Welllll, I got it right from the source today.
I've never been glad to get pulled over before - but I was today.
I spent the day filling in for for harry holiday over at kiwi rider and was 'travelling' along the southern on my way home.
Traffic was at a virtual standstill and I had been splitting lanes since spaghetti junction.
I saw the motorcycle cop stationary and checking me out on the layover before Newmarket flyover and continued to split - fully aware that this will truly test the validity of what i have read on KB.
As I have done since participating in the discussion here, I continued unchanged - 20kph tolerance, due care, not trying to piss anyone off and as safely as a reasonably dangerous thing to do allows. (learners - don't do this.)
500mtrs and it's whooop and a flash of Blue and red.
Beauty! even if this costs me - I'll KNOW.
I was officially cautioned for overtaking on the left in the same lane and for failing to use my indicator when moving to the centre lane for the 3 seconds notice. I wasn't ticketed because I was behaving in a reasonable manner, just not quite in accordance with the road code.
Thanks - and Bugger thinks I - because we all know that some vehicles block the right hand passing opportunity and an occasional drift into the 'low side' is unavoidable. Short answer is you must use your indicator and give the 3 seconds and don't overtake on the left or you will be yanked. You just have to wait till you can get by on their right.
However!
In the ensuing 'grilling' what did become evident is that with the current regulations splitting on the right in the inner or 'fast' lane (observing the rules stated above) is acceptable.
The thin shoulder lane between the dividing barrier and the lanes is designated for an emergency and that if you have to go into it to avoid a vehicle it would be 'an emergency.'
So - please, no cheesedicks screaming up the middle doing ghost rider impressions of you'll f*ck it for everyone. But the way it works now is you can split lanes - against the median in the fast lane - overtaking on the right - as long as it's within 20kph of flow, sensible, duly considerate and you observe the road code and you can use the emergency lane if you absolutely have to in avoiding another vehicle.
The other 2 lanes can be split also - but you must not pass on the left in the same lane and you have to indicate when swapping.
I reckon I won't get cautioned again - actually feel I'm better off for the chat. even got complemented on how nice my bike was.
And whilst i could not draw a comment about the Bus lane usage issue - they are just not allowed to - I bet if we were at a bar somewhere and he was in civies he would have said - bloody good idea'.
I also got instructions on where to find the media liaison officer and will be following that up with KR hat on for an official response.
But that's as I understand it - all care no responsibility etc - good luck!
dc
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