Quick question - re bike cops

[Finn]

Jon Baker and Frank Poncherello can ride however the fuck they like. Don't mess with men in tight pants.

[Patch]

Jon Baker and Frank Poncherello can ride however the fuck they like. Don't mess with men in tight pants.

I don't imagine half this lot 'ere would know who those two are

[fliplid]

Only half?!

[pritch]

Failing to keep left has been with us for a long time now, I got a ticket for that (and five other things) in 1961.

Back when Baker and Poncharello were still in short pants. Although Ponch may have been wearing his sisters clothes...

[mowgli]

A summary is at http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/roadcode/abo...-the-line.html.

Failing to keep as close as practicable to left edge of roadway 20 (demerit points)

The appropriate regulation is:

[I] Keeping left(1) A driver, when driving, must at all times drive as near as practicable to the left side of the roadway unless this rule otherwise provides. ....

Yup. It's been law for a few years though. Only the demerits are new.

I think the key here is the word "practicable". As far left as is practicable but still complying with the general rule. For instance you are required to ride completely within your lane on a laned road (even if the verge is perfectly drivable) unless pulling over to assist another vehicle to pass safely.

The rule also states that, "A driver must not operate a vehicle in a condition or manner that causes or is liable to cause injury to any person or animal". To comply with this clause "practicable" means positioning your bike in the lane so as to minimise the risk of injury to yourself and others. All things being equal stay left but where safety comes into play ride wherever.

The proof is in the road code. This link clearly shows two motorcyclists on a busy two lane road following in the right wheel track of the car in front. Although personally if I was the rider heading down the screen I'd be in the left wheel track just in case the blue car was looking to overtake and hadn't seen me.

[sAsLEX]

The proof is in the road code.

Although a handy indication, the Rode Code has no legal standing does it?

[mowgli]

Although a handy indication, the Rode Code has no legal standing does it?

True. However, the road code is the most accessible interpretation of the land transport rules and it is maintained by an authoritative source. I think in a test of reasonableness that complying with the road code would in most cases be accepted in court as complying with land transport rules.

Although you couldn't claim that something must be legal if it's not mentioned in the road code as you might do with legislation.