Improving motorcycling in Auckland City - Suggestions wanted

[Squiggles]

Coming up is the 3rd meeting for the "Stakeholder Group, Motorcyclists/Scooters and Auckland City Council"
The group more or less consists of representatives from the various clubs/organisations, as well as council reps from parking, strategy, road safety, yadayada

I've already got a few University specific items to take this time round, but here i am looking for more. I want to know what you think the council could do to make the city a better place for motorcyclists.

[Marmoot]

Better training and personality requirements for bus drivers.
Better redlight sequencing to reduce drivers frustration which often leads to redlight jumping.
Better road lining that are (1) non slippery in wet, and (2) visible.
Better road construction traffic management (see Symonds Street for example).
Better road construction resurfacing (see Quay Street left lane for example).

[Ragingrob]

Tell roadworks not to put a smooth sheet of metal measuring like 2x2 in the middle of a corner :yes: Kind of hard to ride around corners with ZERO traction on our only two wheels.

It'd be cool to have a bylaw okaying lane-splitted at speeds under 50kph or something.

[Headbanger]

Round up 1/4 the population, send them back to the islands, round up another 1/4 and redistribute them around the country.

[EJK]

Send the Asians home.


nah just kidding.

[MarkH]

It'd be cool to have a bylaw okaying lane-splitted at speeds under 50kph or something.

I think that should be under 150kph - I never exceed 150kph when lane splitting.

But seriously - I would love to see considerate and safe lane splitting officially okayed in law!

I would also like to see something done about steel 'slippery when wet' manhole covers on the road - there are some that are really badly located for motorcycles.

[Ragingrob]

I think that should be under 150kph - I never exceed 150kph when lane splitting.

But seriously - I would love to see considerate and safe lane splitting officially okayed in law!

I would also like to see something done about steel 'slippery when wet' manhole covers on the road - there are some that are really badly located for motorcycles.

Haha what about those yellow raised bumps at crossings on the footpath for (blind people?)/(grip?), those things are bloody slippery to walk on!

[Swoop]

Increased parking areas dedicated to bikes.

Anything that has a metal surface, on the road, must have a non-skid coating applied to it.

An open-season on parking nazi's once per year. I suggest 6 weeks when we are legally allowed to lure them and then shoot the bastards. Decoys are fully permissable.

[Indiana_Jones]

Ban cars on city roads.

-Indy

[suckingair]

I think that should be under 150kph - I never exceed 150kph when lane splitting.

But seriously - I would love to see considerate and safe lane splitting officially okayed in law!

I would also like to see something done about steel 'slippery when wet' manhole covers on the road - there are some that are really badly located for motorcycles.

I'd go with the idea of making lane splitting legal.. works in other countries why not here..

Lane splitting is permitted in the following countries:

* Austria
* Belgium
* Brazil
* Croatia
* Cyprus
* Estonia
* France
* Greece
* Italy
* Japan
* Netherlands
* Norway
* Oman
* Portugal
* Qatar
* Spain
* South Africa
* Sweden
* U.A.E.
* United Kingdom
* United States
o California has no laws explicitly prohibiting lane splitting, and is the only U.S. state for which official statements state that lane splitting, when done safely, is legal. California is not the only state for which there is no traffic law that explicitly prohibits lane splitting, but officials rely on other laws to regularly interpret lane splitting as unlawful.For example, New Mexico does not address lane splitting by name, but has language requiring turn signals be used continuously for at least 100 ft. before changing lanes, as well as other codes which may be cited by an officer. Many other states have identical codes, derived from the Uniform Vehicle Code. What makes California different is the official interpretation of codes such as this one, and years of legal precedent to make it the law.

ps, go wikipedia.com

[Ixion]

Be very very VERY careful about raising lane splitting officially. Firstly, ACC does not have the power to make it explicitly legal. So raising it will achieve nothing. This group is with ACC not the Police let alone MoT. MoT (ie the government ) are the only ones who could pass such a law change. And, putting it on the official radar is as likely to get it officially banned as officially permitted. Probably more likely. The non skid surface for metal objects is a good point - though I think that officially this is already supposed to be the case (Transit guidelines)

