Cycling is an enjoyable and healthy activity that provides children with their first sense of independence. However, it's common for parents to feel a mix of pride and worry as they watch their child venture onto the road on a bicycle, where it can be busy at times and potentially hazardous. However, with proper training and a solid understanding of road rules, children can enjoy cycling safely and have fun at the same time.
Safe cycling for children
Cyclists don't need a license to use the road. However, it's the responsibility of parents to ensure their child has adequate cycling skills and understands the road rules before they start riding on the road.
Suggestions for parents to help them achieve fun and safe cycling for their children:
- Visit https://www.bikeready.govt.nz/parents/ for handy tips and tricks on how to ensure your child has the skills and confidence for safe cycling
- Test your child's cycling skills and knowledge of road rules before he/she rides on the road
- Draw a map for your child showing the safest cycling routes in your neighbourhood
- Ride with them the first few times they ride on the road
Your support, encouragement, and guidance are crucial in helping your children become safe road users. Make sure to give them the time they need to learn. Also, remember to set a good example when you're driving or cycling, as children often learn by watching and imitating you!
Your child should be at least 10 years old
The Land Transport Safety Authority and Police recommend that children should be at least 10 years old before they ride on the road without adult supervision. Children younger than this lack the mental and physical maturity needed to navigate the roads safely on their own.
Guidelines for sharing paths
Nelson is lucky have around 20kms of off-road walking and cycling paths to enable people to enjoy walking or cycling well away from the dangers of traffic.
However, many of the paths are shared between walkers and cyclists so courtesy and consideration is important to ensure both walkers and cyclists can feel safe and enjoy the experience. Here are the guidelines for sharing the paths.
- Slow down – when approaching pedestrians or other shared pathway users.
- Watch for signs – In some areas the shared paths are separated into lanes for walkers and cyclists. When you see this signposted, please follow the directions given.
- Leave room for others – If you are walking or cycling in pairs or more, try not to take up all the track, leave room for others to either overtake or pass the other way.
- Give a warning – If you are overtaking walkers give them room and give them a warning. Ring your bell if you have one or call out a friendly greeting.
- Move off the path to leave room for others if you stop for a chat with someone you meet.
- Keep left when you meet oncoming traffic – To prevent confusion when you meet each other, walkers and cyclists should always keep left, just as you would on the road.
- Be aware and be courteous – Whatever situation you find yourself in as a walker or cyclist on a shared pathway, simply being aware of what is happening around you and being courteous to your fellow users is a great way to be safe and enjoy your exercise.
For more information on recreational walking and cycling routes, check out our other map publications, Walk Nelson or Bike Nelson.
Safety first
When riding:
- Give way – Always give way to people on foot, they have right of way.
- Ring your bell – Ring your bell early to let walkers know you’re approaching.
- Slow down – This is common courtesy.
- Watch out – Pets and children can be unpredictable.
When walking:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Listen for bike bells and move to the left to allow bike riders to pass.
- Be predictable and keep to the left.
- Be mindful of young children and dogs, keep them safe.
When driving:
- Be aware of cyclists and walkers when entering or exiting driveways and side roads.
What
cyclists would like motorists to know
Motorists and cyclists both have a right to use our roads - a right to safe and enjoyable travel. It's important for both groups to understand and respect each other's needs. Since cyclists are more vulnerable, drivers bear a greater responsibility to ensure their safety.
Rain, wind, and poor visibility make conditions worse for cyclists:
- Cyclists need extra room at intersections and roundabouts
- Cyclists ride out from the kerb to avoid drains, potholes and debris
- Cyclists turning right are exposed and need extra consideration
- Cyclists have to ride in the main traffic flow if parked cars block the left road side
- Cyclists can be dazzled by full beam headlights, like everyone else
- Cyclists can be fast movers at 20km/h or more
What
motorists would like cyclists to know
- Motorists often become frustrated because they can't see cyclists who ride without lights, or when cyclists ride erratically, ignoring red lights, or hopping on and off the footpath
- Motorists travel faster than cyclists and may have less time to take account of hazards
- Motorists may not always see cyclists especially at night or in wet weather
- Motorists become uneasy when cyclists seem hesitant, move out suddenly or swerve around potholes
- Motorists can feel delayed by cyclists
Be prepared, ride with care
Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or exploring, staying alert and prepared can make all the difference. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
- Watch for cars pulling out - Make sure drivers see you by making eye contact with them.
- Scan the road behind - Look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or serving from side to side.
- Be ready to brake - Always use front and rear brakes together for safe controlled braking.
- Avoid road hazards - Ride carefully over sewer grates, man hole covers, oil on surfaces, gravel, and railway tracks. Report hazards to the council. Be patient when approaching livestock on the road.
- Keep your bike in good repair - Adjust your bike to fit you, and keep it regularly maintained. Check brakes and tyres often.
- Use a pack or a rack to carry things - Saddlebags, racks, baskets, backpacks are all good ways to carry things, freeing your hands for safe cycling. Don’t ride with a heavy rucksack on your back or sling bags over your handlebars.
- Watch for opening car doors - Keep an eye out when going around parked cars on the side of a road.
- Lock bike when you're gone - Lock up to a post or bike rack. Thread the chain or cable through the frame and wheels.
- Bicycle details - Always keep a photo and serial number of your bike. Bike registration is not required.
- Tools to carry on your bike - Lock, allen/hex keys, pump, lights, spare inner tube, puncture repair kits, tyre levers.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing or leg/wrist bands - This makes you more visible to other road users, especially in low light or poor weather conditions, reducing the risk of accidents.
