New traffic rules around cycling with children have been welcomed by a Dunedin cycling advocacy group. 

Parents and caregivers are now allowed to ride bikes on footpaths alongside children up to the age of 12. 

Spokes Dunedin chairwoman Devonia Kruimer said clarity on the rules was good. 

"I think it's a really good way forward to put this in legislation, written down, so there's no confusion or anything.” 

The new rule would keep children learning to ride safe, she said.