling in Scotland for an overview of touring and mountain biking in Scotland.
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## Choosing a bike

The bicycle of choice for most cyclists in Britain is the hybrid - they have the comfort and practicality of a city bike combined with the performance (multi-speed gearing) and ruggedness of a mountain bike. Conventional mountain bikes and single-speed roadsters are also common, and folding bikes are becoming more popular in major cities. Expect to pay £100 or more for a basic model hybrid bike.

## Get around
### By bike

Cycling and road conditions vary from place to place throughout England and Wales. It is not always possible to travel between towns and cities on traffic-free cycle routes.

#### National Cycle Network

Active travel charity Sustrans looks after the National Cycle Network of signposted leisure cycle routes, on a mix of urban streets, quiet rural roads and traffic-free routes. Each route is assigned a number, displayed on a red panel - - throughout the United Kingdom. Routes do not always provide the fastest connections between villages, towns and cities. Notable routes includeː
* Route 1ː Dover - Canterbury - London - Lee Valley - Chelmsford - Colchester - Dedham Vale - Ipswich - Beccles - Norwich - Wells-next-the-Sea - Sandringham - King's Lynn - Wisbech - Boston - Lincoln - Hull - Bridlington - Scarborough - Whitby - Middlesbrough - Sunderland - South Shields - North Shields - Blyth - Berwick-upon-Tweed - Scotland (Tain)
* Route 2ː Dover - Folkestone - Hastings - Bexhill - Eastbourne - Newhaven - Brighton - Hove - Worthing - Bognor Regis - Chichester - Havant - Portsmouth - Gosport - Southampton - New Forest National Park - Brockenhurst - Christchurch - Bournemouth - Dorchester - Axminster - Seaton - Sidmouth - Exmouth - Exeter - Dawlish Warren and Dawlish - Newton Abbot - Totnes - Ivybridge - Plymouth - Looe - St Austell
* Route 3ː Land's End - Penzance - Hayle - Camborne - Redruth - Truro - St Austell - Bodmin - Bude - Bideford - Barnstaple - Tiverton - Taunton - Bridgwater - Glastonbury - Wells - Mendip Hills - Bristol
* Route 4ː London - Hampton Court - Weybridge - Staines-upon-Thames - Windsor - Maidenhead - Reading - Newbury - Hungerford - Devizes - Melksham - Trowbridge - Bath - Bristol - Chepstow - Newport - Caerphilly - Pontypridd - Talbot Green - Margam Park - Port Talbot - Swansea - Gowerton - Llanelli - Carmarthen - Saundersfoot - Tenby - Pembroke - Haverfordwest - St Davids - Fishguard
* Route 5ː Reading - Abingdon - Oxford - Banbury - The Cotswolds - Stratford-upon-Avon - Redditch - Bromsgrove - Birmingham - Walsall - Stafford - Stone - Stoke-on-Trent - Winsford - Chester - Flint - Prestatyn - Rhyl - Abergele - Llandudno Junction - Conwy - Bangor - Holyhead
* Route 6ː London - Watford - St Albans - Harpenden - Luton - Milton Keynes - Northampton - Leicester - Loughborough - Derby - Nottingham - Sherwood Forest - Worksop - Sheffield - Peak District National Park - Manchester - Blackburn - Preston - Lancaster - Kendal - Lake District National Park - Carlisle
* Route 8 Lôn Las Cymruː Cardiff - Pontypridd - Merthyr Tydfil - Brecon Beacons National Park - Brecon - Talgarth - Builth Wells - Rhayader - Dolgellau - Barmouth - Porthmadog - Criccieth - Caernarfon - Bangor - Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch - Holyhead
* Route 10ː Carlisle - Northumberland National Park - North Shields
* Route 51 The Varsity Wayː Oxford - Bicester - Milton Keynes - Bedford - Huntingdon - St Ives - Cambridge - Newmarket - Bury St Edmunds - Ipswich - Felixstowe - Harwich - Colchester
Some routes are incomplete. The National Cycle Network is marked on Ordnance Survey Explorer and Landranger series maps.

#### London

    See also: Cycling in London
London has a network of signposted cycleways, marked with green panels - - and managed by Transport for London, the borough councils and the City of London. Most routes use segregated cycleways, with occasional mixing with motor traffic. Some routes follow quieter roads, including residential streets. A mix of leisure and commuter cyclists use these routes.
Transport for London operates a network of cycle hire docking stations throughout Central London and parts of East London, including Stratford. These are sometimes known as "Boris bikes".

