Contraflow cycle lane sign: what it means
This sign shows a cycle lane where cyclists ride against the flow of traffic. The upward arrows show the lanes for other traffic.
What does the contraflow cycle lane sign mean?
Know your traffic signs describes it as a mandatory contraflow pedal cycle lane; the upward arrows indicate the number of traffic lanes available. It is often in a one-way street.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- A cycle lane in the same direction as you.
- Buses come towards you in their own lane.
- Cyclists come the other way in their own lane.
Show answer
C. Cyclists come the other way in their own lane. It marks a mandatory cycle lane where cycles go against the traffic (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 140, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
In one-way streets that cyclists may use in both directions.
What should you do?
Expect cyclists coming towards you. Keep out of their lane and take care at junctions and when you pull out.
What do people get wrong?
Looking only one way when pulling out of a one-way street. Cyclists may be coming from the other side.
Common questions
Why are there cyclists going the wrong way?
They are not. The contraflow lane lets cyclists ride legally against the one-way traffic.
Can I drive in the contraflow lane?
No. It is a mandatory cycle lane.
Compare with
With-flow cycle lane signA cycle lane in the same direction as you.
Contraflow bus lane signBuses come towards you in their own lane.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 4 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (bus and cycle signs and road markings) and The Highway Code rule 140.
- Know your traffic signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 140, GOV.UK
- Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.