Services > Safe Cycling & Walking

Of medium concern across the cluster, local surveys show a lower than national average of cycle helmet compliance rates. There is a lack of driver understanding of road rules including how to correctly use established cycle lanes. Anecdotal evidence suggests an increase in popularity of cycling in region.

PEDAL READY

Pedal Ready is a cycle skills programme provided to schools and adults in the Wellington region. Training involves a bike and helmet safety check, bike handling skills and exercises to build confidence on a bike in preparation for all their future riding – whether it is out with friends or family, on the BMX track, mountain biking, or riding on the road. Read more about Pedal Ready.

for more info, feel free to allow us to help coordinate a group for training. Email Holly rsc@wairsc.org.nz

HURI HURI - CYCLING IN WAIRARAPA

Cycling is for everyone!

Wairarapa is a great place to get on your bike, get outdoors, get active and get involved!
With one of NZ's Great Rides, amazing tours, beautiful local trails, mountain biking parks, active cycling clubs and family friendly places to ride there's cycling fun for everyone!
The aim is to showcase all that is on offer in our fabulous Region, Huri Huri creates a one-stop-shop for our communities and visitors alike.
Share with your friends & family - often we don't know what amazing opportunities and activities are out there. We want everyone to take advantage of our beautiful landscape, get on their bike and get moving. Visit Huri Huri for up to date events in the region.

cyclist responsibilities

Your responsibilities as a cyclist are to:

More information about the rules of cycling - visit the cycling road code

Statistics on cycling - Ministry of transport

How to fit a Helmet

NZTA - PEOPLE ON BIKES

Everyone can be a Road Safety Hero!

The Wairarapa Road Safety Council supports Road Safety Week 2024 (20-26 May), themed "Be a Road Safety Hero." This week acknowledges everyone contributing to safer roads and assisting crash victims, from emergency services to community campaigners. It emphasizes that we all play a role in making journeys safer, promoting best practice examples of how we can change our behaviours for positive community outcomes.

Everyone can be a Road Safety Hero by understanding their responsibility for road safety. Celebrate those who reduce casualties and care for crash victims, and speak up for the right to safe, healthy journeys. Join the community of road safety heroes and make simple changes that lead to positive outcomes.

During Road Safety Week, schools can educate children and parents about road safety heroes and celebrate students who walk, cycle, or use public transport. Organizations can manage road risk through effective policies and driver training, recognizing internal heroes like health & safety staff. Emergency services and road safety professionals can highlight their efforts to reduce casualties. Individuals can pledge to use roads safely and advocate for healthy journeys.

Projects Coordinator, Wairarapa Road Safety Council Holly Hullena says "we can all get on board in some way to raise awareness of road safety".

"We all have to share our roading network to get to and from wherever we are destined to be. This includes our paths, so whether you are walking, cycling, a passenger or a driver - we all share a collective responsibility to look out for each other".

Wairarapa Road Safety Council are actively seeking feedback and thoughts from the community over road safety week. Bruce Pauling, Road Safety Manager will be hosting a stall in each town centre where locals can pick up goodies and information around all facets of road safety, even share thoughts in a short survey that could result in a lucky participant walking away with a $100 supermarket voucher.

Pauling says "Your thoughts as locals driving and travelling on our local roads daily, hold great insight and we would love to capture as much feedback as possible."

"From sharing your thoughts, we can advocate for safer roads for Wairarapa locals and visitors".

If you are not able to visit over road safety week, we have a link available so you can share your thoughts online - https://forms.gle/qSsNpfNMBHdSDzKG8 Entries close 31st May 2024.

Celebrate local road safety heroes, like school crossing patrols or those who campaigned for safe cycle paths. Share your gratitude for those who make a difference in your community.

Friday 24th of May is the 3rd Annual Yellow Day for Wairarapa in which businesses, schools, groups and organisations can dress in yellow to highlight road safety awareness. This year all photos shared on the Wairarapa Road Safety Council Facebook page will go in the draw to win a morning tea shout thanks to Ye Olde Bakehouse, Masterton.

Throughout the week, you can also pick up reflective back pack covers and first aid kits, puncture repair kits from our 5 town libraries or visiting My Ride or Cycling Tom Bike Shop in Masterton. While stocks last.

Be Safe Be Seen

Its not just drivers that have to look out for other road users. Play your part in Road Safety

Over the month of May WRSC have been working with Wairarapa’s 5 town libraries handing out reflective “KIT”....Still some gear available while stocks last.

General tips for safe walking

• Use pedestrian crossings or cross at traffic signals.

• Check for moving vehicles at every driveway.

• Walk on the footpath, close to the houses and away from the road.

• Hold hands if walking with a young child near roads or in carparks.

• Be courteous when you’re travelling faster than those around you (e.g. if you’re in a wheelchair, running, riding a scooter or skateboard, or skating). When passing others on the footpath, leave enough room that you don’t scare them or put them in danger.

For more information - nzta.govt.nz/walking-cycling-and-publictransport/ walking/walking-in-new-zealand/how-to-stay-safe-whenwalking/

Visibility & Lighting Our Selves Up

Reflective Wear is best for safe cycling, running and walking in low light conditions.

Wear bright clothing during the daytime hours and reflective material after dark, to be safe and be seen.

Applying reflective tape to your backpack, ankles, helmet or bike is a simple and effective way to

increase your visibility when the days are shorter.

For more information - www.gw.govt.nz/bikelights/

CYCLISTS

Cycling is great fun and an excellent way to get around. Here are a few simple tips to stay safe when sharing the road.

• Be aware – watch for car doors opening, potholes, rubbish, grates, and pedestrians. Always check for left turning vehicles.

• Be predictable – maintain a straight line, use hand signals and a bell.

• Be seen – make eye contact with drivers and pedestrians, ride at least one metre out from parked cars, and take the lane when appropriate.

• Be safe – follow the road rules and choose the safest route.

• Be bright – at night, use lights front and rear, and wear reflective items.

• Be patient – slow down near parked or lined up vehicles, pass slowly and only when safe. On shared paths, slow down and use one ring of your bell towarn pedestrians before you pass, cycle with courtesy.

• Be prepared – wear an approved helmet and check your bike regularly, including brakes, tyres, chain, lights, and reflectors.

For more information - nzta.govt.nz/safety/walking-cycling-scooters/cycling/

SKATEBOARDS & SCOOTERS

Riding on the road is dangerous so we strongly recommend using rollerblades, skates, scooters or skateboards on the footpath. An even better option for children of any age is to encourage them to use facilities such as skate parks – it’s much safer for everyone.

• Wear a helmet and safety gear such as wrist guards, elbow and knee pads, and closed shoes and brightly coloured clothing.

• Use scooters, skateboards and rollerblades in places set aside specifically for their use such as skate parks and playgrounds in your local area.

• Practise riding skills away from traffic.

For more information - nzta.govt.nz/safety/walking-cycling-scooters/skates-scooters-and-skateboards/

MOBILITY SCOOTERS & WHEELING

Mobility vehicles are light and offer you no protection. This makes you vulnerable if you go onto the road. Where possible we recommend you stay off the road, but if you must use the road:

• Wear bright clothing.

• Make your vehicle more visible, for example by attaching a flag.

• Be aware when riding on a mobility scooter that loose and long clothing may get caught in the tyres and could potentially cause the rider serious or fatal injury.

For more information - https://nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/vehicle-types/low-powered-vehicles/mobility-scooters/