Everyone should take care when travelling on the roads. Whether driving, riding, or cycling, you want to reach your destination safely. The Highway Code can help us all achieve this goal.
If you’ve ever learned to drive or taken a cycling course, you’ll have been taught much about the Highway Code. However, it’s easy for details to slip out of our minds as we get more comfortable. This is when mistakes can happen. Regularly reminding yourself about the code is practical – and potentially lifesaving.
We created a Highway Code quiz to mark Road Safety Week – an annual event highlighting road safety issues and campaigns. It’s a way to test your knowledge and understand how well you know the Highway Code.
Although most people who’ve taken the quiz so far understand the code, there are still some areas we could all be more familiar with. Take the quiz to find out how you compare, and don’t forget to share it with others.
Once you’ve finished, let’s see what the results tell us.
QUESTION 1
What could it mean if a cyclist looks back over their shoulder?
- 20% said ‘A: They are watching the vehicle behind them.’
- 60% said ‘B: They intend to pull out, turn right or change direction.’
- 20% said ‘C: They are going to stop.’
The correct answer is B – they intend to pull out, turn right or change direction. If you’re cycling, it’s important to check what’s happening on the road all around you, and it’s crucial to look behind you before you indicate and change course. Sudden movements could be dangerous for both you and motorists near you.
Understanding this behaviour is useful if you’re driving. You can anticipate what cyclists will do next.
QUESTION 2
When is it acceptable to ride two abreast?
- 10% said ‘A: Always.’
- 42% said ‘B: As long as you’re not on a narrow road, a busy road, or a bend.’
- 48% said ‘C: Cyclists shouldn’t ride side by side, even on quiet roads.’
The correct answer is B – as long as you’re not on a narrow, busy, or bend. Most of our respondents were split between this and the third option, which says cyclists shouldn’t ride side by side. This may indicate driving preferences. Many motorists feel nervous or frustrated driving behind cyclists and would prefer to overtake them if it’s safe. The section that covers cyclists’ position on the road is advisory, which means it’s up to you to decide what’s appropriate if you’re cycling with someone else.
QUESTION 3
It’s illegal not to wear a helmet while cycling.
- 45% said ‘A: True’
- 55% said ‘B: False’
The correct answer is B – false. Nearly half of respondents thought wearing a helmet while riding a bike was compulsory, but there’s no law that says you have to, although one study showed helmets are 85% effective at protecting cyclists from head injuries. The Highway Code recommends you wear a cycle helmet that conforms to current regulations, is the correct size, and is securely fastened. According to Cycling UK, any helmet with a Snell Foundation B90 (or higher) sticker has a substantially stronger safety standard.
QUESTION 4
What lights must you have lit on your bike at night?
- 60% said ‘A: A white front light and red rear light, plus a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 01/10/85.’
- 10% said ‘B: A red front light and a white rear light, plus a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 01/10/85.’
- 30% said ‘C: A white front light and a red rear light, plus a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured before 01/10/85.’
The correct answer is A. It’s vital that other road users can see you at night or during poor weather conditions. Ensuring your bike has the correct lights and is in good condition will significantly help.
QUESTION 5
What should motorists do before emerging from a junction?
- 30% said ‘A: Give all cyclists right of way.’
- 20% said ‘B: Stop.’
- 50% said ‘C: Check their mirrors and blind spots before pulling out to see if any cyclists are approaching inside the traffic.’
The correct answer is C. Cyclists often approach faster than you think, so it’s important to check if there are any near you before you pull out.
QUESTION 6
What must cyclists do before leaving a cycle lane?
- 15% said ‘A: Ring their bell.’
- 55% said ‘B: Signal their intention to other road users.’
- 30 said ‘C: Nothing.’
The correct answer is B. Joining the main flow of traffic from a cycle lane can be dangerous. By signalling your intentions in plenty of time, you make motorists aware of your presence, allow them to adjust their speed, and leave room for you if they can.
QUESTION 7
What should you do when another road user flashes their headlights at you?
- 10% said ‘A: Stop.’
- 50% said ‘B: Wave at them or flash your headlights in return.’
- 40% said, ‘C: Nothing. You should only flash your headlights to let someone else know you’re there.’
The correct answer is C. It’s commonplace for road users to flash their headlights to let another driver know they’re safe to proceed or simply to say thank you. However, the Highway Code advises against it. Judge each situation differently and err on the side of caution.
QUESTION 8
When are you allowed to drive or ride over the pavement?
- 30% said ‘A: To gain lawful access to property, or in case of an emergency.’
- 10% said ‘B: To gain access to any property or in case of an emergency.’
- 60% said ‘C: You can cycle on pavements but can’t drive on them.’
The correct answer is A. You’re not allowed to drive or ride on the pavement in most cases, but it’s legal if you need to access your property (or someone else’s if you’re visiting them or carrying out a service).
Most respondents believed you could cycle on pavements, but this isn’t always true. There are tracks and shared-use paths where cycling is legal, but cycling on a footpath next to a road is an offense. However, the police are advised to use their discretion and judge each case individually.
Reminding yourself of the Highway Code can positively impact your everyday journeys, making journeys safer for motorists and cyclists.
