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Safer roads for cyclists and pedestrians

Updated: 16 November 2009

Cyclists and pedestrians who use New Zealand's state highways are particularly vulnerable, whether cycling or walking for recreation or as a means of getting to and from work and school or generally getting around.

Encouraging safer cycling and walking

In ensuring we provide a safe environment for all road users, we rely on an extensive consultation process in which we assess existing and future activities and local cycling and pedestrian habits and requirements. We take care accurately reflect the safety risk of the road environment in places where cyclists and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable.

For cyclists, we know that providing cycleways that are separate from the mainstream traffic is usually the safest option. However, it's up to individual cyclists to decide whether to use these or ride with the mainstream traffic - which they're entitled to do, except on designated motorways.

Note that facilities for cyclists and pedestrians are usually planned for in regional and local strategies and policies.

Find out more:

Learn about what we're doing to make state highways safer for all road users by: