Interwoven spokes

[Chris S]

I've been told that at one time wheels with Sturmey Archer hubs didn't have their spokes interwoven.
Is this true? If it is then why did manufacturers start doing it?

 

[rogerzilla]

Motorcycle spokes aren't interlaced either, and nor are Brompton rear wheels (although you can build them interlaced if you like - they work fine). Interlacing reduces the risk of spokes coming loose.