#### River crossings

Several major road bridges feature cycle crossings. Where they do, cyclists must not use motorways and should follow signs which might prohibit cycling on A-roads. Cycleways run alongside the main carriageways in many cases. Crossings includeː
* Hawarden Bridge - across the River Dee between Shotton and Deeside Industrial Park in Flintshire. ̪Part of National Cycle Network route 5. A shared-use path runs alongside railway tracks.
* Humber Bridge - across the Humber between Barton-upon-Humber, Lincolnshire and Hessle, near Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire. Part of National Cycle Network route 1. A shared-use path runs alongside the dual-carriageway between Barton-upon-Humber Far Ings Road and Humber Bridge Country Park in East Yorkshire.
* Menai Bridge - across the Menai Straight between the mainland (Gwynedd) and Anglesey Island. Part of National Cycle Network routes 5 and 8. Cyclists should use the main carriageway with motor traffic.
* Severn Bridge - across the River Severn between Aust, Gloucestershire and Chepstow, Monmouthshire. Part of National Cycle Network route 4. A shared-use path runs alongside the motorway between Aust Passage Road and Chepstow Caerwent Lane.
* Silver Jubilee Bridge - across the River Mersey between Runcorn and Widnes in Cheshire. Part of National Cycle Network route 562. A two-way cycleway runs alongside the road.
Cyclists cannot ride across Dartford Crossing, part of the London Orbital between Kent and Essex. A free pickup service operates every day of the year at select times. Solo cyclists can use a yellow telephone to summon the pickup service to the designated collection areasː
* Kent - Crossing Offices Roundabout, South Orbital Road, Dartford, DA1 5PR
* Essex - 859 London Road, Grays, RM20 3AT
Full Dartford Crossing information, including group booking information, is on the UK Government websiteː gov.uk/dartford-crossing-bike

### By plane

Among the largest domestic flight operatorsː
* British Airways - Bicycles are listed as sports equipment. You can check in bicycles as part of your baggage allowance, stored in a padded cover or box with the maximum dimensions 190 x 95 x 65cm. Bicycles are considered oversize luggage and additional restrictions may apply. E-bikes are not permitted.
* easyJet - Bicycles are listed as sports equipment. You can check in bicycles for a fee, stored in a padded cover or box with a maximum 32kg weight. E-bikes are not permitted.
* Ryanair - Bicycles are listed as sports equipment. You can check in bicycles for a fee, stored in a protective bag or box with a maximum 30kg weight. E-bikes are not permitted.

### By ferry
#### Woolwich Ferry

You can take your bike on the Transport for London Woolwich Ferry across the River Thames. The ferry operates between Woolwich and North Woolwich (Silvertown) and is free. Cycle routes are signposted, to the side of the main carriageway.

#### Isle of Wight

You can take your bike on Wightlink ferries betweenː
* Lymington, Hampshire and Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
* Portsmouth, Hampshire and Fishbourne, Isle of Wight
* Portsmouth, Hampshire and Ryde, Isle of Wight
You must make a reservation at no additional cost. Bikes are stowed on the ferry car decks of car ferries or the bike store on Portsmouth–Ryde Pier Head FastCats.
You can take your bike on Red Funnel ferries betweenː
* Southampton, Hampshire and West Cowes, Isle of Wight
* Southampton, Hampshire and East Cowes, Isle of Wight
You can bring bicycles on board free of charge. Cyclists should board via the lower car deck on the car ferry between Southampton and East Cowes. Bike racks are available aboard ferries between Southampton and West Cowes.

#### Isles of Scilly

You can take your bike on the Scillonian passenger ferry between Penzance, Cornwall and St Mary's Harbour in Hugh Town, Isles of Scilly. You must book your bike on the boat before you travel, and excess luggage fees may apply.

