Cyclist / Bus Road Protocol - 2012/2013
Between; Cycle Tour Operators New Zealand (CTONZ) & Bus and
Coach Association New Zealand (BCA)
Suggested behaviour
A Cyclists & Cycle Tour Companies
- Cyclists to be well briefed on NZ road laws and expectations of traffic
behaviour and density.
- Bright high visibility clothing to be strongly promoted to riders.
- Where possible a flag, reflective diamond or reflective material should
be displayed on the bike.
- In general, cyclist should keep as far left as possible. Groups should
cycle in single file on corners, on hills and areas where there is less
than 200 metres clear visibility. At other times, two abreast is satisfactory,
consistent with road safety.
- Cycle tour operators should use hazard warning lights on their support
vehicle when cyclists are on the road.
- Vehicles involved should have a rear mounted warning sign to alert
other users that a cycle group is ahead.
- Where practical, the support vehicle should remain at the rear of the
group.
- Where long winding roads make it impossible to secure suitable visibility
to allow a safe passing movement, cyclists, as a courtesy should dismount
to allow /prevent any build up in traffic to pass.
- Where unsatisfactory driving behaviour is observed, cyclists &
guides are encouraged to identify the coach company, time of incident
and if possible the licence number which will be forwarded to the company
in question.
B Coach Drivers
- Coach drivers should slow down to a speed consistent with safety when
passing cyclists.
- The passing movement should allow up to 1.5 - 2 metres between the
coach and the cyclist.
- Cycle protocol will be included in driver training programmes and in
the Associations circular magazine
- The Bus & Coach Assn is prepared to publish copies of the protocol
for members to give to drivers.
- When details of unsatisfactory driving behaviour is received, management
will raise the issue with the driver concerned and attempt to take remedial
action
C - Validity
- Both parties will review the protocol annually.
- Changes can be made with agreement of both parties.