Cycle route ahead sign: what it means
The cycle route ahead sign warns that a cycle route crosses or joins the road ahead. Expect cyclists to come out onto the road or cross in front of you.
What does the cycle route ahead sign mean?
It is a warning sign, so it is a triangle. Know your traffic signs describes it as a pedal cycle route crossing or joining the road ahead. A plate below may give the distance.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- A route only for pedal cycles.
- Riding a bicycle is not allowed.
- A cycle route crosses or joins the road ahead.
Show answer
C. A cycle route crosses or joins the road ahead. The triangle warns of a pedal cycle route crossing or joining the road ahead (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings, GOV.UK; Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 163, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
Where a cycle track crosses a road, or where a cycle path ends and cyclists join the road.
What should you do?
Slow down, look for cyclists and be ready to give way. Leave plenty of room when you pass a cyclist; The Highway Code asks for at least 1.5 metres at speeds up to 30 mph, and more at higher speeds (rule 163).
What do people get wrong?
Expecting cyclists to stop because they are joining the road. Watch what they do and be ready to slow down.
Common questions
Is this the same as the no cycling sign?
No. The no cycling sign is a red circle. This triangle warns of cyclists joining or crossing.
How much room should I give a cyclist?
At least 1.5 metres when overtaking at speeds up to 30 mph, and more at higher speeds (The Highway Code, rule 163).
Compare with
Route for cycles only signA route only for pedal cycles.
No cycling signRiding a bicycle is not allowed.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 3 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (bus and cycle signs and road markings; warning signs) and The Highway Code rule 163.
- Know your traffic signs: bus and cycle signs and road markings, GOV.UK
- Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 163, 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.