### By train
#### National Rail

Folding bikes are allowed on all trains. You must carry folding bikes in a protective carrying case if you use c2c or Stansted Express services in London, Essex and Hertfordshire.
Cycle reservations are compulsory for a small number of journeys. Cycle spaces are usually available on a first-come, first-served basis, if they are unreserved. Some operators require passengers with bikes to use vestibule areas near the doors or another clearly marked area.
E-bikes and e-scooters are not permitted on all trains. Check with the operator.
Tandems are not usually permitted.
For other cycles, check with the train operatorː
* Avanti West Coast - You must have a free cycle reservation to bring your bike on board. You must store your bike in the designated areas. Check online before you travelː avantiwestcoast.co.uk/travel-information/onboard/bikes
* c2c - You may take your bike free of charge on most c2c services without a reservation. You must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving into London Fenchurch Street between 07ː14 and 09ː30 or leaving London Fenchurch Street between 16ː30 and 18ː35. Check online before you travelː c2c-online.co.uk/our-network/advice-for-cyclists
* Chiltern Railways - You may take your bike free of charge on most Chiltern Railways trains without a reservation. You must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving into London Marylebone, Oxford or Birmingham Moor Street between 07ː45 and 10ː00 or leaving London Marylebone, Oxford or Birmingham Moor Street between 16ː30 and 19ː30. Check online before you travelː chilternrailways.co.uk/customer-service/travelling-your-bike
* CrossCountry - You may take your bike free of charge on CrossCountry services but the company has advised cyclists should make a reservation. Check online before you travelː crosscountrytrains.co.uk/on-board-with-crosscountry/bikes-and-cyclists
* East Midlands Railway (EMR) - You may take your bike free of charge on most EMR services without a reservation. The firm has advised reservations "are essential" for services to and from London, and between Liverpool and Norwich via Peterborough and Manchester. You must not take your bike on EMR Connect (Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, Bedford, Luton, Luton Airport Parkway and London St Pancras International) weekday services arriving into London St Pancras International before 10ː00 or leaving London St Pancras International between 16ː00 and 19ː00. Check online before you travelː eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/trains-stations/on-board-the-train/bikes-on-trains
* Elizabeth line ELI - You may take your bike free of charge on most off-peak Elizabeth line services without a reservation. You must not take your bike on weekday trains between Paddington and Abbey Wood from 07ː30 until 09ː30 and from 16ː00 and 19ː00. You must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving into London Liverpool Street or London Paddington between 07ː30 and 09ː30, or leaving London Liverpool Street or London Paddington between 16ː00 and 19ː00. Check online before you travelː tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/cycles-on-public-transport
* Gatwick Express - You may take your bike free of charge on most Gatwick Express services without a reservation. You must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving into London Victoria between 07ː00 and 10ː00 or leaving London Victoria between 16ː00 and 19ː00. Check online before you travelː gatwickexpress.com/travel-information/onboard-travel/bringing-a-bike
* Grand Central - You may take your bike free of charge on Grand Central services and may make a reservation. Check online before you travelː grandcentralrail.com/travelling-with-gc/on-board/cyclists-luggage
* Greater Anglia - You may take your bike free of charge on most Greater Anglia services without a reservation. You must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving into Cambridge between 07ː45 and 08ː̩45. You must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving into London Liverpool Street or London Stratford between 07ː45 and 09ː̩45, or leaving London Liverpool Street or London Stratford between 16ː30 and 18ː30. Time restrictions do not apply on Greater Anglia Intercity services, with a reservation. You must make a reservation to take your bike on all Greater Anglia Intercity services (fast trains calling only at Norwich, Diss, Stowmarket, Ipswich, Manningtree, Colchester, Chelmsford, Stratford and London Liverpool Street). Check online before you travelː greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/your-journey/cycling
* Great Northern - You may take your bike free of charge on most Great Northern services without a reservation. You must not take your bike on any trains between Drayton Park, Highbury and Islington, Essex Road, Old Street and London Moorgate at any time. You must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving into Cambridge between 07ː45 and 08ː45, if travelling southbound between King's Lynn, Watlington, Downham Market, Littleport, Ely, Waterbeach, Cambridge North or Cambridge. You must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving into London between 07ː00 and 09ː30 (applies south of Stevenage/Hertford North). You must not take your bike on weekday trains leaving London between 16ː00 and 19ː00. Check online before you travelː greatnorthernrail.com/travel-information/onboard-travel/bringing-a-bike
* Great Western Railway - You may take your bike free of charge on most Great Western Railway services. The company has advised a bike reservation is "strongly recommended" on its Intercity Express Trains (fast trains). A bike reservation is mandatory on the Night Riviera Sleeper service between Cornwall, Devon and London Paddington. Cycles are permitted on stopping services, except services arriving into London Paddington between 07ː30 and 09ː̩30 or leaving London Paddington between 16ː00 and 19ː00. Check online before you travelː gwr.com/travelling-with-us/on-our-trains/bringing-your-bike
* Heathrow Express - You may take your bike free of charge on most Heathrow Express services without a reservation. You must not take your bike weekday trains leaving Heathrow Central between 06ː30 and 10ː00 or trains leaving London Paddington between 16ː30 and 19ː00.
* Hull Trains - You must have a free cycle reservation to bring your bike on board. You must store your bike in the designated areas. Check online before you travelː hulltrains.co.uk/travel-information/travelling-with-a-bike
* Island Line - You may take your bike free of charge on Island Line (Isle of Wight) services. Check online before you travelː southwesternrailway.com/travelling-with-us/travelling-with-a-bike
* LNER - You must have a free cycle reservation to bring your bike on board. You must store your bike in the designated areas. Check online before you travelː lner.co.uk/our-trains/travelling-with-bicycles
* London Northwestern Railway - You may take your bike free of charge on most London Northwestern Railway services without a reservation. You must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving into London Euston between 07ː00 and 09ː59 or leaving London Euston between 16ː00 and 18ː59. Check online before you travelː londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/onboard-facilities/cycle-spaces
* London Overground OGD - You may take your bike free of charge on most London Overground services without a reservation. You must not take your bike on weekday trains between 07ː30 and 09ː30 or between 16ː00 and 19ː00. Restrictions do not apply on Weaver line WEA trains leaving London Liverpool Street towards Chingford/Enfield Town/Cheshunt between 07ː30 and 09ː30, or arriving into London Liverpool Street from Chingford/Enfield Town/Cheshunt between 16ː00 and 19ː00. Check online before you travelː tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/cycles-on-public-transport
* Lumo - Lumo does not allow non-folding bicycles on its trains. Check online before you travelː lumo.co.uk/help/customer-charter
* Merseyrail - You may take your bike free of charge on Merseyrail trains without a reservation. Check online before you travelː merseyrail.org/help-support/frequently-asked-questions
* Northern - You may take your bike free of charge on Northern services without a reservation. Check online before you travelː northernrailway.co.uk/travel/cycling/bikes-trains
* ScotRail - You may take your bike free of charge on ScotRail services between Carlisle and Dunbar/Kilmarnock/Glasgow Central without a reservation. Once in Scotland, you may take your bike free of charge on ScotRail services, but some long-distance services require a reservation. Check online before you travelː scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/cycling/bikes-trains
* Southeastern - You may take your bike free of charge on most Southeastern services without a reservation. You must not take your bike on weekday trains between London and Gillingham/Otford/Tonbridge, if the train arrives into London between 07ː00 and 09ː59, or leaves London between 16ː00 and 18ː59. Check online before you travelː southeasternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/on-board-the-train/cycles
* Southern - You may take your bike free of charge on most Southern services without a reservation. You must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving into London terminals, Brighton or Kensington Olympia between 07ː00 and 10ː00, or leaving London terminals, Brighton or Kensington Olympia between 16ː00 and 19ː00. Check online before you travelː southernrailway.com/travel-information/onboard-travel/bringing-a-bike
* South Western Railway - You may take your bike free of charge on most South Western Railway services without a reservation. Restrictions apply on some routes between Reading/Windsor and Eton Riverside and London Waterloo, Hook/Alton/Woking/Guildford and London Waterloo, and Dorking/Chessington South/Hampton Court/Shepperton and London Waterloo. In this area, you must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving into London Waterloo between 07ː15 and 10ː00 or leaving London Waterloo between 16ː45 and 19ː00. You must not take your bike on weekday trains between Clapham Junction and Twickenham/Feltham/Strawberry Hill/Hounslow Loop (via Brentford), if the train departs Clapham Junction between 07ː45 and 09ː00. Check online before you travelː southwesternrailway.com/travelling-with-us/travelling-with-a-bike
* Stansted Express - Stansted Express does not allow non-folding bicycles on its trains. Check online before you travelː stanstedexpress.com/travel-information/onboard
* Thameslink - You may take your bike free of charge on most Thameslink services without a reservation. You must not take your bike on weekday trains arriving or passing through central London stations between 07ː00 and 10ː00, or leaving or passing through any central London station between 16ː00 and 19ː00. Check online before you travelː thameslinkrailway.com/travel-information/onboard-travel/bringing-a-bike
* TransPennine Express - You must have a free cycle reservation to bring your bike on board. You must store your bike in the designated areas. Check online before you travelː tpexpress.co.uk/travelling-with-us/travelling-with-a-bike
* Transport for Wales - You may take your bike on Transport for Wales services without a reservation. Check online before you travelː tfw.wales/ways-to-travel/cycling/bikes-on-board
* West Midlands Railway - You may take your bike on West Midlands Railway services without a reservation. Check online before you travelː westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/travel-information/onboard-facilities/cycle-spaces
Bicycles are not generally permitted on rail replacement services, during periods of disruption.

