A sign that tells you what to do
With-flow cycle lane
A blue sign with a cycle marks a mandatory with-flow cycle lane, running in your direction, that motor vehicles must not drive or park in during its hours of operation.
01
What it means
A mandatory cycle lane has a solid white line: cars and motorbikes must not enter or park in it while it's in force. (An advisory cycle lane has a broken white line - you should keep out but may cross it if you have to and it's safe.) Give cyclists plenty of room, and never treat a cycle lane as a place to stop or unload.
Times of operation, if any, are shown on a plate; where none are shown the lane applies at all times.
02
Where you'll see it
Main roads and commuter routes with dedicated cycle lanes, widespread in London.
03
On your driving test
Don't drive or park in a mandatory cycle lane, and give cyclists room when passing - at least a car's width where you can (Highway Code Rule 163). Straying into the lane or a close pass are marked faults.
Fines and penalties
Driving or parking in a mandatory cycle lane can bring a PCN, and in some areas it's camera-enforced. More importantly it puts cyclists at risk, which is what the rule protects against.
Often confused with
Quick answers
Can I drive in a cycle lane?
Not a mandatory one (solid white line) during its hours - motor vehicles are banned. An advisory lane (broken line) you may enter only if necessary and safe. Either way, give cyclists room.
Sign artwork is Crown copyright, reproduced under the Open Government Licence v3.0; meanings from the Highway Code (gov.uk).
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