The Ministry of Transport says requiring cyclists to be registered is not something it's considered, saying it would be "difficult" and "come with costs".
A petition signed by more than 4600 people at the time of writing is calling on the Government to enforce a registration for cyclists similar to that of a car.
"For too long, cyclists have refused to use the cycle lanes, they've broken road rules, even run red lights and because of these actions have injured small children, and infuriated thousands of New Zealanders," reads the petition, which is addressed to the Ministry of Transport and Transport Minister Michael Wood.
"Unlike [all] other road users, cyclists don't have any sort of mandatory identification signal, they also don't pay any road user charges," it continues.
In a statement, Helen White, manager of mobility and safety at the Ministry of Transport, told Newshub cyclist registration had not been considered - as it would discourage people from using the "healthy" mode of transport.
"We recognise that cycling is an active and healthy alternative mode of transport, which helps reduce congestion, particularly in our urban centres.
"Increasing compliance costs by requiring cyclists to have registration plates may discourage cycling as an alternative to motor vehicle transport."
White adds setting up and enforcing a registration system and plates would be more difficult and costly than it's worth.
"Setting up and operating a registration system would come with costs, and enforcement would also be difficult, with issues such as whether the bike or rider would be registered, and whether children would need a registration."
She says the ministry, like the petition writers, is also committed to ensuring Aotearoa's streets and roads are safe for people to use. That's why the ministry is progressing a package of regulatory changes called 'Accessible Streets' as part of the Government's road safety strategy 'Road to Zero', she says.
"This aims to improve the safety and uptake of cycling and ensure bikes are used in a safe way."
On Thursday, Patrick Morgan of the Cycling Action Network (CAN) told Newshub the petition was a "tired trope that never dies" aimed at punishing cyclists.
"It has no support in evidence, logic or economics. Can anyone explain how registration for motor-vehicle drivers has cut traffic offences and made our streets safe?
"The wording of the petition suggests this is about punishing people, not road safety."
Last Sunday morning, two northbound lanes on Auckland's Harbour Bridge were closed as hundreds of cyclists joined a 'Liberate the Lanes' rally. The protesters were calling for a three-month trial of a cycleway on the eight-lane bridge, which is the primary gateway connecting Auckland's central and northern suburbs.
