Lane-splitting on the Southern Motorway - Auckland

**McJim** · 18th January 2007, 13:28

When I first started lane splitting I was flabberghasted by the number of motorists that see you coming and try to block your progress. Thought this was a bit rude and dangerous.

The past week I've noticed that almost every second driver is courteous and makes space for me as I'm coming along - is this some sort of New Years' resolution I wasn't aware of?

Anyone else noticed an improvement in cage manners?

Regardless of the reason I like it - long may it continue (I've taken to cheery gestures to thank the drivers involved).

**GR81** · 18th January 2007, 13:32

it's a pretty mixed bag.

**James Deuce** · 18th January 2007, 13:32

They're not blocking you. 99% of what you think is a blocking move is just sheer inattention. They have no idea you're there.

Now that a chunk of the population has had a break, their situational awareness has probably temporarily improved. It will be back to normal in 3 months.

**ArcherWC** · 18th January 2007, 13:33

I have noticed a big difference between the three motorways, with West Aucks the worst and the Northen Motorway the best by far.

**ManDownUnder** · 18th January 2007, 13:39

In general yes. What really floored me was my trip Auckland to New Plymouth.

I passed a few cars in each direction (round trip of 800km?) and all but 2 got out of my way... seriously - all but 2. Was most impressive!

**McJim** · 18th January 2007, 13:44

Originally Posted by ManDownUnder

In general yes. What really floored me was my trip Auckland to New Plymouth.

I passed a few cars in each direction (round trip of 800km?) and all but 2 got out of my way... seriously - all but 2. Was most impressive!

Yeah - the manners on the open road has improved too - a fella in a Cobra pulled over to let me past in Twilight Road the other month.

Nice car too...

**Devil** · 18th January 2007, 13:44

yeah lately ive had heaps of people moving over for me.
Southern has been ok lately. I prefer splitting on the NW though (which is just about never) because there's a bit more room.

**Disco Dan** · 18th January 2007, 13:45

Lane splitting on northwestern yesterday about 8:40am - two bikes in front of me, not sure what they were. One of them clipped a cars mirror pushing it right the way forward on its mount, the driver then stuck his arm out and made a fist as second bike appoached... he went straight through... ...oh my turn.. oh great... "give him a kick for being a prick". Then a Telcom van moved right accross blocking all three bikes! def on purpose! other bikes skipped a lane and continued.. I went up along side van, stopped next to the window and just gave him the finger. then continued lane splitting. Cages just wind me up now!! They get so dam jelous of you cos they are sitting there doing fark all when you zoom past!!

**BarBender** · 18th January 2007, 13:51

Might be that people pick up on that mature and positive aura you have McJim...OR...have you been wearing your kilt again on the motorway? :gobsmacked:

Agree with Jim 2 in the holiday mindset/space and Archer on the manners.
My experience in Jafaland central from Feb to Dec is that the NW has a few nutters on it but has by far the wider lanes. Southern is tight all the way to Ellerslie but the animals tend to play nice. Dont do the Northern alot but when I do I feel like Moses.

**James Deuce** · 18th January 2007, 13:55

I accidentally knocked a mirror off one morning in stopped traffic. I stopped, back pedaled, put the mirror back on and got the guy to check the electrics.

All sweet. Gave him a business card. Rode off. Guy rings up to thank me and says, "no damage, no drama, and sorry I couldn't talk, I thought you were going to kill me."

**Ixion** · 18th January 2007, 13:55

I find that almost everyone moves over for me when I'm splitting on the BMW. Often make quite extreme efforts to get out my way. Dunno why.

**Jimmy B** · 18th January 2007, 14:00

Originally Posted by Jim2

They're not blocking you. 99% of what you think is a blocking move is just sheer inattention. They have no idea you're there.

Now that a chunk of the population has had a break, their situational awareness has probably temporarily improved. It will be back to normal in 3 months.

Asolutley agree with Jim,

10 years commuting on Sthn,NW and SW lead me to believe that we just arent seen, people are more interested in whats going on in front, hence the weaving across, looking for a gap to change into. If it was raining I only lane split if the traffic was either stationary or close to it, some pretty radical moves out there. Also by lane splitting every Cage you pass you would spend at least some time in their blind spot, critically the Cage you are about to overtake, just off their right or left tail light, its amazing the amount of folks that only look quickly in the rear mirror, with out checking their side mirrors before they shoot across your path without indicating.

Good to hear that youve had some good riding on our fair motorway system of late but I am sure that this will be a temporary feature