A cyclist was escorted from a major UK motorway after a dangerous navigation error, with police revealing he was simply following instructions from Google Maps.
Early Morning Motorway Incident
Staffordshire Police were called to the M6 Toll road in the early hours of Monday, January 19, 2026. Multiple concerned drivers had dialled 999 after spotting the rider pedalling along the high-speed carriageway before dawn.
Officers from the force's Road Crime Team located the man, who was riding a bicycle with thick tyres and carrying a black backpack. To their alarm, he had no lights on his bike, making him virtually invisible in the gloomy pre-dawn conditions.
A Reliance on Technology Goes Wrong
When questioned by police, the cyclist explained his startling presence on the motorway network. He stated he had been following the route provided by Google Maps and was unaware he was not permitted on that type of road.
The situation was compounded by the rider's failure to correct his mistake even after realising it. According to police, he passed several junctions where he could have safely exited the motorway, continuing his perilous journey.
Removed and Reported for Offence
The police team took immediate action to ensure the safety of all road users. In a social media post, Staffordshire Police’s Road Crime Team 3 detailed the event.
They confirmed that both the male and his cycle were removed from the motorway network. Furthermore, the rider was reported for the cycling offence of riding on a motorway, which is illegal in the UK.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for all road users to understand highway laws and to use common sense alongside digital navigation tools. Relying solely on technology without awareness of one's surroundings can lead to serious safety risks.