#### London Underground and DLR

As a rule of thumb, non-folded bicycles are allowed on London Underground and DLR services when they are not in tunnels.
Non-folded bicycles are not allowed on the entire London Underground or DLR (Docklands Light Railway) network weekdays between 07ː30 and 09ː30 and between 16ː00 and 19ː00. Outside of these busy times, non-folded cycles are allowedː
* BAK Bakerloo - Between Queen's Park and Harrow and Wealdstone (Queen's Park, Kensal Green, Willesden Junction, Harlesden, Stonebridge Park, Wembley Central, North Wembley, South Kenton, Kenton, and Harrow and Wealdstone). London-bound cyclists must have left the train by Queen's Park.
* CEN Central - Between West Ruislip/Ealing Broadway and White City (West Ruislip, Ruislip Gardens, South Ruislip, Northolt, Greenford, Perivale, Hanger Lane, Ealing Broadway, West Acton, North Acton, East Acton, and White City). London-bound cyclists must have left the train by White City. Between Epping and Leyton (Epping, Theydon Bois, Debden, Loughton, Buckhurst Hill, Woodford, South Woodford, Snaresbrook, Leytonstone, and Leyton). London-bound cyclists must have left the train by Leytonstone. Between Newbury Park, Hainault and Woodford (Newbury Park, Barkingside, Fairlop, Hainault, Grange Hill, Chigwell, Roding Valley, and Woodford). London-bound cyclists must have left the train by Newbury Park.
* CIR Circle - Entire line.
* DIS District - Entire line.
* H&C Hammersmith & City - Entire line.
* JUB Jubilee - Between Stanmore and Finchley Road (Stanmore, Canons Park, Queensbury, Kingsbury, Wembley Park, Neasden, Dollis Hill, Willesden Green, Kilburn, West Hampstead, and Finchley Road). London-bound cyclists must have left the train by Finchley Road. Between Stratford and Canning Town (Stratford, West Ham, and Canning Town). London-bound cyclists must have left the train by Canning Town.
* MET Metropolitan - Entire line.
* NOR Northern - Between High Barnet/Mill Hill East and East Finchley (High Barnet, Totteridge and Whetstone, Woodside Park, West Finchley, Mill Hill East, Finchley Central, and East Finchley). London-bound cyclists must have left the train by East Finchley. Between Edgware and Colindale (Edgware, Burnt Oak, and Colindale) and between Hendon Central and Golders Green (Hendon Central, Brent Cross and Golders Green). Cyclists must seek alternative routes between Colindale and Hendon Central. London-bound cyclists must have left the train by Golders Green.
* PIC Piccadilly - Between Uxbridge/Hounslow West and Barons Court (Uxbridge, Hillingdon, Ickenham, Ruislip, Ruislip Manor, Eastcote, Rayners Lane, South Harrow, Sudbury Hill, Sudbury Town, Alperton, Park Royal, North Ealing, Ealing Common, Hounslow West, Hounslow Central, Hounslow East, Osterley, Boston Manor, Northfields, South Ealing, Acton Town, Turnham Green, Hammersmith, and Barons Court). London-bound cyclists must have left the train by Barons Court. Heathrow-bound cyclists must have left the train by Hounslow West.
* VIC Victoria - Non-folding cycles are not allowed on the Victoria line.
* W&C Waterloo & City - Non-folding cycles are not allowed on the Waterloo and City line.
* DLR DLR - Entire line (except between Bank and Shadwell).
Bicycles are allowed on the cable car (between Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks) at any time.

