Bike pathNew Zealand

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of New Zealand. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


5. Bike path

A bike path is a part of a road or a separate route intended primarily or exclusively for people riding bicycles. It may be physically separated from motor traffic, marked on the road surface or identified by traffic signs.

Bike paths may be one-way, two-way or shared with other road users. The permitted users, direction of travel, priority rules and obligation to use the path depend on local traffic signs and regulations.

Bike path
Separated path for pedestrians and cyclists. (Auckland, New Zealand)
Wikimedia.org • Ingolfson • CC0
Must cyclists use a provided New Zealand cycle lane or path?

No. The Cycling Code says cyclists are not legally required to use cycle lanes or paths and may use the road instead. Choose a route suited to the conditions, while obeying its traffic controls and any restrictions that apply to the road.

🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — path-cyclist

🔗 nzta.govt.nz • NZTA — cycle-lane access for qualifying e-scooters from1 October2026

Are New Zealand cycle lanes reserved only for bicycles?

No. From 1 October 2026, the updated Cycling Code also permits e-scooters in cycle lanes. A marked lane therefore does not mean bicycle-only use. This change concerns cycle lanes; check the controls on separately designated paths.

🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — path-cyclist

🔗 nzta.govt.nz • NZTA — cycle-lane access for qualifying e-scooters from1 October2026

Is a New Zealand cycle lane the same as a separate cycle path?

No. A cycle lane is marked along the roadway. A separate path is away from the roadway and may be designated for cycling or shared with pedestrians. Check the signs and markings rather than treating every path beside a road as a reserved cycle lane.

🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — path-cyclist

🔗 nzta.govt.nz • NZTA — cycle-lane access for qualifying e-scooters from1 October2026

1 New Zealand 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Advisory speed 5 Bike path 6 Pedestrian warning 7 Bridge 8 Speed bump 9 One-way traffic 10 Slope 11 Bus lane 12 Stop sign 13 Give way 14 Roundabout 15 Road narrowing 16 Pedestrian crossing 17 Railway crossing 18 Mandatory direction 19 Turn prohibition 20 School area 21 Crossing animals 22 Slippery road 23 Curve 24 Chevron 25 Wrong-way driving 26 Roadworks 27 Crosswind 28 Height limit 29 Priority at the next junction 30 Traffic lights 31 Pedestrian lights 32 Road markings 33 Parking 34 Disabled parking 35 Reversing 36 U-turn 37 Tourist attraction 38 Charging station 39 Dangers 40 Cyclist 41 Bus 42 Police 43 Ambulance 44 Pothole 45 Path 46 Particulates 47 Air pollution 48 Rush hour 49 Road code 50 Two-way traffic 51 Street gutter 52 Cargo bike 53 Forestry vehicle 54 Construction vehicle 55 Semi-trailer truck 56 Trolleybus 57 Speed pedelec 58 Delivery vehicle 59 Idling 60 Tow truck 61 Four-wheel drive 62 Bicycle 63 Motorcycle equipment 64 Tram 65 Rail track 66 Caravan 67 Trailer 68 Tow hitch 69 Fire truck 70 Siren 71 Convoy 72 Emergency vehicle lighting 73 Agricultural machinery 74 Electric bicycle 75 Electric vehicle 76 Pedelec 77 Quadricycle 78 Microcar 79 All-terrain vehicle 80 Van 81 Recreational vehicle 82 Scooter 83 Trikke 84 Personal mobility device 85 Skateboard 86 Segway 87 Kick scooter 88 Roller skates 89 Mailman 90 Hitchhiker 91 Toddler 92 Child 93 Disability 94 Motorail 95 km/h 96 mph 97 Speedometer 98 Ride height 99 Dirt road 100 Driving ...