Sharing space with pedestrians

Cycling, walking and wheeling (e.g. wheelchairs, mobility scooters and non-powered scooters) are all active forms of travel.

More people travelling actively instead of driving would result in better public health, cleaner air, fewer climate emissions and quieter streets.

Government statistics show that people riding pedal cycles cause very little danger to pedestrians, compared to people driving motor vehicles, and account for just one-in-fifty of pedestrian deaths or injuries.

However, whilst it’s important for people who cycle to ride confidently and assertively they have a responsibility to reduce danger to people walking and wheeling, and should always cycle within the law. 

The hierarchy of road users

The Highway Code was changed in 2022 to make it clearer how road users need to be responsible for each other. 

Highway Code Rule H1 says ‘those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others’. 

It goes on to explain that cyclists ‘have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians’.

Pavements

Cycling on the pavement (a footway next to a road) is illegal throughout the UK. Doing so is a criminal offence, irrespective of a person’s age or size of bike. 

Shared use paths

Some paths and pavements are designated as shared use paths and are usually denoted using a circular blue sign with a white pedestrian and a white bicycle. 

If there is a white line, verge or kerb separating the cycle and pedestrian spaces Rule 62 of the Highway Code says ‘you MUST keep to the side intended for cyclists’.

Cyclists and pedestrians sharing the same space can be a good option, although Cycling UK believes that ideally cyclists and pedestrians should have their own spaces to travel.

This separation is not always possible so shared space must be well-designed and put in the right place. 

Quite understandably, people who are frail or who suffer sensory or mobility impairments may be especially reluctant to share space with cyclists. 

When using a share use path, cycle at an appropriate speed for those around you, use a bell to warn people of your approach, and give pedestrians extra space.

Pedestrianised areas

Riding a bike may be prohibited or restricted in pedestrian zones, shopping streets and other vehicle restricted areas (VRAs) – you need to check the signage in each location as you may receive a hefty fine if cycling is prohibited. 

Local by-laws can make cycling in or through a shopping precinct a criminal offence – again, signs should make this clear.

If permitted, you should cycle carefully and considerately in pedestrianised areas – acting as a guest in a pedestrian-priority space.

Junction Priority

Rule H2 of the Highway Code explains that ‘At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning’.

This means that at junctions without traffic signals people walking or in a wheelchair have priority and you should stop to allow them to cross. 

Red lights and pedestrian crossings

Jumping red lights isn’t just illegal, it can put pedestrians in danger, especially if the lights indicate it is their turn to cross. 

As a road user cyclists MUST also stop at zebra crossings when people are waiting to cross – this includes side-road zebras where there are no flashing yellow globes (belisha beacons) – see also zebra markings on cycle tracks (below). 

Cycle lanes and tracks

Always be aware of pedestrians when riding on a dedicated cycle lane or track – some are adjacent to pavements and people may move into your path, particularly where there are crossings or bus stops. 

Be aware of and considerate towards pedestrians who are more vulnerable, for example blind pedestrians, elderly people and children.

Some cycle tracks separated from traffic feature zebra-style markings showing where pedestrians cross – these may not have the accompanying flashing yellow globes (belisha beacons) or zig-zag markings but have same status as zebra crossings.

If people are waiting to cross you MUST stop and allow them to cross – just like any other pedestrian crossing.

This is especially important at ‘floating’ bus stops (also known as bus stop bypasses) where people need to cross the cycle track to access the bus stop. 

Slow down and stop if necessary. 

Footpaths

Cycling on a footpath (a path away from the road) is legally a civil rather than a criminal matter and depends on who owns the land that the footpath crosses and the access laws. 

Some footpaths are subject to local by-laws that prohibit cycling, and in Scotland access laws allow provide greater freedom to ride on paths – as long as it’s done responsibly.

There are many different types of public path in England and Wales each with different legal status, so please take a look at our page Where in England and Wales can I ride off road?.

Laws covering cycling away from the road are significantly different in Scotland and Northern Ireland so please see our briefings: 

Where in Scotland can I cycle off road?

Where in Northern Ireland can I cycle off road?

For more information see our briefing on Cycling within the law