Question re: Petone Esplanade

[apteryx_haasti]

Although I am sure this situation applies in many parts of NZ.

For those who don't know it, the Esplanade is a two way divided road, one lane in each direction. It runs along the Petone foreshore towards Moera/Seaview/Eastbourne. The side of the road heading towards Eastbourne is often backed all the way up to the Petone off ramp in the evenings. This is stop-start traffic and not at all fun on a bike.

Now the question - this is a very wide road and for much of its length has a left hand turn lane. Where there is no lane, there is enough room for a bike between parked cars on the left and stationary/very slow moving cars on the right.

Does anyone know the legality of moving along this space in a slow and controlled manner? I'm guessing it's probably a no-no.

I've been wondering this for a wee while - as I said on another thread

The other bad spot is the Petone esplanade heading towards Eastbourne in the evenings. It is stop start all the way along there and there's legality issues (I presume) with going along the left in the turning lanes (if you're not turning left until your driveway in EB, for example...).

...

Does anyone know what the legalities or otherwise of travel on the Esplanade are and what any fines might be if you did happen to get stopped doing something dodgy?

[edit - context here: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...&postcount=20]

I really would like to know, hence a thread of its own. Has anyone been stopped along this road?

Oh also - the motorway bound lane has a bus/taxi lane for part of its length. I use this sometimes in the mornings - legal? I know it is on suburban roads in Auckland.

[Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)]

I do use the lane where it is suppose to turn left - am very careful and look for cages that will suddenly go into the same lane. If a cop pulled me up I would just say I thought this was the street I was spose to turn left at but it wasn't!! I don't speed when in that lane tho. Be buggered staying in the right lane - you'll be there forever!!

You are allowed to use the bus lane outside the specified hours. I spoke with a cop about this. Between 7 and 9am it is only for buses - can't remember the times for the afternoon if there is any!

[Beemer]

The biggest thing you have to worry about is drivers coming out of those side roads and planning on turning left into the next road - often they don't bother looking if the traffic is banked up - they obviously think nothing will be in their lane. Also, watch out for straight-through traffic on your right as drivers often get sick of being in the queue and pull into one of the side streets and go through Alicetown or the back way that comes out by the bridge by Hutt Park.

I'm not sure of the legalities, but I'm pretty certain it is an offence to drive in a lane designated for left-turning traffic if you are going straight ahead. I'm sure one of the cops will be able to say for sure.

[Juud]

Interesting question(s), I often wondered that as well. I don't commute to Welly anymore but hubby does. He once asked a cop about using that bus lane, response: "that it is not an issue but upsets ( ) the car drivers when they are stuck in the lanes."
That was before it became legal for motorcycles to use bus lanes (new rule since Feb 2005). He never got stopped for it since.

I'm not too sure about overtaking on the LHS, it's a bit of a grey area.

[ceebie13]

I definately creep slowly down the left hand lane...bugger sitting in slow moving traffic. Thats half the reason I use the bike to commute. I couldn't give a toss if it upsets car drivers if I can get ahead. Car drivers (and I'm one too) will be quick to laugh at me sitting in pouring rain, so I will happily laugh when I leave them sitting in a queue. I don't lane split at speed, but I do so in a controlled and careful manner. If I see a cop in a stationery queue, I ease up to him and ask or gesticulate if it's OK for me to continue. On the other hand, if I see a cop in a moving queue I stick behind him!! I believe (some) cops are understanding of the fact that bikes can enable you to get through the traffic.

[Drum]

I would be careful going up the left hand side of cars like that because few car drivers would check over their left shoulder or indicate before moving into the lane.

Sure it's a no-no, but you pays your money - you takes your chances.

[Wasp]

I've used the left turn lanes a few times, one time though there was a cop car a few cars ahead so I didnt risk it and hit the car infront and fell off

[Ixion]

As one does.

[Guitana]

Use the lanes just be wary of parked cars and dickheads deciding to turn at the last minute!They are there purely for left turning traffic but if a copper tries to nab you he wont be able to get around the traffic!!!
I got snapped two months back by a cop on a bike at the south end near the petone overbridge for doing 70k I always thought once the housing area was clear you could do 70 I was wrong and the cop had a good time telling me it was a favourite haunt of his cos most motorists he caught had the same impression as I did!! So easy money, Quota met, Have a nice evening sir!!!

[crazybigal]

i do it every now and then but like DRUM said, your likely to get a car pull out without warning in front of you. they get sick of being stuck in the traffic and try and get down the left themselves