Does the speed limit apply to cyclists?

[Parrot of Doom]

Is it an offence to cycle at a speed in excess of the posted limit, regardless of the standard of riding?

[flemke]

Yes. Chris Boardman, amongst others, once set off a speed camera and received a summons.

[njwc]

Can you get points on your driving licence for speeding on a bicycle ?

[Balmoral Green]

How do you receive a summons without a number plate? and how do you give someone a fixed penalty and points when they dont have a licence?

Seen many a cyclist set off those flashing 'Slow down - 30' signs.

[outnumbered]

There's a Gatso in Chesham in a 30 limit at the bottom of quite a steep hill. I never managed to set it off on my own, but I reckon a group of cyclists who really went for it might manage it...

[choc]

i hit the wonderous speed of 42MPH on my old cross-country bike on a downhill stretch in a 30 limit, even managed to overtake a car of course this was in a controlled environment

[bimsb6]

you can get points for a licence you dont yet have ! usually applies to scrotes taking vehicles when underage or without a valid licence ,
so you can get a ban before passing the test .not sure how you go about getting a licence whilst banned tho ?

[mutt k]

There have been stories in the press about cyclists being stopped for speeding. Ex mate of mine reckoned he was stopped once for doing 31 in a 30, and given a warning, but as he is a big fat liar, I have my doubts. Which is why he is an ex mate. Iirc there was also a story a while back about someone in Scotland who was clocked in excess of 60 coming down a mountain road. Cue headlines of "policemen could not believe their eyes" etc.

[xxplod]

You couldn't be prosecuted for speeding on a cycle, (AFAIK) although there are offences of careless and dangerous cycling. Cyclists CAN be prosecuted for riding through red lights, on pavements and without lights. Although strangely most of them think they're exempt from all laws.

[princeperch]

xxplod said:

You couldn't be prosecuted for speeding on a cycle, (AFAIK) although there are offences of careless and dangerous cycling. Cyclists CAN be prosecuted for riding through red lights, on pavements and without lights. Although strangely most of them think they're exempt from all laws.

Thats quite true, there is no statutory requirement for a pedal cycle to have a speedo,there is no way in law a speeding fine could be imposed.

however I came across these:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/3619372.st

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/09/03/nbike03.xml

[catso]

Once they bring in widespread 20mph limits, we may see more 'killer' cyclists

[princeperch]

catso said:

Once they bring in widespread 20mph limits, we may see more 'killer' cyclists

No we wont - they'll bung a speed camera there or a talivan, and that'll make everything ok..

Won't it?

[flemke]

xxplod said:

You couldn't be prosecuted for speeding on a cycle, (AFAIK) although there are offences of careless and dangerous cycling. Cyclists CAN be prosecuted for riding through red lights, on pavements and without lights. Although strangely most of them think they're exempt from all laws.

Doesn't the speeding offence date from the 19th century? I think that in the law it is still known as "furious cycling", which we call "speeding".

[vipers]

As a motorist, and cyclists, I would just add that bikes doing 30 mph, take a consideable time/distance to stop, and when that bloody pedestrian steps out, you may well come off worse, so all you cyclists out there, take care.

As far as the speeding ticket goes, I have absolutely no idea, but I do recall someone out on a training ride in London a couple of years ago being done for exceeding the 30 mph limit, anyone else remember that?

[vipers]

princeperch said:

xxplod said: You couldn't be prosecuted for speeding on a cycle, (AFAIK) although there are offences of careless and dangerous cycling. Cyclists CAN be prosecuted for riding through red lights, on pavements and without lights. Although strangely most of them think they're exempt from all laws. Thats quite true, there is no statutory requirement for a pedal cycle to have a speedo,there is no way in law a speeding fine could be imposed. however I came across these: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/3619372.st www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/09/03/nbike03.xml

Another strong case of EDUCATE THE BLOODY PEDESTRIANS, fine those who step out without looking back, fine jay walkers, the law must work both ways, for us on 2 or 4 wheels, and those on shankies pony.

And why not increase the speed limit on said prom to say 20 mph.

[vipers]

Quinny said:

xxplod said: Although strangely most of them think they're exempt from all laws. You're right there. I once advised a cyclist who was riding in dark clothing on an unlit road, in pitch black, that lights might be a good idea, as I'd just nearly killed him. Apparantly I should have just ed off, as I was a anchor I think thats what he said anyway.

A lot of them obviously do think they are above the law, ride through red lights, ride on pavements, ride past pedestrians on crossings. As far as lighting goes, my phylosophie on my bike is the same as when I am in the care, SEE AND BE SEEN.

[7db]

There's an offence of "furious cycling" which is embarrassing to be charged with, I understand...

[nelly1]

Quinny said:

xxplod said: Although strangely most of them think they're exempt from all laws. You're right there. I once advised a cyclist who was riding in dark clothing on an unlit road, in pitch black, that lights might be a good idea, as I'd just nearly killed him. Apparantly I should have just ed off, as I was a anchor I think thats what he said anyway.

I hear you, Buddy!!

I nearly squished a young girl t'other night.
She was wearing the obligatory 'commando' gear, no lights, no reflectors, swerving a good 4 feet from the kerb and back.
I only noticed her (at the last second) because of the blue glow from her mobile phone she was sending a text on!!!

I got a similar response when I stopped and tried to tell her how close she came to being a beefburger!

FFS, what's wrong with these people?

[princeperch]

I actually had a rather nasty altercation with a cyclist in Stevenage not so long ago. Coming past the public golf course and this "racing" cyclist was in the middle of the single lane road, (NSL) and holding up everyone. There was too much road furniture to overtake and it was very busy as it was.

So nothing to do but wait. and wait. and wait.

Eventually went for the overtake, pushed the button for the passenger window, and drove past at a sedate speed, reminding the aforementioned cyclist he didn’t in fact own the road and it is there for the use of others.

Had a quick look in my rear view, this guy was apoplectic, shaking his fist etc calling me a ,- i thought me was going to fall off.

however he developed a case of the shits when the Scooby turbo behind me overtook him and me and about 3 other cars doing warp speed…

He put his hands on his handlebar pretty swift I can tell you..

If it was one of the morons a la wavy davy gravy from C+, I live locally, so please don’t come on here spouting off about me hiding behind a computer screen.

Id gladly meet up with you any day to discuss the dire standard of cycling you were demonstrating.

[IaHa]

Section 89 of Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 defines the speeding legislation, and it definitely only covers motor vehicles.

Sec 28 and 29 of Road Traffic Act 1988 covers dangerous and careless cycling.

Furious cycling is an offence covered by the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, and a prerequisite is to cause bodily harm.