Lane filtering

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Lane filtering

stevenz

2802 posts

Uber Geek

#184075 9-Nov-2015 16:38

This may be restricted by local bylaws, but is anyone aware of what the rules are for lane filtering in NZ?

I know that (in at least some states) in Australia, it is legal for motorcycles to filter between lanes of stopped traffic at a speed of no more than IIRC 30Km/Hr. While the WCC seemingly encourages cyclists to ride between traffic (otherwise their cycle-stop areas would be nigh useless) - is it actually legal for them to do so and if so, is it also legal for motorcyclists to do the same thing?

I believe that it is legal for bicycles & motorcycles to use bus lanes as per Wellington bylaws, the councils website has a huge amount of information concerning bicycles but I can't find anything much to do with motorcycles other than to do with parking.

This is not the same as "overtaking on the left" which _is_ illegal for motorcycles but may not be for cyclists?

@KnightNZ

pdath

252 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1423870 9-Nov-2015 16:54

If the traffic is moving then you have to pass the vehicles on the right hand side and be to the left of the centre line. You should also be indicating right (since you are overtaking on the right hand side).

If the traffic is stationery then you are simply passing parked vehicles in your lane. Pass on the right but remain to the left of the centre line.

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cruxis

470 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1423875 9-Nov-2015 16:59

pdath: If the traffic is moving then you have to pass the vehicles on the right hand side and be to the left of the centre line. You should also be indicating right (since you are overtaking on the right hand side).

If the traffic is stationery then you are simply passing parked vehicles in your lane. Pass on the right but remain to the left of the centre line.

Yes this is correct, Just like you can pass on yellow line as long as you dont cross it. Just dont pass on the left while sharing the same lane.

Mark

1653 posts

Uber Geek

#1423966 9-Nov-2015 19:48

Asked a traffic cop (after he ticketed me) what his views on filtering/lane splitting were ... he said that he and others generally ignored it so long as the motorcycle wasn't going more than 45ish, wasn't being a d*ck and looked to be confident and in control. He did say though that some other cops had no tolerance for it and would pull you over.

"Pdath" interprets how I do, technically you can do it legally, but it's a bit hard keeping all of your bike to the left of the centre line and not remove peoples wing mirrors ... though I suppose if I was on 1 wheel going between cars I could reduce the risk of mirror damage ...

Bus lane usage depends on bylaws, Auckland council lets you use the bus lanes, but NZTA doesn't let you use the bus lanes on the main highways. I did ask a few years ago if bikes could be allowed into those bus lanes (for reasons of safety, health etc) but got a miserable public servant style reply .. might try again, see if a petition to an MP might get at least a few brain cells to think it through.

Short answer though ... most of the lane splitting you see bikes doing is done illegally (technically) :-)

lokhor

2858 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1424100 10-Nov-2015 07:28

Maybe have a read of this article http://www.rideforever.co.nz/how-to/ride-in-different-conditions-and-stay-in-control/riding-in-traffic/

All comments are my own opinion, and not that of my employer unless explicitly stated.

andrew027

1286 posts

Uber Geek

#1424107 10-Nov-2015 07:53

pdath: If the traffic is moving then you have to pass the vehicles on the right hand side and be to the left of the centre line. You should also be indicating right (since you are overtaking on the right hand side).

If the traffic is stationery then you are simply passing parked vehicles in your lane. Pass on the right but remain to the left of the centre line.

I know this came up in another thread recently. When I learned to drive a car I was taught to keep to the left of my lane so that I (the driver, not the car) was in the centre of the lane. This would mean there is no room for a motorbike to pass on my left in the same lane. However I see a lot of drivers put their cars in the centre of the lane, or even drive over to the right, and this leaves plenty of room for bikes to pass on the left.

I have no problems being "undertaken" by motorcyclists, however I object when I occasionally get dirty looks, hand gestures or once had my passenger door kicked, because I'm driving on the left of my lane and have hindered the progress of a motorcyclist who has managed to drive the last few kilometres technically illegally. If the space isn't there you just don't do it, right?

cadman

1014 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1424146 10-Nov-2015 09:35

pdath: If the traffic is moving then you have to pass the vehicles on the right hand side and be to the left of the centre line. You should also be indicating right (since you are overtaking on the right hand side).

If the traffic is stationery then you are simply passing parked vehicles in your lane. Pass on the right but remain to the left of the centre line.

You're permitted to pass on the left of stationary traffic within the same lane so there's no need to be on the right.