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whats the law for riding 2 abreast - Page 2

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tonythegreek	21 May 09:27
Joined: 08 Oct 2008 Posts: 45 Bike: My Profile	i have been getting some comments about me and my friend riding two abreast (on quiet country roads) i was told that it was legal to do so,but now i am thinking IS IT? nothing i can see in the highway code am i abiding or breaking the law please help!
My Latest Route: Apr 2009 New Hartley Circular via Seaton Burn

geeka	20 Dec 07:28
Joined: 06 Apr 2010 Posts: 50 Bike: My Profile	Common sense skiad1, I think what you said is spot on. I cycle and drive and seeing people ambling along 2 abreast causing traffic jams near me (narrow yorkshire roads) really annoys me, its all about abit of common courtesy. Unfortunately alot of people on the roads no matter if its cyclists, cars, buses and lorries have this. It would be interesting to all swap situations for a day to understand each others point of view. Might be afew lightbulb moments methinks!

geeka

20 Dec 07:28

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Common sense skiad1, I think what you said is spot on. I cycle and drive and seeing people ambling along 2 abreast causing traffic jams near me (narrow yorkshire roads) really annoys me, its all about abit of common courtesy. Unfortunately alot of people on the roads no matter if its cyclists, cars, buses and lorries have this. It would be interesting to all swap situations for a day to understand each others point of view. Might be afew lightbulb moments methinks!

Coatsey	21 Jul 09:25
Joined: 21 Jul 2012 Posts: 1 Bike:	This was taken direct from the Gov website... Third one down. Why would you want to annoy someone deliberately.... Today I had approximately 60 riders on a country lane with a speed limit of 60mph doing 20mph single, double and three abreast for miles. They left no gaps and cars whilst trying to be careful needed to get on with their journey. I was not in a rush, had the roof down and was quite happy until even a motorbike got frustrated and nearly killed himself after waiting behind me and them for awhile. I eventually overtook a few when i saw a gap, got beeped at my a driver coming fast the other way, it was a 60 after all, and when I slowed down to suggest they leave gaps for traffic was shouted down. I passed a few more by now irritated at the abuse I suffered whilst trying to be constructive and stopped and spoke with some of them.. I've never seen reasonable people act as a group so stupidly and even defend their cycling style. Even after I said it was about their safety. One guy even wanted to have a fight. The people ranged from mid twenty's to 60's. By now both them and I were really agitated. So if you ride a bike remember you don't pay road fund and ultimately it is you that get hurt whilst the driver is left with trauma. The rules below are clear and when I ride I follow these... Oh and yes there are stupid drivers but why make it easier for an accident. I'm shocked at the attitude of so called well to do people when in a group, or should I say pack. No. 66 You should keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or changing gear keep both feet on the pedals never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends not ride close behind another vehicle not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled up with your wheels or chain be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians. Let them know you are there when necessary, for example, by ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted

Coatsey

21 Jul 09:25

Joined: 21 Jul 2012

Posts: 1

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This was taken direct from the Gov website... Third one down. Why would you want to annoy someone deliberately.... Today I had approximately 60 riders on a country lane with a speed limit of 60mph doing 20mph single, double and three abreast for miles. They left no gaps and cars whilst trying to be careful needed to get on with their journey. I was not in a rush, had the roof down and was quite happy until even a motorbike got frustrated and nearly killed himself after waiting behind me and them for awhile. I eventually overtook a few when i saw a gap, got beeped at my a driver coming fast the other way, it was a 60 after all, and when I slowed down to suggest they leave gaps for traffic was shouted down. I passed a few more by now irritated at the abuse I suffered whilst trying to be constructive and stopped and spoke with some of them..

I've never seen reasonable people act as a group so stupidly and even defend their cycling style. Even after I said it was about their safety. One guy even wanted to have a fight. The people ranged from mid twenty's to 60's. By now both them and I were really agitated.

So if you ride a bike remember you don't pay road fund and ultimately it is you that get hurt whilst the driver is left with trauma. The rules below are clear and when I ride I follow these... Oh and yes there are stupid drivers but why make it easier for an accident. I'm shocked at the attitude of so called well to do people when in a group, or should I say pack.

