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Dangerous cycling

s.28Road Traffic Act 1988

Riding a cycle on a road in a way that falls far below the standard of a competent and careful cyclist, where the danger would be obvious to such a cyclist.

Dangerous cycling · Road Traffic Act 1988, s.28Card 107 / 195

Points to prove

Rode a cycle
On a road
Dangerously

Key definitions

Cycle – s.192(1): a bicycle, a tricycle, or a cycle with four or more wheels, which is not a motor vehicle. Electrically assisted pedal cycles that meet the regulations are treated as cycles, not motor vehicles (s.189(1)(c)).
Dangerously – s.28(2): the way the person rides falls far below what would be expected of a competent and careful cyclist, and it would be obvious to a competent and careful cyclist that riding in that way would be dangerous.
Dangerous – s.28(3): danger of injury to any person or of serious damage to property. The court considers the circumstances the cyclist could be expected to be aware of and anything shown to be within the defendant’s own knowledge.
Road – s.192(1): any highway and any other road to which the public has access. At present the offence does not cover other public places.

Good to know

New offences enacted but not yet in force. Section 141 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 (Royal Assent 29 April 2026) creates causing death by dangerous cycling (new s.27A, life), causing serious injury by dangerous cycling (s.27B, 5 years), and causing death or serious injury by careless cycling (ss.28B and 28C, 5 and 2 years). It also extends s.28 to other public places and moves the definition of dangerous cycling into a new s.28A. As at 2 November 2026 no commencement regulations have brought s.141 into force.
Until then, serious cases are charged as wanton or furious driving (Offences Against the Person Act 1861, s.35) or manslaughter.
No penalty points or disqualification: cycling offences are not endorsable. A notice of intended prosecution is required (RTOA 1988, s.1) unless there was an accident at the time.
Since 24 February 2025 it can be dealt with by fixed penalty notice in England and Wales. Six-month time limit for prosecution.

Legislation: Road Traffic Act 1988, s.28 (opens legislation.gov.uk in a new tab)
Mode of trial: Summary only
Maximum penalty: Fine of up to £2,500 (level 4)
Last checked: 2 November 2026, against the current law on legislation.gov.uk

Dangerous cycling: questions people ask

What are the points to prove for dangerous cycling?

1. Rode a cycle 2. On a road 3. Dangerously

What is the maximum sentence for dangerous cycling?

Fine of up to £2,500 (level 4)

Is dangerous cycling a summary, either-way or indictable offence?

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

What Act and section is dangerous cycling?

Dangerous cycling is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988, s.28.

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