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Confident and safe cycling

With an increase in the number of people choosing to cycle to get around, awareness, respect and courtesy are key behaviours that will help people get where they’re going safely.

Here are a few general tips to help things go smoothly:

Check your bike's condition: Before you get on your bike, give it a once-over. It’s as easy as ABC. A: Air – are your tyres the right pressure? B – Brakes – are they working properly? And C – Chain – check it isn’t loose.  Electric bike? – Make sure it is fully charged.

Use good safety gear: Make sure your helmet is a modern one that meets NZ safety standards – and don’t forget to fit it using the 2-4-1 method. 

Practice makes perfect: If it’s been a while since your last ride, or you’ve got a new bike, go for a few test rides in a quiet spot before you head into busier areas. And remember, all bikes are different, so it can take time to adapt. 

Stay alert: Most cycling injuries happen when people lose control, so stay alert and look ahead for cars, pedestrians, animals, small children, potholes, slippery surfaces, or anything that could stop the wheels from turning. 

Be seen: Lastly – position yourself where you can be seen on the road/shared pathway. Wear bright colours.

Pathway etiquette

Share: all pathways are shared - all users please keep left and slow down and give a friendly warning to others when approaching from behind.

Care: cyclists/scooters travel faster than pedestrians, please slow down and give way to them. Pedestrians remember to keep left and keep dogs on lead.

Be Respectful: Slow down on busy sections and look out for children, elderly, people with impairments and animals.

Be Safe: Please wear a helmet, ride to your ability, follow signage, be aware of hazards and supervise children.

Be aware of your surroundings at all times including behind you, and be especially alert when travelling through road works.

Make extra checks around intersections where people driving may turn across cycle lanes.

When riding through queues of stationary or slow-moving cars, scan ahead for gaps in the queue where turning vehicles may unexpectedly cut across your path.

Dog Owners: Dogs are allowed on some of the Hawke's Bay trails but for safety reasons please be responsible, make sure they are on a lead and under control at all times. On busy areas like Marine Parade you need to have your dog on-lead, this is to help prevent accidents.

Communicate with others

Be predictable. Use clear hand signals to let other road users know your intentions.

Make eye contact with other road users to help you both be sure that you’ve seen each other.

Thank other road users when you can. Let them know you appreciate that they waited for you by waving, smiling or giving a thumbs up.

Positive interactions help build a considerate and safe road culture, and make travelling on our roads more pleasant for everyone.

iWAY Share with Care

Helpful resources

Official New Zealand Code for Cyclists

Safety Tips for Cyclists and Truck and Bus Drivers

Cycle Safe Schools Programme

Content courtesy of Christchurch City CouncilHawke's Bay Trails and ACC.

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Share the road.

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