Shared pathways

Lots of us like to get out and about - learn the protocol for shared pathways.

In our community, ensuring everyone’s safety on the roads and paths is paramount, regardless of your mode of transportation. Whether you’re walking, pedalling, skating, or driving, it’s crucial to share the space responsibly.

As new shared spaces are created around Tasman, it’s essential for all users to exercise caution and consideration.

With mutual consideration and understanding among all users, we can all enjoy our shared paths safely.

Keep left

Keep to the left of the path at all times whether you are walking, running, cycling, scooting or skating.

When passing others let them know you’re there, give them a wide berth, ensure you have enough space to complete the pass and return to the left.

Control your dog

Owners please keep your dog under control around other people (or dogs).

Move off the path when you stop

If you meet a friend on your journey or want to stop to enjoy the view or have a breather, please move off the path.

Control your speed

Ensure that other peoples safety is never compromised by the speed you are travelling. Cyclists who want/need to go fast are advised to ride on the road. As for e-bikes, there is no set speed limit, provided riders are sticking to the road rules.

Electric mobility scooter drivers should keep their speed moderate and alert pedestrians as they approach.

Warn when approaching - be considerate

Be seen - leave your invisibility cloak at home.

It is essential that faster moving path users, such as cyclists, scooters and skaters, warn pedestrians before overtaking them.

Calling out or ringing a bell will alert slower path users they are about to be overtaken.

Being startled by faster path users is one of the key issues affecting people's enjoyment of our shared paths.

Shared crossings

These crossings serve a dual purpose, accommodating both pedestrians and cyclists. They are effectively two crossings side-by-side – one is a zebra crossing for pedestrians, and the other is a green cycle crossing for cyclists.

Cyclists are not obliged to dismount at these green-painted crossings but must proceed cautiously.

Drivers, too, must be mindful of the give way signs at these crossings, reminding them to stop for pedestrians and cyclists.

Skaters and scooters

Please keep your tricks for the skate park. A shared path is not the place to practise them.

E–scooters can be used on the footpath or the road, except in designated cycle lanes that are part of the road, designed for the sole use of cyclists.

Riders choosing to use footpaths must travel at speeds that don’t put other footpath users at risk and give way to both pedestrians and drivers of mobility devices.

Mobility scooters are generally in the same legal category as e-scooters. 

Don't block the pathways - they are not car parks

Drivers are asked not to park on pathways. Having to go round a parked car can create a hazard and, of course, path parkers can be fined or towed.

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