Cyclist / Bus Road Protocol

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 possible, 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.

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