Question about bus lanes and motorbikes

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Question about bus lanes and motorbikes

Mark

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#185174 12-Nov-2015 16:02

In Auckland motorbikes can use the in city bus lanes .. so got no questions there .. but I'm unsure if when I'm in one of those bus lanes and stopped at traffic lights, do I have to go when when the white "B" lights up ? Or wait for the green ?

I'm pretty sure I can't go through on the "B" I'm under the impression that is the buses only "go" .. any one know ?

The reason I ask is I had an aggro bus driver tooting his horn for me to go on the "B" ... not sure if I was right to wait for the main green or if I accidentally slowed him down 5 seconds :)

MikeB4

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#1427011 12-Nov-2015 16:13

I think if I had a large bus controlled by an angry driver I would go, plead self defence.

Suggest you give NZTA a call they will be able to advise

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

RunningMan

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#1427013 12-Nov-2015 16:15

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/rules/traffic-control-devices-2004/#64

IANAL but looks like it applies to the bus itself, and not the lane.

EDIT: Another link to Auckland Transport also mentions applying to the bus itself, not any vehicle in the bus lane https://at.govt.nz/about-us/asset-maintenance/traffic-light-maintenance/

sidefx

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#1427016 12-Nov-2015 16:17

No idea on what the law\bylaws actually say, but I would have thought if you can legally use the bus lane (which you can according to the signs, along with cyclists) then you should be able to go on the 'B' too - It would seem foolish to allow motorcycles and pushbikes to use those lanes but not go on the B as it would just hold up the buses...

EDIT: Hmm, of course it wouldn't surprise me if this isn't in fact the case.... ^^

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garbonzai

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#1427027 12-Nov-2015 16:36

Go and ask a traffic cop or council regarding bylaw if you can find someone who actually knows, but I would say the "B traffic light" is for the bus lane regardless what vehicle is in it, not for the bus only, but for whats in the lane.

groynk

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#1427042 12-Nov-2015 16:54

Despite the linked laws above... I would claim 'B' for Bike, and that common sense should prevail if I were in that situation.

Are you concerned about a fine? I'd be surprised if you were ever pinged for that.

wellygary

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#1427047 12-Nov-2015 17:01

You are fine to go on a "B"

http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2004/0427/latest/whole.html#DLM303059

Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004

3.6 Traffic signals in form of T or B
(5) " If the rider of a cycle, moped, or motorcycle is lawfully using a bus lane, this clause applies to the rider in the same way that it applies to the driver of a bus."

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Behodar

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#1427050 12-Nov-2015 17:02

groynk: Are you concerned about a fine? I'd be surprised if you were ever pinged for that.

Yet I remember a story a few years ago about someone driving a car slowly down a narrow street with "no parking" lines. It was an unfamiliar street and she was looking for a specific driveway to pull into. She pulled over to the left to let the car behind her past... and got a fine. No good deed goes unpunished :(

Edit: Judging by the post above, it looks like it's all good :)

RunningMan

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#1427060 12-Nov-2015 17:21

wellygary: You are fine to go on a "B"

http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2004/0427/latest/whole.html#DLM303059

Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004

3.6 Traffic signals in form of T or B
(5) " If the rider of a cycle, moped, or motorcycle is lawfully using a bus lane, this clause applies to the rider in the same way that it applies to the driver of a bus."

Excellent, I stand corrected. Would be helpful if the NZTA and AT info pages specified this to make it easier answer the OP's question!

Mark

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#1427067 12-Nov-2015 17:33

Nice! Thanks .. I've no clue how you managed to find that article, uber Googling skills ? :)