To all Auckland commuters...

[Thani-B]

I just want to say, how do you do it?

This week is the first week that I have had/will have to ride into town every day (usually only once or twice a week max), it is only Wednesday, and I am already sick of it. How do you guys do it? Yes I split, so Im not asking how you deal with the slow moving traffic, I just mean, how do you not get frustrated with the traffic and all the idiot cagers? (And yes I know not all cagers are idiots lol). My daily ride goes from Mangatangi (look it up if you dont know where it is) to Wyndham St in the city and then back at the end of the day. Approx 70km each way. Longer if I take the scenic route on nice days. So that might be why I get frustrated, because of the distance I travel.

Kudos to you all who have no other forms of transport. So glad I have my car, and the train, and a lovely mum who drops me off at work sometimes.

[sosman]

I guess most riders look at the Dumb faces of stuck Cagers going know where! & looking like dumb sheep following other sheep....because mum or daddy told them that bike's are Dangerous bla bla bla.....

So that normally put's the smile on the bikers dial:scooter:

I could be wrong!

[Metalor]

To be honest, I have heaps of fun riding to uni/town every day! Traffic doesn't worry me, just gotta be alert. I have me iriver blasting in me ears which helps.

Don't understand what the problem is Thani, I'd be getting pissed off sitting around in a car!

[Slyer]

I find the north shore motorways a much more pleasant experience.
But I'm still glad I don't have to use them at all for commuting now that I've moved!

[mnkyboy]

I just want to say, how do you do it?

This week is the first week that I have had/will have to ride into town every day (usually only once or twice a week max), it is only Wednesday, and I am already sick of it. How do you guys do it? Yes I split, so Im not asking how you deal with the slow moving traffic, I just mean, how do you not get frustrated with the traffic and all the idiot cagers? (And yes I know not all cagers are idiots lol). My daily ride goes from Mangatangi (look it up if you dont know where it is) to Wyndham St in the city and then back at the end of the day. Approx 70km each way. Longer if I take the scenic route on nice days. So that might be why I get frustrated, because of the distance I travel.

Kudos to you all who have no other forms of transport. So glad I have my car, and the train, and a lovely mum who drops me off at work sometimes.

I love the splitting - I deliberatly take the motorway to do it:bash:

I find it turns me into a focused machine



(it could be the C17H21N..............₎

[Thani-B]

How far do you all travel though? Anywhere near my 140km round trip each day?

[mnkyboy]

140kms.........

I'd be in heaven:innocent:

[Danae]

Although I only commute from Mt Eden to uni, I still get my fair share of idiot drivers, mostly on Mt Eden Rd. Just have to be alert.

[Ragingrob]

How far do you all travel though? Anywhere near my 140km round trip each day?

I go from Karaka into uni and back... around 100km all up. Yeah it can get a little tedious sometime with all the straight roads. Don't mind the traffic or the cars though, ride my own ride and the cars can do what they want. If they wanna pull ride into my lane they're dumbasses but hey I've got plenty of escape routes.

[Thani-B]

140kms.........

I'd be in heaven:innocent:

lol! Maybe its just the destination that makes my rides not the best. I have no problems riding that far when its somewhere I want to go :yes: lol.

[Mystic13]

Used to do 47km's each way from Whangaparaoa. Loved it. Especially the lane split 6 days a week and all weather.

And assuming I went the quickest route.

I can't imagine getting annoyed about it.

[klingon]

I ride 20km each way but I never get bored with it! I plan my route to avoid the worst parts of the motorway system, so I get a mix of scenery and riding speeds with some suburban riding & some motorway. I also have quite a scenic route over the Harbour Bridge so that helps.

[Metalor]

From Whenuapai to Uni is 21.5 kms (Thanks wises) each way. I'm always a bit disappointed once I get to my destination... want to keep riding!

[Metalor]

Once you get a new bike Thani I bet you'll be LOVING the commute!

[MaxB]

I'm about 40ks out. Sometimes I take a different way home just to break up the boredom. When I do the school run I wish I was on the bike.

From the south at least a bike is by far the quickest way into town.

[PirateJafa]

Sports-commuting.

It's the latest rage. Also, if you have an excuse to go across the Pakuranga highway, you'll find yourself going through the two most perfect cop-less corners in the city. (Just don't look at my signature picture)

[Thani-B]

Once you get a new bike Thani I bet you'll be LOVING the commute!

Possibly lol. Either that or I'll change jobs and work in Hamilton instead. It would be an 160km round trip but at least then I wouldnt have to deal with all the Auckland traffic.




From the south at least a bike is by far the quickest way into town.

And yes thats true. No way would I want to drive in every day, that would drive me nuts as well.

[Metalor]

Possibly lol. Either that or I'll change jobs and work in Hamilton instead. It would be an 160km round trip but at least then I wouldnt have to deal with all the Auckland traffic.



But then you'll have to deal with those cheese cutters the whole way :(

[Dean]

I now ride to Otara most days of the week, During peak hour traffic, its fun because its a good skill builder in the slow traffic after being of my bike for a while. I dont lane split, dont see why you do it Thani. I just tell myself to HTFU and ride no second thoughts i just do it, i become a better rider by dealing with idiot drivers, awareness, general skill. Hopefully it all works out for you chur.

[SPP]

I live just south of Puke' and commute to Auckland city. Its about the same distance. Its not bad. At least on a bike you're never stuck in traffic only slowed a little. You'll get used to it, probably even start to like it.

To add some perspective, I'm currently in London. Compared with here, Auckland is a ghost town. :shit: I don't know how these guys do it.

