Careless and inconsiderate cycling

s.29Road Traffic Act 1988

Riding a cycle on a road without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other people using the road.

Careless and inconsiderate cycling · Road Traffic Act 1988, s.29Card 108 / 195

Points to prove

Rode a cycle
On a road
Without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road

Cycle – s.192(1): a bicycle, a tricycle, or a cycle with four or more wheels, which is not a motor vehicle. A compliant electrically assisted pedal cycle counts as a cycle (s.189(1)(c)).
Without due care and attention – not defined for cycling in the current Act (the s.3ZA definition applies only to driving). When in force, new s.29A will define it as riding that falls below what would be expected of a competent and careful cyclist.
Without reasonable consideration – there must be other persons using the road who are affected by the riding, for example riding that forces pedestrians or other road users to take avoiding action.
Road – s.192(1): any highway and any other road to which the public has access. The offence does not currently cover other public places.

Crime and Policing Act 2026, s.141 (not yet in force at 2 November 2026) will extend s.29 to other public places, add a statutory definition (new s.29A), and create causing death or serious injury by careless cycling (ss.28B and 28C).
Not endorsable: no penalty points or disqualification. A notice of intended prosecution is required (RTOA 1988, s.1) unless there was an accident at the time.
On a charge of dangerous cycling, the court may convict of this offence instead (RTOA 1988, s.24).
Fixed penalty notice available in England and Wales. Cycling on a footway is a separate offence under s.72 of the Highway Act 1835. Six-month time limit for prosecution.

Legislation: Road Traffic Act 1988, s.29 (opens legislation.gov.uk in a new tab)
Mode of trial: Summary only
Maximum penalty: Fine of up to £1,000 (level 3)
Last checked: 2 November 2026, against the current law on legislation.gov.uk

What are the points to prove for careless and inconsiderate cycling?

1. Rode a cycle 2. On a road 3. Without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road

What is the maximum sentence for careless and inconsiderate cycling?

Fine of up to £1,000 (level 3)

Is careless and inconsiderate cycling a summary, either-way or indictable offence?

Careless and inconsiderate cycling is a summary-only offence: it is tried in the magistrates’ court.

What Act and section is careless and inconsiderate cycling?

Careless and inconsiderate cycling is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988, s.29.