FootpathNew Zealand
Traffic rules
New Zealand
1. Footpath
A footpath is a path or part of a road intended primarily for pedestrian traffic. It may run alongside a road, through a park or residential area, or independently from roads used by motor vehicles.
A footpath may be reserved exclusively for pedestrians or may form part of a shared route with cyclists or other permitted users. Access, priority and permitted users depend on the traffic signs and local regulations applying to the path.
Can children cycle on New Zealand footpaths?
Yes. Since 1 October 2026, New Zealand allows children aged 12 and under to cycle on footpaths. The amended rule also permits a person accompanying a child cyclist there to support that child’s safety. This is a conditional exception, rather than general footpath access for every adult cyclist. Ride considerately around pedestrians.
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — path-pedestrian
🔗 legislation.govt.nz • New Zealand, 2026/248 — clauses5 and12, commencement1 October2026
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • NZTA — new lane use rules from1 October2026
Can every adult cyclist use a New Zealand footpath?
No. From 1 October 2026, a person may ride on a New Zealand footpath to accompany a child cyclist aged 12 or under and support that child’s safety. Delivering newspapers, mail or printed material to letterboxes is another stated exception. Official Cycling Code guidance also addresses cycles with wheels no greater than 355 mm. An adult’s ordinary journey on a full-sized bicycle does not automatically qualify.
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — path-pedestrian
🔗 legislation.govt.nz • New Zealand, 2026/248 — clauses5 and12, commencement1 October2026
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • NZTA — new lane use rules from1 October2026
Is a New Zealand shared path the same as an ordinary footpath?
No. Shared paths are marked for walking and cycling. On a divided shared path, cyclists must use the part marked for them. Follow any signs allocating priority and pass other users patiently. The footpath-cycling exceptions do not remove the distinction between these facilities.
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — path-pedestrian
🔗 legislation.govt.nz • New Zealand, 2026/248 — clauses5 and12, commencement1 October2026
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • NZTA — new lane use rules from1 October2026
Mandatory path for pedestrians.
English • R5-5 • Pedestrians only. The signed path or area is reserved for pedestrians.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R5-5
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.