[YellowDog]

THat is quite a long daily ride you have there.

Maybe you just need to change you view on the challenge ahead of you each day. If you always expect the unexpected, then you won't get any surprises.

It is starting to getting lighter in the mornings now and will soon be a far more ejoyable experience, so hang in there!

[Swoop]

Sports-communtering is the way to go.

The pure joy of passing parked cars on the munterway. Their sad, sad faces as you pass by.

Winter is even better. The car drivers cannot seem to cope with the evil menace of water on the road, so get even slower. I arrive dry and toasty warm inside the encapsulating gear, while they get drenched walking from their parking space.

Sports-communtering is the way to go!

[swbarnett]

How do you guys do it?
Simple, I remember what Auckland traffic was like in a car.

[PirateJafa]

Oh, and you will find that in any conditions of reduced visibility, such as fog, the car will immediately increase their speed to 140km/h+, and to compensate for their inability to see ahead, they tailgate the taillights of the car ahead.

This is presumably because they think that in the fog the cops can't see them.

[DidJit]

Simple, I remember what Auckland traffic was like in a car.

+1 What swbarnett said.

Taking the long way home helps — bit of scenery, bit of open road... nice. :cool:

[Ixion]

I communt pretty much every day. Most days only about 40km, some days about 100km. But sometimes I get lost on the way home , so that can turn into 300km or so.

Wouldn't do it any other way. Why would you want to be stuck in a cage or a train?

'S not frustrating. I just look upon it as a challenge, sort of like high speed trials. So many obstacles, a point for each. Extra points for imbecility. 'S fun.

Also fun to check out the cages as y' go past (especially in summer when the chicky drivers wear low tops :clap:). So many sad people out there, reminds me how lucky I am not to be stuck in a cage like them.

If things get a bit tedious, I'll sing for a bit (with conductor gestures). or do the pedalling thing on hills. Or the "stick feet out and pretend brakes have failed" thing on downhills. Or practise countersteering in and out of the dashed lane divider lines. Lots of innocent amusements to enliven the journey.

Blast past them and count thy blessings.

[modboy]

I have about a 55k return trip each day, in almost all weather. Mind you welly traffic is nothing like Auckland. The ride around the Welly bays on a nice day makes it worth it. Never really get bored with it - been riding it for 5 or so years now. Some parts of the city it's barely feasible to split the traffic that makes it a minor pain (narrow streets).

My fav spot is the roundabouts on Cobham Drive and at the Airport (I live in Seatoun) - get the butt out and the knee down... lol

[meteor]

I only do about 10K to work so keep finding different ways to go that takes longer! and yes I do split, but not too much, don't want the ride to be over too quick lol. You think the traffics bad when you're on a m/bike... try it on a pushbike and you'll get a whole new perspective!

[javawocky]

I only have a 7k commute around suburbia at the moment, but when I do need to go into the city and lane split, I have to keep telling myself 'This is not a video game, this is not a video game' - seriously mesmerizing:thud:

but yeah, when you finally get of that nasty gn you will be fine.

[Gremlin]

Now... lets see...

Option A: Take some 4 wheeled monstrosity and join every other person for a sit in on the motorway.... every week day, week in, week out. Probably turn brain off during the process (hey... that would actually explain a lot!) :lol:

Option B: Take a form of public transport that is horribly expensive and you have to fit into their schedule. If you work too late, and miss the timetable, hah, you're shit out of luck. This will still take time.

Option C: Take a motorcycle. Laugh at everyone mindlessly stuck in traffic. Travel when you want, at lower cost. Enjoy the freedom of two wheels.

Gosh... this is a hard choice :rolleyes:

I can't use public transport as I have to travel to and from clients on most days, with no order or schedule. Office is only 12km away from home, but I have done 150km ish in a day, around the city. I could do it in a car, but hell, I wouldn't get nearly as much done :ride:

[Morcs]

I do a 30km trip twice a day, hobsonville to onehunga. Been doing it for nearly 2 years now (before that was just into the city)

It sucks, but thats life. look at the alternatives - drive a car to work (takes 2 hours to get home) or live in south auckland (no thanks)

Lol.

[Edbear]

My round trip is 94km from Orewa to St. Johns and it is either 40min on the bike or just on the hour in the car. Bike takes 1/3 the fuel as well as being 20min faster. I have a nice scenic route along the waterfront and up through Eastridge - a pleasant trip.

Splitting is no problem even on my wider bike, though all the other bikes pass me. Have to be careful and am at max alert while splitting but will only take the car if I absolutely have to.

I had to take the car all last week and didn't realise how much I'd miss the bike!

[javawocky]

To travel to work on public transport I am presented with the following options by MAXX

a) Walk - 1h 41 minutes 6.777km
b) Catch 2 buses and walk for 700meters - 42minutes
c) Catch a later bus and walk catch another bus (1.5km walk this time) - 1h 02minutes.

And it just gets worse after that. Point is on the bike it probably takes 10minutes when I am going slow.

[klingon]

So you all don't miss the radio, cup holder, cigarette, and the chance to talk on the phone while driving? I like to have the newspaper open on the passenger seat and read the headlines while on the motorway.

Sometimes to save time I also shave my legs while commuting. Doing the left one is no problem in an auto, but to do the right one I have to stick it out the window.

Like Mr Bean, I have to sit in the back seat of my compact car to put my pants on, while steering with my feet. I find motorcyclists quite useful during this procedure as I hear them swearing when I drift into their lane, and it helps keep me on track.

