Photo: Supplied / Nelson City Council
Bike racks will return to Nelson and Tasman eBuses this week, making the region's bus service the first in New Zealand to receive an exemption to the obstruction rule.
The racks were banned on buses across the motu in November, after concerns they could partially obstruct bus headlights.
A working group made up of councils, public transport operators and NZ Transport Agency officers was set up enable the return of bike racks to buses.
In mid-January, the group released a set of agreed conditions that showed no changes were required to the racks that had been in use across Nelson and Tasman.
Council's infrastructure group manager Alec Louverdis said a diagram had been issued to public transport operators with a reference line and if the centre of the headlight fell below it, then the illumination from the headlight was deemed effective.
"A diagram was issued to PTOs with a reference line. If the centre of the headlight is below the reference line then it's determined that the illumination is effective. eBus mechanics drew the reference line across headlights on our buses, which revealed that we would not be required to change our racks or buses."
The reference line diagram for bus operators issued by NZTA. Photo: Supplied / NZTA
Acting Mayor Rohan O'Neill-Stevens said Nelson has the highest volume of residents cycling to mahi (work) and kura (school) and a high percentage of recreational cyclists.
"The removal of the bike racks was frustrating so I am pleased to see this development. I thank Council officers and SBL who have worked towards this result since the initial announcement in November 2024."
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