The road rules for cyclists, and what you need on a bike, can be found at www.landtransport.govt.nz/factsheets/01.html#road
A few things to note:
Cycle Paths
The road rules say you should use one if it is available. Note this does not mean you must use one. The web-based advice does not make this clear. So, for example, if you are commuting or road training on a bike, and find it easier to stay on the road, you are legally allowed to do so.
Riding on Footpaths
No, you can't. Unless you're a postie, or delivering leaflets, or where a shared path is designated - some footpaths are dual-use, and will (or should) have a cycle symbol on a pole or on the ground. There are increasing numbers of these around the country. They are not always well sign-posted, so it pays to check with the local council, cycling advocacy group (go to www.can.org.nz for a list of these) or cycle club for a guide as to where they are.
Note that pedestrians do not necessarily expect cyclists, even if it is clear that they should. It is good manners, and will generate more support from pedestrians for cyclists, if you do not speed past them, or too close to them. Remember how annoyed you feel when motor vehicles do that to you on the road. If you have a bell, use it. But not an air-horn. Scares the daylights out them.
BikeNZ has been asked whether cyclists should use footpaths not designated for shared use. This would be where traffic is heavy, fast, or both, and it would be safer to use a footpath. It would particularly apply to, say, kids biking down to the shops or the park; or commuters avoiding snarled traffic. Those contacting BikeNZ observe that the police seem to accept such behaviour, as from a police viewpoint it is better to have cyclists out of harms way. And motorists probably prefer it, too. They add that the main thing is to be VERY courteous to pedestrians when doing this, as it is primarily their space. Much of this is common sense. And they should explain to children to watch out for cars coming in and out of driveways...
Well, BikeNZ could not possibly comment on the conditions under which it might be better to use a footpath than ride on the road. After all, that would be promoting illegal activity. However, the previous paragraph gives an idea of what others might advise you to do, should they have the opportunity.
Cycle Lanes
A few things have been made clear about cycle lanes:
Vehicles cannot park on cycle lanes, unless specifically marked otherwise. This means it is no longer legal to have a designated cycle lane that also allows car-parking. You are now officially allowed to glare at the owners, and ring the local council to complain. (See below for more
Lanes must comply with regulations. For example, there needs to be a cycling symbol, or a bus lane symbol (which means cyclists and motorcyclists are allowed to use the lane).
Bus Lanes
You can ride on bus lanes, as noted above, but not if it says Bus Only.
Lights
You can have a flashing rear red light at night, and that is sufficient.
However, while you can have a flashing front light (white or amber), you must also have a steady (non-flashing) light.
Helmets
You have to wear one on the road. But a few comments:
It's absolutely pointless having one that does not fit. Ask your bike shop to make sure it does so. And do it up.
Helmets won't stop you being hurt. They can reduce the severity of injuries in many types of accident, particularly at lower speeds and are invaluable if you are doing things like mountain-biking, Skulls and trees don't mix. But do NOT rely on them to keep you safe, especially from motor vehicles. Equally or more important is to ensure such things as your brakes work and your tyres are in good condition (bald tyres won't stop you in a hurry, and you will get more flats). Get your bike serviced regularly, or learn to do it yourself. Improve your riding skills, be aware of changing road conditions, and wear reflective or bright clothing to ensure others see you. And wear a helmet.
Complaints
Road design and maintenance queries go to the council, rather than the police. This includes people parking on cycle lanes (which would appear to be a police matter). This is different from road infringements (accidents or near misses) - these complaints go to the police. However (just to confuse things) innovations such as Nelson's O800 CYCLECRASH allows you to register accidents or near misses with the council and Land Transport NZ, when such incidents fall under the police radar.
Other reasons to complain: glass and other debris on roads and cycle ways; poor road marking; missing stormwater grates; grates facing the wrong way; barriers, including temporary ones such as road works, where provision for cycling is not made.
Most councils have a complaint register. Some have particularly good ones. BikeNZ is building up a list of complaint contacts for selected councils (www.bikenz.org.nz - go to Advocacy on the left hand column, and see Complaining to Councils). If your local council has such a service, please let us know (send links or comments to office@bikenz.org.nz).