Police Behaviour on the Morning Commute.

**Slingshot** · 30th January 2006, 09:50

On my morning commute this morning I was happily splitting through traffic until I reached a group of bikes waiting in traffic. Sure enough, there was a motorbike cop a couple of hundred meters ahead.

So as things transpired, I got into a lane that was moving pretty quick and in next to no time I was in front of the cop. He made a quick lane change and did a little filtering (not splitting) to catch up with me and then he sat behind me. So we carried along like this for a bit then I decided to change lanes, he continued on past me and gave me a nod.

Next thing I see is this cop filtering again to catch up with another bike, once he caught up it looked like he was trying to get close enough to read the reg label on the bike he was following, then it looked like he was writing something down and he continued to follow this poor rider through every lane change and eventually the offramp that this guy took.

So, it seems that the moral of the story is...if your bike isn't exactly legal...don't let the cops get behind you, keep them in front at all costs.

Interestingly enough, he didn't seem to be checking out any cars...just bikes.

**James Deuce** · 30th January 2006, 09:59

Yep, that dude's followed me as well. He's actually a nice bloke. He followed me to work one day, pulled in front and severely reduced my splitting options. Then pulled behind and followed me to work. When I left work he was waiting for me at the end of Manning Lane. I stopped and had a chat he is checking motorcycle behaviour and identifying "problem riders".

Basically take it easy around him and you'll be sweet and he has no issue with lane - splitting through stopped or slow traffic, but filtering, aggressive or otherwise is frowned upon. We may be getting advanced stop lines at intersections in town so we get a head start away from the lights too.

**Sniper** · 30th January 2006, 10:00

Seems like a normal thing to do. The CHCH biker cops used to do the same.

**Slingshot** · 30th January 2006, 10:20

Originally Posted by Jim2

We may be getting advanced stop lines at intersections in town so we get a head start away from the lights too.

This sounds interesting...tell us more!!!

**SVrunner** · 30th January 2006, 10:23

Great now I know where all the cops are, as have found none in the Auckland area this morning.
My change onb way home the afternoon.

**madboy** · 30th January 2006, 11:34

That could be the cop parked on Murphy St when I went past. He pulled in a car behind me but thank God the traffic stopped so I could split off again. By that stage of the commute the splitting options are somewhat narrowed and sedate anyway. He'd be better off talking to me earlier on... Didn't seem to pay any attention to me today. Which is silly, cos I'd be pretty offended if I couldn't make the problem rider posters at the station.

And if he can see my rego sticker or WOF while riding then he should sell his eyes to the military and retire a rich man.

**oldrider** · 30th January 2006, 11:54

Having read how many bikes are mentioned on here as having been stolen, do think he might just be looking after our interests and checking for stolen bikes. He doesn't sound as if hes picking on the bikers.
Maybe we could cut him some slack before condemning him.

Cheers John.

**Slingshot** · 30th January 2006, 12:11

Originally Posted by oldrider

Maybe we could cut him some slack before condemning him.

i wasn't condemning him, just making an observation.

MB...I'm pretty sure it was the Murphy St offramp that he took...probably around 8:20ish.

**Blackbird** · 30th January 2006, 15:09

Well, my only experience of Wellington bike cops was a positive one. I was in a hurry to catch the ferry for the Southern Cross ride and was indulging in filtering/splitting in morning rush hour traffic under a bit of stress. I caught him up on a roundabout somewhere south of Paecack. He was just sitting with his helmet front up waiting to get onto the roundabout and he asked me where I was going when I pulled alongside. When I said the ferry, he gave a "come on" nod with his head and gave me a rapid tow right to the top of the gorge which I thought was fantastic. He had a trim fair beard. What a great intro to the police in the Capital.

**James Deuce** · 30th January 2006, 15:48

Originally Posted by Blackbird

.....He had a trim fair beard. What a great intro to the police in the Capital.

That's the guy. He's good value.

**Korea** · 30th January 2006, 15:52

sounds like a diamond in the rough

**thehovel** · 30th January 2006, 15:55

In Auckland the first rule of filtering is don't pass Mr Plod the second rule is refer to first rule . Also if your filtering is no wore that 10Km faster than the flow to a max of 50Km Mr Plod will generally leave you alone.BUT there is one officer( car only )who is very pragmatic. Ride safe Richard

**XP@** · 30th January 2006, 16:05

If anyone has the chance can you please ask the cop why he rides through town with his right foot almost touching the floor....

Also good job I missed him this morning .... no number plate / wof or reg.
But tonight I will be on my way home with a brand spanking new plate / wof and reg all in my pocket :-) so if you see, wave cos I will be smiling :-)

**Scouse** · 30th January 2006, 16:09

Originally Posted by thehovel

In Auckland the first rule of filtering is don't pass Mr Plod the second rule is refer to first rule . Also if your filtering is no wore that 10Km faster than the flow to a max of 50Km Mr Plod will generally leave you alone.BUT there is one officer( car only )who is very pragmatic. Ride safe Richard

Err dont you mean pedantic....?