Cycling - Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

1. Can I cycle on the pavement?
2. Is it possible to change the status of a route to allow cycling?
3. I’ve heard about tax-free bike purchase – how does it work?
4. I want to cycle to work, but my employer doesn’t provide any cycle parking or other facilities – what can I do?
5. I want to use a trailer with my bike, but find that the barriers on cycle tracks prevent me from getting through. What are you doing about this?
6. What is the National Cycle Network?
7. I would like to cycle to work, but the route is along a busy road and there are no cycle routes. What can I do?
8. Can I take my bike on public transport?

Answers

1. Q. Can I cycle on the pavement?
   A. Cycling is prohibited on most footways. However, in certain areas, the legal status of the footway has been changed to allow cycling.  Where this has occurred you will either see a blue, shared use sign, or there will be cycle markings on the footway itself to show that cycling is allowed.
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2. Q. Is it possible to change the status of a route to allow cycling?
   A. In some circumstances it is possible to change the status of a footpath or footway to allow cycling, however this can be a lengthy process. There has to be a good case made for a change in status, e.g. 20 years evidence of cycling can be beneficial for the conversion of a public footpath to a restricted byway that allows cycling. If the route is on a footway, a width of at least two metres is normally required.
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3. Q. I’ve heard about tax-free bike purchase – how does it work?
   A. The government has set up a tax-free bike purchase scheme to encourage more people to cycle to work.  Your employer will buy the bike, and then you will repay the cost of the bike through salary deductions before tax over the course of a year.  If you are a higher rate tax payer this will save you around 50% on the cost of a new bike.  For further information please see the information on the Cycle Scheme website.
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4. Q. I want to cycle to work, but my employer doesn’t provide any cycle parking or other facilities – what can I do?
   A. Worcestershire County Council provide free cycle stands to businesses and other organisations who want to provide cycle parking for staff and visitors.  These stands have to be installed by the recipient.
   
   If you are an employer and would like any further information on encouraging staff to travel to work sustainably, please visit our Employer Travel Plan page.
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5. Q. I want to use a trailer with my bike, but find that the barriers on cycle tracks prevent me from getting through.  What are you doing about this?
   A. Cycle barriers/bollards are used either to control speed on the approach to junctions with busy roads, or to prevent the illegal use of motorcycles on cycle tracks and footpaths.
   
   It is now our policy to avoid using them wherever possible. Where it is necessary to use a calming feature, such as on a steep slope, we will always try to find an alternative to using barriers/bollards. You can report a problem online. 
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6. Q. What is the National Cycle Network?
   A. The National Cycle Network, is a nationwide network of cycle routes on a combination of quieter roads and off road cycle routes. It is managed by the charity Sustrans.
   
   Find out about National Cycle Network routes that pass through Worcestershire or visit Sustrans for more details.
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7. Q. I would like to cycle to work, but the route is along a busy road and there are no cycle routes. What can I do?
   A. Firstly, look to see if there is an alternative route which uses quieter back roads as these can often be just as direct. One of our maps might help you to identify an alternative route.
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8. Q. Can I take my bike on public transport?
   A. Most trains will take bikes, although on some services you may have to book in advance. For further information please see the National Rail website.
   
   Generally pedal cycles are not allowed on buses and it is at the discretion of the bus company whether folding bicycles are accepted.
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