### By coach

Some FlixBus coaches in the UK are cycle-friendly with special carriers or covers for non-folding bikes. Cyclists can check online whether the coach for their journey can carry non-folding bikes - and reserve a slot - when they book their journey. Folding bikes can be booked on FlixBus as "special luggage" with passenger journeys.
Non-folding bikes are generally not permitted on Megabus or National Express coaches.

## Navigate
### Mobile maps and apps

Mobile signal to load maps and apps is generally very good in urban centres, but it can become patchy in rural areas, national parks and forests.
Apps and websites to plan your journey include:
* MAPS.ME. A complete maps app (in-app purchases may apply) with options to download maps for offline use. Great for areas of patchy signal. (updated Oct 2024)
* OpenCycleMap. A simple-to-follow map of cycleways in England, Wales and further afield based on OpenStreetMap sources. (updated Oct 2024)
* OsmAnd. Save OpenStreetMaps layers to your phone with OsmAnd, which you can use on the move, particularly in areas with patchy signal. In-app purchases may apply. (updated Oct 2024)
* Strava. Record your cycle trips and track your fitness with the Strava app. You can also plan routes using the Strava website and app, or follow routes planned by fellow cyclists. It is compatible with Garmin smartwatch technologies. (updated Oct 2024)
* Sustrans - National Cycle Network. The Sustrans charity website features thorough information about the UK-wide National Cycle Network, including digital maps and online guides. (updated Oct 2024)

### Paper maps

* Ordnance Survey - OS Landranger. OS Landranger maps with pink covers are designed for route planning within sub-regional areas of the UK. Major cycle routes and bridleways are shown. Examples include 116 Denbigh and Colwyn Bay and 133 North East Norfolk. (updated Oct 2024)
* Ordnance Survey - OS Explorer. OS Explorer maps with orange covers are detailed maps of reasonably small areas, design for outdoor activities including mountain biking, leisure cycling, day trips and holidaying. Cycle routes and bridleways are shown in a great level of detail. Examples include OL2 Yorkshire Dales, 108 Lower Tamar Valley and Plymouth and 174 Epping Forest and Lee Valley. (updated Oct 2024)
* Sustrans - Regional cycle maps. Sustrans - the charity behind the National Cycle Network - publishes a series of pocket-size cycle maps and guidebooks (e.g. Cornwall Cycle Map, Severn and Thames Cycle Map etc.). (updated Oct 2024)
* Sustrans - Long distance cycle routes. Sustrans - the charity behind the National Cycle Network - publishes a series of cycle route maps, which are based on itineraries rather than regions (e.g. Way of the Roses Cycle Route Map - Morecambe to Bridlington, Celtic Trail Map/Lôn Geltaidd Map - Chepstow to St Davids Cycle Route etc.). (updated Oct 2024)

## Road rules

Road laws and etiquette are set out in the Highway Code.

### Legal requirements

At night, you must ride with white front and red rear lights lit. Flashing lights are permitted. You must also fit your bike with a red rear and amber pedal reflectors.
You must not cycle on pavements, which are reserved for pedestrians, but cycling is permitted on shared-use paths marked with or similar blue signs bearing the white bicycle icon.
Cyclists must not use motorways (e.g. ) which are marked with signs or any road/passage marked with the (no cycling) sign. This could include major dual-carriageways (e.g. ), pedestrianised streets or small passageways.
You must obey all traffic signs and signals. At red traffic lights or cycle-only crossings, cyclists must not cross the stop line. Some junctions shared with motor traffic have an advanced stop line, which will be marked for cyclists' use. Cyclists may at these locations cross the first stop line at a red light but must not cross the second.
You should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross at a zebra crossing, and must give way when they have moved onto the crossing. Drivers and cyclists should also give way to cyclists approaching parallel crossings (a cycle lane next to black and white stripes), and must give way when they have moved onto the crossing.