[xwhatsit]

Send the Asians home.


nah just kidding.
We did -- to Christchurch :shifty:

[Indiana_Jones]

Be very very VERY careful about raising lane splitting officially. Firstly, ACC does not have the power to make it explicitly legal. So raising it will achieve nothing. This group is with ACC not the Police let alone MoT. MoT (ie the government ) are the only ones who could pass such a law change. And, putting it on the official radar is as likely to get it officially banned as officially permitted. Probably more likely.

Ixion makes a very good point here.....

-Indy

[discotex]

A bylaw that allows motorcycles to park on footpaths would be good.

[MarkH]

The non skid surface for metal objects is a good point - though I think that officially this is already supposed to be the case (Transit guidelines)

If that is true then to whom would I report the metal covers that I observe that don't have the non-skid surface? There are places that I modify my line to avoid riding over metal covers - if someone got caught out in the wet it would not go well.

[xwhatsit]

A bylaw that allows motorcycles to park on footpaths would be good.
Now that -- if they have the power to do that -- would be an excellent use of an opportunity. Plenty of countries around the world allow this -- even cities like Melbourne, where they have a public liability situation just about as bad as the US (talking about excuse we got given once before, bikes can't park on footpath as little ones could burn themselves on the hot exhaust).

[Ragingrob]

Now that -- if they have the power to do that -- would be an excellent use of an opportunity. Plenty of countries around the world allow this -- even cities like Melbourne, where they have a public liability situation just about as bad as the US (talking about excuse we got given once before, bikes can't park on footpath as little ones could burn themselves on the hot exhaust).

Though the footpaths in Melbourne are often twice as wide as the ones here, it's much easier to ensure bikes are not in the way. But yeah it would be cool to allow it, and penalize the bikes that are definitely in a stupid position.

[R6_kid]

Could be a good time to raise the point about how UNSAFE most safety barrier types are w.r.t to bikes and scooters.

I'm also +1 for Marmoot's suggestions.

[Squiggles]

Better training and personality requirements for bus drivers.
Better redlight sequencing to reduce drivers frustration which often leads to redlight jumping.
Better road lining that are (1) non slippery in wet, and (2) visible.
Better road construction traffic management (see Symonds Street for example).
Better road construction resurfacing (see Quay Street left lane for example).

Chur


Tell roadworks not to put a smooth sheet of metal measuring like 2x2 in the middle of a corner :yes: Kind of hard to ride around corners with ZERO traction on our only two wheels..

I raised this last meeting, here was the response


The Code of Practice for Working in the Road, Part 6.4.2.11 requires the following. Whilst we endeavour to audit as many sites as possible, resources do not allow us to do so. Can I suggest that any sites that are of concern are reported via the Call Centre phone 379 2020 request for service process and given a "Critical" priority. We will audit within 4 working hours.


6.4.2.1 Use of Temporary Steel Plates during Construction

1. Where temporary steel plates exist in the carriageway an ‘UNEVEN SURFACE’ supplementary plate and a separate ‘SLIPPERY SURFACE’ (TW-4) warning sign/s must be displayed to warn traffic. Permanent resurfacing is required within 7 days of a temporary seal being placed, unless as otherwise agreed, by the RCA.
2. Steel plates may be used in carriageways provided they are skid resistant, secured, and cushioned with rubber matting to prevent rocking, moving or noise. They must be of sufficient strength and quality to support imposed traffic loading.
3. Should steel plates be used "uneven surface" road works signs and "slippery surface"(TW-17) warning sign/s must be displayed to warn traffic of the potential hazards.
4. When steel plates are used, a ramp with hotmix must be formed and filleted to ensure safe pedestrian and vehicular access. The ramps must be adequately secured to the surface and maintained for the duration of the work.
5. Temporary road markings and all other necessary traffic measures must be in place to ensure that hazards are eliminated and parking restrictions are maintained.


