LEGAL ASPECTS (CYCLE FACILITIES)

Legal powers available to local authorities in Great Britain who want to provide facilities for cyclists are stipulated. A mandatory with-the-flow cycle lane can be introduced by a traffic regulation order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act of 1967, when the remaining carriageway's width is sufficient to allow all vehicles to pass each other safely without encroaching onto the cycle lane. A mandatory contra-flow lane can similarly be introduced into an otherwise one-way street. Where the carriageway is too narrow to provide a mandatory lane for cyclists, an advisory with-the-flow lane can be provided. Cycle track is defined in the Highways Act of 1959 as a way constituting or comprised in a highway over which pedal cycles have the right of way. Cycling in areas designated solely for pedestrians is an offense under the Highways Act. Where a cycle track crosses a minor road, drivers can be warned of the cycle route's existence by an advisory road marking. Cyclists must remember that this marking is advisory only and gives them no protection. Where a cycle track crosses a major road, traffic signals can be provided for cyclists against major road traffic; similarly, where a cycle track enters a signal-controlled junction, a separate phase for cyclists can be provided. Cycling may be exempted from vehicle prohibition by a traffic regulation order or where streets are designated solely for pedestrians. The Transport Act of 1978 extends parking places to include stands and racks for bicycles.