Cycle lane
A marked lane for cyclists: a solid white line means keep out during its hours, a broken line means avoid it if you can.
The line tells you how binding it is. A cycle lane bounded by a solid white line must not be driven or parked in while it is operating. One bounded by a broken line should not be entered unless it is unavoidable — which is a weaker rule, but still a rule.
What they change for drivers is the geometry at junctions. A cycle lane often puts a bicycle on your nearside exactly where you want to turn left, which is why the shoulder check before turning matters so much. Advanced stop lines take this further by giving cyclists a box ahead of the traffic at lights: do not encroach on it when the lights are red.
Cyclists are not obliged to use a cycle lane, so finding one riding on the carriageway alongside an empty lane is normal and not a reason to pass closer than you otherwise would.
19 practice questions on this
Each one shows the answer, and our note on why every other option is not it.
Car
- What does this sign mean? Road and traffic signs
- What does this sign mean? Road and traffic signs
- What does this sign indicate? Road and traffic signs
- What does this sign mean? Vulnerable road users
- What does this sign mean? Vulnerable road users
- Who may use toucan crossings? Vulnerable road users
- This junction, controlled by traffic lights, has a marked area between 2 stop lines. What's this for? Vulnerable road users
- What does this sign mean? Road and traffic signs
- A cycle lane, marked by a solid white line, is in operation. What does this mean for car drivers? Rules of the road
- You're driving on a road that has a cycle lane. What does it mean if the lane is marked by a broken white line? Rules of the road
Lorry & Bus (LGV/PCV)
Driving Instructor (ADI Part 1)
- Where would you see a contraflow bus and cycle lane? Band 2 traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians, mechanical knowledge
- When can car drivers use a cycle lane identified by this sign? Band 2 traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians, mechanical knowledge
- When may you drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line? Band 2 traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians, mechanical knowledge
- As your student's approaching this junction, the green light changes to amber. What should they do if they're unable to stop at the first white line? Band 2 traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians, mechanical knowledge
- Which sign shows a lane for use by bicycles only? Band 2 traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians, mechanical knowledge