A cycle symbol inside a red ring means cycling is prohibited. It appears at the entrance to pedestrian areas, footbridges, subways and some town centre streets.
The prohibition applies to riding. Wheeling a cycle on foot is normally allowed unless a plate says otherwise.
What this sign means
Cycling past the sign is banned. It is a prohibition sign, so the red ring carries legal force.
It often sits alongside signs directing cyclists to an alternative route.
What to do when you see it
Dismount and push, or follow the signed cycle diversion.
- Stop riding at the sign.
- Push the cycle if you need to continue on foot.
- Look for a blue cycle route sign showing the permitted way.
- Do not ride on the footway to bypass the restriction.
How this sign is tested
Questions test the red ring meaning prohibition and contrast it with the blue circular cycle route sign.
Motorcyclists sit the same signs section, so the sign appears in the car and bike question banks.
Common mistakes
Reading the sign as advice rather than a legal prohibition.
Confusing it with the blue cycle route sign, which means the opposite.
Test yourself on this one
Road and traffic signs is the biggest category in the question bank with 102 questions, and signs turn up inside other categories too. Work through them free, no sign-up needed.
Practise road sign questionsFrequently asked questions
Can I push my bike past a no cycling sign?
Usually yes. The sign bans riding, not walking with a cycle.
Where is the sign most common?
Pedestrian areas, subways, footbridges and shopping streets.
What does the blue version mean?
A blue circle with a cycle means a route cyclists must use.