Increased parking areas dedicated to bikes.

Will start a thread later tonight asking where the parking areas should be located


Anything that has a metal surface, on the road, must have a non-skid coating applied to it.

Will mention


A bylaw that allows motorcycles to park on footpaths would be good.

Dont think it'll happen but ill keep trying :laugh:

[Ragingrob]

Yeah no signs whatsoever about any slippery surfaces when I hit that sheet of metal in Ponsonby about 50m from the police station lol.

[Squiggles]

A bump for the evening kb'rs

[Thani-B]

Better detectors or whatever they are at lights so we dont have to keep on repositioning the bike to make the light turn green if we miss it the first time :o

[want-a-harley]

Improved parking: - In the UK it is free to park in pay and display meter parking.
- Provide more dedicated motorcycle parking, you don't need much, for every street with parking have on car park sized space dedicated to motorcycle parking
- Can park on pavement if not obstructing pedestrian traffic

Make filtering legal.

Legally use all bus lanes (such as on motorways)

In Tahiti if a car/van/etc hits a motorcycle they're in the wrong, always, makes people make sure theres no bike in blindspot etc

[Ixion]

Storage lockers. I still reckon storage lockers, in the parking buildings at any rate.

[discotex]

Brolly dollies at the traffic lights :love:

[Squiggles]

Storage lockers. I still reckon storage lockers, in the parking buildings at any rate.

I reckon thats a winner

[MarkH]

Legally use all bus lanes (such as on motorways)

To be fair to the ACC - they do let bike use pretty much every bus lane that they have the say so over. The transit lanes on the motorway are NOT ACC responsibility and they have no say so on whether bikes can use them or not - that decision is up to Transit NZ (and they have said no).

[p.dath]

Tell roadworks not to put a smooth sheet of metal measuring like 2x2 in the middle of a corner :yes: Kind of hard to ride around corners with ZERO traction on our only two wheels.


That's quite a good safety one. They could at least use a metal sheet with tar seal on top, or something with a grippy surface.

[want-a-harley]

That's quite a good safety one. They could at least use a metal sheet with tar seal on top, or something with a grippy surface.

Put grip on manhole covers

[Marmoot]

Put grip on manhole covers

I'd like to grip your manhole.

[Supermac Jr]

An open-season on parking nazi's once per year. I suggest 6 weeks when we are legally allowed to lure them and then shoot the bastards. Decoys are fully permissable.

:eek:


Where is my duck wistle and :2guns:

[NDORFN]

1: Evacuate all two wheeled vehicles and riders.
2: Nuke it.

[YellowDog]

Many countries use car/bike driver/rider education TV adverts to reduce motorcycle road deaths.

This must e the most cost effective solution as the adverts have already been made.

One of the main issues contributing to accidents has to be the lax laws which allow someone to ride a (much too powerful) 250cc motorcycle without having had sufficient training or experience.

[Squiggles]

One of the main issues contributing to accidents has to be the lax laws which allow someone to ride a (much too powerful) 250cc motorcycle without having had sufficient training or experience.

That'd be something for the govt. Minutes from the last meeting have one of the safety people looking at if motorcycles can be included in a campaign like the "lookout for bikes" one currently running

[Del Fuego]

Appologies if this is a dredge and i missed the meeting timeline but can they please use something other than those confounded tar snake thingos to fix seal cracks... they really are a nuisance and seem to be more and more common.

[Squiggles]

Appologies if this is a dredge and i missed the meeting timeline but can they please use something other than those confounded tar snake thingos to fix seal cracks... they really are a nuisance and seem to be more and more common.

Yep, keen to hear of any particular areas where its shocking. I've pointed out newmarket in the past

[xwhatsit]

Yep, keen to hear of any particular areas where its shocking. I've pointed out newmarket in the past
Of course there's the Domain. But given the speed limit is 30kph it's probably not an issue (you'd think I'd learn, trying to carry 50kph around that uphill off-camber right-hander in the wet... multiple times a week every winter).