[danchop]

why dont you get off at tecoma st,ellerslie?im sure thats quicker
oh this is for edbear

[jamiey]

Orewa to Pt Chev everyday rain or shine as i've got rid of my comfort spare cage, 30mins on the bike, 40min +++ in the cage. No brainer really. Only thing is i'm sure my tyres are getting square so i make sure i take a scenic route every now and again

[zeocen]

I commute from Manurewa to Auck CBD and love it! I have some awful days where drivers AND bikers are just acting like idiots (though I'm sure I'm not exempt, either), but mostly it's great. Depending on the weather it takes no time at all to get into town, I've always wondered if the other bikers going into Auckland on the Southern Motorway were KBers.

Like Gremlin said, option C is just easily the most fun and favourable, and with free parking (RIGHT next to where I work, I might add) it's the cheapest route!

There's also some wierd satisfaction of riding to work in the pouring rain, absolutely battling down in your wet weather gears with the rain pitter-pattering on your visor, and turn up to work bone dry while the public transportees are running in with umbrellas! :)

[beyond]

Used to commute from Papakura to Auckland and back everyday on the bike and loved it. I get a real kick out of splitting and shooting in and around cars.
At one stage for a year I was commuting from Ramarama to Whenuapai and still loved being on the bike.

[Metalor]

Was lane splitting behind another bike today when a car nearly took him out, one of those big people mover ones. Luckily he turned away at the last minute. Still, as I went past I stood up on my pegs and kicked out at his car (didn't hit it). Maybe next time he'll check his blindspot BEFORE he starts changing lanes.

That was my exciting little commute for the evening :)

[Thani-B]

I dont lane split, dont see why you do it Thani.

I split, because otherwise my hour long journey to work can take about 2 hours. Getting up at 6 to leave by 6.30 is already early enough for me.


Also fun to check out the cages as y' go past (especially in summer when the chicky drivers wear low tops :clap:).

Cant say that does that much for me lol.


So you all don't miss the radio, cup holder, cigarette, and the chance to talk on the phone while driving? I like to have the newspaper open on the passenger seat and read the headlines while on the motorway.

Sometimes to save time I also shave my legs while commuting. Doing the left one is no problem in an auto, but to do the right one I have to stick it out the window.

Like Mr Bean, I have to sit in the back seat of my compact car to put my pants on, while steering with my feet. I find motorcyclists quite useful during this procedure as I hear them swearing when I drift into their lane, and it helps keep me on track.

:clap:


I've always wondered if the other bikers going into Auckland on the Southern Motorway were KBers.


I wonder the same. A few days this week I have followed a red bike hopping on from Takanini from a distance, never got close enough to see what it was. Im on a black GN, wave if you see me lol.

[Indiana_Jones]

I just want to say, how do you do it?

Take it on the chin old boy and keep on going :)

-Indy

[Dean]

I split, because otherwise my hour long journey to work can take about 2 hours. Getting up at 6 to leave by 6.30 is already early enough for me.


But why so impatient? Thousands drive to Auckland in traffic and get up earlier in the mornings even females you're age, its life. I know i may sound harsh, theres a thing we were all told when young and thats waiting in line. Its viewed rude to lane split, you take upon a huge risk in getting hit by a car. You would understand if you were waiting at say a bank and someone pushes in line.

[Danae]

Was lane splitting behind another bike today when a car nearly took him out, one of those big people mover ones. Luckily he turned away at the last minute. Still, as I went past I stood up on my pegs and kicked out at his car (didn't hit it). Maybe next time he'll check his blindspot BEFORE he starts changing lanes.

That was my exciting little commute for the evening :)

I was nearly taken out today but I've kind of grown to expect it. I was splitting down the left of traffic when a 4wd suddenly jerked into my path. Luckily I was traveling slowly and was expecting the cagers to do strange things so no harm done. Turns out a car had moved into the right-hand lane to turn right but didn't quite fit so it's arse was sticking out into traffic. Thus the swerving.

[Thani-B]

But why so impatient? Thousands drive to Auckland in traffic and get up earlier in the mornings even females you're age, its life. I know i may sound harsh, theres a thing we were all told when young and thats waiting in line. Its viewed rude to lane split, you take upon a huge risk in getting hit by a car. You would understand if you were waiting at say a bank and someone pushes in line.

Thats a risk Id rather take. And Id say the majority of people on here that do it would agree. I wouldnt really think of it in the same way as pushing in line. What is a bike going past you going to do? Its not like they make your trip any longer. Most females my age live closer to town because they cant bear to not have a social life, and living further away makes that more difficult.

[Dean]

Thats a risk Id rather take. And Id say the majority of people on here that do it would agree. I wouldnt really think of it in the same way as pushing in line. What is a bike going past you going to do? Its not like they make your trip any longer. Most females my age live closer to town because they cant bear to not have a social life, and living further away makes that more difficult.

It is viewed the same as pushing in line, quite a few car drivers can relate to this. Plain and simple lane splitting isnt allowed, some police may let you off but the law is the law. Youd be suprised how many ladies you're age live out my way that commute to Auckland, no complaining they wait in line commute monday to friday party saturday. Oh the impatience.

[wbks]

It is viewed the same as pushing in line, quite a few car drivers can relate to this. Plain and simple lane splitting isnt allowed, some police may let you off but the law is the law. Youd be suprised how many ladies you're age live out my way that commute to Auckland, no complaining they wait in line commute monday to friday party saturday. Oh the impatience.It reduces congestion, and if they made cars small enough than they should do it too. Anyone that doesn't like lane splitters who mind their own buisness need to mind their own. Unless you are all going to the same bank, I don't think it's quite the same as cutting in line, unless you are offended that a dude on a bike gets to cross the bridge before you...

