Re: So many cone
 

I believe the distinction is that things the highway code says you "Must" or "Must Not" do are legal requirements and the rest is advisory/suggested (although being in breach of them can certainly apportion more blame to you in an accident/exacerbate something else you're doing which is an offence).

Re: So many cone
 

True, but traffic cones are used for various purposes and it is ok to cross some, therefore to put an all encompassing MUST NOT would be incorrect. In this situation mentioned there is a road/lane closure which is legally applied for to the relevant controlling county council, as such it is now closed to the public/prohibited/how ever you want to call it.

Re: So many cone
 

Blocking a public highway with cones must be applied for, think its called a tempory traffic order. If the contractor has not applied for and received approval for closing off a section of public highway then you can use that section of road just like any other.

If the coned section has been granted approval then it is no longer considered to be a public highway, the laws governing riding your bike anywhere that is not a public highway (grass verge etc) also apply to the coned off area.