Necessary lane splitting... first time

[$CENSLS1$]

I'm in the same boat as you mate, have just started doing it and have found that it's infact not as hard as it look and it certainly gets you through traffic a lot quicker!I've just been waiting for experienced guys to come through and then just follow them and watch what they do and where, seems to be the easiest way

[Swoop]

(most cage drivers will look around before a lane change)

Sorry, but wrong!
Cagers will possibly move their head, but actually "look" is a different thing altogether.

for gods sake keep two fingers on the brake and be ready to stop in a second

Four fingers is better than two. Also, cover the rear brake as well.

(we don't want to lose another biker.

Damn right on that one!!!

[Steam]

I never used to Lane Split until they opened that STUPID new inner city bypass in Wellington, now there's no alternative but to split, it would take ages to get anywhere otherwise. It's good that the lanes are quite wide, leaves lots of room for us.

[Fub@r]

I started splitting by following other bikes. If you do follow other bikes don't try to keep up with them if you are not comfortable with the speed. If they got too quick I would duck back in to the lane as I wasn't confident enough at the time to do it on my own.

Use more caution when passing trucks seeing they fill their lane way more than a car does, and when you get the typical Auckland cager they seem to gravitate towards the truck as you are going through at times.

When splitting always treat it as though the cagers don't know your there, 9/10 times they don't as they are doing their makeup, talking on cells, or reading the paper.

If you are splitting between a moving lane and a near stationary one watch out for the lane changers who never indicate to grab a gap.

Before starting your lanesplit make sure there are no bikes splitting up fast behind you.

For me when I split I have my right hand indicator going, when I stop splitting I turn it off. This is trying to signal what I'm doing if there are other bikes behind me. usually if a faster bike comes up behind and I can do so safetly I will jump in to the lane turn off my indicator and let them through. Last thing you want is a bike vs bike when lane splitting

Just keep doing it at your own pace and as you get more experienced your skills and wits will develop.

[Gremlin]

know your bike, know its width, mirror heights etc. Know how to handle the bike while locked up, when a cager darted out in front of you. You will be tested.

I find its good to have the brights on, revs up a bit if your pipe is loud. Don't assume this will help, but if it helps just once, its worth it. Once you have done it a while... you will be surprised how few cars will actually see you, before you pass them.

Learn the laws on splitting (plenty of threads on it), a $150 fine applies if you do it wrong. I find I have had less potential incidents when splitting, than sitting in traffic. I still remember a time long ago, when I heard a screech, moved to the left of the fast lane, and a car pulled up on my right.

[oldguy]

[QUOTE=WarlockNZ;950038]

Stay alive mate ... and just so you know. .. this is what my morning run looks like every day

Cool vid mate. sorry of topic, the music who is it, love that.

[crazybigal]

Try a blackbird! they overheat at the lights!
just make sure your ready to stop, some of those fuckers are out to get us!
Went for a ride with the mrs into town this morning and some silly bitch moved into my lane nearly hitting me! hello bitch!!!! cant you see the fuckn big black bike next to you! she was in auto pilot!!
The the other day i came down from Newtown in 5pm traffic, bumper to bumper at a stand still, so down by the hospital i decide to ride down the middle of the road on the xxx lines and right turn lanes ( you cant use any of them as the construction of the new hospital building has blocked all those entry points off) so i think sweet, none of these car are going to turn right in front of me, Wrong!! silly bitch in a kiddy mover decides she has had enough of sitting in the traffic and does a U turn in front of me without indicating! lucky for me i was watching and on the anchors! near miss!!
So take care out there dude! those cages want blood!!!!

[_intense_]

technicaly legal: you may pass a vehical on the left as long as it is stationary. be careful tho bud. can turn messy.