[avgas]

i find it very hard to have a bad time on a bike. feels so natural for me

[Dean]

It reduces congestion, and if they made cars small enough than they should do it too. Anyone that doesn't like lane splitters who mind their own buisness need to mind their own. Unless you are all going to the same bank, I don't think it's quite the same as cutting in line, unless you are offended that a dude on a bike gets to cross the bridge before you...

Bull man, motorcycles dont even take up a quarter of the traffic commuting to Auckland, if Motorcyclists stayed in line you wouldnt see much of a difference due to their small size. Its a excuse by many to make it seem right and productive. Its rude and a person should rightly be offended if a motorcyclist can wally his way through the cars when by law hes not supposed to. Not to mention they are sitting ducks just waiting to get their mirrors clipped or door panels dented, they are usually stationary prone to getting hit.

[Ixion]

Your understanding of the law is deficient. I also wonder why you would bother to have a bike?

But, each to his own. If you wish to pretend that you are driving a two wheeled car, that is up to you.

Myself, I ride a bike.

[wbks]

Bull man, motorcycles dont even take up a quarter of the traffic commuting to Auckland, if Motorcyclists stayed in line you wouldnt see much of a difference due to their small size. Its a excuse by many to make it seem right and productive. Its rude and a person should rightly be offended if a motorcyclist can wally his way through the cars when by law hes not supposed to. Not to mention they are sitting ducks just waiting to get their mirrors clipped or door panels dented, they are usually stationary prone to getting hit.
There are a lot of ways to get hit, and you should only judge them when that happens, but lanesplitting causes no harm unless there is a rider or driver error (i.e pulling out or clipping a mirror), and that happens in every other aspect of driving/riding. You just said - you wouldn't see a difference, so why care about one or a few bikes getting to their destination earlier because its a natural advantage of their vehicle? It's a case of "well if I can't get to my meeting in time, than neither can he" and it's not excusable or justifiable in any way. The law doesn't mean shit.

[Dean]

There are a lot of ways to get hit, and you should only judge them when that happens, but lanesplitting causes no harm unless there is a rider or driver error (i.e pulling out or clipping a mirror), and that happens in every other aspect of driving/riding. You just said - you wouldn't see a difference, so why care about one or a few bikes getting to their destination earlier because its a natural advantage to their vehicle? It's a case of "well if I can't get to my meeting in time, than neither can he" and it's not excusable or justifiable in any way. The law doesn't mean shit.

Law does mean alot, no matter how much of a hotshot you are you wont escape the law, its basic - Lane splitting = Not allowed, im sure or atleast i hope you can understand this. You're arguement is totally biast, i have seen so many threads on supposedly "idiot drivers" who pull out on bikers lane splitting. Well hello, knock knock if they werent lane splitting in the first place which is a no no then there would be no problem if anything the drivers are stopping them from breaking the law!!! Sorry but its the truth man.

[Indiana_Jones]

Law does mean alot, no matter how much of a hotshot you are you wont escape the law, its basic - Lane splitting = Not allowed, im sure or atleast i hope you can understand this. You're arguement is totally biast, i have seen so many threads on supposedly "idiot drivers" who pull out on bikers lane splitting. Well hello, knock knock if they werent lane splitting in the first place which is a no no then there would be no problem if anything the drivers are stopping them from breaking the law!!! Sorry but its the truth man.


<img src="http://www.crobike.de/en/werbemittel_bilder/promopeddler/13700/25510.jpg">

-Indy

[wbks]

Law does mean alot, no matter how much of a hotshot you are you wont escape the law, its basic - Lane splitting = Not allowed, im sure or atleast i hope you can understand this. You're arguement is totally biast, i have seen so many threads on supposedly "idiot drivers" who pull out on bikers lane splitting. Well hello, knock knock if they werent lane splitting in the first place which is a no no then there would be no problem if anything the drivers are stopping them from breaking the law!!! Sorry but its the truth man.The law is not Authority, truth is. The law is not the truth and the law can get fucked. Lane splitting accidents are ALWAYS down to (just like 99% of all other road crashes) human error by either or all parties. Lane splitting isn't wrong, pulling out into a lane splitters path, or clipping a cars mirror is. My argument isn't biased, I'm a car driver, a motorcyclist, an NZ citizen. If you call my argument biased, that's pretty rich coming from an aspiring cop. People do escape the law every day, so unless you plan on being the first real world robo-cop experiment, that isn't going to change. Lane splitting = Not allowed? Is this coming from the same dude who said he would let me go if he saw me wheelstanding past his patrol car one day? I'm pretty sure police corruption is worse than a traffic violation. Not allowed? Who are the police to tell me what to do? No one! THAT is the truth (although I'm sure that will put me in jail for a night sometime soon.

[Metalor]

Dean - why so against lane-splitting? I don't think it's a problem. If other road users think it's rude they're probably just jealous that the rider doesn't have to trudge along at 15ks.

I lane split every day, one of the perks of riding a bike. I'm not gonna sit in traffic, breathing in all the exhaust fumes for longer than I have to. I don't think it's rude at all. If the bikers were hlding everybody else up then maybe I could see your reasoning but the fact that they can filter through the traffic unhindered says in itself that lane splitting does not inconveinience other drivers.

