Children will legally be able to ride bikes on footpaths with a grown up alongside them, and e-scooters will be allowed in cycle lanes, under a package of practical transport rule changes agreed by the Government, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
"Earlier year we asked New Zealanders for their views on a range of changes designed to make our transport rules safer, simpler, and better suited to the way people travel today," Mr Bishop says.
"More than 6,000 people took the time to have their say. We've listened carefully to that feedback and, in some cases, changed our proposals as a result.
"One of the strongest messages we heard was that allowing children to ride on footpaths only solves half the problem if the grown up riding with them still has to use the road.
"That's why we've adapted the proposal to allow parents and caregivers to ride alongside children on the footpath.
"All children aged 12 and under will be permitted to ride on the footpath, and they can be accompanied by an older rider - such as a parent, caregiver, teacher, or older sibling - for safety purposes.
"Keeping kids safe while they're learning to ride is common sense. This change strikes the right balance between protecting young cyclists and ensuring footpaths remain safe for everyone who uses them."
Following feedback from road users, the Government has also simplified the new mandatory overtaking-gap rule for vehicles passing cyclists, horse riders and other road users.
"Instead of different distances in different circumstances, drivers will be required to leave a minimum gap of 1.5 metres when overtaking. That's clearer for drivers and safer for everyone."
Other agreed changes include:
- People will be able to ride e-scooters in cycle lanes.
- Drivers will have to give way to buses leaving bus stops in areas where speed limits are 60km/h or less.
- Minor and technical changes relating to traffic control devices, including road signs, signals and markings.
"We also heard strong views on the proposal relating to parking on berms, which would have given councils greater powers to fine the owners of vehicles parked on berms. After considering the feedback, we've decided not to proceed because it became clear the proposal wouldn't solve the underlying problem.
"This is exactly what consultation should achieve. We've taken practical proposals, listened to New Zealanders, and refined them to get a better result.
"These changes are about fixing the basics: safer streets, clearer rules, and less bureaucracy getting in the way of everyday travel."
The new rules are expected to come into effect before the end of the year following Orders in Council.
