New road rules - What parents and drivers need to know
Published on 12 October 2026
Four new road rules became law on 1 October 2026, including an important change for our younger cyclists -- children can now ride on the footpath.
Children aged 12 and under can ride bikes on the footpath, and parents and caregivers may ride with them to support their safety.
Before riding on the footpath, children should be confident and able to ride in a straight line, steer around objects and stop with control.
Fenwick School principal Rodney McLellan said he definitely has some concerns around his pupils on footpaths when they cross over driveways.
“Cyclists and motorists (particularly backing out of your driveway) need to be very aware.”
Eleven-year-old Fenwick School pupil Oli said he won’t be riding on footpaths because he nearly got hit by someone at a driveway once. So he feels more confident on the road.
But principal Rodney is hoping that more children will feel safer on the footpaths and get on their bikes.
“It would be great to see more children biking to school,” he said.
Waitaki District Council road safety educator Carrie Hamilton works closely with schools and knows how important it is that parents and educators help children learn the skills needed to stay safe on their bikes.
She has provided the following information to help with that process:
Parents – help your child learn how to ride safely
Teach your child to:
- ride at a safe speed and slow down in busy areas
- give way to pedestrians and mobility device users
- ride near the middle of the footpath, but move left when others are approaching
- look for vehicles moving in and out of driveways – drivers must give way, but stop if you’re not sure the driver has seen you
- ring your bell or politely call out when approaching people from behind
- stop and look for vehicles before crossing side roads
- scan ahead for hazards on the path
- always wear an approved cycle helmet.
Practise bike control skills in an off-road area first. Ride with your child until they have built up their skills and knowledge, and make sure their bike is in good order with working brakes.
Drivers – please look out for cyclists
Drivers must give way to cyclists on the footpath when entering or exiting a driveway. When passing a cyclist travelling in the same direction and in the same lane, drivers must give them at least 1.5 metres of space. If you can’t pass safely, slow down and wait behind them until you can.
And don’t forget to check behind for cyclists before opening your car door.
What else has changed?
The other new road rules mean people can ride e-scooters in cycle lanes, drivers must slow down and leave a minimum 1.5 metre gap when passing other road users, such as cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians, and people must give way to buses leaving bus stops in areas with speed limits of 60km/h or less.
Help our young riders build confidence
These changes are a good opportunity to talk with children about safe cycling and practise together. Parents and caregivers can help children build safe habits, while drivers can help by slowing down, giving them space and looking out for them.
By teaching our children to make safe choices today, we’re helping them become safer, more confident road users and preparing them to be safe drivers in the future.