Elderly pay when cyclists use footpaths - advocate
This was an interview on RNZ 'Nights' 11 Oct 2016.
"In New Zealand, it's illegal for anyone to ride on the footpath unless they are delivering mail or newspapers, or riding a bike with wheels less than 355mm diameter (typically a child's tricycle or small bike).
But an advocate for pedestrians says walkers and cyclists just don’t mix.
Still, there is a push to allow some cyclists to legally share the footpath with pedestrians.
Jo Clendon from Wellington wants children under 12 and the over 65s to be able to cycle on the footpath and has successfully petitioned Parliament's transport select committee to look into the matter
In Australia, most states allow children to cycle legally on the footpath, but age limits vary by state.
Dr Ben Rossiter from Victoria Walks tells Nights that when two forms of transport share the same path the dominant one always wins.
What’s more, it is seniors who come off worst when the footpath is used by cyclists, For the elderly a shared footpath is distracting and unsafe, he says.
“We know from research that on shared paths seniors are discouraged from walking because of the fear of falling.”
And a fall for an older person can be catastrophic.
“If you fall and do your hip, you’ve got an up to 40 percent chance you’ll be dead in 12 months. It completely alters your life, mobility and independence. “Things that take attention away from their feet is really critical, it just doesn’t mix.”
Dr Rossiter says the data indicates cyclists are no safer on the footpath, anyway. “Research suggests it’s particularly hazardous for cyclists – a 1.8 to 16 times greater risk than cycling on the road because of cars going in and out of driveways and turning corners.”
Allowing cyclists onto footpaths is the thin end of the wedge, he says, and the answer is for roads to be made safer for cycling.
“Footpaths are for walking, talking, loving, living, playing... They’re the basis of our community and public space and have to be looked after.”"
Link to hear the full interview: www.radionz.co.nz...
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.4% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
Earth Emotions Silent Auction
Monday 16th February - Monday 2nd March
Bid on a special collection of 20 unframed prints by local photographers from an exhibition called Earth Emotions.
Glenn Allbrecht's book, Earth Emotions, inspired Ann Wheatley, Emma Jane Hughes and Peter Kemp to create a local exhibition exploring the health of our soils, waters, forests, and people, with support from the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum and the Nelson City Council.
Forty-seven photographers responded to an open call, contributing over 100 images. A selection of these was exhibited at the Refinery Art Space.
The photographers have donated 20 exhibition prints to raise funds for the hospice.
View on site at Nelson Tasman Hospice or check out the website here: sites.google.com...
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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