Passing in residential zones - thoughts?

[Milts]

Having just recently moved to Karori, I'm still getting used to traffic going to and from. On my commute thismorning I was happily sitting in a line of traffic doing maybe 40kph, when somebody on a CBR600 cruised past. He then continued to pass the line of vehicles either on the median flush strip or within their own lane (never crossed the centre line).

This was right in the middle of the Karori shopping area, and he continued to do so right through Marsden Village. He never strayed into the oncoming lane, and I'm sure he didn't mean to be obnoxious - however the bike was pretty loud and I'm not sure how happy some of the other drivers would have been. Especially considering the surprise it must have been given they don't use their mirrors...

Apart from the fact that further on he must have been doing 70 or 80 down the Karori Hill, and maybe 60 odd at most through the shopping area, I'm not sure he was breaking any laws. However I still found it a bit odd and was quite happy to sit in the traffic and catch up at the lights rather than pass every vehicle in sight....

Is this pretty standard, or a bit marginal? Do people tend to pass lines of traffic in residential or shopping zones when on a bike rather than sit in the traffic?

[bastardsquad]

If the traffic is bunched and slow(and if i'm late for work lol), i'll do likewise until I can find a free flowing spot where traffic speeds are higher. Generally, if the traffic is at or slightly above the limit and flowing, i'll sit tight. When moving past traffic like this, I'll be cautious and trying to stay within the magic '10% above the limit' rather than fanging it, you never know when someone will indicate AND move right at the same time as cars are often inclined to do...

[White trash]

Common practice. I suggest you not attempt a trip up the Hutt Road from Ngauranga to Petone between 5 and 5.30 if what you saw today pissed you off.

[ExpertoCrede]

The median flush isn't meant to be a passing lane - Rider could be pinged if caught. But passing on the right within the same lane could be legal - often discussed as part of lane splitting/ filtering.

[Milts]

To clarify, I wasn't offended by this but I wonder how many car drivers were just considering the fact that it's in a built up area (this was done near schools, houses, supermarkets etc). I generally filter if traffic is slow and there is more than one lane, and drivers don't seem to take offence to that (very often, anyway). Maybe I ride my bike too much like I drive a car.

[Devil]

The median flush isn't meant to be a passing lane - Rider could be pinged if caught. But passing on the right within the same lane could be legal - often discussed as part of lane splitting/ filtering.

To be a little more specific. You are not allowed to us a flush median for overtaking. Only for turning, or merging into the traffic flow.

Passing on the right within the same lane (assuming indicating, safe etc) is legal.

[Deano]

The median flush isn't meant to be a passing lane - Rider could be pinged if caught. But passing on the right within the same lane could be legal - often discussed as part of lane splitting/ filtering.

Any yellow line there indicating no crossing ? If not it would be legit wouldn't it ?

[Neon]

To be a little more specific. You are not allowed to us a flush median for overtaking.

Yep, it's a $150 instant fine for passing on a flush median. DAMHIK

I see the same thing every day without fail on Hobsonville road. A line of traffic doing basically the speed limit and some fucktard(s) on a bike cruising straight down the flush median passing everyone like they have some special right.

[Neon]

I should qualify that by saying when I got nicked I was passing a line of stopped cars slowly and ducking in and out - but then spent a bit long on the median and a nice police man took exception. I have learned the error of my ways and will never break the law again until next time.

[Genie]

Watch this crazy bastard and you'll see how tame your biker was....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzcCq6FIXSU

[SMOKEU]

I don't usually overtake in a 50 zone unless I'm riding with someone who is, or if the cager in front is going ridiculously slow, or if I'm being tail gated.

[Devil]

A line of traffic doing basically the speed limit and some fucktard(s) on a bike cruising straight down the flush median passing everyone like they have some special right.

If only people would keep left then it'd be easier.
Once that new motorway bit it sorted it'll be much better.

[wysper]

I don't usually overtake in a 50 zone unless I'm riding with someone who is, or if the cager in front is going ridiculously slow, or if I'm being tail gated.

or if it is a day ending in y

[Spuds1234]

I don't usually overtake in a 50 zone unless I'm riding with someone who is

While your probably passing in a safe manner, dont let other people dictate you ride. Its an easy recipe to disaster.

[Trudes]

Locksmith guy?
Yep, I said it