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Does the speed limit apply to bicycles?
Speeding on a bike – reckless or illegal? While standard road rules generally apply to cyclists, there are a few grey areas that may lead to confusion.
Speed limits are generally not set specifically for cyclists on public roads. Only motor vehicles are subject to speeding laws. It makes sense if you consider the logic behind the law – you will be hard-pressed to reach a speed of 60mph on your pedal bike. That said, you can get a speeding fine when you exceed the cycling speed limits in royal parks.
Zooming around on your bicycle may be dangerous, but not unlawful. You should always consider your surroundings and not pose a threat to the public. You may receive a fine for cycling recklessly, but not for speeding as such.
If you think that you have been wrongfully fined for exceeding the speed limit on your bike, our guide will shed some light on what the law says and what you can and cannot do when cycling.
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Are cyclists subject to speed limits?
Under UK law, the Road Traffic Act and the Highway Code stipulate that speeding limits are only applicable to motor vehicles. Therefore, speeding laws apply to cars, motorcycles, buses, trucks and other vehicles, but not bicycles.
In essence, a quick cycle to the corner shop or a leisurely day trip on your bicycle doesn’t require you to watch your speed. You should only keep your speed in check for your safety and those around you, but there is technically no speed limit imposed on you.
One example of an exception is cycling in some royal parks, as we have briefly mentioned. If you exceed a posted speed limit that applies to cyclists in a royal park, you could potentially be liable to pay a fine under the relevant bylaws. The speed limits are different in most parks and are detailed below:
- In some parks, local rules or bylaws provide that speed limits should not exceed 10mph.
- Park roads in Bushy Park, Greenwich Park, and Richmond Park are set at speed limits not exceeding 20mph.
- Green Park, Hyde Park (excluding Serpentine Road), St James’s Park, and Regent’s Park are set at a much higher speed limit than most parks in the UK. The speed limit in these parks is set at 30mph.
- On Serpentine Road in Hyde Park and the park road from Kingston Gate in Hampton Court Park, the speed limits are set at 15mph.
As long as you stay within any speed limits that lawfully apply to you in royal parks, and comply with other applicable rules, the police generally cannot impose a speeding-related penalty on you.
Speeding fines aside, some laws can get you into trouble if you’re cycling recklessly and without regard for the safety of others.
Is there a speed limit on a cycle path?
Cyclists are not obligated by law to use the cycle lane and cycle track. It is merely seen as a safer option, and you should consider using either the cycle lanes next to public roads or cycle tracks that are separate from the carriageways. These facilities ensure safer passage for cyclists, but ultimately the choice is yours.
Although there are no set speed limits for cycle paths, some offroad cycle paths indicate a limit of 15mph. Some speed limits also suggest that any speed above 18mph on a bicycle should instead be done on the road. This is not a law but more of a suggestion.
What is the speed limit for an electric bike?
Electric bikes can be ridden anywhere where it’s legal for a standard bicycle to ride, provided you are over the age of 14, in line with the definition of electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) set out on GOV.UK .UK. For an EAPC, no driving licence, insurance or vehicle registration is required, although appropriate safety gear is strongly recommended. This applies to standard electric bikes with motors no bigger than 250W, where the motor does not provide power when the bike is travelling more than 15.5mph.
If the electric assistance works beyond 15.5mph or the motor’s power exceeds 250W, it is no longer classified as an EAPC but is treated as a moped or motorcycle. You need to be at least 16 years old to ride a moped under UK law and have the appropriate licence. Mopeds are also subject to legal requirements such as wearing an approved helmet, vehicle registration, tax (where applicable) and insurance.
Can you get a speeding ticket on a bicycle?
Since there are generally no specific speeding limits set for cyclists on most public roads, it is uncommon for a cyclist to be penalised solely for exceeding a particular speed, although other offences may still apply.
Careless or inconsiderate cycling is a criminal offence and may lead to a fine of up to £1,000. Dangerous cycling can lead to a fine of up to £2,500. The latter applies to more serious cases where cyclists have no regard for the safety of other road users.
If you are riding side by side or with a passenger, you should also take precautions with excessive speed. According to Rule 66 of the Highway Code, cyclists may ride two abreast where it is safe and appropriate to do so, but should be considerate of other road users. Still, you are unlikely to receive a speeding fine simply for riding side by side – but you can be fined or otherwise sanctioned if you do not comply with applicable road traffic laws or local rules when riding with others.
There are also many bylaws that could land you in hot water if they are not followed. For instance, Bournemouth Promenade has a permanent speed limit of 10mph. It’s always wise to first check in with the local authorities on speeding laws for cycling.
You are also allowed to carry passengers at certain times. If you are carrying a passenger, the bicycle should be built for that purpose. A longtail cargo or child seat is also allowed, and you cannot be fined for riding with a passenger.
While cyclists are technically and legally not obliged to adhere to speed limits on public roads, it is sensible and safer to think about your speed and slow down in areas with high traffic.
If you have been complying with the rules of the road, you may wish to consult a solicitor to find out what you can do if you believe you have been wrongfully fined.
Other cycling laws
It is worth mentioning that if you do not have the correct pedals on your bicycle, it might be illegal to ride it at night. Between dusk and dawn, all UK riders are required to use lights and certain reflectors. According to Rule 60 of the Highway Code, cycles must have white front and red rear lights lit, be fitted with a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors (if manufactured after 1/10/85), and may also be fitted with additional reflectors for safety.
You might not be prosecuted for using the wrong pedals alone, but you could face a potential fine or a bicycle injury claim made against you if you are involved in an accident caused by your negligence.
Read More: Is it illegal to ride a bicycle when drunk?
Should you consider your speed when cycling?
Responsibility is a choice, and you should be riding and cycling responsibly and with care for the safety of those around you. Speeding is not a crime on a bicycle as such. If you have been wrongfully fined for speeding on a standard pedal bicycle, you may seek the assistance of a solicitor to guide you through the necessary steps.
