A lot of this is commonsense. However I often see people doing stupid things, hence this page.
The key points are to avoid giving cyclists a bad name. There's already tension between cyclists, pedestrians and motorists. Do your best to avoid adding any more.
Roads are traditionally for cars.
- Wear a helmet, but be aware that you are still vulnerable
- Be visible. Wear bright colours/flouro
- On busy roads and at dusk/night, turn on your lights (I have a dynamo powered light which never runs out of batteries)
- Keep to the left, or if traffic is slow, ride in the center
- Don't ride two abreast, or if you do, move into single file when traffic approaches
- Ride on the shoulder (on the left of the white line) if practical
- Pull off the road to repair your bike
- Obey traffic lights (unless they don't have bike sensors)
- Don't weave through moving traffic, nor into empty parking spaces
- Be alert. Don't put all your focus on your phone. Don't block your hearing with two earphones (one can be OK). Look as far down the road as possible.
- As above, but ride in the safest part of the trail
- Control your speed
- Give pedestrians and animals space and/or the right of way, sound your bell if you have one
As noted in the Accommodation page, there is already tension due to the widespread abuse of Freedom Camping privileges. Do your best to be a good tourist.
- Use official campgrounds where available
- Don't camp in no-camping areas, unless you have no other option and are prepared to accept the consequences
- Keep NZ beautiful - don't throw rubbish on the ground, do pick up any other rubbish you see
- Don't hunt the wildlife
- Bury any human waste, well away from stream or rivers
- Don't play music out loud, unless you know that everyone wants to hear it
- Pay the camping fee if there is one. It costs money to maintain campgrounds, install toilets, put up signage etc.
- Observe the cycling etiquette
- Lock up your bike when you leave it alone, including when you go to bed
- Store your panniers in your tent rather than leaving them in the open
- Put away your stove etc when you go to bed
- Don't aggravate the locals
- Be informed about your surroundings so that you're not the target of exploitation
- Be prepared for unexpected situations (accidents, natural disasters, etc) by learning bike repair basics, first aid techniques, install weather and disaster apps, noting key phone numbers, and reserving some food/water/battery life just in case.
- Let someone back home know where you are and when you're due back
- Consider using a dedicated tracker such as a Spot tracker (in conjunction with a service like trackleaders or maprogress). This would allow family to follow you and would make your location available in times of emergency.