[Dean]

The law is not Authority, truth is. The law is not the truth and the law can get fucked. Lane splitting accidents are ALWAYS down to (just like 99% of all other road crashes) human error by either or all parties. Lane splitting isn't wrong, pulling out into a lane splitters path, or clipping a cars mirror is. My argument isn't biased, I'm a car driver, a motorcyclist, an NZ citizen. If you call my argument biased, that's pretty rich coming from an aspiring cop. People do escape the law every day, so unless you plan on being the first real world robo-cop experiment, that isn't going to change. Lane splitting = Not allowed? Is this coming from the same dude who said he would let me go if he saw me wheelstanding past his patrol car one day? I'm pretty sure police corruption is worse than a traffic violation. Not allowed? Who are the police to tell me what to do? No one! THAT is the truth (although I'm sure that will put me in jail for a night sometime soon.

What am i saying, this is a motorcycle forum odds are anyone actually understanding. Forget about it.
About that bit i said if you or anyother biker pulled a wheelstand past me due to my lack of concentration i might not notice, no corruption.

[wbks]

Dean - why so against lane-splitting? I don't think it's a problem. If other road users think it's rude they're probably just jealous that the rider doesn't have to trudge along at 15ks.

I lane split every day, one of the perks of riding a bike. I'm not gonna sit in traffic, breathing in all the exhaust fumes for longer than I have to. I don't think it's rude at all. If the bikers were hlding everybody else up then maybe I could see your reasoning but the fact that they can filter through the traffic unhindered says in itself that lane splitting does not inconveinience other drivers.What this guy said explains it all. I'm too pissed at this "the police know all, heil Key" shit to write properly

[swbarnett]

But why so impatient?
Why do you drive a motorised vehicle? To get from a to b faster! Oh, wait. That's just impatient. Perhaps you should be walking instead.


I know i may sound harsh, theres a thing we were all told when young and thats waiting in line.
Then why do passing lanes exist? So that faster vehicles can pass the slower ones. Surely you're not suggesting we should never overtake?


Its viewed rude to lane split,
Only by those who have no idea what it's about.


you take upon a huge risk in getting hit by a car.
I would strongly dispute this. Done properly, splitting is perfectly safe. You're often safer splitting in stop-start traffic than staying in line. Noone's going to under-brake and squash you in to the car in front.


You would understand if you were waiting at say a bank and someone pushes in line.
A motorcycle lane splitting is like a cat pushing in line at the bank - no inconvenience to the others in line whatsoever.

[swbarnett]

Plain and simple lane splitting isnt allowed,
As I understand it from those on here that know more about it than I lane splitting is legal as long the traffic is stationary or your bike is to the right of the car and still within the same lane.

I lane split every day. My reasons are simple.

- It is a major factor in reducing my stress levels in traffic.
- I can sleep in a bit more (I'm not a morning person).
- It's safe if done properly.
- It hurts noone!

[DIN PELENDA]

As I understand it from those on here that know more about it than I lane splitting is legal as long the traffic is stationary or your bike is to the right of the car and still within the same lane.

I lane split every day. My reasons are simple.

- It is a major factor in reducing my stress levels in traffic.
- I can sleep in a bit more (I'm not a morning person).
- It's safe if done properly.
- It hurts noone!

That is true, and just to add another reason for line splitting is, if you do sit in between cars and car on front of you stop but car at beck of you don't release that, which often happen in Auckland traffic" bumper to bumper" will you like to be on your bike between two bumpers? It be lot more fatalities if every biker sit in between cars or if you lucky you just lose leg. As long as your speed is not much higher (different) then speed of traffic, like if traffic is doing 20km/h you can do up to 50km/h it is safe, but no 120km/h. Maybe Dean need to get bigger bike, I just cant help my self, with size and performance of my R1, I will newer sit in traffic! That is reason for me to have 2 bikes! R1 red just gone black every afternoon 5.45 pm say hi Dean as I Fly pass you, from south Auckland to City and to Morningside, that is were I work and ST for long ride and touring out of Auckland "cold kiwi"- I line split with my ST two but not as fast . My wife finish every 2nd week 5.30 it take her 15min in car to Papatoetoe. We got 5 kids under 10 and no one to leave kids with, and can't leave them by them self. So I start work at 6 pm and that give me 15min , to get from Papatoetoe to Morningside, how else I'm going to do it when helicopter is out of my budget with 5 kids.
PS:Legal or not good luck to any copa try to pull me over or read my plate number as I fly pass him, even if he is bike cop on chunky bimer or ST. I'm doing it for 14 years now and no ticket will stop me . I get buzz out of it and I be doing it in my 80's.

[Grahameeboy]

What am i saying, this is a motorcycle forum odds are anyone actually understanding. Forget about it.
About that bit i said if you or anyother biker pulled a wheelstand past me due to my lack of concentration i might not notice, no corruption.

You have joined the right place...mind you on this forum there are Dads, Mums...cops....company directors etc etc...so it's a forum of well informed people who have cars but enjoy riding bikes

[Gremlin]

Dean, unless you're enjoying your little troll... brush up your law before you try making such solid claims as to what is illegal.

Once you're done... now imagine every bike and scooter as a car... now imagine the road network :laugh:

By splitting you are actually reducing the congestion problem, as the vehicle is removed from the traffic, thereby reducing the congestion for all involved.

Now, this being a biker forum... I don't expect you to fully understand all of this... :lol:

[DIN PELENDA]

What am i saying, this is a motorcycle forum odds are anyone actually understanding. Forget about it.
About that bit i said if you or another biker pulled a wheelstand past me due to my lack of concentration i might not notice, no corruption.

