NZ Rules

NZ Rules

In New Zealand a bicycle is classed as a ‘vehicle’. What does this mean? Well, legally bicycles are required to follow the rules of the road and generally behave as if they were a car or bus. In reality, bicycles fall somewhere between a pedestrian and a motor vehicle — some countries consider bicycles ‘strong pedestrians‘ rather than ‘weak vehicles‘.

NZTA has recently released: New Zealand Cycle Code. Also worth reading is the share-with-care guidelines.

A few of the elements in this code are not always possible or advisable given the somewhat ‘in between’ nature of the bicycle, the shortage of bicycle infrastructure, and the differences in the experience of individual cyclists — occasionally, you need to release your inner pedestrian!

Following is some advice from seasoned cyclists who regularly cycle around Auckland:

Seat belts are now compulsory on bicycles

Here’s a great April 1st article about the new compulsory seat belt law for bicycles. Be quick … “Converting a standard bike will cost $60, although subsidies will be available to anyone displaying a semblance of common sense” Fabulous!

Changes?

Interesting things are a foot in Australia … and watch out for …. ME! (there’s a bit of recycled footage from when I was in Australia) Check out our ‘Helmets’ page here on CIA for more information And in the UK cars are starting to be seen in a different light How many years behind do you think we are in NZ? … ...

Be noticed

Make sure you are noticed – this does not necessarily mean you have to dress like a road cone. The same effect can be generated by other means such as decorating your bicycle, the addition of reflective trim to some of your ‘ordinary’ clothes, and wearing colourful and eye catching outfits – use your imagination! It is al...

Car-triggered traffic lights

Many side streets have traffic lights that are triggered by the weight of a car on the road and are not triggered by the weight of a cyclist. In this situation, either wait for a car to arrive (this could be a long wait) or carefully look to make sure that the way is clear and then cycle across, in the same way that you would cross as a pedestrian....

Education

Take a look at this video about cycling education for children in the Netherlands. We definitely need something like this in NZ!

Bus lanes

You are legally allowed to cycle in any bus lane unless there is a sign specifically excluding bicycles and motorbikes. Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 (SR 2004/427) (as at 01 November 2009) 1.6 Interpretation bus lane means a lane reserved by a marking or sign installed at the start of the lane and at each point at which the lane resumes af...

Pavements – yes or no?

Technically you are not allowed to ride on the pavement unless you are delivering mail such as leaflets (or the council has put a ‘magic’ signpost saying that that particular pavement is in fact a bike lane as well as a pavement) – in reality,  if you are an inexperienced or nervous rider and the road is very busy, the pavemen...