Can You Use a Mobile Phone While Cycling?

Cycling with a phone in hand is more common than it should be. Some riders use it for maps, others for music or quick messages. There’s no direct UK law that bans this in the same way as there is for driving. Even so, cyclists are expected to stay fully aware of their surroundings.

Here, we answer a couple of frequently asked questions, as well as some tips to help you stay compliant with road rules.

Are You Allowed to Use Your Phone While Riding a Bicycle?

Technically, yes, as there’s no specific legislation for this, but that doesn’t mean the law covers unsafe cycling behaviour. If you must take your phone out, do so with care, and if possible, stop in a safe place off the road or path. Rule 66 of the Highway Code advises cyclists to keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or changing gears.

If using your phone on your bike leads to distraction (e.g., failing to stop at a junction) or risky riding (e.g., weaving across the lane), the police could stop you. You could face an on-the-spot Fixed Penalty Notice.

Why Phone Use While Cycling Is Risky

One hand on the bars and eyes off the road is often enough to cause concern because of these factors:

Road traffic and fast changes

Situations change quickly on roads. Cars turning in and out, vehicles braking suddenly, pedestrians crossing, or changing traffic lights. As a cyclist, you need to be attentive to what’s happening at road intersections. Looking at a phone breaks that focus, even for a split second.

Things happen closer to you and faster, so you have less room for error than when you are in a car.

Pedestrians and shared spaces

Pavements and shared paths can be unpredictable: pedestrians might step off a kerb, there are children and dogs, pulling sideways or changing directions. Phone use makes each of these things more dangerous.

There isn’t just one thing to react to. If you’re distracted, you’re more likely to miss them and react too late.

Country tracks and uneven surfaces

Off-road cycling has more variation in the surface and less predictability in what’s ahead. You get loose gravel, mud, ruts, roots, and narrow sections. One moment it’s stable, the next it’s not. Dogs may also run out from between bushes. Using a phone here is risky because you can lose balance or come off the bike.

Safer Ways to Use Your Phone While Cycling

Stay connected to your phone while cycling safely with a few bike upgrades, such as:

• Handlebar-mounted phone holders: This bike accessory holds the device, with the screen visible for touchless navigation.

• Voice navigation: This can be set up through phone navigation apps and, in some cases, through a smartwatch.

• Music and audio setups: If you’re listening to music or podcasts on your ride, earphones can affect your awareness. We covered this in more detail in our guide on using earphones while cycling.

Set the routes before you set off so you don’t have to fiddle with your phone on the road. If you get lost, stop in a safe area to recalibrate.

Even if you aren’t holding the phone, you need all your senses to navigate safely, whether you’re on the road with a road bike, cruising through town on a city bike, running errands on a folding bike, or cycling around roundabouts.

Alongside staying focused, the best way to stay safe is to ensure you’re protected. Don’t hit the road without a quality bike helmet. 

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