Lane splitting, and I did search...

**FJRider** · 8th February 2011, 21:27

Originally Posted by Flip

It would be very easy for the authority to simply make a regulation that says motorcycles may not filter to the front of a line of vehicles.

I did notice on a recent trip to Orcland that the locals are very happy to queue in 2 lanes even when 2 lanes were not marked on the road. It actually surprised me in my rental when cars pulled up on my left hand side, some technically passing on the left.

ORCLAND policy ... if somebody can ... somebody WILL ...

**GOONR** · 8th February 2011, 21:55

Originally Posted by FJRider

Begs the question ... DID you stay in your lane ... ???

or .... did you just tootle between the cars with no actual regard as to which lane you were in ... ???

If both lanes are stationary it legally makes no difference.

**Katman** · 8th February 2011, 21:57

Originally Posted by Usarka

because currently there are lots and lots and lots of car drivers who think bikers are a law unto themselves.....

Fuck, what could possibly have ever given them that idea?

**steve_t** · 8th February 2011, 21:58

Originally Posted by GOONR

If both lanes are stationary it legally makes no difference.

Actually, I think FJRider is right. If you were cruising down the motorway and both lanes were empty and you chose to use the cats eyes to slalom, the cops could probably do you for 'failing to stay in lane' especially lately

**GOONR** · 8th February 2011, 22:00

Originally Posted by steve_t

Actually, I think FJRider is right. If you were cruising down the motorway and both lanes were empty and you chose to use the cats eyes to slalom, the cops could probably do you for 'failing to stay in lane' especially lately

But that would make the lanes empty, not stationary.

**steve_t** · 8th February 2011, 22:11

Originally Posted by GOONR

But that would make the lanes empty, not stationary.

I'm pretty sure 'failing to stay in lane' doesn't differentiate between if there is traffic there or not. It's a pretty broad term. The example was used to illustrate that even if the cars are stationary (or moving or not present), they could probably choose to charge you with 'failing to stay in lane'.
But yeah, it's crap. And does anything ever get done about scooter riders zipping down the cycle lane on the left?!

**swbarnett** · 9th February 2011, 00:21

If both lanes of cars are stationary it is legal to filter to the front. No ifs, buts or maybes.

A friend of mine got pulled over for exactly that and told the cop in no uncertain terms that he didn't know his arse from his elbow (although probably in much stronger language). The cop checked with HQ and came back (obviously pissed off at being proved wrong) to wish him a nice day as he was perfectly correct.

**cowboyz** · 9th February 2011, 02:53

Originally Posted by Berries

The thread is getting a bit long considering the OP didn't in fact get the $150 fine mentioned in the first post. If the cop was certain it was worth a fine he would have given a ticket.

The issue as I see it is that you filter past a shed load of traffic to get to the front of a queue and then amble away at 51km/h. On a borrowed bike. I would have given you a ticket for that.

well.. I normally would have taken off alot quicker but....
I had just passed a cop and didnt want to draw attetnion to myself
I was on a FXR150!
And my amble... was still getting away from the lights way quicker than the cars did.. I didnt hold anyone up at all. I was careful about the speed though being as I have a record longer than kbs bullshit for speeding tickets and I was well aware that a cop was a few cars back.

Originally Posted by FJRider

Begs the question ... DID you stay in your lane ... ???

or .... did you just tootle between the cars with no actual regard as to which lane you were in ... ???

i was sitting bang on the white line the whole way. heaps and heaps of room.. FXRs are not very wide at all!

Originally Posted by swbarnett

If both lanes of cars are stationary it is legal to filter to the front. No ifs, buts or maybes.

A friend of mine got pulled over for exactly that and told the cop in no uncertain terms that he didn't know his arse from his elbow (although probably in much stronger language). The cop checked with HQ and came back (obviously pissed off at being proved wrong) to wish him a nice day as he was perfectly correct.

apparently not.. In the rant he actually referred to it being 'illegal to lane split (he called it that) in front of a police officer. He didnt say it was illegal to do it with the cop not there. He also said if one of the stationary cars decided to suddenly change lanes (apart from plowing into the car right next door to them) it would be my fault and i would have no insurance and be charged for dangerous driving.

**Owl** · 9th February 2011, 05:34

Originally Posted by cowboyz

i was sitting bang on the white line the whole way. heaps and heaps of room.. FXRs are not very wide at all!

Tennis you're in, rugby you're out, road............I don't fucken know

**p.dath** · 9th February 2011, 06:22

Originally Posted by steve_t

i wonder if there are any stats collected by ACC about accidents involving a motorcycle that happened while the biker was 'filtering' through stationary traffic.
If people think it's unsafe, show them the video of the guy that lands on his feet after getting smashed into from behind

The Ministry of Transport collects statistics on accidents relating to unsafe lane changes. They are minimal. Last time I looked, there were more accidents for people travelling in a straight line.

**Maha** · 9th February 2011, 06:27

Originally Posted by cowboyz

so .. borrowed a bike from freedom suzuki yesterday afternoon.
pulled out of the shop.. up to first set of lights.. where about 50 cars were queued up.. so rode at 20km/hr between the 2 rows to the front.
light green. ambled off nicely and sat on 51km/hr
next thing I know i got a cop up my arse flashing his lights. going.. bad bad bad!
told me off big time and said $150 fine for 'failing to stay in a lane'

thoughts?

50 cars? in a queue? in Palmerston North?......