NZTA is asking for feedback on a set of new road rules introduced by Transport Minister Chris Bishop. These come in two batches, one relating to heavy vehicles like trucks, and the other, called “Lane Use Improvements,” which has more to do with cycling. Here, we’re talking about the set of 5 proposed road rules under Lane Use Improvements.
The short summary: we believe these changes are sensible. We outline why we think the changes will make things clearer for all road users below, and a few areas where they could be even better. It’s important that NZTA hears what people who bike and scoot think of these rules. We encourage you to have your say.
What are the road rule changes in the Lane Use Improvements proposal?
There are five proposed changes:
- allow children aged 12 years and under to ride bikes on footpaths
- set a minimum passing gap for when vehicles pass other road users
- allow people to ride e-scooters in cycle lanes
- require drivers to give way to buses leaving bus stops
- clarify signage requirements for enforcing berm parking restrictions.
The first three are the ones which relate directly to cycling, so it’s those that we’ll focus on here.
Don’t kids already cycle on footpaths? And don’t e-scooters already use cycleways?
You may well be thinking, wait, aren’t those already the law? Well, no, they aren’t.
Current rules regarding kids biking on footpaths are very limited – while it’s common to see kids biking on footpaths, most of the instances you see aren’t following our current road rules. Giving bikes 1m or 1.5m space when passing may be accepted wisdom, but it’s not required by law. E-scooters using bike lanes may be common practice, but it isn’t covered by our laws today.
Is kids biking on footpaths a good idea?
This rule change to enable kids biking on footpaths is absolutely sensible.
This law formalises what most people already accept as common sense. 50kmh roads are not a safe place for kids to be. The ideal is having bikes on protected cycleways, but while our safe cycleway network remains incomplete, this law absolutely makes sense.
We applaud the steps made to legalise what has already been common practice with kids under 13.
Our kids deserve the freedom that we enjoyed as kids. We want kids to form the healthy habits of a lifetime. Let’s do everything we can to get kids cycling.
Is 12 years old enough?
An argument can be made for kids older than 12 to be allowed to ride on footpaths. The alternative for these minors is to ride on the road. Should people cycle on the road at the same age as they can drive on the road, for example? We encourage you to consider this and give your perspective in your feedback.
Should e-scooters be on cycleways?
We’re in favour of this proposed road rule.
E-scooters have become hugely popular since the law was last revised, so of course we need to give people clarity about what is and isn’t allowed.
Speed is a consideration when mixing two transport modes. E-scooters move around the same speed as e-bikes, so it makes sense for them to be on cycleways.
Ultimately, e-scooters are a great way to get around. People love them, they are low-emission so they are part of our climate response, and most of all they give people the freedom to choose how they want to get around. Instead of hanging onto the gas guzzlers of the past as the only option, we should be welcoming e-scooters.
Will a rule setting a minimum passing distance help people on bikes?
We’re in favour of this rule. It provides better clarity around safe passing distances, and stipulates fines for those not respecting them.
This aligns Aotearoa with other countries, who have similar rules.
Is one metre of passing distance enough?
Currently the rule specifies that those driving at 60kmh and above must leave 1.5 metre when passing, while those under that speed must leave one metre. Most of Auckland’s roads have a 50kmh speed limit.
One metre isn’t a lot when the passing vehicle is travelling at 50kmh – especially if you consider some of the other variables. If the passing vehicle has poor visibility (such as a truck blind zone), one metre isn’t a lot of room for error. Heavy vehicle draughts caused by air displacement can cause a cyclist to wobble or even fall – is one metre enough space for scenarios like this?
Drivers of cars, especially heavier ones like SUVs, have a nine in ten chance of killing a person on a bike if they hit one at 50kmh (whereas at speeds of 30kmh, the biker usually survives the crash). Given stats like these, we’d like more margin for error at 50kmh speeds.
Consider including in your feedback if you’d like the 1.5 metre passing distance to apply when travelling at 50kmh or more, rather than 60kmh or more.
What do you need to do on the proposed Lane Use Improvements?
It’s important that NZTA hears that people who bike and scoot care about these changes, and how they are affected by them. Let them know what you think.
