NZTA have issued an industry alert regarding the use of bike racks on buses at night, where bikes on the racks could obstruct headlights. Details of this can be found in the link below.

https://nzta.govt.nz/assets/Vehicles/docs/industry-alert-bike-racks-on-buses-at-night.pdf

Environment Canterbury contract a fleet of around 250 urban buses, which are operated by Ritchies and Kinetic. All of these vehicles which are equipped with front mounted bike racks.

We estimate that there are around 15 different models of bus in our fleet and we are aware of at least 3 different types of bike rack in use, including triple racks.

Environment Canterbury require a suitably qualified individual / organisation to:

• Confirm testing requirements / protocols etc;

• Develop a suitable test facility in 2-3 of our Christchurch depots, including provision of testing equipment as required;

• Support testing of all combinations of vehicles / racks / bikes as required;

• Determine compliance of all applicable combinations; and

• Recommend options to achieve compliance.

Ideally we will have determined the compliance status of all of our fleet by Christmas.

NZTA have provided further details regarding work undertaken to date and details of testing requirements in the attached doc.