These are some of the UK's biggest cycling questions. Can you answer them?

Part of Other Side of the Story

An image of two teenage boys cycling down a country lane. Both are wearing bike helmets
Image caption,
Cycling has millions of TikTok posts - and plenty of questions online about safety rules and laws

The summer holidays are coming, meaning warmer days - and it seems that we in the UK really enjoy getting outside on our bikes.

A 2024 survey of more than 1,000 young people aged between six and 15 found that almost half (48%) cycled at least once a week.

With 3.5 million posts with #cycling on TikTok alone, there’s a lot of chat, claims and questions online. BBC Bitesize Other Side of the Story checked out some of most searched questions about cycling online. Think you can answer them too? Test yourself before revealing what the experts say.


Is it illegal to cycle without a helmet?

  • Yes - every cyclist must wear one
  • Yes - but only if you are younger than 16
  • No - it is not illegal

Is cycling good exercise?

  • It's fun but it has no real benefits
  • It helps a bit but maybe consider something else
  • It's brilliant exercise and has a lot of health benefits

How long do cycle helmets last?

  • Every few years
  • Only replace them if you’ve had a crash
  • They can last forever

This article was published in June 2026

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