Riding in the middle of the road

**mcsilvio** · 26th May 2010, 20:36

Hi all,
I'm a newbie biker (Suzuki GN250). When there is traffic I wait behind a car, just as if I were in a car. But almost always I see people pass all of the traffic by driving in between lanes, or in the middle of the road.

I am happy to do this too. But I wouldn't ever do it if it was considered rude (by any kind of driver). So I wanted to ask you guys: are these people rogues? Or is it considered kosher in NZ to do this? (oops, shoulda mentioned im from Canadia).

Cheers,.
Marco.

**Katman** · 26th May 2010, 20:39

It's an acceptable practice as long as it's done safely and with due consideration for other road users.

Be aware that there are certain rules governing it's legality.

**bogan** · 26th May 2010, 20:41

the proper term is 'splitting' give that a search and you'll get all the answers you need, and then some

**CookMySock** · 26th May 2010, 21:16

Originally Posted by mcsilvio

I wouldn't ever do it if it was considered rude (by any kind of driver).

Many car drivers get particularly irate at motorcyclists splitting. It's very funny.

Originally Posted by mcsilvio

are these people rogues?

Oh yes. Most NZ motorcyclists are rogues. It's fun! You should try it. People will shake their fist at you but you just show them the chinese good luck sign and carry on.

Steve

**Katman** · 26th May 2010, 21:26

If you stick around you'll quickly learn that DB is the site fucking clown.

**peasea** · 26th May 2010, 21:34

Originally Posted by mcsilvio

Hi all,
I'm a newbie biker (Suzuki GN250). When there is traffic I wait behind a car, just as if I were in a car. But almost always I see people pass all of the traffic by driving in between lanes, or in the middle of the road.

I am happy to do this too. But I wouldn't ever do it if it was considered rude (by any kind of driver). So I wanted to ask you guys: are these people rogues? Or is it considered kosher in NZ to do this? (oops, shoulda mentioned im from Canadia).

Cheers,.
Marco.

Being careful and considerate never did anyone any harm (I don't think) but be extremely careful and treat every car driver as a murdering thug with a weapon as leathal as a shotgun.

Ride safe and live long.

**peasea** · 26th May 2010, 21:35

Originally Posted by Katman

If you stick around you'll quickly learn that DB is the site fucking clown.

I think you missed out the 'h' again. (Fuckin' honkys.)

Just after the the 's' in 'site'.

**crystalball** · 26th May 2010, 21:58

When im driving my cage i allways drive so that a motorcycle can over take me easy and im allways checking my side mirror for bikes on the motorway in traffic so they can split easier, this is because im a bike rider. people who dont ride bikes dont think about bikes on the road so remember splitting can be fun and faster but remember cars dont think about you.

**Swoop** · 27th May 2010, 08:40

**sinfull** · 27th May 2010, 08:59

Originally Posted by DangerousBastard

Many car drivers get particularly irate at motorcyclists splitting. It's very funny.

Oh yes. Most NZ motorcyclists are rogues. It's fun! You should try it. People will shake their fist at you but you just show them the chinese good luck sign and carry on.

Steve

"Wow, Great advise there DB."

**nodrog:Me** · 27th May 2010, 09:23

its only rude if you dont wave.

**kinger** · 26th June 2010, 14:19

I can understand your questioning this, we rode across Canada a while ago, ignorant of the illegality of splitting over there.
Cop pulled us up, but saw UK plates and backed off from ticketing.
Basically, do it, look at everything in front of you , and assume all the drivers are trying to kill you. Those that make way for you or leave extra room, give them some indication of your gratitude, but keep both hands on the bars and look out!
We used to split round the M25 in UK at past legal motorway speeds, it all depends on your interaction with the other road users.

**slofox** · 26th June 2010, 14:37

I find it's fine in d'Auckland but I advise against it in The Tron - they get real shitty here...mind you, you only have to split about three cars to get to the front of the line anyway, so no big deal really...

**Banditbandit** · 29th June 2010, 09:44

The only issue is when bikes come the other way .. several years ago five or six of us were sitting on the white line at around 120 klicks between Hamilton and Auckland (old road style - one lane each way) when about five or six bikes came the other way doing the same thing ... saw them coming ... both groups faded back into the traffic ... no incidents ...