Nelson Tasman’s eBus has been the first bus service to receive an exemption to the obstruction rule, which saw a complete restriction on front-mounted bike racks on buses across the country back in November 2024.
A 24/7 bike rack service is set to return in Nelson Tasman from Friday February 21, in a move that acting mayor Rohan O’Neill-Stevens says is “fantastic news”.
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“Nelson has the highest volume of residents cycling to mahi and kura, and a high percentage of recreational cyclists,” O’Neill-Stevens says.
“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.”
Bike racks were removed from buses across New Zealand on Friday November 8 as a precautionary measure implemented following concerns that the racks may partially obstruct bus headlights.
Most transport operators around the country have front bike racks on at least some of their bus services. These models, which can take two bikes and unfold and lock around the wheels, have had warning tape on them, preventing their use.
A working group comprised of councils, public transport operators (PTO) and NZTA officers was set up to reach an agreed pathway to return the use of bike racks to buses. In mid-January 2025 this working group released a set of agreed conditions and steps.
Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis says the eBus fleet meets the new conditions.
“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,” Louverdis says.
“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.
“eBus mechanics will work through Thursday evening so we can carry bikes again on Friday morning.”
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