Cycle & Walk Safely
Using shared paths safely
A shared path is a path intended to be used by pedestrians, cyclists, mobility devices and wheeled recreational devices. Please be considerate of other people when using a shared path.
- Look out for others
- Slow down when near others, especially if you are on an eBike or eScooter
- Keep dogs on a short leash
- Use a bell or call out when passing
- Pass with care.
Seen someone riding a motorcycle on a shared path?
What to do if you see dirt bikes or motorbikes illegally riding on our shared paths or reserves:
- Call 111 if someone is in danger, and it is happening now
- Call 105 after it’s happened or log a job online at police.govt.nz/use-105 – include as many details as possible to help Police identify and locate those responsible. You will be issued with a job number so you can follow up on your report
- Call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 - If you would like to report a crime anonymously.
Pedestrian crossings
Pedestrians have the right of way over vehicles on pedestrian crossings and driveways across a footpath.
No matter which type of crossing, our advice to children is always to ‘Stop and Look’ before you cross, then wait for there to be no vehicles coming or for vehicles to stop before you cross.
Bike check | Paihikara ora
A quick daily check and a small amount of regular maintenance will make sure your bike is safe and always ready to pedal.
Code for cycling
The code for cycling complements the road code – it’s a user-friendly guide to New Zealand’s traffic law. It is designed is for people riding bikes and people teaching others how to ride on the road. The code is designed for people riding all sorts of bikes, riders of tricycles, e-scooters, and other similar ways of getting around, will also find it useful.
Be bright, be seen when cycling
In winter, keep an eye out for our Be Bright pit stops - we’ll make sure you're bright enough!
Lights and reflectors help you be seen. This is important when on a bike anytime, but especially in winter, at night, when it’s raining, foggy or on low light days.
All bikes are required by law to have a red or yellow reflector facing backwards at all times.
When cycling at night or when visibility is poor, you’re also required to have:
- One or two yellow or white front lights* that can be seen from 200m away. Only one front light may flash
- At least one rear light* (must be red). Any rear light may flash
- Yellow pedal reflectors on the front and back of each pedal.
*Your lights must not dazzle, confuse or distract others.
High-vis backpack covers and vests with reflective strips create eye catching movement. Make sure the lights and reflectors can be seen clearly and aren't accidently covered by bags or jackets.