New rules aimed at making it safer and easier for people to share New Zealand’s roads, footpaths and cycle lanes came into force today.

A Bay of Plenty driving instructor says he can “see the logic” in some rules but has “concerns” about whether the changes will make roads safer.

Under the new rules, children aged 12 and under can ride bikes on footpaths and be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

E-scooters are now permitted in cycle lanes, while drivers must leave a minimum 1.5m gap when passing cyclists and other road users.

Drivers must also give way to buses re-entering traffic on roads with speed limits of 60km/h or less.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced the changes in July after public consultation that included more than 6000 submissions.

The changes were part of the Government’s land transport rules reform programme, aimed at modernising outdated rules, reducing red tape and supporting a safer, more productive transport system.

“We’ve taken practical proposals, listened to New Zealanders, and refined them to get a better result,” Bishop said when announcing the changes.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop. Photo / Mark Mitchell

“These changes are about fixing the basics: safer streets, clearer rules, and less bureaucracy getting in the way of everyday travel.”

Bay of Plenty driving school instructor Jeroen van der Beek told NZME he understood and agreed with some rules, while others took a bit of thought and the “jury is still out”.

“The give way to buses pulling out will be the first one getting motorists agitated, but I see the logic in getting public transport efficiency happening; other countries do it.”

He had “some concerns” about whether the changes would make roads safer.

“My reservations are around visibility for motorists reversing out of driveways, with quicker cyclists than pedestrians.”

When asked about the new requirement for a 1.5m gap when passing cyclists, Van der Beek said motorists were “predominantly courteous”.

“There will always be the exception, but some roads will prove difficult to achieve this on.”

Driving instructor Jeroen van der Beek says most motorists are courteous road users. Photo / Andrew Warner

Drawing on his experience of teaching learner and restricted drivers, he said mirror and blind-spot checks were the most commonly overlooked rules.

“Especially when motorists want to turn left and an e-scooter on the left is going straight ahead.”

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said the changes were intended to establish clearer expectations for all road users.

To support the rollout, NZTA is launching a public information campaign across radio, social media, digital and outdoor advertising, while schools and councils will receive updated cycling skills resources for children and parents.

Kaitlyn Morrell is a journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.