New road rules take effect today, changing where e-scooters can ride and how road users must share the space.
Aucklanders are being urged to scoot smart, cycle carefully and keep an eye out for each other as a raft of new road rules comes into effect today.
The changes, introduced under the Government’s Land Transport Rules Reform Programme, include allowing e-scooters to use cycle lanes – giving riders greater certainty about where they can ride and making the rules easier for everyone to understand.
Auckland Council licenses rental e-scooter operators Lime and Flamingo and is using the rule change to remind riders that with greater freedom comes greater responsibility.
“The introduction of e-scooters into cycle lanes will be welcomed by many Aucklanders, but it also means everyone needs to be aware of their surroundings and show a bit of courtesy,” says Veronica Lee-Thompson, the council’s special operations manager, Licensing and Environmental Health.
“Whether you’re driving, cycling, scooting or walking, taking a little extra care, slowing down and looking out for one another can make a real difference.
Be mindful of people walking by and other cyclists when using a e-scooter in a public area.
“Everyone has a part to play in keeping Auckland’s roads and paths safe.”
Deputy Chair of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Shane Henderson say the changes are a positive step for people using e-scooters and other forms of micromobility.
“As someone who regularly uses an e-scooter, I know they’re a convenient, affordable and low-emissions way to get around Auckland,” he says.
“The new rules make it clearer where e-scooters can go, but the basics of safe riding haven’t changed.
“Wear a helmet, give pedestrians plenty of room, use your bell when passing and, importantly, never drink and ride.”
Scoot smart
Scoot smarter, not faster.
Auckland Council is reminding e-scooter riders to:
- wear a helmet
- use your bell when approaching or passing other riders or pedestrians
- take extra care around pedestrians when riding on the footpath
- never drink and ride
- keep footpaths clear when ending a rental trip
- park neatly beside the kerb and out of the way of pedestrians.
More changes on the way
The e-scooter change is just one of several nationwide road rule changes taking effect from 1 October.
Other changes include:
- children aged up to 12 will be allowed to ride bicycles on the footpath, with parents or caregivers able to ride alongside them
- drivers must leave at least 1.5 metres berth when overtaking other road users
- riders must give way to buses re-entering traffic from bus stops on roads with speed limits of 60km/h or less.
With more people using different ways to get around Auckland, the message from the council is simple: know the rules, keep your eyes open and give each other a bit of space.
A safer road is one where everyone – whether they’re behind the wheel, on two wheels or on two feet - looks out for everyone else.