Safer Cycling Foundation: A Timeline from 2018 to Today

Safer Cycling Foundation's work spans several years, from a single founding decision in 2018 to a confirmed change in New Zealand road law in 2026. This timeline sets out the Foundation's verified milestones in order.

2018 — Safer Cycling Foundation Established

Ritesh Mani founded Safer Cycling Foundation in 2018, following a week in which several members of his cycling friend group were involved in accidents on Auckland roads. The Foundation was established with the aim of working towards a better and safer cycling environment in New Zealand.

Since 2018 — Building Awareness

In its early years, the Foundation focused on sharing practical cycling-safety information, helping riders, families, and communities prepare for safer journeys. This groundwork built the community and public presence that later advocacy campaigns would draw on.

2023 — The 1.5-Metre Passing Rule Campaign

Safer Cycling Foundation ran a public Facebook campaign calling for a minimum 1.5-metre passing distance to be made mandatory in New Zealand law. The campaign reached over 500 reactions and more than 180 comments, and linked to a Change.org petition inviting public support. Read more in our article on the 1.5-metre passing rule campaign.

Ongoing — Growing the Conversation

Beyond individual campaigns, the Foundation has continued to encourage constructive conversation between cyclists, motorists, and communities across New Zealand, and to listen to local voices about the cycling-safety concerns that matter most to them.

February 2026 — Government Opens Public Consultation

The Government opened a formal public consultation on introducing a mandatory passing distance for cyclists, proposing a gap of between one and 1.5 metres depending on the applicable speed limit. The consultation drew more than 6,000 responses from the public.

2 July 2026 — Mandatory 1.5-Metre Passing Rule Confirmed

The Government confirmed it would simplify the proposal and introduce a single mandatory minimum 1.5-metre passing gap, applying whenever a vehicle overtakes a cyclist, horse rider, or other vulnerable road user, regardless of the speed limit. The new rule is expected to take effect before the end of 2026. Safer Cycling Foundation was one of many contributors to the public conversation that informed this consultation process.

The Road Ahead

Safer Cycling Foundation continues working towards further partnerships, campaigns, and community initiatives that support a safer cycling future for New Zealand, including continued advocacy for better-connected cycling infrastructure. As these develop, they will be published on this website with clear, verified information.

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To learn more about the person behind this timeline, visit the Ritesh Mani founder profile.