Queenstown daytime bus bike rack ban at odds with NZTA stance

Cyclists in Queenstown are being kept from using bike racks on buses during the day, potentially for no good reason, after the New Zealand Transport Agency today clarified its stance on a safety issue.

Following a national safety alert issued by the New Zealand Transport Agency, Otago Regional Council introduced a “temporary” night-time ban on the use of bike racks on buses at the start of November.

It later extended suspension of use of the bike racks on buses in both Dunedin and Queenstown to apply both during the day and in the evening.

The precautionary measure followed concerns that on some bus models operated in New Zealand, when loaded with bikes, bike racks may partially obscure headlights and therefore may not be compliant with road rules.

Crux contacted ORC for an update on the ban but was referred back to NZTA.

In reply, NZTA National Regulatory Design Manager Chris Rodley said the agency supports the use of bicycle racks on buses to increase the attractiveness and convenience of public transport and cycling to all New Zealanders, and it encourages public transport authorities (PTAs) to ensure that these bicycle racks continue to be available to customers.

“NZTA’s view is that compliance with the Rule is only required when headlamps are operated during the hours of darkness. 

“Therefore, NZTA’s view is that bicycle racks, with bicycles on them, can remain on the front of buses while headlamps are not in use.  

“The alert provides practical information on how operators can check if their buses are affected and gives suggested solutions that were tested with bus operations experts to achieve compliance.

“NZTA has established a technical working group, with representatives from Bus and Coach Association, public transport authorities (PTAs) and bus operators, to clarify how buses can comply with the Industry Alert.  The focus is on agreeing solutions to achieve compliance and get affected buses with bike racks safely back in service, as soon as possible. 

“If testing shows that illumination from headlamps is not obstructed during hours of darkness (as per the industry alert), or solutions have been implemented to rectify lighting problems, then these bicycle racks can be used during these hours as well.

“To date, our interpretation of the law, and our communications with councils and the BCA have sought to address safety concerns while attempting to keep bike rack services in operation as much as possible. Collectively, NZTA, Councils, bus operators and the BCA are working towards resolving the bus lighting problem as soon as possible.”

Main image: An Orbus bus with an empty bike rack on the front.