Is it illegal to cycle on the pavement in the UK?

Is it illegal to ride a bike on the pavement?

The simple answer to this is yes. Rule 64 of the Highway Code states you must not cycle on a pavement. This is supported by section 72 of the Highway Act 1835, which prohibits ‘wilfully riding’ on footpaths, this refers to the path at the side of a carriageway. The original law from 1835 doesn’t refer to bicycles or cyclists (as bicycles weren’t in such common use in England as they are today) and it doesn’t mention pavements - as this is a modern word. However, the interpretation is clear - it’s not legal for a cyclist to ride their bike on the pavement.

The offence of riding a bike on the pavement is punishable by an on-the-spot fine, a fixed penalty notice of £30. This is charged under Schedule 3 and Section 51 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.

Cycling laws: Can you be fined for cycling on the pavement?

In a lot of cases there is leniency, especially if the cyclist is seen to be being considerate of pedestrians walking by. Most police officers, if they spot a cyclist breaking the law, would informally warn the person that what they’re doing is illegal and advise them to dismount or leave the pavement immediately. Due to this, only a very small number of cyclists are fined for riding on the pavement in the UK.

However, repeat offenders or those who put pedestrians or others in danger could be fined or face legal action. In fact, Greater Manchester Police conducted a two-week crackdown on inconsiderate cycling behaviour in 2015. This involved handing out over 40 fines to cyclists who were caught ignoring red traffic lights, having no lights on their bike and riding on pavements.

There are also other laws that a cyclist using the pavement could fall foul of, such as careless or furious cycling. If you’re on your bike and you ride onto the pavement and collide with a pedestrian, or otherwise harm anyone or damage property, you could be prosecuted for careless cycling.

The offence of furious cycling, one that dates back to 1861, is similar but involves the reckless and potentially dangerous speed of a cyclist. Cycling too quickly and injuring someone could lead to a two-year prison sentence, while careless cycling could result in a £1,000 or £2,500 fine.

Further to this, in May 2024, the government agreed to introduce new laws so cyclists who kill or seriously injure someone due to dangerous cycling, or who kill through careless cycling, face the same penalties as drivers and motorcyclists who do so.

Why do people cycle on the pavement?

In many cases, cyclists use the pavement because they consider the road to be too dangerous with the way cars are driving, particularly during peak commuting hours. The pavement may simply be the safer option for them.

It could be that there’s an obstacle in the road that makes it temporarily hazardous for a cyclist to pass, or another feature of the road layout that makes a particular spot easier to travel through by diverting onto the pavement.

In other cases, cyclists simply choose to use pavements to save time, particularly where there is a lot of traffic and a reasonably wide pavement.

Another common reason for pavement cycling is where children are involved. Parents may not feel that it’s safe for children to cycle on busy or particularly hazardous roads - especially when there’s no cycle lane. Very young children may also be learning how to cycle, with training wheels on their very first bike. Of course, in the vast majority of cases, young children will not cause an obstruction or represent a danger to anyone when cycling on the pavement. Children under the age of 10 are also under the age of criminal responsibility, but it’s important to be aware that this age drops to eight years old for those cycling in Scotland.

What are the rules for cycling on the road?

The basic rules for the cyclists in the road are the same for anyone on the road; follow the Highway Code and abide by the laws of the road. Cyclists should:

• give way to pedestrians,
• use arm signals to indicate your intention to turn or change lane,
• avoid riding on the pavement, and
• use designated cycle paths or routes where available.

Cyclists should always pay attention to surroundings and make safe choices based on the traffic around them. Wearing clothes that are visible and riding in the middle of a lane will help to avoid collisions that cause injury.

Section 59 of the Highway Code explains the appropriate clothing cyclists should wear to make it easier for other road users to spot them and help to keep them safe:

• Helmet – Your cycle helmet should conform to the current regulations, be the correct size for your head and be securely fastened.
• Appropriate fitted clothing – Your clothing should be tight fitted and there should be no risk of it getting tangled in the chain or wheel of your bicycle.
• Light coloured clothing – Light and fluorescent clothing will help you to stand out in daylight and poor light.
• Reflective accessories – Strips on the helmet, as well as armbands and ankle bands will help you be seen in the dark.

Can a pedestrian start a personal injury claim against a cyclist?

Yes, a pedestrian injured by a cyclist while on a pavement can make a claim. Even if the police don’t commonly penalise those who cycle on the pavement, this is another deterrent that both cyclists and pedestrians should be aware of. If a cyclist uses the pavement and injures a pedestrian, or causes damage to their property, distress or undue alarm, it could result in a personal injury compensation claim.

The pedestrian can seek compensation for:

• pain and suffering,
• medical expenses,
• emotional or psychological distress
• loss of earnings if they’re unable to work due to their injuries.

If a cyclist is proven to have broken the law and cycled on the pavement, as well as cycling carelessly or recklessly, it’s likely that they’ll be judged to be at fault. This can mean that the pedestrian’s compensation claim is successful, and the cyclist is left facing the cost.

Our team have extensive experience in all kinds of road traffic accidents and personal injury claims, including those involving cyclists. We provide honest, realistic legal advice that you can rely on.

What can I do if I've been injured on the road as a cyclist?

If you’ve been injured by someone riding on the pavement, the team at Slater and Gordon Lawyers could help you to pursue a personal injury claim. Our specialist solicitors can also help cyclists who face legal action as a result of cycling on the pavement, accusations of careless cycling or involvement in a road traffic accident.

For information and legal advice on a cycling-related issue, please don’t hesitate to contact Slater and Gordon Lawyers. Call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.

*All information was correct at the time of publication.