### Cycleways

Cycleways vary in style, quality and width throughout the UK. Examples include:
* - shared-use paths are marked with blue signs bearing the white cycle icon alongside other modes of transport. Cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians (horse riders, if signposted) must share the space together. You should cycle with great care on shared-use paths, paying attention and being patient with other shared-use path users, who are also entitled to the same space you are using. Canal towpaths are usually shared-use paths, for example, Regent's Canal between King's Cross and Lisson Grove, London.
* - segregated pedestrian and pedal cycle routes are marked with blue signs bearing the white cycle icon on one side and walking people on the other. Cyclists must stay on their side of the pavement or route. One such route runs alongside Brighton King's Road between Hove Lawns and Brighton Pier.
* - cycle-only routes are marked with blue signs bearing the white cycle icon. Only cyclists are permitted to use cycle-only routes. These could run in either one or two directions, so pay attention to arrows and (no entry) signs. Cycle to the left on two-way cycleways, unless instructed otherwise. Victoria Embankment in London features a busy two-way cycleway between the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London, which can become congested at peak times. Newmarket Road in Norwich features a city centre-bound one-way cycle track, next to the main carriageway.
* - cycle lanes are marked with square blue signs bearing a cycle lane pattern. These sit alongside lanes designed for motor traffic. Drivers of motor vehicles must not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line. They may drive in a cycle lane marked by a broken/dashed white line, but only if it is unavoidable. Drivers of motor vehicles should give way to cyclists in a cycle lane, including when they are approaching from behind. Cardiff's Penarth Road/Heol Penarth features narrow painted cycle lanes between the River Taff and Cardiff Central station. Cyclists may also use most bus lanes, shared with some motor vehicles. Check local signage.
* - a recommended route for cyclists, particularly on quiet roads. This is a recommendation by highways authorities and not an indication of cycling infrastructure.
* - a National Cycle Network route. This symbol indicates the route is part of a national cycling route and not an indication of cycling infrastructure.

### Etiquette

In the UK, you should cycle to the left of the road or cycleway unless told otherwise. Make room for other cyclists to overtake. Ring your bell or call "on your right" if another cyclist has not noticed you waiting to pass them.
Cyclists are allowed to use roads with motor traffic even where a cycle lane is present, unless signposted otherwise. There is no obligation to use routes with cycle lanes.
You can ride two abreast but make room for other cyclists and drivers to overtake where appropriate.
You should be aware of other road users, including pedestrians and particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians.

## City cycling

Some cities in England and Wales have well developed cycle networks. Others have patchy networks and cyclists may need to rely on roads designed for motor traffic.
London has a busy and comprehensive cycle network which Transport for London (TfL) coordinates. It is design for both commuter and leisure riders, with a great many traffic-free or traffic-light routes. Cyclists can plan their journeys using TfL's digital map. According to TfL, an estimated 1.26 million journeys were made by bike every day in the capital in 2023.
Cambridge and Oxford are famous cycling cities with well developed cycle networks. Bike parking areas can become very busy.
Cardiff has a network of numbered cycleways around the city centre, Cardiff Bay and the suburbs. These are signposted and many routes are traffic-free.

### Cycle hire

Cycle hire schemes are available in most major cities, with a mix of e-bikes and pedal bikes throughout England and Wales. Most schemes are pay-as-you-ride. Most schemes operate in zones, which means journeys should begin and end within defined areas. Check with the operator for details.
Some of the largest schemes are:
* Beryl - Hire lightweight bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters using the Beryl app. Vehicle availability and rules vary from city-to-city. Zones include: Borehamwood; Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole; Brighton and Hove; Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland; Eastleigh; Falmouth and Penryn; Guildford; Hereford; Leeds; Newquay; Norwich; Penzance; Plymouth; Stevenage; Truro; Watford; and Worcester.
* Brompton - Hire compact folding bikes using the Brompton app from more than 80 lockers throughout the UK, in several towns and cities. You can keep the bike for as long as you need. You can choose where you return your bike - check the app for locker availability.
* Forest - Hire dockless e-bikes form your phone in several boroughs throughout London (Camden, City of London, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Merton, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth and Westminster).
* Lime - Hire dockless e-bikes and e-scooters from your phone in London, Derby, Manchester, Milton Keynes and Nottingham. You need a working phone to start and end your journey. Check the app for bike battery life (range) no-ride zones where vehicles can cut out and valid parking areas, which may include e-bike bays.
* Transport for Greater Manchester (Starling Bank Bikes) - Hire bikes and e-bikes from docking stands across Manchester, Salford and Trafford. Journeys must begin and end at a stand. You can unlock bikes using the Starling Bank Bikes app. Beryl operates the scheme in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester.
* Transport for London (Santander Cycles) - Hire bikes and e-bikes from more than 800 docking stations within central London. Journeys must begin and end at a docking station. You can unlock bikes using a bank card at docking stations or by using the app. You can find docking stations throughout inner London and surrounding areas, including Battersea, Bloomsbury, Camden Town, Canary Wharf, The City, Clapham, Hackney, Hammersmith, Hyde Park, Islington, Maida Vale, Soho, Stratford, Westminster and Waterloo. Transport for London (TfL) owns the scheme, sponsored by Santander. They are sometimes known as "Boris Bikes", named after former prime minister Boris Johnson, who was Mayor of London when the first bikes were rolled out.
* Voi - Hire e-bikes and e-scooters from your phone. Vehicle availability and rules vary from city-to-city. Check the app for bike battery life (range), no-ride zones where vehicles can cut out and valid parking areas, which may include e-bike bays. Zones include: Cambridge; Cheltenham; Corby; Gloucester; Isle of Wight; Kettering; Liverpool; London; Northampton; Oxford; Portsmouth; Rushden and Higham Ferrers; Southampton; and Wellingborough.
* West Midlands Cycle Hire - Hire bikes and e-bikes from docking stations throughout the West Midlands, including Birmingham, Coventry, Stourbridge, Walsall, West Bromwich and Wolverhampton. You can unlock bikes using the Beryl app.

