Most recent activity
-
The Highway Code isn't law itself, it's just summarising the laws and giving some extrea advice. It gives links to the relevant laws which, for speeding (the RTRA), it'll say "motor vehicles". If the Law says "motor vehicles" then it doesn't apply to non-motor vehicles. Google for the text of the law and look it up for yourself.
Turns out you're absolutely correct (http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?LegType=All+Legislation&title=road+traffic+regulation&searchDay=12&searchMonth=10&searchYear=2008&searchEnacted=0&extent=E%2bW%2bS%2bN.I.&extentMatchOnly=0&confersPower=0&blanketAmendment=0&sortAlpha=0&PageNumber=1&NavFrom=0&parentActiveTextDocId=2223862&ActiveTextDocId=2223981&filesize=76892). You're the first person I've come across who's pointed that out; most people don't even seem to be aware that the highway code is relevant to bikes, let alone the law. thx.
MUST and MUST NOT usually mean there's a law. SHOULD or SHOULD NOT just means it's advisory but they may still try and get you.
All true, but section 124 does use the words MUST NOT, so I had taken it to be backed as is by the relevant law. Although to be honest, the wording in the HC is a bit vague.
All this makes me now feel completely guilt-free about breaking 30 on a regular basis, even if only for very brief periods.
r
-
Exactly, the law for speeding relates specifically to "motor vehicles", that's why bicycles are not covered by normal speed limits.
It's got nothing to do with the fact that bicycles don't have speedometers fitted.
Where did you get this idea from? Genuine question. I've seen this numerous times, along with the "no speedometer" claim, but have no idea where they came from. The highway code says "The 30 mph limit usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise." ( http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070304. Rule 124)
Surely "all traffic" does not apply only to motor vehicles. I've looked for specific exemptions in the cycling sections of the highway code, but can't find anything. Does anyone have the relevant section that covers speed limits for bikes, if such a section exists? Similarly, I can find no restriction for bikes at 30mph for all roads, regardless of posted limit. AFAIAA, cycles can legally travel at up to, but not in excess of, the posted speed limit, just like standard cars and motorbikes.
r
Too slack, of course, means you get a quick demonstration of your minimum stopping distance, probably in rush hour traffic, as happened to me yesterday. Properly bent the chain too, so running slack didn't get much extra life out of that one.