for cyclists in the Highway Code would make it far more likely that the injured party would win their case against you. It should also be noted that sections 28 & 29 of the Highways Act create the offences of dangerous, careless and inconsiderate cycling, which could apply if you failed to take care when using the crossing if you chose to cycle across. Equally, in law, if you did cycle across a zebra crossing then you are not a ‘pedestrian’, so a motorist who fails to give way to you won’t be committing an offence if they cut in front of you – case law precedent if you are interested is Crank v Brooks (1980 RTR). However, rule 80 of the Highway Code does permit cyclists to ride across at toucan crossings which allow cyclists and pedestrians to share the crossing space and cross in designated lanes when the appropriate light signals indicate it is safe to do so. What’s the law on cycling and alcohol? In law, a bicycle is defined as a carriage for use on the highway, but cyclists are not in charge of ‘mechanically propelled’ vehicles so, in law, do not have to adhere to exactly the same rules as motorists, including ‘drink drive’ rules. 16 www.eta.co.uk
Cycling and the Law
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