In these shared areas it’s even more important that everyone is aware of each other. In particular, bikes and micro-mobility devices like e-scooters and e-skateboards and e-bikes need to keep their speed below 15 km/h. See the link to safety tips below for more information.
Shared zones are areas of roadway that can be used by vehicles, people on bikes, mobility devices and pedestrians. Because of this, everyone using the shared zone needs to be very aware of who else is in the zone. In particular, drivers need to slow down and watch for pedestrians and bikes. Pedestrians may need to wait before entering the shared zone if vehicles and bikes are passing through it, although ideally, drivers can slow to a stop and wave pedestrians through.
Shared paths are designed for people on foot, mobility users and people riding bikes, for example, the river paths along the Waikato river and shared paths along Wairere Drive on the eastern side of Hamilton. Remember to watch your speeds if you’re on a bike, e-bike, e-scooter or e-skateboard – it’s courtesy to use your bell to let people know you’re coming up behind them.
Shared crossings may have a set of coloured crossing lights that display bike symbols as well as the normal pedestrian lights. Cross when the bike symbol is green. Pedestrians must only cross when the pedestrian symbol is green – this may be at the same time or separately.