No. 66

You should keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or changing gear

keep both feet on the pedals

never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends

not ride close behind another vehicle

not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled up with your wheels or chain

be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians. Let them know you are there when necessary, for example, by ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted

leelee	22 Jul 12:02
Joined: 10 Feb 2012 Posts: 30 Bike: My Profile	i have always known that a cycleist has the same rights as anybody else that is to ride in the centre of your lane i have knowen this all my days also any moter car / bus whatever/has to give a metre gap when passing the same applies to standing cars / this is so you dont hit a door that may be opened as you pass/. all cycle lanesa are about one metre wide for this reason i dont know this as law /except you can use the centre of your lane /2 a breast is just a thing that takes up the same space as one there is no harm as cars/ bus /wagon have to pass as safly as possable one or two or three because your question involves back lanes i would not do it as they are not very wide an may cause acident cyclists have to abide as well as anyone commen sence decides happy pedlin

leelee

22 Jul 12:02

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i have always known that a cycleist has the same rights as anybody else that is to ride in the centre of your lane i have knowen this all my days
also any moter car / bus whatever/has to give a metre gap when passing the same applies to standing cars / this is so you dont hit a door that may be opened as you pass/.
all cycle lanesa are about one metre wide for this reason
i dont know this as law /except you can use the centre of your lane /2 a breast is just a thing that takes up the same space as one
there is no harm as cars/ bus /wagon have to pass as safly as possable one or two or three
because your question involves back lanes i would not do it as they are not very wide an may cause acident
cyclists have to abide as well as anyone commen sence decides
happy pedlin

lexyboy	27 Jul 12:47
Joined: 27 Jul 2012 Posts: 1 Bike:	why would you want to do this? No reason other than to make as big a nuisance as possible,oooh look at me i'm a cyclist and i'm riding two a breast just because I can! pathetic. as for those who say it makes them safer well the mind boggles and low and behold the only decent drivers on the roads are also cyclists wtf. High time you guys were forced not to do this as common sense just doesn't seem to prevail when it comes to cyclists who have such an obvious chip on there shoulder as reguards motorists. Oh while I,m on the subject if you are involved in a collision with a much hated motorist while trying to piss them off YOU will come off worst, wise up!!

lexyboy

27 Jul 12:47

Joined: 27 Jul 2012

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why would you want to do this? No reason other than to make as big a nuisance as possible,oooh look at me i'm a cyclist and i'm riding two a breast just because I can! pathetic. as for those who say it makes them safer well the mind boggles and low and behold the only decent drivers on the roads are also cyclists wtf. High time you guys were forced not to do this as common sense just doesn't seem to prevail when it comes to cyclists who have such an obvious chip on there shoulder as reguards motorists. Oh while I,m on the subject if you are involved in a collision with a much hated motorist while trying to piss them off YOU will come off worst, wise up!!

kea	17 Aug 14:20
Joined: 17 Aug 2012 Posts: 1 Bike:	I cycle 2 abreast because its an enjoyable pastime and part of that involves talking to fellow cyclists although of course not on busy or main roads. when on a club run hopefully riders are aware that there is a build up of traffic and act accordingly.Lexy boy seems to be one of a group of motorists who thinks it would be ok to collide with a cyclist because they have been inconvenienced. I think it is you that needs to wise up

kea

17 Aug 14:20

Joined: 17 Aug 2012

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I cycle 2 abreast because its an enjoyable pastime and part of that involves talking to fellow cyclists although of course not on busy or main roads. when on a club run hopefully riders are aware that there is a build up of traffic and act accordingly.Lexy boy seems to be one of a group of motorists who thinks it would be ok to collide with a cyclist because they have been inconvenienced. I think it is you that needs to wise up

BusterG	20 Aug 06:19
Joined: 25 Feb 2010 Posts: 372 Bike: My Profile	Well said KEA! Law says riding 2 abreast is ok as it equates to a car width. Reason says go single file if cars are about to err on safety side. About Lexyboy - well from the sounds of it - is too angry to have a mate to cycle with so hasnt felt the benefits of cycling 2 abreats yet.
My Latest Route: Oct 2013 Liss

corrwg1	22 Aug 15:29
Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 2 Bike:	Rules for cyclists (59-82) 66 You should never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends I hope this puts beyond all doubt what Directgov states concerning this matter. Single file on narrow and busy roads.

corrwg1	22 Aug 15:35
Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 2 Bike:	Directgov The Highway Code Rules for cyclists (59-82) 66 You should never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends I hope this makes it clear as to what Directgov instructs concerning this matter.

IanAlexander	08 Jun 10:04
Joined: 08 Jun 2013 Posts: 1 Bike:	Rule 66 of the Rules for cyclists states "never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends" this can be found here https://www.gov.uk/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82/overview-59-to-71 . This would mean that if you rode two abreast on a narrow road or in busy traffic at the discretion of the traffic officer involved you could be charged with an offence, most likely failure to pay due care and attention, which of course if you hold a driving licence would get you an endorsement and under new tariffs a minimum of Â£100 fine up to Â£2500. However it is unlikely an officer would book you for it unless he's noticed you before and feels your a serious risk to your own or other road users safety. Ian

IanAlexander

08 Jun 10:04

Joined: 08 Jun 2013

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Rule 66 of the Rules for cyclists states "never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends" this can be found here https://www.gov.uk/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82/overview-59-to-71 . This would mean that if you rode two abreast on a narrow road or in busy traffic at the discretion of the traffic officer involved you could be charged with an offence, most likely failure to pay due care and attention, which of course if you hold a driving licence would get you an endorsement and under new tariffs a minimum of Â£100 fine up to Â£2500. However it is unlikely an officer would book you for it unless he's noticed you before and feels your a serious risk to your own or other road users safety.

Ian

stumpydogman	22 Sep 09:49
Joined: 27 Jun 2013 Posts: 1 Bike:	Just noting the last reply. You cannot receive fixed penalty against your driving licence when on a bike. Sense says that on narrow roads it would be best not to cycle two abreast. There is not specific law in the road traffic act for cycling two abreast, and the Highway Code is just that, a code and guideline for this. Be sensible and be safe.

RussF	22 Sep 17:58
Joined: 10 Jun 2013 Posts: 6 Bike:	Highway Code Rule 66: never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends I enjoy riding 2 abreast but I am mindful of vehicles approaching when I'll move over to single file asap. Oddly, in my experience I find it is the middle aged male Road bike rider that'll be the stubborn 'Road Tart' that insists on hogging the road and would rather be confrontational instead of simply moving over so as to allow other road users to progress safely.

RussF

22 Sep 17:58

Joined: 10 Jun 2013

Posts: 6

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Highway Code Rule 66: never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends
I enjoy riding 2 abreast but I am mindful of vehicles approaching when I'll move over to single file asap.
Oddly, in my experience I find it is the middle aged male Road bike rider that'll be the stubborn 'Road Tart' that insists on hogging the road and would rather be confrontational instead of simply moving over so as to allow other road users to progress safely.

Ironbob	07 Oct 04:24
Joined: 07 Oct 2013 Posts: 1 Bike:	There is a difference between 'Should' and 'Must'... for example: You 'SHOULD' wear a cycle helmet... At night your cycle 'MUST' have white front and red rear lights lit. You can't get done for not wearing a helmet but you can get done for not having lights. This means that cycling two abreast, whilst not ideal in some situations isn't actually breaking the law - even if on a busy, narrow road going around a bend! p.s. Paying road fund licence has nothing to do with it - so not a valid justification for any cyclist Vs motorist arguments!

Ironbob

07 Oct 04:24

Joined: 07 Oct 2013

Posts: 1

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There is a difference between 'Should' and 'Must'... for example: You 'SHOULD' wear a cycle helmet... At night your cycle 'MUST' have white front and red rear lights lit. You can't get done for not wearing a helmet but you can get done for not having lights. This means that cycling two abreast, whilst not ideal in some situations isn't actually breaking the law - even if on a busy, narrow road going around a bend!

p.s. Paying road fund licence has nothing to do with it - so not a valid justification for any cyclist Vs motorist arguments!

rustyspoke	07 Oct 05:18
Joined: 28 Aug 2011 Posts: 244 Bike: My Profile	The law or the Highway code rule has been explained here and really there is no more need for any comment BUT here we go Speaking a cyclist and a HGV driver ride with consideration for all on the road. If your out on a club run get the back markers to call out when the are cars approaching and drop into single file as soon as possible. Cycling in the UK is not regarded as the done thing as over the years the cycling world has been hijacked by people who ride through red lights and on the pavement or just have there own agenda I have been a cyclist since I was since 13 and that's a very long time ago now as I have a bus pass now and all that goes with that. I still ride everyday and do an average distance of weekly miles around 100 Just give everyone a bit of respect now and then and we might all just get along Only ride in a bunch or two a breast when its safe and pay attention at all times There we are rant over and non cyclist on here just have to live with us

rustyspoke

07 Oct 05:18

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The law or the Highway code rule has been explained here and really there is no more need for any comment BUT here we go
Speaking a cyclist and a HGV driver ride with consideration for all on the road.
If your out on a club run get the back markers to call out when the are cars approaching and drop into single file as soon as possible.