We all understand what you trying to say but not all of us agree with you. I tell you of what happened to me last year, on way home from New Market going south on motorway. I was in 3rd line and traffic was going 80km/h and no need to split line but car that was in front of car that I was following gone hard on breaks and car on front of me just hit beck of that car and they slide to stop. I hit my breaks hard and I new I can stop before hitting those cars, but as I check my mirror, I make split-second decision to go in gap between my line and 2nd line which was moving and just as I got pass cars that crash on front of me, 4WD that was at beck of me ram those cars in full speed not slowing down. He did not see and realize what just happened on front of me, all that took 3-4 seconds and my split- second decision to split save my life.

[Indiana_Jones]

Law does mean alot, no matter how much of a hotshot you are you wont escape the law, its basic - Lane splitting = Not allowed, im sure or atleast i hope you can understand this. You're arguement is totally biast, i have seen so many threads on supposedly "idiot drivers" who pull out on bikers lane splitting. Well hello, knock knock if they werent lane splitting in the first place which is a no no then there would be no problem if anything the drivers are stopping them from breaking the law!!! Sorry but its the truth man.


<img src="http://www.grouchoreviews.com/content/films/3066/52.jpg">


"GO BETWEEN THEM?! ARE YOU CRAZY!?"

-Indy

[elevenhundred]

Law does mean alot, no matter how much of a hotshot you are you wont escape the law, its basic - Lane splitting = Not allowed, im sure or atleast i hope you can understand this. You're arguement is totally biast, i have seen so many threads on supposedly "idiot drivers" who pull out on bikers lane splitting. Well hello, knock knock if they werent lane splitting in the first place which is a no no then there would be no problem if anything the drivers are stopping them from breaking the law!!! Sorry but its the truth man.

I won't escape the law eh, that's only if they are after me.
I lane split past police cars and bikes and have never been pulled over.
As long as you're not being a cock while doing it they'll not bother you.
And as far as being rude cry me a river will ya

http://users.chariot.net.au/~misterx/steve/images/cry_me_a_river.jpg

[Edbear]

why dont you get off at tecoma st,ellerslie?im sure thats quicker
oh this is for edbear

There are several ways in, but I found the time difference was negligible and taking the Port turn off at spaghetti junction takes me down to the waterfront and a pretty and relaxing route. Gets me off the madness through the junction and boring motorway.

I found when taking the car that Fanshaw St and through Quay St along there was quicker, too. Usually had good luck with lights.

[klingon]

I also lane split (sensibly) past police cars. The only reaction I have had is one car that moved slightly left to let me through.

I have been lane splitting for almost three years now, ever since I learned to ride. In that time I have clipped two mirrors and not done any damage to either of them. You really think lane splitting bikers go around denting and scratching people's cars every day? I have never seen it happen, and if it did happen I would expect the biker to own up, just like any other motorist who damaged another vehicle.

Good on you for choosing to stay in line, if that's really the way you want to ride. But just realise it's your choice and not something you can impose on everyone else.

By the way, I drove cars for many, many years before I got my bike. I never felt resentful of a bike going past me in traffic - just jealous! I also don't feel resentful when I'm in traffic and someone on a pushbike passes me in a bike lane. In really slow traffic sometimes pedestrians can get there faster than the people in cars! Do you really think pedestrians should stop and wait for the traffic to start moving again before they keep walking? :lol:

[Swoop]

Plain and simple lane splitting isnt allowed
What a load of bollocks.

[Gremlin]

Din Pelenda makes a good point.

I've had the exact same situation just south of Ellerslie, southbound. Cars in front did the typical sudden stop. I flashed my brakes lights first, then put them on to slow down. I didn't have a problem with the braking distance, but heard a screech behind me. Looked in my mirrors to see a car right behind me.

I pulled to the left of the fast lane and the car pulled up beside me, with less than a metre between it and the car that was in front of me. :crazy:

[swbarnett]

Din Pelenda makes a good point.
Indeed he does. And it's not only the cars that can be a problem when you have to stop in a hurry. I had one incident where I was day dreaming and hadn't noticed the traffic had stopped in front of me (very early in my riding career. Of course I know better now...). If I hadn't been splitting I would've been in their boot.

[Ixion]

Din Pelenda makes a good point.

I've had the exact same situation just south of Ellerslie, southbound. Cars in front did the typical sudden stop. I flashed my brakes lights first, then put them on to slow down. I didn't have a problem with the braking distance, but heard a screech behind me. Looked in my mirrors to see a car right behind me.

I pulled to the left of the fast lane and the car pulled up beside me, with less than a metre between it and the car that was in front of me. :crazy:

Couple of times I've had them slide right past me, wheels locked, right on into the rear end of the car that was in front of me.

Why I don't like relying on brakes.

[MarkH]

Driving a car I have had my bumper damaged by a large heavy Ute/pickup. Riding a scooter I never stop in line with the traffic - so I never risk the nose to tail prang. If the car in front of me stops then I ride past it and that is definitely not illegal.

[Dean]

Dean, unless you're enjoying your little troll... brush up your law before you try making such solid claims as to what is illegal
Nope im not trolling never started trolling in the first place , its a preference of mine to stay in line. But i dont want to enforce this on you or anyone, ride how you want aslong as you keep safe yeh.

I also lane split (sensibly) past police cars. The only reaction I have had is one car that moved slightly left to let me through.
Good on you for choosing to stay in line, if that's really the way you want to ride. But just realise it's your choice and not something you can impose on everyone else.

Great post! yes i agree, just a rider preference, everyone to their own riding style.

