Blog

Here is our simple and pared down guide to riding a bike on New Zealand roads
1. The basics
Obey give way rules, road signs and markings. Use hand signals. Pass other people safely and without startling them. Keep left when it is safe to do so. No more than two riders side-by-side. Do not ride while distracted or impaired. Do not ride on footpaths (exceptions apply). Scan for hazards and be ready to deal with them. Wear a helmet, have the correct lights and reflectors and check your brakes!

Sharing the road
After our chat with George, we got to thinking.. how do we change the prevailing attitudes surrounding cyclists? Turns out we are not the only ones thinking about this and there has been much research conducted on the subject. The New Zealand Transport agency published their study in October 2017 and it had some interesting findings.

Wonderful Wednesday with the Wednesday Wheelies!
At The Safer Cycling Foundation, we firmly believe cycling is important for a variety of reasons; environmental, physical health and mental well-being crop up frequently. We have found a group that not only demonstrates the truth of this, but also took the time to show us how much more cycling provides to their members.

Safety and intersections
Intersections are among the most dangerous places on the New Zealand road network. A report published in 2013 stated that in the previous 5 years in urban areas 46% of deaths and serious injuries happened at intersections.

We were lucky enough to talk to New Zealand’s very own road racing superstar George Bennett!
George Bennett probably doesn’t need much introduction to cycling fans in New Zealand. At 31 years old he has represented New Zealand at the 2016 Summer Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, ridden in 14 Grand tours and 6 Classics.

Safer Cycling Tells Their Side of the Story
Here at Safer Cycling we tend to hear a lot about how the cyclists are at fault. How the cyclists don’t obey the road rules. How the cyclists don’t deserve to be on the roads. We are aware there are two sides to every argument and that cyclists are not perfect but we wanted to try and show why we do what we do

The 1.5m rule and why New Zealand needs to make it law
The New Zealand Road Code recommends that motorists “Give cyclists plenty of room when passing them. Ideally, allow at least 1.5 metres between you and the cyclist.” However, this lacks the force of the law and despite a long-standing campaign by Cycling Action Network, the government is yet to take any action.

Niamh Fisher-Black wins the 2021 Vuelta a Burgos Feminas
Niamh Fisher-Black, at not quite 21 years old, is hailed as the world’s best young female rider. She recently finished 9th overall in the Giro d’Italia Donne where she also took out 1st place in the Young Rider Classification

So how did the Netherlands do it?
Anyone who has ever visited Amsterdam knows that the city belongs to the cyclists. The city is equipped with an elaborate network of cycle-paths and lanes that are safe and convenient.

Is COVID-19 going to be the catalyst for safer cycling infrastructure in cities?
Popular options like public transit and ridesharing, now carry the risk of potentially exposing passengers to COVID-19. As a result, more people have taken to cycling and bike shops across the country are seeing record sales.

Interviews

Ten minutes with Paralympian Fraser Sharp
This Kiwi cycling legend spoke to us about making cycling safer in Aotearoa, how to stay motivated, and the highlights of his career ahead of his pitch for a medal at the Tokyo Paralympics later this year. Tauranga local Fraser Sharp was knocked off his bike while...

Cycling Conversations: Eric de Freitas
We spoke to former competitive cyclist Eric de Freitas about safer cycling, changing mindsets, sustainability, and his love of the sport. In one sentence, tell us why you ride. It makes me feel alive and more connected with nature and the elements. When did you first...
Guides

Top 4 New Zealand Cycle Trails to Ride this Summer
With border restrictions still in place due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, there’s never been a better time to get out and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of New Zealand. And what better way to see the country, than on a bike? With so many awe-inspiring trails to...

Avoiding Collisions on the Road
Do you know what the most common collisions are between bikes and vehicles? If not, have a read. It might surprise you – there are 10 common collisions that involve a high percentage of incidents on the roads. We’ll share one with you each week for the next 10 weeks...

Basic hand signals for first-time cyclists
Being confident riding on the road means being aware of what’s going on at all times, looking ahead, being visible to other road users and having the confidence to make quick decisions. Here are some tips for first-time cyclists.1. Hand signals must be used at least...

How to choose a bike helmet
A helmet is an absolutely essential piece of gear when you are riding a bike, not only because it is illegal not to wear one, but because it could save your life if you are in an accident. Helmets come in three basic styles; street style, road and mountain. Different...

Top tips for sharing the road with cyclists
1. Take special care and slow down when passing. They may need to move unexpectedly and not have an opportunity to signal their intentions.2. Indicate clearly Indicate clearly and in plenty of time when turning and stopping.3. Know your blind spots Know your blind...
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