How safe is motorway riding?

[windsu]

I'm considering getting a bike (say a GN 250, i'm a learner) to get to work. Majority of the ride is on the southern motorway (auck) and south western motorway, so not going into cental area. Would mean riding in the dark in winter and in the rain when it rains. How safe do you reckon it would be, say compared to riding around the streets or on the open road? Am I suicidal or just have to be careful? Any advice appreciated

[cave weta]

Hi viz jacket- own your lane and you will be fine - Just keep a big bubble around you and look tough!

[unstuck]

Confidence and awareness are key. Go for it, thousands have done it without trouble.

[Ender EnZed]

It's a lot safer than walking on the motorway.

[Subike]

owning your lane being important,
that means dont ride on the left side of the lane,
cars will try and pass and push you to the left,
ride in the right side of the lane, and keep an eye on the cars in the lanes to your right wanting to change into your lane
Wet weather riding, keep away from following big trucks too close, or you will get drenched.
Try to keep an eye on the car three cars in front of you for early warnings of impending problems.

[Ragingrob]

owning your lane being important,
that means dont ride on the left side of the lane,
cars will try and pass and push you to the left,
ride in the right side of the lane, and keep an eye on the cars in the lanes to your right wanting to change into your lane
Wet weather riding, keep away from following big trucks too close, or you will get drenched.
Try to keep an eye on the car three cars in front of you for early warnings of impending problems.

Too general... If you're in the right hand lane then you should right in the left wheel track, cars are more likely to spot you in their wing mirror and you have more evasive action options if you need them.

[koba]

If safety is paramount commuting on a motorcycle is a bad idea.

[xXGIBBOXx]

Enjoy it :Punk i beat that track to work in the morns , after a week or so you will get used to the flow of things . take ya time the speed most mornings hardly gets over 70 kms .Learn to look to front side and check your mirrors . And good wet weather gear . no one like to be cold and wet

[FJRider]

Too general... If you're in the right hand lane then you should right in the left wheel track, cars are more likely to spot you in their wing mirror and you have more evasive action options if you need them.

When did Auckland motorists learn to use mirrors ... ???

Never even assume they have looked ... so dont assume they have seen you. And even if they have ... it wont stop a few trying to move in on your space.

[xXGIBBOXx]

LOL im a import to auckland maybe thats why

[nzspokes]

I ride both those motorways on a regular basis. Its all about how you ride. But in general motorways are safer than suburban roads as all the traffic is heading the same way. My first time on the motorway I shit myself. Now I find them boring.

If you get a bike I would be happy to come along with you for your first m/way ride as you sound to be not far away from me.

We also run Sass out in Takanini for new riders to help with a bit of training. Link below.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...highlight=sass

[nzspokes]

When did Auckland motorists learn to use mirrors ... ???

Never even assume they have looked ... so dont assume they have seen you. And even if they have ... it wont stop a few trying to move in on your space.

Agreed and never sit in cars blind spots.

[Ragingrob]

When did Auckland motorists learn to use mirrors ... ???

Never even assume they have looked ... so dont assume they have seen you. And even if they have ... it wont stop a few trying to move in on your space.

At least you'll have a chance with the few that do use their mirrors, if you're riding in the left track of the right hand lane. And for the ones that move in on your space you'll have plenty of room/time to move about the lane.

[Jase H]

Which suburbs will you actually be riding to/ from?

I ride from Manurewa to CBD on a daily basis and have decided:
* Southern Motorway is quickest off-peak;
* S/Western is quickest in peak-hour heading to CBD;
* Southern is quickest in peak-hour heading from CBD Mon-Wed, sometimes Thurs, S/Western definitely on Friday;
* On Windy days (like today) best to avoid Mangere Bridge.

S/Western can work for me in peak-hour, as we're allowed to use the bus lanes on Dominion Rd.

[Haggis2]

Just move somewhere else - it'll save you heaps of grief