Lane splitting/filtering: the legal and commonsense answers

[Berries]

If you aren't changing direction, lanes or pulling over, what is the indicator indicating? If I was in a car and saw a bike just appear beside me then see it's indicating into my lane, I'd brake to allow them to merge with me. Then get pissed off that they were indicating to merge, and I was considerate and they weren't actually merging. Or if I was an aucklander, I would close the gap up with the car in front and block the bike from merging.

Yes, the first thing I would think seeing a bike indicate while splitting/filtering was that the rider was a bit of a tool who had forgotten they were on. What exactly is being indicated by indicating? Sod all as far as I can tell. It is no different to people going straight on at a roundabout taking the second exit, who signal right on the approach. It is confusing to everyone around you and makes you look like a learner.

[swbarnett]

Yes, the first thing I would think seeing a bike indicate while splitting/filtering was that the rider was a bit of a tool who had forgotten they were on. What exactly is being indicated by indicating? Sod all as far as I can tell. It is no different to people going straight on at a roundabout taking the second exit, who signal right on the approach. It is confusing to everyone around you and makes you look like a learner.

I think the theory is that, even if the wrong message is given, harm is averted because the car drivers actually see you.

I prefer the combination of hazard lights and a loud pipe. I've found this to be a vast improvement on just a single indicator.

[haydes55]

I think the theory is that, even if the wrong message is given, harm is averted because the car drivers actually see you.



I prefer the combination of hazard lights and a loud pipe. I've found this to be a vast improvement on just a single indicator.

I get road rage at special needs monkeys who can't indicate properly (or at all). So they last thing I would want to do is potentially cause other road users to start raging at me.

If they can't see my bright headlight in their wing mirror, they won't see a flashing little indicator beside it. I'd rather just be invisible. Who cares if a car stuck in traffic can see you anyway? 99% of drivers won't see you til you're beside or in front of them. And of the 1% who see you, 10% will actively try block you or knock you off (cause people are arseholes). So personally I'd rather not be seen when splitting, leave my fate entirely in my own hands.

[James Deuce]

It's amazing how much easier a commute is in your undies, undies, undies, togs. People really notice a fat bloke in budgie smugglers and given my % rate for being knocked off, rather than falling off, I'm picking that no safety gear except for the mandatory helmet is safer than leather, carbon fibre, ABS plastic, impact foam and Kevlar (tm) fetishism. The weather's about right for it too.

[swbarnett]

If they can't see my bright headlight in their wing mirror, they won't see a flashing little indicator beside it. I'd rather just be invisible. Who cares if a car stuck in traffic can see you anyway? 99% of drivers won't see you til you're beside or in front of them. And of the 1% who see you, 10% will actively try block you or knock you off (cause people are arseholes). So personally I'd rather not be seen when splitting, leave my fate entirely in my own hands.

While in principle I agree with you, over the last year that I've been commuting from Tuakau to Auckland CBD (using hazard lights while splitting) I've not had one driver deliberatly try to block me. I've lost count of the number of vehicles (cars and trcuks - big ones) that have moved over to let me through when they see the hazards. The one and only problem I had was when I wasn't using harards (or any indicator) and let my mind wander while passing a gap - very close call and I thank the driver for reacting as I swerved past their front bumper.

[Swoop]

What exactly is being indicated by indicating? Sod all as far as I can tell.

A single indicator means you are overtaking another vehicle (which would be located on your left).
Hazard lights mean you are in distress, OR creating a hazard to others.

Not that kiwi drivers comprehend indicators and their uses (or red lights, or keeping left unless passing) either.

[haydes55]

A single indicator means you are overtaking another vehicle (which would be located on your left).

:

Wrong. A single indicator means you are moving out of your current lane.

You don't go down an over taking lane switching your right indicator on every time you go past a car on your left.

[swbarnett]

Hazard lights mean you are in distress, OR creating a hazard to others.

In that case there are a number of drivers that should have their hazard lights on permenantly.

[FJRider]

Wrong. A single indicator means you are moving out of your current lane.

You don't go down an over taking lane switching your right indicator on every time you go past a car on your left.

So ... you don't know either ...

Actually ...

Signals enable you to tell other road users that you are changing your direction or position on the road. Because of this, knowing when and how to give signals is a very important part of being a safe driver.

Drivers usually (sometimes/maybe/if they feel like it) signal using their indicators.


You must signal for at least three(full) seconds before you:

1. Turn left or right
2. Move towards the left or right (for example, when you pull back into the left lane after passing another vehicle)
3. Stop or slow down
4. Move out ... : from a parking space : to pass another vehicle :to change lanes.

The proper use of the indicators for overtaking ... is Prior to moving out from your lane. Not for the entire overtaking maneuver. Unless you intend turning during the course of the overtaking maneuver.

[Berries]

So ... you don't know either ...

So what you are saying is that it is not appropriate for splitting/filtering, which was the point of the post you are quoting.

Riding with hazard lights on is probably the best bet. People think you are on fire/broken down/fucking stupid and give you a wide berth. Until next time.

[swbarnett]

Riding with hazard lights on is probably the best bet. People think you are on fire/broken down/fucking stupid and give you a wide berth. Until next time.

I think I've disproven the "next time" theory. At least on my commute.

[FJRider]

So what you are saying is that it is not appropriate for splitting/filtering, which was the point of the post you are quoting.

Riding with hazard lights on is probably the best bet. People think you are on fire/broken down/fucking stupid and give you a wide berth. Until next time.

It was the purpose ... actually.

The thing about flashing lights (of any colour) is they attract attention. You get noticed ... by people that otherwise may not. Be it a Plod ... who may be having a slow day getting his quota ... and decides to follow and chat. Incorrect use of lights and indicators is an offense by the way (Signaling a turn when You are not turning). And remember that two second rule ... I'm sure Plod will remember.

And some cage dwellers don't like lane splitters ... if they notice you coming ...

[more_fasterer]

The thing about flashing lights (of any colour) is they attract attention. You get noticed ... by people that otherwise may not.

That's the crux of it... I had a bike lanesplit past me when I was in the cage on the northern motorway, which had a flashing headlight - I suspect it had a separate flasher unit wired in. It was easily the most noticeable bike I've ever seen lanesplit this side of a bike cop in pursuit mode, and way more noticeable than a flashing indicator or hazards. I think I'm gonna have to look into just such a setup for my bike.

It was even more noticeable than someone wearing a hi-vis vest... WTF?!?

[strandedinnz]

I had yet another successful day of lane splitting through traffic .. I think if I sat in the queue from Albany to the city every morning I'd have lung cancer and my bike would have overheated and cooked my nads!
I regularly filter past police cars (marked and unmarked) and they don't seem to be interested at all, I guess if you don't do it at idiot speeds they are OK to ignore it.
I'm also a leave the indicator on person.

That said I do get a wee bit bored with kilometres of filtering, what do others do to occupy the rest of the brain ? I usually end up singing/whistling or slaloming through the cats eyes

[Gremlin]

That said I do get a wee bit bored with kilometres of filtering, what do others do to occupy the rest of the brain ? I usually end up singing/whistling or slaloming through the cats eyes

Keep your concentration on filtering, what the cars are doing, who is looking in their mirrors etc. Stop focussing and you're gonna go splat.