Bikes and bridges?

[kunoichi]

Hey guys! With the impending doom of long winter months, i came to a realisation today that I have no idea about the 'rules' (legal or social) about bikes on the harbour bridge during storms/winter months. Is there anything i should know?

[Skyryder]

Hey guys! With the impending doom of long winter months, i came to a realisation today that I have no idea about the 'rules' (legal or social) about bikes on the harbour bridge during storms/winter months. Is there anything i should know?

Don't run out of gas.

Skyyrder

[BMWST?]

bridges get ice on them before the surrounding roads?

[Ixion]

If you should happen to be blown over the side, do not try to swim to land. Keep youself afloat, and wait for rescue. If you see a boat approaching , raise your arm. A wise rider would carry a small whistle around his or her neck, with which to attract attention, expecially at night.

[kunoichi]

so they don't close the bridge sometimes for bikes? Kuz i think i heard that once

[retro asian]

If the wind's blowing from the left, leave a bit of gap on the right side of your lane...

[Ixion]

so they don't close the bridge sometimes for bikes? Kuz i think i heard that once

Only when it is ice covered (as noted supra, the bridge will become iced before the surrounding roads). The problem then is that trucks will slide backwards down the bridge, which is dangerous for bikes behind them, because of course, we do not have a reverse gear. If you see trucks sliding backwards down the bridge, take prompt evasive action (But do be careful not to be blown over the side whilst doing so, it's a long way down, and the water is very cold. We lose a few every year that way)

[Skyryder]

so they don't close the bridge sometimes for bikes? Kuz i think i heard that once


Only if you pre notify for a wheelie.

Skyryder

[Swoop]

Way to go guys. A young lady has asked a serious question. Serious replies please.

There are occasions when the bridge has "advisories" that bikes should not travel across it due to weather conditions. As a newer rider these might be a good guide to follow until you are totally confident in all weather conditions. Klingon posted earlier this week (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=1956365&postcount=2) on this precise topic.

[discotex]

My top tops for riding in serious rain/wind

1. Stay loose and relaxed. If you grip the bars tight you'll be all over the place.
2. Keep the RPM near the redline. The spinning metal in the engine will help keep you vertical.
3. Stick the windward (facing the wind) knee out like a sail. It helps balance when the gusts hit.

Some people also like to lie on the tank. I don't bother unless it's bridge closing gales and 1-3 aren't working.

[Skyryder]

Don't run out of gas.

Skyyrder

Can you be fined for doing so on the Harbour bridge?

Skyryder

[MIXONE]

Listen to the radio on windy days and if they are saying that bikes are not advised to take the bridge then don't unless you learned to ride in Wellington.

[FROSTY]

Harbour bridge ona wet windy day isn't a place i like to go and play.
The steel plate you hit as you go on the bridge is slippery and the wind gusts aint a lot of fun.
from 4 years of commuting daily ove rthe bridge

[Slyer]

When we had that big storm last year, cops would try to stop any bikes that crossed.

[xwhatsit]

Harbour bridge ona wet windy day isn't a place i like to go and play.
The steel plate you hit as you go on the bridge is slippery and the wind gusts aint a lot of fun.
from 4 years of commuting daily ove rthe bridge
Yeah but you ride big grunters with fairings and shit.

Nekkid 250s are just fine on the Harbour Bridge. Every time they have one of these `bikes banned GTFO' I get my hopes up and take a trip across and every single time it's been a complete let-down.

[TOTO]

When we had that big storm last year, cops would try to stop any bikes that crossed.



yea you faired falks are like that. us nakeds have no problem. Only one thing I must have during a windy wet storm - quality tyres with plenty of groves :yes:

[Blackshear]

yea you faired falks are like that. us nakeds have no problem. Only one thing I must have during a windy wet storm - quality tyres with plenty of groves :yes:

Heeeey! You changed your Avatar to some kind of bee/wasp!

[GurlRacer]

Be careful. :)
Bridges are now being updated to accomodate motorcyclists better (particulary in rural communites) thanks to my old man... if wet, approach every bridge (big or small) with a huge amount of caution, particulary wooden ones.

[Tank]

Bridge or road - if you think that the conditions are to tough for you - dont do it.

On the road to Bluff a couple of weeks ago the winds were too strong for me and the fully laden V-Strom. We turned back and went inland.

Sometimes even tho it lakes longer to get there - its better than not arriving.

The harbour bridge is not a good place to learn.

[CookMySock]

[....] The problem then is that trucks will slide backwards down the bridge, which is dangerous for bikes behind them,See recent thread on U turns for this! Remember to shift your weight to the outside of the U turn etc !


Way to go guys. A young lady has asked a serious question. Serious replies please.Oh pffft! We ARE being serious! Re-read above paragraph! :shutup:


if wet, approach every bridge (big or small) with a huge amount of caution, particulary wooden ones.Yus, especially the old wooden ones with railway lines, coz the steel lines will grab ur wheel and flick you on the ground. Yeah, theres not many of these bridges around, so you can safely ignore this. ;)

Too much caution is a bad thing also. I kid you not!! The bottom line is, if you are still upright and moving ahead, then you are better off than being in the drain or the hedge, or the opposing traffic lane, so STEER the bike at all costs - don't be afraid of dropping the bike and then have a brain-lock and ride it straight into a truck coming the other way!

Just slow down I think, and stay away from things.

Steve