Motorists must follow certain speed limits when travelling on roads in the UK, but what about cyclists? Do they have to follow the same speed restrictions?

If you are caught exceeding the speed limit as a driver you can be fined, receive points on your licence or be disqualified from driving.

The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three penalty points added to your licence.

You could be eligible to attend a Driver Education Course, which will incur a cost, but you will not have penalty points added to your licence.

7 common speed camera myths

But what about cyclists, they use the road too, do they have to obey the same speed limits as motorists? And can they be prosecuted if caught speeding?

Do cyclists have to obey speed limits?

Put simply, speed limits implemented for motorists do not apply to cyclists, according to Slater Gordon Lawyers.

The law firm said: "In general, British cyclists share no legal obligation to adhere to the same speed limits as motorists.

"Speed limits listed in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and also Rule 124 of the Highway Code relate to motor vehicles and not to bicycles."

Slater Gordon continued: "Rule 123 of the Highway Code includes a table that sets out the speed limits for various types of vehicle on various categories of road. The table does not include bicycles."

"As such, cyclists who breach the speed limit may not be prosecuted for a speeding offence."

The Department of Transport code of conduct for cyclists also provides guidance for those heading out on a bike.

While it doesn't mention anything about speed limits it does say those looking to travel "quickly" - in excess of 18 mph/30 kph - "should be riding on the road".

'Cycling furiously' and 'wanton and furious cycling'

A cyclist can be prosecuted for “cycling furiously” or “wanton and furious cycling.”

“Wanton and furious cycling” is the closest offence to dangerous driving that a cyclist can be charged with, according to Slater Gordon.

The law firm added: "Although it can only ever be used when the circumstances of a cycling accident involve someone suffering serious injury or death as a direct result of the cyclist’s actions."

The last conviction of this nature in the UK occurred back in 2008, with the cyclist sentenced to seven months in prison after the pedestrian he collided with in Weymouth died of his injuries.

Local bylaws can impose speed limits on cyclists

It is, however, possible for local bylaws to impose speed limits on cyclists.

Slater Gordon explains: "For example, on Hampstead Heath in London there is an 8mph speed limit for cyclists, and in Richmond Park the speed limit of 20 miles per hour for vehicles also applies to cyclists."

RECOMMENDED READING:

The law firm added that they had never come across a cyclist being prosecuted for cycling too quickly on a road, with the exception of local bylaws.

Police can also prosecute cyclists for ‘careless and inconsiderate riding’.

Slater Gordon concluded by saying: "So, while technically cyclists are not legally obliged to adhere to speed limits, in practice it is obviously the sensible and safer option.