The 'With Flow Cycle Lane' sign (959.1) indicates how specific users, such as buses, cycles, or taxis, can use a particular lane or route. It's crucial for drivers to recognise this sign to avoid encroaching on reserved space and to anticipate vulnerable road users who might be travelling alongside or even against the main flow of traffic. Always check signs and markings before entering or crossing such an area and be aware of your mirrors and blind spots.
Mastering the 'With Flow Cycle Lane' sign is vital for learners preparing for their theory test, ensuring safe interaction with cyclists and other permitted users. Accurate interpretation of this traffic sign explanation is key to recognising its specific requirements and avoiding hazards on Great Britain's roads.
This sign manages shared road space by identifying who may use a facility and how that facility operates. It may permit or prohibit buses, cycles, taxis, pedestrians, or other road users, and it often works with lane markings, coloured surfacing, arrows, and time plates. Drivers should read the sign before entering or crossing the area and should check mirrors and blind spots carefully. It is listed in the catalogue as code 959.1.
"With flow cycle lane" explains how buses, cycles, taxis, pedestrians, or other permitted users should use the lane, path, crossing, or route. It helps drivers avoid reserved space and anticipate vulnerable road users.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 959.1 - With flow cycle lane road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the British driving theory exam in Great Britain.
The 959.1 sign, indicating a 'With Flow Cycle Lane', means that a specific lane or route is designated for certain users like buses, cycles, or taxis. For car drivers, it generally means you should keep clear of this reserved space unless your vehicle is explicitly permitted by the sign and accompanying road markings or symbols. It's about sharing the road safely.
You must not enter a reserved bus or cycle lane unless your vehicle is permitted. It's also prohibited to stop in a cycle lane, bus stop, or shared path if signs or markings forbid it. Crucially, do not cut across cyclists, buses, or taxis when turning or changing lanes, as they have a right to use that space.
Before entering or crossing an area with a 'With Flow Cycle Lane' sign, you must check your mirrors and blind spots carefully. Give cyclists, buses, or taxis enough room and time to move predictably. Always follow any arrows, symbols, or specific operating times shown on the sign and accompanying road markings.
A common trap is assuming you can use the lane if it's not busy, or not paying attention to accompanying signs that might specify operating times. Drivers can also be caught out by not anticipating cyclists or buses travelling in the same lane, possibly in a different direction to normal traffic flow. Always check for permitted users and obey all instructions.
If the sign has operating times displayed (often on a separate plate), the restrictions or permissions for that lane only apply during those specified hours. Outside of these times, the lane may be available for general traffic, or its use might be governed by other signs or road markings. You must check the sign carefully to understand when the restrictions are active.
A clear reference image of the 959.1 - With flow cycle lane road sign used in Great Britain.

The 959.1 - With flow cycle lane road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 959.1 - With flow cycle lane road sign is part of the Great Britain Bus and Cycle Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Reviewing closely related signs like 'With Flow Cycle Lane' alongside others helps cement your understanding and improves recall for your driving theory test revision. Mastering traffic sign comparison and sign recognition prevents confusion on the road and in your exam preparation.

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After reviewing the full list of road signs, challenge yourself with practice questions focused specifically on sign recognition. Reinforce your learning and ensure you're fully prepared to identify and understand all traffic signs on the DVSA theory test.
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