Cycle Lanes and Cycle Routes - Markings and
Signage
The Borough is fortunate to boast a network of marked cycle
lanes and dedicated routes, including parts of the National Cycle
Network. The proposed network is available in our Cycling
Policy >>. The lanes and routes have specific signs and
markings, details of which are below.
Lines
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- Where a cycle lane on a road is indicated by a solid white
line, its use is mandatory, that is, for the exclusive use of
cycles for at least part of the day (signs will indicate if this is
the case).
- Where a cycle lane on a road is indicated by a dashed
line, its use is advisory, that is, other vehicles may use it if it
is necessary and safe to do so.
- Coloured surfacing may or may not be used as appropriate. It
has no legal significance. Coloured surfacing is intended to
promote visibility and awareness.
- The cycle lane is indicated by repeated painting of the cycle
symbol on the lane, and by signs adjacent to the carriageway. The
painted symbols can be omitted if necessary.
- If the road width on one part of the route is insufficient to
formally mark a lane, the continuation of the cycle route between
lengths of marked cycle lanes can be indicated using
individual cycle symbols.
Advanced stop lines, such as the example shown here, may be
provided at junctions controlled by traffic lights, to allow cycles
to enter an area ahead of other traffic, thus avoiding the
possibility of cyclists being 'cut up' by other traffic as the
lights change.
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Signs
Signs used to demark cycle lanes and cycle routes are usually
the same as those on the 'normal' network although their size may
be reduced. A diagram showing the most commonly used signs and markings
is available through this link (
JPG
,
67
kb
) >>
For a complete set of information about cycle lanes and other
facilities, see the
relevant parts of the Highway Code (external site)
>>.
To report a damaged sign or incomplete markings, please report
it using the
Hampshire Highways online form (External website)
>>.
In particular, there are six signs, shown below, which are
commonly confused and misunderstood. However like all signs
they follow the convention that signs which are circular
give Orders, triangular signs give
Warnings and signs which are rectangular give
Information.
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ORDER: Route for use by pedal cycles only. The
only vehicles able to use this route are bicycles; cars and
motorbikes are banned. This sign will most likely be seen at the
end of a cul-de-sac, where a narrow pathway has been formed to
allow cyclists to travel between the cul-de-sac through onto a
further section of road. |
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ORDER: Route comprising two ways, separated by a line
or a barrier, for use by pedal cycles only and by pedestrians
only. This sign indicates that cyclists are allowed to use
one side of the footway (a white paint line or barrier such as
railing or a fence will mark the two halves). Other than the case
below, this is the only instance where they are able to cycle on
the footway - if this sign (or the one below) is not present, it is
illegal for cyclists to cycle on the footway under any
circumstances. |
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ORDER: Route for use by pedal cycles and pedestrians
only. This sign indicates that cyclists are
allowed shared use with pedestrians of the footway, which will
often be made wider than usual. Other than the case above, this is
the only instance where they are able to cycle on the
footway - if this sign (or the one above) is not present, it
is illegal for cyclists to cycle on the footway under any
circumstances. |
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INFORMATION: Route recommended for pedal cycles on the
main carriageway of a road. The signs indicate that the
route is suitable for use by cyclists, perhaps because it is a less
busy road, or forms a useful short cut. There is no compulsion for
cyclists to use this route more than any other, but the signs will
provide reassurance for cyclists unfamiliar with an area that they
are on the right route. Since it is illegal to cycle on the
footway, cyclists must use the main carriageway when following
these routes. |
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ORDER: Riding of pedal cycles is prohibited. It
is illegal to cycle where these signs are shown - they are usually
found in parks, precincts, subways and on bridges. Cyclists MUST
dismount and walk with their bicycles.
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WARNING: Cycle route ahead. This sign warns
other road users - especially motorists - that they can expect a
higher than average number of cyclists on the road. This will be
because either the road is used as a recommended cycle route, or
has cycle facilities on it.
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