[Dean]

Maybe Dean need to get bigger bike, I just cant help my self, with size and performance of my R1, I will newer sit in traffic! That is reason for me to have 2 bikes! R1 red just gone black every afternoon 5.45 pm say hi Dean as I Fly pass you, from south Auckland to City and to Morningside

No bigger bike needed anytime soon, it can sit at 100 which is enough. If you see a yellow zeal 250 in traffic thats me! Pull in i will always have a good space and wait in line lol. Anyways forget about what i said before about this matter, as you were.

[PrincessBandit]

I commute from Manurewa to Auck CBD and love it!


Used to commute from Papakura to Auckland and back everyday on the bike and loved it.


Nutters!! the pair of ya!!

I must say Ixion, that while I do lane split occasionally, my skill set is such that I only do it when I'm completely confident that I'll succeed and not cause problems to anyone else - but that doesn't mean I'm pretending to be a 2 wheeled car. Hmmph.

Since I've started splitting it has made me even more aware of what is coming up behind me, in the way of lane splitting bikes. If I'm on mine and am considering doing it I immediately check behind to ensure I don't get in the way of someone else doing the same thing. Confident (sometimes I think it's almost "reckless") lane splitters can be quite intimidating, bearing down on rookies like me.

But then I do get to admire your arses as you fly past me.......

[caseye]

But why so impatient? Thousands drive to Auckland in traffic and get up earlier in the mornings even females you're age, its life. I know i may sound harsh, theres a thing we were all told when young and thats waiting in line. Its viewed rude to lane split, you take upon a huge risk in getting hit by a car. You would understand if you were waiting at say a bank and someone pushes in line.

Some people! hey Thani-B looking good girl. You take your time and you lane split carefully like I do(famous last words).Hey Crazy that was you this afternoon heading Norff while I was going soufe just past manukau?
Some pretty heavyweight KB'ers posting on this one Thani,most are in total agreement, split with care arrive fresh , dry and unstressed, occassionally take the high road or the low road for fun! You have a bike, enjoy it.'
Today while heading into Ak I was splitting at a gentle 30-40 K's pH when I became aware of a GN 2 fiddy behind me, tagging along, I thought it might've bene you, but alas it wasn't.
My advice to this fella rding his GN, give us bigger bikes some space, we stop a whole lot faster than you think and when splitting the last thingI i want is another bike of any size/sort that close behind me!
What a great day to ride anywhere though, see ya on Thursday night Thani-B.

[Thani-B]

Some people! hey Thani-B looking good girl. You take your time and you lane split carefully like I do(famous last words).Hey Crazy that was you this afternoon heading Norff while I was going soufe just past manukau?
Some pretty heavyweight KB'ers posting on this one Thani,most are in total agreement, split with care arrive fresh , dry and unstressed, occassionally take the high road or the low road for fun! You have a bike, enjoy it.'
Today while heading into Ak I was splitting at a gentle 30-40 K's pH when I became aware of a GN 2 fiddy behind me, tagging along, I thought it might've bene you, but alas it wasn't.
My advice to this fella rding his GN, give us bigger bikes some space, we stop a whole lot faster than you think and when splitting the last thingI i want is another bike of any size/sort that close behind me!
What a great day to ride anywhere though, see ya on Thursday night Thani-B.

Why thank you! Lol. Love how this thread is going. Made a very entertaining read. And yes (even though this comment wasnt aimed at me) I always try to keep back from bikes when I end up catching up to them (if I do). Ive had another bike run into the back of me when I stopped faster than he expected and that wasnt a fun experience, still finding the damage caused by it (bike failed its warrant today in fact), and I wouldnt want to do that to anyone else.

[mnkyboy]

Is it me or is this another splitting / waving type thread. One dude doesn't want to split - on ya mate; you have fun waiting (should get a car instead).

Why does it always turn into the same sort of sausage wankfest (sorry for the imagery girlies)

Anyways Thani - sounds like you need some music to ride to; Oh wait now we can have another 2 pages about that being "safe":zzzz:

[Thani-B]

Is it me or is this another splitting / waving type thread. One dude doesn't want to split - on ya mate; you have fun waiting (should get a car instead).

Why does it always turn into the same sort of sausage wankfest (sorry for the imagery girlies)

Anyways Thani - sounds like you need some music to ride to; Oh wait now we can have another 2 pages about that being "safe":zzzz:

Lol yea, wasnt how I imagined it going. As an update, after Wednesday my commute wasnt actually that bad. Thanks to those who contributed to that. May have been because I was looking forward to SATNR on Thursday and then the weekend on Friday, but I'll let you guys that gave me advice take the credit for it. Oh and traffic was shocking on Fri arvo wasnt it, was the first time I actually had to put my feet down while splitting, not the best experience.

And mnkyboy, I do listen to music while riding, usually only through one headphone though.

[Metalor]

You'll get the hang of it man. You'll get to a point where you'll basically be stopped and be able to kep the bike balanced by adjusting the handlebars a bit. Handy when a gap is smaller than you originally thought and need to stop between cars to save scuffing their mirrors, haha.

[zeocen]

Friday's are usually when I love to stay a little later at the office, just to let the traffic die down a bit!

My four wheeled brethren are very kind to me, yes, even the ones of the police variety, the extremely large majority give way for me (including the police). I make a point of giving a kind gesture back to let them know that their fore-thought of making my daily commute a little bit easier didn't go unnoticed.

I would say I have had more trouble with bikers with a purpose than four wheeled vehicles. Some people are just plain nuts when filtering, I really wonder how they have survived so long!!

[Thani-B]

I make a point of giving a kind gesture back to let them know that their fore-thought of making my daily commute a little bit easier didn't go unnoticed.

