Cyclist on Jervois Quay

Under the road rules, a bicycle is defined as a vehicle. As such most road rules that apply to the driver of a vehicle, may 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 equipment on your bicycle.

The official New Zealand Road Code is online to help you understand New Zealand traffic law and become a safe and courteous road user. Traffic laws, road signs and traffic control signals apply to bicycles as well as cars.

Wearing a helmet is compulsory for cyclists on New Zealand roads and this includes any place to which the public have access, whether as of right or not.

During the hours of darkness you need lights and reflectors on your bike to make sure you can be seen by other vehicles.

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 are very slippery
• Don't use a mobile phone or listen to music while cycling - the road requires your full attention
• Don't ride alongside lorries and buses for more than a few seconds - they can't always see you in their wing 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, and
• Wear a helmet and bright or reflective clothing at all times.

Roundabouts are becoming more common around the Wellington region, especially in the Hutt Valley. They might speed things up for motorists, but they can be inconvenient for pedestrians and are not easy to negotiate as a cyclist if you're not confident. Multi-lane roundabouts are particularly off-putting.

The key to negotiating a roundabout as a cyclist is to behave like a motorist. If you want to go straight ahead, occupy the lane as you enter the roundabout and move to the left only as you exit it. 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 - don't just stick to the left when you actually want to be in the lane for straight ahead or right turns.