You know what I think would be a great safety initiative? A parking/police blitz on the chaos which goes down outside the new business school area (you know, before the OGG parking lights; turn right from Symonds St to head down to the Domain/motorway onramps). People double/triple parked in the middle of the road trying to pick up and drop off people. U-turns, lane changing with no indicators or warning, reversing lights coming on when you least expect them. Car doors flying open without people looking. Add to that it's downhill and the surface is not great and it can be very scary especially with a bit of rain.

[rocketman1]

If all motorists had to sit their motorcycle licence before they got their car licence, you would see a whole lot more respect for motorcyclists on Ak streets.
Same with cyclists as part of your car licence you should have to ride a pushbike through downtown Akld.
Now Thats a good idea
How these brilliant ideas of mine are never put into place, until some other country picks them up.
NZ'rs seem to do only what has been done in other countries, why is that?
Why do we have copy USA, if USA introduced this law, then 10 yrs later NZ would follow suit

This is NOT a STUPID idea OK !!!!

I know since I have been riding MC's and pushbikes, when driving a car I have a far better appreciation of the welfare of my unprotected friends

[Squiggles]

If all motorists had to sit their motorcycle licence before they got their car licence, you would see a whole lot more respect for motorcyclists on Ak streets.

Im asking for ideas to put to the Auckland City Council.... not the government.

[DangerMice]

Yep, keen to hear of any particular areas where its shocking. I've pointed out newmarket in the past

I don't appreciate these ones in the wet, they are quick thick in places and require me tip toeing in the wet http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=-36.905148,174.660012&spn=0,359.993455&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=-36.905206,174.660095&panoid=mO5r_h48IdrEsc9STLiFlA&cbp=12,127.25,,0,22.34

[DangerMice]

I don't know who this falls under but how taking a little bit of care where road marking are placed. Not putting slippery as shit white paint on the apex of a corner sounds like a good idea to me.
I read awhile ago there is non slip paint that can be used instead? Investigate that

[want-a-harley]

If all motorists had to sit their motorcycle licence before they got their car licence, you would see a whole lot more respect for motorcyclists on Ak streets.
Same with cyclists as part of your car licence you should have to ride a pushbike through downtown Akld.
Now Thats a good idea
How these brilliant ideas of mine are never put into place, until some other country picks them up.
NZ'rs seem to do only what has been done in other countries, why is that?
Why do we have copy USA, if USA introduced this law, then 10 yrs later NZ would follow suit

This is NOT a STUPID idea OK !!!!

I know since I have been riding MC's and pushbikes, when driving a car I have a far better appreciation of the welfare of my unprotected friends


Preaching to the choir, brother

And you'd get more people sticking on motor and push bikes, which is better for everyone

[Starky307]

Tell them to get behind more events like the recent Red Bull City Scramble, Auckland City Council are not the easiest people to deal with (or so I've been told) when it comes to events in their regions.

[Squiggles]

One last bump

[Ragingrob]

Great they've finally covered up a set of two full corners of tar slick in Karaka with some proper roading over top just yesterday, thanks to a fatal one-car crash last week that just slipped into a power pole.

[koiwoi]

I would like to see the law changed allowing bikes to use the hard shoulder or Bus only lanes along the motorways. It is far safer for a bike to use this than to lane split, the benefits outweigh the risks as far as I am concerned. I use the hard shoulder and Bus only lanes on the north western and know I will get a ticket sooner or later but shouldn't imo.
The more perks to bikes the more people that will change there mode of transport to bikes, this could be seen as a negative to the government as they associate more bikes = more deaths/injuries but the less cars on the roads the better.
Even if they limit shoulder/bus only lane to 75 or 80 kph for bikes, the trade off is worth it!!!

[Ragingrob]

They could limit it even to 50kph and it'd make a big difference!

[MarkH]

They could limit it even to 50kph and it'd make a big difference!

I'd prefer 150 - cause I never go faster than that!

[Squiggles]

"Bus lanes" on the motorway = Transit/LTNZ/NZTA? buisness, not the local councils.