Riding to school on the footpath is part of this Napier family's daily routine. Photo / Michaela Gower
Riding to school on the footpath is part of this Napier family's daily routine. Photo / Michaela Gower
Every day, 8-year-old Napier boy Sonny Smith clips on his helmet and pedals his bike to school on the footpath.
Not far behind is his mum, Christina Johnson, checking for risks and reminding her son to be courteous to pedestrians.
But despite Johnson saying it’s the safest optionfor the Greenmeadows pupil’s 400-metre journey, it is currently illegal to ride bikes on footpaths under the official New Zealand code for cyclists.
The only exceptions are if you’re delivering mail or the bike has very small wheels (their diameter must be less than 355 millimetres).
But the Government wants to change that. It’s asking for feedback on lane-use improvements to allow children aged 12 and under to ride bikes on footpaths.
Consultation is due to close on Wednesday.
Sonny Smith rides his bike on the footpath from home to school most days, with mum Christina Johnson and brother Albie not far behind. Photo / Michaela Gower
Johnson said she hadn’t stopped to consider that Sonny was breaking the law.
“It’s sort of the lesser of two evils. I know there are risks and things that aren’t perfect about them being on the footpath, but it’s definitely safer for the children than being on the road.”
She said responsibility fell on parents to teach their children about the risks and courtesy.
“For Sonny, if he were having to be on the road at his age, that would take away the opportunity for him to independently ride to school.
“I consider it a safe risk, and I think letting them take those safe risks is important as they get older and grow independence.”
Sonny Smith says he knows to keep an eye out for dangers and pedestrians. Photo / Michaela Gower
Sonny said he felt safe and enjoyed riding on the footpath to school.
He had to remember to ride safely, and be aware of driveways, pedestrians and rubbish bins.
Greenmeadows School principal Mark Johnson said the Government consultation reflected the current reality.
Napier Greenmeadows School principal Mark Johnson. Photo / Michaela Gower
“With the amount of traffic on the roads these days, to me it’s the safer option, in most instances.”
He said there were fewer than 20 pupils who rode their bikes to school.
“Those who do ride, the majority of them would ride a lot of the journey on the footpath.”
Transport Minister Chris Bishop said in February that allowing kids under 12 to ride on footpaths might be concerning for pedestrians, including older people and those who were disabled.
But the changes would bring “the law into line with reality”.
“Many children already ride on footpaths, although the current rule does not allow them to,” he said.
“Education and clear guidance will be important, and parents and caregivers will need to ensure children ride at safe speeds and give way to pedestrians.”
The changes would also allow e-scooter riders to use cycle lanes and require motorists travelling under 60km/h to give way to buses leaving bus stops.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council transport manager Russell Turnbull said it would prepare a formal submission on the consultation proposal after discussion with road safety stakeholders across the region, including police and councils.
Consultation is open on the proposed changes until Wednesday. Feedback can be provided through the NZTA website.
Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based in the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.