### Safety

Do not cycle on pedestrianised streets or roads marked with the no cycling symbol - a black bicycle surrounded by a red ring. Do not cycle on M-roads marked with the motorways symbol (for example, in Leeds). You must stop at red traffic lights, including cycle-only traffic lights. You do not have to use cycle lanes.
Bike theft is a risk in urban areas throughout England and Wales. To minimise the risk of theft, lock your bike to a rack, stand or object which is cemented into the ground. Ensure your frame and front wheel are secured. Securing your back wheel will further minimise the risk of theft. Report thefts to local police forces online or using the ☏ 101 phone number.

## Off-road cycling

Follow the Countryside Code if you are riding off-road.
Cyclists can use bridleways, restricted byways and byways open to all traffic. Check local signage for additional restrictions. Not all bridleways and byways are well maintained, so surfaces vary.
Some forest and national park authorities restrict cyclists to selected routes, usually to prevent damage to nationally significant ecosystems or erosion. Check local maps and signage.

### Mountain biking

Several authorities and private landowners run mountain bike trails - for all abilities. Be aware trails may close for maintenance from time to time. Check before you set out.
Forestry England looks after around 2,500km of cycling trails, with full details online: forestryengland.uk/cycling
Natural Resources Wales looks after forest trails west of the border, with full details online: naturalresources.wales/days-out/things-to-do/mountain-biking/
Trails in England include:
* Cannock Chase: The Monkey Trail, Cannock Chase Forest, Birches Valley, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 2UQ. A Forestry Commission "Grade - Red" course with "Grade - Black" lines featuring unavoidable rocks and rock gardens. The "Grade - Red" route features climbs, jumps, boardwalks and step-ups. (updated Oct 2024)
* Dalby Forest: Black, Dalby Forest, Dalby Forest Visitors Centre, Low Dalby, Thornton-Le-Dale, near Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7LT. A Forestry Commission "Grade - Black" course designed for the most experienced MTB (mountain biking) riders, including elite riders. According to the Forestry Commission, "this is a technical world-class course, only for the best and most expert. There are many steep climbs and challenging descents, including the very rapid descent on Medusa's Drop". (updated Oct 2024)
* Dalby Forest: Riggs and Dales, Dalby Forest, Dalby Forest Visitors Centre, Low Dalby, Thornton-Le-Dale, near Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7LT. A Forestry Commission "Grade - Red" course with climbs and descents. The Forestry Commission describes the route as having "fantastic views" alongside "a good workout". (updated Oct 2024)
* Dalby Forest: Jerry Noddle, Dalby Forest, Dalby Forest Visitors Centre, Low Dalby, Thornton-Le-Dale, near Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7LT. A Forestry Commission "Grade - Red" course designed for proficient riders, with zig-zags and steep berms, plus views over Yorkshire's Langdale. (updated Oct 2024)
* Forest of Dean: Freeminers Trail, Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, Cannop Valley, Gloucestershire, GL16 7EH. A Forestry Commission "Grade - Red" series at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, with three loops and a mixture of steep climbs, descents, drop-offs and rocks. (updated Oct 2024)
* Hadleigh Park, Hadleigh Country Park, Chapel Lane, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 2PP. Home to the London 2012 Olympic Games Cycling MTB (mountain biking) event, Hadleigh Park features several maintained courses "to suit all abilities" which are free to ride. The Olympic Mountain Bike course is 1.1 mi (1.8 km)-long and features sharp descents and climbs. (updated Oct 2024)
* Sherwood Pines: The Outlaw Trail, Sherwood Pines, Kings Clipstone, near Nottingham, NG21 9JL. A 8 mi (13 km)-long Forestry Commission "Grade - Red" course with berms, rocks and roots, through the famous Sherwood Forest (Robin Hood). (updated Oct 2024)
* Thetford Forest: Lime Burner Trail, High Lodge, Thetford Forest, near Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0AF. A Forestry Commission "Grade - Red" course at High Lodge in Suffolk's Thetford Forest. This 10 mi (16 km)-course for experienced riders features drop-offs and rock features. (updated Oct 2024)
* Thetford Forest: High Lodge mountain bike pits, High Lodge, Thetford Forest, near Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 0AF. A Forestry Commission "Grade - Black" course at High Lodge in Suffolk's Thetford Forest. The Forestry Commission has described this course as "severe, challenging and extremely difficult". (updated Oct 2024)
* Whinlatter Forest: Red mountain bike trail, Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, near Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW. A 12 mi (19 km)-long Forestry Commission "Grade - Red" course in the Lake District. It is divided into a north and south loop and designed for proficient mountain bikers. (updated Oct 2024)
Trails in Wales include:
* Afan Forest Park, Afan Forest Park, near Port Talbot, SA13 3HG. Afan Forest Park features a selection of trails in the Welsh foothills - between the sandy beach at Aberavon and the steep Brecon Beacons climbs. Y Wal and Penhydd trails are both red-rated by Natural Resources Wales, with steep hills, berms, rocks, drop-offs and water crossings. (updated Oct 2024)
* BikePark Wales, Gethin Woodland Centre, Abercanaid, near Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1YZ. Beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert and pro-line routes, with plenty of downhills, at a large purpose-built all-weather MTB resort. (updated Oct 2024)
* Brechfa Forest, Byrgwm, near Carmarthen, SA32 7RD. Ride the red-graded Gorlech Trail or black-rated (expert) Raven Trail at Brechfa Forest, with steep descents and climbs, jumps and switchbacks. (updated Oct 2024)
* Coed y Brenin, Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre, near Dolgellau, LL40 2HZ. Natural Resources Wales maintains a series of trails at Coed y Brenin, including the red-graded Cyflym Coch and Dragon's Back, and the black-graded Beast Trail. Some trails can last several hours with "continuous difficulty" - with exposed open hill sections, water crossings, berms, rocks and roots. (updated Oct 2024)

### Traffic-free routes

There are a great many town-to-town traffic-free routes. Some are well surfaced/maintained. These include:
* Bishop's Stortford - Braintree (Flitch Trail) - ride between Bishop's Stortford (Birchanger) and Braintree town centre in Essex along the traffic-free Flitch Trail. There is a short section through Great Dunmow which is shared with motor traffic. It is part of National Cycle Network Route 16.
* Cambridge - St Ives - ride between Cambridge and St Ives past Histon, Longstanton and Swavesey. The route is well surfaced with access points at Cambridge North railway station (near the River Cam), A1309 Milton Road, B1049 Bridge Road and B1050 Station Road. It follows the guided busway route, known as The Busway. It is part of National Cycle Network Route 51.
* Cardiff Bay - Pontsticill - starting at Cardiff Bay, National Cycle Network route 8 has only short sections of shared road between the Welsh capital and the hilly Brecon Beacons. This mostly traffic-free route roughly follows the River Taff through Cardiff city centre, the industrial Welsh valleys including Pontypridd, Abercynon and Merthyr Tydfil, and into the mountains beyond.
* Canary Wharf - Ware - ride between Canary Wharf and rural Hertfordshire on an almost entirely traffic-free route (with short sections shared with motor vehicles on quiet urban streets). The route passes Mile End, Hackney, Tottenham, Enfield, Waltham Abbey, Broxbourne and St Margarets. It follows the Regent's Canal, Hertford Union Canal and Lee Navigation towpaths, which are part of National Cycle Networks routes 1 and 61.
* Hyde Park - Limehouse - ride through central London via Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Blackfriars and the Tower of London. The route is very busy with cyclists, particularly during the morning and evening "rush hours", and involves several traffic crossings, controlled by traffic lights. The route is completely segregated from motor traffic. It is part of London Cycleway 3 (C3).
* Princes Risborough - Thame (Phoenix Trail) - this flat, rural route is traffic-free between Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire and Thame in Oxfordshire, part of National Cycle Network route 57.
* Shoreham-by-Sea - Guildford - ride more than 35 mi (56 km) between England's South Coast and Surrey's cathedral city, with short sections of route shared with motor traffic. Parts of National Cycle Network routes 223 and 22, the signposted link passes Steyning, Southwater, Cranleigh and Bramley.
* Stockton-on-Tees - Seaham - National Cycle Network route 1 is well surfaced, fairly flat and almost entirely traffic free between Stockton-on-Tees and Shoreham, via Thorpe Thewles and Wingate. It uses the Castle Eden Walkway between Stockton and Castle Eden. The route crosses several major roads, where cyclists should give way to motor traffic.

## Itineraries

* Cuckoo Trail, a 14 mi (23 km) surfaced track through the Sussex countryside.
* Great Glen Way, a 79 mi (127 km) route for walkers and mountain bike in the Scottish Highlands.
* Speyside Way is a walking and cycling route in Northeast Scotland.

## See also

* Cycling in Scotland
* Inland waterways in the United Kingdom - some canal towpaths are suitable for cycling.