I do that. For those that I notice who actually see me and intentionally move to give me more space. I like to think that if they get some sign of thanks they will do it again.

[Danae]

I do that. For those that I notice who actually see me and intentionally move to give me more space. I like to think that if they get some sign of thanks they will do it again.

I've had a few cagers make way for me :yes:

I split on the motorway during rush hour, it's practically just about stopped. I remember once I saw a biker coming up behind me so I moved back into the lane to let them past. I am a slow splitter haha.

[mnkyboy]

I am a slow splitter haha.

fxr150 anything to do with that?:wari:

[Swoop]

I've had a few cagers make way for me :yes:

I remember once I saw a biker coming up behind me so I moved back into the lane to let them past. I am a slow splitter haha.
Good on ya for using your mirrors when splitting.
It is nice to give a brief wave to cars if they make a move to let you through (if you are able to, of course).

[MarkH]

fxr150 anything to do with that?:wari:

Wouldn't an fxr150 be rather a good lane splitting bike? Small, nimble & more than enough speed & power to handle that job. I suspect that as Danae gains experience & confidence she will lane split a bit faster - but it is important not to go too fast, you often need to brake, wait till a car finishes changing lanes, then carry on - too quick and you break instead of brake.

[Ixion]

I would think so. The GN250 is excellent for the purpose. The only qualification on the fxr might be the head down position.

[MarkH]

I would think so. The GN250 is excellent for the purpose.

The AN400 is also good for splitting - the auto CVT makes coping with heavy traffic much easier. The only qualification is that she is a little fat, though not as bad as the AN650 in that regard. Still - the gap is usually more than enough for my chubby scoot to slip through. Disc brakes front (twin disc) and rear is also really handy - you need to be ready to stop very quickly if necessary.

[PrincessBandit]

The AN400 is also good for splitting - ...... The only qualification is that she is a little fat, though not as bad as the AN650 in that regard.

Hahahaha, I call Balu's bike "fatty ass" but he still manages to squeeze through some gaps by retracting his mirrors. He had to smile as he did that the other day complete with stationary drivers pointing at him as his mirrors started to reposition again!

[MarkH]

Hahahaha, I call Balu's bike "fatty ass" but he still manages to squeeze through some gaps by retracting his mirrors. He had to smile as he did that the other day complete with stationary drivers pointing at him as his mirrors started to reposition again!

On the Burgman USA forums the 650 is known as the 'Lardy' and it has been described as 'looking like a pregnant bug'. From the specs I have seen it appears to be about 70kg heavier than my 400. Still, for the longer rides I wouldn't mind one - even if the extra weight would be a negative around the city.

The other nicknames for the 650 aren't so bad - like the 'Burger King' or 'Halfabusa'.

BTW:
I have on occasion stopped, grabbed each mirror and pulled back, rode through a tight gap to the front of the traffic lights, then repositioned my mirrors back to where they were.

[Thani-B]

I have on occasion stopped, grabbed each mirror and pulled back, rode through a tight gap to the front of the traffic lights, then repositioned my mirrors back to where they were.

Cant say I have ever had to do that lol, I do go through slowly turning the bike so one mirror goes through the small gap one at a time though.

[PrincessBandit]

BTW:
I have on occasion stopped, grabbed each mirror and pulled back, rode through a tight gap to the front of the traffic lights, then repositioned my mirrors back to where they were.

The exec has electric mirrors like a (dare I say it,) car. :dodge:
He can do it with the push of a switch, so people can't actually see him activating it. All they see is the mirrors moving - of their own accord!:eek:

[waitup]

I do that. For those that I notice who actually see me and intentionally move to give me more space. I like to think that if they get some sign of thanks they will do it again.

It's probable that those who move aside are actually bikers. I am one of those, usually only when it rains or I need to carry more than my lunch box though.

I really should find a water proof jacket!

[Toaster]

Been doing a lot more splitting in trips to the city. That traffic is just awful. So glad to ride a bike. About 100kms round trip and also passed on through.

Gets a bit tedious after doing both the northern AND southern motorways on my way through.

My longest lane split started south of Greenlane and ended just short of Albany.

Bike 1 : Hundreds of Cagers 0.

[Ronin]

Bike 1 : Hundreds of Cagers 0.

In corrected statistical terms that is Bike 492.3 : Cage 0
getting the hang of statistical manipulation here

[Toaster]

In corrected statistical terms that is Bike 492.3 : Cage 0
getting the hang of statistical manipulation here

I ran out of fingers and toes in the count!

[MarkH]

In corrected statistical terms that is Bike 492.3

Lanesplitting from Greenlane to Albany? I think that number is a little low!

When the traffic is bad I can lane split past a LOT* of cars just going from Ellerslie to the city.




* Roughly in the range of 1 to 1.24 shitloads.

[Thani-B]

Lanesplitting from Greenlane to Albany? I think that number is a little low!

When the traffic is bad I can lane split past a LOT* of cars just going from Ellerslie to the city.




* Roughly in the range of 1 to 1.24 shitloads.

I go past a lot in my commute. Wouldnt try to count though. Usually splitting from Papakura to Manukau, and then East Tamaki to the city, depending on the traffic and time of morning of course. Good fun.

[reemit]

I go past a lot in my commute. Wouldnt try to count though. Usually splitting from Papakura to Manukau, and then East Tamaki to the city, depending on the traffic and time of morning of course. Good fun.
I'll look out for you Thani, I do the splitting/waving thing from Papakura to Manaukau too, then on to the airport on an old silver FZR1K. I consider myself a wizard splitter, not overconfident tho.