Are you an A--HOLE?

[Willy]

  Today while sitting in my car at a traffic light this fellow on a MC comes along riding between the cars to the head of the line and when we come to another red light he again runs between traffic as if he was something special. Now I'm sure I wasn't the only one thinking "What an A--HOLE!".
  When I'm on my bike I follow the same rules as if I were in a car. No riding on the sholder or between other vehicles and so on. Just because the bike will fit doesn't make it right. My bike fits on most sidewalks but I don't take it there. It's one thing to look like a BADA$$ and it's another to look like a DUMBA$$. (Just my 2 cents)

[robin]

in some states you are allowed to split lanes according to the law

[..]

I find the US very backward in not allowing lane splitting.

In stopped traffic on an interstate I will slowly trickle inbetween the lanes of traffic. Never the emergency lane.

Did it for years in England where it's legal without a problem.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lane_splitting

A quote for Wikipedia
"Lane splitting supporters also state that the US DOT FARS database shows that rear end collisions into motorcycles are 30% lower in California than in Florida or Texas, states with similar riding seasons and populations but which do not lane split"

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Look at all those A_holes in cages taking up the space of 6 motorcycles but there is only one A_hole in the cages.

No i don't but I sure as H-LL want to. It should be legal since we on bikes are so much more easy of the gas and streets.

Raymond

[Robert]

As a rule no I agree that it really isnt correct but for stopped traffic on I95 or a car that is doing 20 to 25 mph on the scenic route that has a speed of 35, a1a yes but not without caution. But on the other hand how about cagers pulling so close to you in the rear while driving at highway speeds that when they change lanes they feel like they are next to you. I have also had that happen on local streets,like the extra few feet is going to get them there faster. When you are driving you know when you have a live one around you, to get away from them I would pull around traffic too. Other wise I observe the rules of the road as if I were a car.

[VALKTERY]

Sounds like a  good invitation to a road rage incident to me...

[Strong Eagle]

I lane split all the time... legal in Singapore... and it is good for both bikers and cagers.  This has been demonstrated by the Hurtt guy, same one did the accident report.

Bikers get to go to the head of the line.  Cagers get shorter lines when bikers are taking up lane space.  Within certain parameters lane splitting is no more dangerous (actually less in some cases) than following a cage.

[Strong Eagle]

  Today while sitting in my car at a traffic light this fellow on a MC comes along riding between the cars to the head of the line and when we come to another red light he again runs between traffic as if he was something special. Now I'm sure I wasn't the only one thinking "What an A--HOLE!".
  When I'm on my bike I follow the same rules as if I were in a car. No riding on the sholder or between other vehicles and so on. Just because the bike will fit doesn't make it right. My bike fits on most sidewalks but I don't take it there. It's one thing to look like a BADA$$ and it's another to look like a DUMBA$$. (Just my 2 cents)

Willy... this sounds pretty much like a Texas attitude... open the car door to stop that #&$%^@% lane splitter from getting ahead.  Like I said in an earlier post, lane splitters are good for cages and bikes.

[dreamaker]

I have to tip my hat to you guys, you got bigger kanaugas then I do.  I am in Mich. and on the road I see people swerve because they are texting and or the cells.  To me it would be like climbing into a punch press and see how the dice roll.  Many years ago I was coming back from up north and all the vehicles were stopped for a draw bridge and a guy on a bike decided to go between the cars.  It seems that a woman wanted to see what was going on and opened the door. The guys bike stopped dead, he went flying, fortunately the window was rolled down.  Little damage all around but he was a little beat up but OK.
I can't see it in Mich. Its not cars that scare, its people, specially if they had a bad day.  How many times have you put on your turn signal and the person in that lane sped up to close the gap.

Dan

[Strong Eagle]

I have to tip my hat to you guys, you got bigger kanaugas then I do.  I am in Mich. and on the road I see people swerve because they are texting and or the cells.  To me it would be like climbing into a punch press and see how the dice roll.  Many years ago I was coming back from up north and all the vehicles were stopped for a draw bridge and a guy on a bike decided to go between the cars.  It seems that a woman wanted to see what was going on and opened the door. The guys bike stopped dead, he went flying, fortunately the window was rolled down.  Little damage all around but he was a little beat up but OK.
I can't see it in Mich. Its not cars that scare, its people, specially if they had a bad day.  How many times have you put on your turn signal and the person in that lane sped up to close the gap.

Dan

I rarely split moving traffic... usually only on very wide lanes, moving very slowly.  I guess it depends where you are.  People are very used to bikes here... splitting is normal... never a hassle... except for the expats who get pissed off because someone got in front of them.

