The Government has approved transport rule changes that will allow children aged 12 and under to cycle on footpaths when accompanied by an adult rider.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced the package following consultation that drew feedback from more than 6,000 people. The changes also permit e-scooters to use cycle lanes and introduce a mandatory 1.5 metre gap for vehicles overtaking cyclists and horse riders.
Parents, caregivers, teachers or older siblings may ride alongside children on footpaths under the new rules. The original proposal would have kept accompanying adults on the road. "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," Bishop said.
The package includes a requirement for drivers to give way to buses pulling out from bus stops in areas with speed limits of 60km/h or below. The overtaking distance was simplified to a single 1.5 metre standard after consultation, replacing earlier proposals for different distances in different circumstances.
The Government decided against proceeding with a proposed berm parking rule that would have expanded council powers to issue fines. The rules are expected to take effect before the end of the year following Orders in Council.