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

Advance cycle stop line - diagram from DfT "Know your road signs"

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.

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.

	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.

Havant Borough Council, Civic Centre Road, Havant, Hampshire PO9 2AX