The New Zealand Code for Cyclists
Cyclists on Taranaki Street
Under the road rules, a bicycle is defined as a vehicle. As such most road rules that apply to the driver of a vehicle, also apply to the rider of a bicycle. These rules include obeying traffic signals, stop and give way signs and indicating when changing direction.
There are also a number of road rules that apply specifically to the riders of bicycles. These include wearing a bicycle helmet and having lights and brakes on your bicycle.
New Code for New Zealand Cyclists
The official New Zealand Code for Cyclists is now online to help you understand New Zealand road rules and become a safe and courteous road user. Traffic laws, road signs and traffic control signals apply to bicycles as well as cars.
During the hours of darkness you need lights and reflectors on your bike to make sure you can be seen by other vehicles.
Safer cycling
Follow these simple guidelines for safer cycling:
- Make sure you regularly maintain your bike to ensure it is roadworthy
- Keep left but slightly away from the kerb, watching out for potholes and drains in your path
- Don't veer in and out between parked vehicles - maintain a consistent straight path along the road.
- If necessary (eg on narrow roads or at intersections) occupy the centre of the traffic lane, so that other traffic can clearly see you and doesn't try to overtake you unsafely
- Ride at least a metre away from parked cars to avoid hitting doors opening in front of you
- Be careful of painted lines and manhole covers in wet conditions - they can be extremely slippery
- Don't use a mobile phone or listen to music while cycling - the road requires your full attention
- Don't ride alongside or directly behind lorries and buses - they can't always see you in their mirrors
- Always make your intentions clear to other road users with hand signals
- Obey the road rules - don't jump red lights and don't ride on the footpath
- Watch out for vehicles, especially at intersections, where drivers may not have noticed you. Don't assume they've seen you.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing whenever cycling in dim light conditions.
Safety tip - Going roundabout
Roundabouts are becoming more common around the Wellington region, especially in the Hutt Valley. They might speed things up for motorists, but are not easy to negotiate on a bicycle if you're not confident.
The key to negotiating a roundabout on a bicycle is to behave like a motorist. If you want to go straight ahead, look for a gap in the traffic, signal right and occupy the centre of the lane as you enter the roundabout. Move back to the left of the lane only as you exit the roundabout. If you're turning right, take up the lane and signal a right turn as you enter the roundabout. Stay towards the right of your lane until you approach the exit point, then move smoothly left.
If the roundabout has more than one lane, use the lane that leads to where you want to go.
