“It is a positive initiative without asking the community for more than to slow down a little, and give other road users some space – we can make someone else’s journey safer.”– NZ Police Rural Manager, Inspector Dave Martin
ADVOCACY IS AT THE HEART OF THE NZVRU TRUST
Our mission is to give a voice to those most at risk on our roads - walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and all vulnerable road users – to influence meaningful change in transport policy, driver behaviour, and road safety education.
Whether you’re a driver wanting to learn more, a vulnerable road user with a story to share, or part of an organisation interested in partnering with us, your voice matters.
We welcome enquiries, feedback, and collaboration opportunities that help us make Aotearoa’s roads safer for everyone.
Youth, Delia, outlines the case for why horse riders in NZ should be formally recognised in transport legislation as vulnerable road users.
OUR FOCUS: PASS WIDE AND SLOW
The NZVRU Trust is dedicated to improving safety for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.
We’re committed to empowering drivers to Pass Wide and Slow and to encouraging a culture of patience and awareness on our roads.
The recommended passing distance, currently, for a horse rider is 2m and for cyclists, pedestrians is 1.5m.
HONOURING LIVES LOST
Equestrians honour the 44 lives lost between 2000-2022 while riding or driving a horse-drawn vehicle.
It marks the first time equestrians have joined Brake NZ Road Safety Week, standing in solidarity with all vulnerable road users.
BE SEEN. BE SAFE.
High-visibility gear saves lives.
Our mission is to make affordable, fit-for-purpose safety gear available to all vulnerable road users - and animals.
We collaborate with manufacturers, designers, and road safety advocates to create safety gear affordable, and fit for purpose. We encourage and support collaboration within the sector to meet Vulnerable Road Users’ needs.
Browse our catalogue, and click here to email us your interest, we will be in touch when orders can be made in 2026.
ADVOCACY THAT MATTERS
Julia McLean, NZVRU Trust Chair, authored the 2024 Vulnerable Road User Submission currently before New Zealand Parliament.
Through this work, Julia has helped bring the Pass Wide and Slow message to Aotearoa New Zealand.
YOUR STORIES MATTER
Stories like Jim’s help decision-makers and communities understand why the safety of Vulnerable Road Users must be taken seriously.
We all deserve to be safe. We all have families communities to return home to.
We thank those who have bravely shared their stories to inspire, educate or seek support.
RESOURCES THAT EMPOWER AND EDUCATE
Our resources are designed to support all road users with practical tools and clear guidance to help make our roads safer. From understanding the Vulnerable Road User Hierarchy to learning how to safely approach and pass, or report an incident to NZ Police, each resource aims to inform, empower, and encourage shared responsibility on our roads.
PASS WIDE AND SLOW AWARENESS RIDE 2026
On 5 & 6 September 2026 walkers, cyclists and horse riders / carriage drivers are encouraged to participate in the international PWAS awareness ride to promote this life saving message.
GET INVOLVED
We invite individuals, communities, and organisations to support this life-saving work.
Every partnership helps us move closer to safer roads for all.