Cycling in the UK is not regarded as the done thing as over the years the cycling world has been hijacked by people who ride through red lights and on the pavement or just have there
own agenda
I have been a cyclist since I was since 13 and that's a very long time ago now
as I have a bus pass now and all that goes with that.
I still ride everyday and do an average distance of weekly miles around 100
Just give everyone a bit of respect now and then and we might all just get along
Only ride in a bunch or two a breast when its safe and pay attention at all times
There we are rant over and non cyclist on here just have to live with us

Twoabreastbugsme	21 Feb 10:05
Joined: 21 Feb 2015 Posts: 2 Bike:	I have the utmost respect for cyclists. I won't ride one unless on a dedicated cycle path. Bikes on 60mph roads just isn't right to me. I'm too scared. Cyclists riding single file... I will wait until it's safe to pass. I will look ahead for potholes and drains etc and when I pass i indicate and give plenty of room to keep them safe. Cyclists riding 2 abreast and causing problems... I will pass them by the skin of their teeth and lean on the horn. If they hit a pot hole then tough, I hope they do and damage their bikes. Cyclists riding in a "herd" like sheep more than 2 abreast on a country road and not leaving any spaces for vehicles to overtake a little at a time like a half mike convoy deserve to get mown over. Cantankerous contempt breeding idiots.

Twoabreastbugsme

21 Feb 10:05

Joined: 21 Feb 2015

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I have the utmost respect for cyclists. I won't ride one unless on a dedicated cycle path. Bikes on 60mph roads just isn't right to me. I'm too scared.
Cyclists riding single file... I will wait until it's safe to pass. I will look ahead for potholes and drains etc and when I pass i indicate and give plenty of room to keep them safe.

Cyclists riding 2 abreast and causing problems... I will pass them by the skin of their teeth and lean on the horn. If they hit a pot hole then tough, I hope they do and damage their bikes.

Cyclists riding in a "herd" like sheep more than 2 abreast on a country road and not leaving any spaces for vehicles to overtake a little at a time like a half mike convoy deserve to get mown over.

Cantankerous contempt breeding idiots.

Twoabreastbugsme	21 Feb 10:09
Joined: 21 Feb 2015 Posts: 2 Bike:	And as for passing on the left and ridiculously high powered front flashing lights aimed right in the face of drivers.... Don't get me started there.

megaman	21 Sep 05:29
Joined: 21 Sep 2016 Posts: 2 Bike:	@ Kea "Lexy boy seems to be one of a group of motorists who thinks it would be ok to collide with a cyclist because they have been inconvenienced" This is called a strawman argument. Lexy Boy never said such a thing, you have simply made it up and responded as if he had been the one who said it. Behaving in this manner discredits YOU not the person you disagree with because it highlights the fact that you dont have a response to his argument.

megaman

21 Sep 05:29

Joined: 21 Sep 2016

Posts: 2

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@ Kea

"Lexy boy seems to be one of a group of motorists who thinks it would be ok to collide with a cyclist because they have been inconvenienced"

This is called a strawman argument.
Lexy Boy never said such a thing, you have simply made it up and responded as if he had been the one who said it.

Behaving in this manner discredits YOU not the person you disagree with because it highlights the fact that you dont have a response to his argument.

megaman	21 Sep 05:30
Joined: 21 Sep 2016 Posts: 2 Bike:	@ Kea "Lexy boy seems to be one of a group of motorists who thinks it would be ok to collide with a cyclist because they have been inconvenienced" This is called a strawman argument. Lexy Boy never said such a thing, you have simply made it up and responded as if he had been the one who said it. Behaving in this manner discredits YOU not the person you disagree with because it highlights the fact that you dont have a response to his argument.

megaman

21 Sep 05:30

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