Commuting on a bike in Auckland?

[danchop]

needs to be more scooters on the mway

[Juniper]

I'm thinking of getting a motorbike to commute to work traveling from Onehunga to the CBD. My only concern is how safe it would be as I've read quite a few posts on this forum that put me off the idea of commuting in Auckland.
I plan to travel to keep away from the motorway (only just got my learners license) and travel through Newmarket and Parnell, at around 7am when the traffics lighter.
The reasons for wanted to do the journey on a bike is enjoyment, saving time (compared to the train), and saving money (compared to paying for parking in a car).
I'm keen to hear of other peoples experiences doing similar commutes.
Thanks

So your thread inspired me to finally write this up.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/en...20#comment5920

Check it out. It's not gospel but I think I've made some good points in there.

[pratik8890]

Hey mate, I was there in October this year and I found it alright. The only time it gets crazier on motorway ( not dangerous tho! ) is around peak hours but if youre to travel on the regular roads then you should be fine cos you'll be riding in a 50k zone most of the time anyway. Like other KM Members say, just build up your confidence cos other drivers on the road will sense it for sure and if youre confident then they'll just respect your space unless they're drunk but again riding motorbike has always been more like a survival thing so just follow the 2, 4 , 6, 10 etc. rules to keep you safe out there. Good luck

[ricardohardo]

Moved out west Akl a few months ago. Commuting to CBD most days. vans, trucks and Holden's. (Ie wide bodied vehicles) whilst on motorway in peak, if these vehicles look like they are going match up side by side....I hold off shooting the gap. Watching vehicles position in relationship to the centre lines also, assessing space and drivers intentions. Gaps in motorway lanes when in peak I feel are danger zones .....if your coming up between traffic, I find you get 'last minute Larry/lorraine deciding to change lane with no warning. (Oh, and pray) ..... If everyone rode bikes we wouldn't have a problem


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[SNF]

I commuted 99% of last year from west to south Aucks everyday on my FZR, I never had any real problems.

Practice emergency braking. Be aware most people cannot handle the big fat Prado they are in, let alone a Charade - they don't keep left properly and will wander within the lane. As a result when you split you may be on either side of the cats eyes. They also don't know what mirrors are. Be prepared.

Most indicate though. Expect it to be for a second at best. Remember the mirrors?

You don't have to be a hero. Its not about going 100k's through crawling traffic. I admit, I love to split. I am prepared though. There are times I have to slow down, or even stop and tuck in because I can see its just too damn dangerous to do anything, usually if its a truck/ bus side by side. Seen a bus lock up and slide in the lane right next to me once. You'll see all sorts of crazy shit.

If you don't feel safe, don't do it. Be even more careful in the wet. Try to look at whats going a few cars ahead. It also helps you plan/anticipate whats going on.

That said try splitting. Just a little faster than the cars. Check your mirrors and behind you too. If a faster bike comes let them go. I find I can be of the faster splitters now, despite the L plate and the small bike, depending on speed of traffic. Keep your wits about you. You will be fine. Work on emergency braking. It will help you out.

[newbie2012]

Guys

The above (but captured nicely in the thoughts of Jumpier and FZR250), offers some really great advice. I would suggest this thread is made into a 'sticky' or whatever the headline threads are called.

My reason ? I've been riding for just over 12 months, commuting into the CBD from Helensville for most of the simply glorious kms I've clocked up on my 2 wheeled steed. The above captures the attitudes, skills and thought patterns that have saved me from getting into a bad situation, which I gleaned from asking lots of better riders lots of questions (including motorcycle police), doing formal training courses, trawling though books and a shit load of practicing. I wish this blog was here when I started commuting. Some riders will laugh at my conservative views, but I only have to get that sickening and sad feeling that comes from seeing another rider or bike down to realise that I'd rather have some ridicule me then see any more bikes involved in crashes (now you can all go 'urgh, you big pussy' in true KB style)