The Government has suggested that children under 12 could soon be allowed to cycle on footpaths, and the idea has been welcomed by cycling supporters. Transport Minister Chris Bishop shared the proposal as part of wider plans to update road rules. Public feedback on the changes will be open until 15 March.
The group Bike Auckland said letting young children ride on footpaths makes sense. Co-chairperson Karen Hormann explained that busy roads with cars travelling at 50 kilometres per hour can be unsafe for young riders. She said children usually travel slowly and should be taught to be careful and polite around people walking.
However, some people are worried about pedestrian safety. Age Concern chief executive Karen Billings-Hensen said the main question is how the change would affect older people and others who use footpaths. She believes children must give way to pedestrians and ride at a safe speed.
Drivers would also need to be extra careful when leaving driveways, as children on bikes may be harder to spot.
The proposals include allowing e-scooters to use cycle lanes and requiring drivers to leave at least a one-metre gap when passing cyclists. The Automobile Association, often called the AA, said the plans reflect changing times. Its chief policy officer, Simon Douglas, said allowing scooters in cycle lanes seemed like common sense.
If approved, the new rules could change how children, cyclists, drivers and pedestrians share the streets.
