Bus lanes

[Scuba_Steve]

Theres the bus only signs though in Wellington. Not sure if they are in other cities.


THE RULES

Who can use 'bus lanes' in Wellington?

Buses, motorbikes, taxis and cyclists only. If the bus lane sign has a specified time limit, private vehicles can use the lane outside these hours.

Who can use 'bus only' lanes?

Like the sign says – buses only, unless the sign has a specified time limit. If so, all other vehicles can use the lane outside these hours.

Are there any other times when cars use a bus lane?

Drivers can use a bus lane for the minimum distance required to make a turn or reach a car park, driveway or loading zone. They are not allowed to travel more than 50 metres in the lane.

Govt Legislation > Council Bylaws
So again, unless the sign specifically excludes bikes they are allowed to use; specifically including ≠ specifically excluding
However don't expect the monkey, donkey, or gang member with the pen & paper/electronic device to know the rules... They usually don't

[WristTwister]

Theres the bus only signs though in Wellington. Not sure if they are in other cities.


THE RULES

Who can use 'bus lanes' in Wellington?

Buses, motorbikes, taxis and cyclists only. If the bus lane sign has a specified time limit, private vehicles can use the lane outside these hours.

Who can use 'bus only' lanes?

Like the sign says – buses only, unless the sign has a specified time limit. If so, all other vehicles can use the lane outside these hours.

Are there any other times when cars use a bus lane?

Drivers can use a bus lane for the minimum distance required to make a turn or reach a car park, driveway or loading zone. They are not allowed to travel more than 50 metres in the lane.

^ This. If a sign says "Only" it means only.


Bus/Taxi/Motorcycle/Cyclists (not Uber drivers)


Only Buses.

Important
Road authorities (for example, local councils) may have special rules for road users in specific areas. These restrictions should be indicated by signs or markings.

[Maha]

I'm very very confused as to whether we're allowed to ride in bus lanes or not-anyone care to clarify this for me?

What will become clear as time goes by, is that some motorcyclist can ride where they like/how they like/take exception to anyone who inadvertently disrupts them/ furiously complain and dispute any wrong doing on their behalf. Rest assured though, these same people can always logon to a seemingly low rated biker site to vehemently express their displeasure whenever any of the above situations enters their lives.

In summary: Do whatever you want...KB always has your arse covered....but not legally.

[rastuscat]

Really entertaining thread.

Let's drill down the OP.

What city are you in? Which lane are you talking about?

There's so many variations there isn't one answer. If you want a specific answer, ask a specific question.

Sorry for being so dull.

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[hokckeyholic]

Really entertaining thread.

Let's drill down the OP.

What city are you in? Which lane are you talking about?

There's so many variations there isn't one answer. If you want a specific answer, ask a specific question.

Sorry for being so dull.

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I'm in Auckland. The lane I'm talking about ia one of the ones where buses can go straight through the intersection, while cars have to turn left. Can't recall exactly what's on the sign, but I read the bylaws and it said in essence that we're allowed to ride in them unless specifically excluded. If the sign says buses only does this count as a specific exclusion?

[rastuscat]

I'm in Auckland. The lane I'm talking about ia one of the ones where buses can go straight through the intersection, while cars have to turn left. Can't recall exactly what's on the sign, but I read the bylaws and it said in essence that we're allowed to ride in them unless specifically excluded. If the sign says buses only does this count as a specific exclusion?

Yes. If the sign says Bus Only or Buses Only, it means your motorcycle doesn't count.

Unless it's a Harley.

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[Moi]

I'm in Auckland. The lane I'm talking about is one of the ones where buses can go straight through the intersection, while cars have to turn left. Can't recall exactly what's on the sign, but I read the bylaws and it said in essence that we're allowed to ride in them unless specifically excluded. If the sign says buses only does this count as a specific exclusion?

Which intersection?

[rastuscat]

Just for the record, the ticket would say "Unauthorized Use Of A Special Vehicle Lane". $150, nil demerits.

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[rastuscat]

Is it really so hard to apply some common sense here?

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[hokckeyholic]

Which intersection?

There's a few. Gossamer drive/pakuranga road, ti rakau drive/Harris road mostly.

[hokckeyholic]

After the amount of confusion i've been getting on here, i finally gave in and rang Auckland Transport. After about an hour on hold, they said that it was legal to ride in lanes that say BUS LANE ONLY so long as they do NOT say no motorbikes. So, bus lane only doesnt really mean bus lane only and specific exclusion now makes a lot more sense
Thanks guys

[mojo1444]

Theres the bus only signs though in Wellington. Not sure if they are in other cities.


THE RULES

Who can use 'bus lanes' in Wellington?

Buses, motorbikes, taxis and cyclists only. If the bus lane sign has a specified time limit, private vehicles can use the lane outside these hours.

Who can use 'bus only' lanes?

Like the sign says – buses only, unless the sign has a specified time limit. If so, all other vehicles can use the lane outside these hours.

Are there any other times when cars use a bus lane?

Drivers can use a bus lane for the minimum distance required to make a turn or reach a car park, driveway or loading zone. They are not allowed to travel more than 50 metres in the lane.

Finally someone gave a complete and educational answer. Thank you Sir!

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[mojo1444]

After the amount of confusion i've been getting on here, i finally gave in and rang Auckland Transport. After about an hour on hold, they said that it was legal to ride in lanes that say BUS LANE ONLY so long as they do NOT say no motorbikes. So, bus lane only doesnt really mean bus lane only and specific exclusion now makes a lot more sense
Thanks guys

OK that's good to know but I think we have two types of bus lanes one is wide like in Christchurch the other is narrow like in Auckland. So I'm not surprised of the confusion.

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[mojo1444]

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/walking-cyc...ons/bus-lanes/
A bus lane is a ‘special vehicle lane’, meaning ‘a lane defined by signs or markings and restricted to a specified class or classes of vehicle; and includes a bus lane, a transit lane, a cycle lane, and a light-rail vehicle lane’. (Traffic Control Devices Rule).

The Traffic Control Devices Rule further defines a bus lane as ‘a lane reserved by a marking or sign installed at the start of the lane and at each point at which the lane resumes after an intersection, for the use of: (a) buses; and (b) cycles, mopeds and motorcycles (unless any or all are specifically excluded by the marking or sign).’

[Gremlin]

Yes. If the sign says Bus Only or Buses Only, it means your motorcycle doesn't count.

Unless it's a Harley.

Incorrect actually. Bus Only doesn't specifically exclude motorcycles (to the letter of the law). The emphasis is on "specifically". So, for any vehicle category to be specifically excluded, along with Bus Only, it must also state, No Motorcycles, No Cars etc etc.

Side note that there was also a tweak to Auckland bylaws that motorcycles in a bus lane could go on the white B. Previously it was only a green B (which I never saw). Holding up a multi-ton bus never seemed like a good idea to me.