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Bicycle signal
The bicycle signal applies to drivers in a bicycle lane and at a bicycle crossing. The bicycle signal may have an arrow signal.
When you see the sign
Determine whether the signal applies to you: The bicycle signal regulates riders in cycle lanes and cycle crossings, not cars in a regular traffic lane. As a driver, you must follow the signal that applies to your lane, while also watching for cyclists whose path you may cross or turn in front of.
Rules
- The bicycle signal applies to riders in cycle lanes and cycle crossings.
- A red bicycle signal means that the cyclist must not pass the signal or its associated stop line.
- A green bicycle signal permits passage when the road is clear, but does not exempt the cyclist from exercising due care or complying with any applicable obligation to give way.
- The bicycle signal may include an arrow, in which case it applies to cycling in the direction indicated by the arrow.
- A driver may not use a green bicycle signal as permission to drive; the driver must follow the signal that applies to their own lane.
Tips
- Look for the bicycle symbol in the light aperture so that you do not confuse the bicycle signal with the main signal for cars.
- When turning right or left, check your mirrors and blind spot for cyclists in the cycle lane before crossing their path.
- Do not start driving just because the bicycle signal turns green; wait for the signal regulating your lane to turn green.
- Be prepared for cyclists and cars to receive a green signal in different phases.
Common misconceptions
- Assuming that a green bicycle signal also gives cars in the adjacent lane permission to drive.
- Confusing the bicycle signal with the pedestrian signal and assuming that it only applies to people walking their bicycles.
- Assuming that a green bicycle arrow applies in all directions, even though the arrow only permits movement in the direction it indicates.
Theory test tip
Several signals may be shown at the same time in the theory test. Look for the bicycle symbol and remember that signal 1084 applies to riders in cycle lanes and cycle crossings, while a driver in a regular traffic lane must follow the main signal or arrow signal that applies to the car.
Did you know
Bicycle signals are often used at signal-controlled junctions where cycle lanes or cycle crossings require their own phase, allowing cycle traffic to be separated more clearly from other road users.
Frequently asked questions
Does the bicycle signal apply to a car driving next to the cycle lane?
No, the car must follow the signal that applies to its lane. However, the driver must still watch for cyclists, especially when turning across a cycle lane or cycle crossing.
Does the signal apply to someone cycling in the cycle lane?
Yes, a cyclist is considered a rider and must follow the bicycle signal when cycling in a cycle lane or cycle crossing. Red means that the cyclist must stop.
What does an arrow in the bicycle signal mean?
The arrow shows which direction the signal applies to. A green bicycle arrow therefore only permits travel in the direction indicated by the arrow, when this can be done safely.
Does a cyclist automatically have priority when the bicycle signal is green?
No, a green light is permission to pass the signal when the road is clear, not a general right of way in all situations. The cyclist must still exercise due care and comply with any obligation to give way that has not been overridden by the signal control.
Practise for the theory test
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