Nine cycling mistakes which could cost you up to £2,500 revealed

IF one of your new year’s resolutions is to get out on the bike more, you’ll want to avoid some potentially costly mistakes.

January brings with it the chance for a fresh start and to bed in some new, healthier, habits.

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But anyone looking to dust off their old bicycle and take it for a spin should be wary of nine mistakes which could land you up to £2,500 in fines or penalties.

That’s according to Mark Brown, owner of bike insurance provider ProtectMyBike, who told the Daily Mail even minor offences can lead to hefty fines.

These are the nine mistakes you should try to avoid.

Using a mobile phone

Mobile phones are pretty much permanently attached to people nowadays, but you won’t want to use one while cycling.

Mark warned while it is not illegal to cycle and scroll, it can be classed as “careless or inconsiderate cycling”, which comes with a potential £50 fine.

Riding on pavements

Riding on the pavement could see you hit with a fine worth up to £50, Mark said.

Under the Highway Traffic Act 1988, cyclists have to ride on the road unless there are specific exemptions, such as a designated cycle lane.

The law even applies to children, although those under 10 can’t be prosecuted.

Riding through pedestrianised areas

Most cyclists know to avoid pedestrianised zones, but some less obviously-marked areas can catch you out.

Mark said fines tend to range from £50 to £100, but one case in Grimsby last year saw a woman ordered to pay £1,150 in fines and costs for riding her bike through the town centre.

High powered e-bikes

Any e-bike under 250 watts that can do a maximum speed of 15.5mph is allowed on the roads without the need for a licence or insurance.

But anything over this and you will need both as the bike is then classed as entering “motor vehicle territory”.

Mark said riding without insurance can land the biggest financial hit, with on-the-spot fines of up to £200.

You can also be prosecuted which can lead to bigger fines.

Carrying too many passengers

Overloading your bike with people can impact the bike’s stability and handling, thereby increasing the chances of an accident happening.

Do this, and Mark said you could land a fine of up to £50.

Not displaying a front and rear light

If you’re thinking of saving some extra cash by not putting front and rear lights on your bike, think again.

Mark said doing this can not only increase your chances of being in an accident, it could lead to a fine of up to £5.

You can buy front and rear bike light sets from as little as £5, so they’re well worth investing in to save on any unwanted costs.

Ignoring ‘no cycling’ signs

Make sure you don’t try and sneak through any areas signposted as “no cycling”.

Mark said these are put in areas where cycling may “pose a safety risk”, such as crowded pedestrian zones.

Travel through them, and you’ll be breaking the law and risking a fine of up to £30.

Jumping a red light

Jumping a red light is classed as a “serious violation of traffic laws” and put others in danger, Mark said.

It could see you slapped with a £50 fine too.

Careless or furious cycling

From weaving through traffic, to speeding, careless cycling can see you fined up to £1,000.

If you’re classed as cycling furiously, which means causing bodily harm to others, you could be hit with an up to £2,500 fine.

Not only that, you can end up in prison for up to two years and with points on your driving licence.

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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk