The Community Roadwatch programme has been designed for use by New Zealand Police to advise the owner of a motor vehicle about the unsafe or risky driving behaviour you have observed and reported (where you do not wish the offender to be prosecuted).

Fill in the online report to the Police

Getting Bike Wise:
A Parents' Guide to Keeping Children Cycle Safe

Riding off-road, Otaki Beach ©2006 M Richardson

Kiwi kids have been riding bikes for decades, and enjoying the independence and health benefits they provide. Regular exercise is important for our kids and riding a bike can be a really fun way for them to keep fit while getting around.

While cycling is a great form of transport and recreation, like any other means of getting around — from traveling in a car to walking — there are some dangers.

Basic safe, assertive cycle rules from experienced cyclists

1. Know the Road Code. Most of it applies to cyclists as much as motorists.
2. Cycle in the cycle lanes designated for your use.
3. Cycle at least 1 m away from the curb (to avoid stormwater drains and avoid hitting the curb (in case you have to escape a car, truck or bus getting too close).
4. Cycle at least 1 m away from parked cars (watch out for doors opening).
5. Cycle in a straight line as much as possible (do not weave in and out between parked cars).
6. Signal your intention to all traffic and pedestrians.
   

We like to share with you how we keep safe on the road and if you are a parent how you can ensure that your children are safe on the road on their way to school.

Land Transport New Zealand has put out a resource book called The Safe Cycling Book available from good bookstores, ISBN: 0-9582130-3-8.

We have set up a Near-miss Report for you to tell us about the times you feel invisible to motorists.

Or you may want to use the Community Roadwatch Report to alert police of dangerous driver behaviour.

Visibility equipment shown is available at local cycle shops or the backpack cover through the national group Cycling Advocates Network. Some visibility equipment sourced from Europe Spacemaker is available only through us.

Waikanae River pathway: thanks to Council!

There is a great new pathway along the Waikanae River from Greenaway Road to the footbridge.

The pathway will allow commuters to Paraparaumu and College Students arriving without mud spattered clothing and to ride a normal road bike. There were lots of mums and dads out cycling with their children when we cycled it.

A big thank you goes to Council for this pathway. Have a go and let Council know that you appreciate this pathway.

Mind where you ride: there is a maintenance issue on this pathway.

Good paths to use when Cycling to School in the Kapiti area

Maps, where to find bike lock-up, tips for commuting by cycle around Kapiti.

Commuter race shows the cycle can beat the car to work

Two wheels proved to be better than four in the inaugural Green Party Commuter Challenge race to work, held September 2006 to mark International Car Free Day. Read about the commuter race

Links to different recreational cycling groups in Kapiti.

Can we add your group? Let us know if you can help. kapiticycling@kapiticycling.org.nz

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Weekend Road Rides, Sat and Sun 9am

For beginners and more experienced riders leaving from the back of Coastlands near Robert Harris Cafe at 9am on Saturday and Sunday. The slower group aims to keep all riders together and goes at the speed of the slowest rider (approx 25–27kph)

Mountain biking in Kapiti

Otaihanga Mountain Bike Park, Paraparaumu

Access of Otaihanga Road

Many mountain bikers and budding mountain bikers are visiting and helping make this new park successful.

Sundays 10am, Rod Bardsley runs sessions. madbiker@clear.net.nz

For maps and more information go to: http://www.kapitimtbpark.org.nz/