[dreamaker]

Strong Eagle, I give you allot of credit for riding out there.
One of the guys in our dept. had to go to Beijing to one of our plants. He took a video in the cab from the hotel to the plant. From what I seen I wouldn't walk on the street, yet try driving on them on a bike. I was white knuckling in my chair.

Dan

[Oss]

Someone who rides a blackpearl once said I was an Osshole but I discounted that due to the fact that I knew he was just jealous

I dont split lanes but when travelling with the gman have been known to ride the shoulder for several miles as long as we can see there is no police around.  Have saved an hour or more doing that around these parts on the NYS thruway southbound heading to the Tappan Zee Bridge.  Also did it once or twice going thru PA construction

I would never try that in NYC Traffic on my Interstate, the width of the bike between the highway pegs and  handlebars is just too big for these narrow lanes

[Strong Eagle]

Strong Eagle, I give you allot of credit for riding out there.
One of the guys in our dept. had to go to Beijing to one of our plants. He took a video in the cab from the hotel to the plant. From what I seen I wouldn't walk on the street, yet try driving on them on a bike. I was white knuckling in my chair.

Dan

Singapore is a lot better than Beijing or Shanghai... more than 240,000 motorcycles registered in a city of 4 million... better traffic control.  Beijing is like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and other seriously street crowded cities... but you get used to it.
 

[Willow]

In answer to the original question, yes, yes I am, but I don't split lanes.  The only reason I don't is that it's not legal where I ride.  If it were legal I would do it every day.

I think I am something special.  I wouldn't want to be someone who doesn't.

The difference between dumbass and bad ass is much like beauty.  It's in the eye of the beholder.

 

[Willow]

... and it is good for both bikers and cagers. 

Wayne, I agree.

Now, don't ever expect to hear that again.    

[John Schmidt]

Not legal in Fla. but they still do it at times. Had to laugh recently when I observed a biker coming up through the lanes and I held my hand out to stop him. Reason....unmarked sheriff's car just two cars up and first in the lane. The guy blew me off so I just let him go. This time the cop held out his hand, the dude didn't blow him off...strange!!  Reason I got a chuckle...the cop asked him if he was just trying to find someone to give him a light since he had an unlit cigarette in his mouth. He then offered a light, and informed him of his transgression. Didn't write him up though, I guess "biker Bill" will be a bit more observant in the future. He's fortunate, it can be costly if you happen across a cop that sticks to the law. Kinda like parking in the striped area next to a handicap slot. Don't want to get caught there either, especially in the Orlando area.

[Bladedog]

Yep, legal here in Cali, but I rarely do it.  Fat lady is just too freakin' wide with the saddle bags, and I don't want to leave a trail of broken mirrors snapped loose by my iso-grips  . See it all the time in heavy LA traffic, BRAVE folks!

[hubcapsc]

In stopped traffic on an interstate I will slowly trickle inbetween the lanes of traffic. Never the emergency lane.

I plead ignorance, but I moved up this emergency lane in first gear a little... then I realized that the narrowness of the bridge
ahead was going to leave me screwed anyhow...



I had a DUH moment a few minutes later when an emergency vehicle came up the emergency lane and
was impeded by all the people standing around... he had to come back, he couldn't get over the bridge either.

I have another picture (not online) of the gap between the two lanes of stopped cars... I considered that,
but decided against it, too narrow and it stretched out of sight anyhow...

then, as the road emptied out behind us (the cops were diverting traffic to an exit behind us) we all just turned around
and went the wrong direction on the interstate 



Going to Gettysburg was supposed to be an adventure, and it was one on so many levels 

-Mike

[Cruzen]

  Today while sitting in my car at a traffic light this fellow on a MC comes along riding between the cars to the head of the line and when we come to another red light he again runs between traffic as if he was something special. Now I'm sure I wasn't the only one thinking "What an A--HOLE!".
  When I'm on my bike I follow the same rules as if I were in a car. No riding on the sholder or between other vehicles and so on. Just because the bike will fit doesn't make it right. My bike fits on most sidewalks but I don't take it there. It's one thing to look like a BADA$$ and it's another to look like a DUMBA$$. (Just my 2 cents)

I follow the same rules.  Nice to hear it coming from someone else.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

... and it is good for both bikers and cagers. 

Wayne, I agree.

Now, don't ever expect to hear that again.    

Quoted Willow for historcial purposes. No editing now.

Raymond

[fudgie]

I don't recall going down the center before. Don't think i would. I have rode the berm to jump ahead of a few cars to get in with another motorcycle. Not alot due to all the debris thats along it. I've had bikers move to the outside of the lane so we could pass them in the same lane without 'passing' over the center line.

[Willy]

"A--HOLE" may have been a little strong a word but that is honestly the first thing I thought. Now if I lived in a part of the country or world where traffic was so bad that lane splitting was helpful, then I would probably do it. Fortunately for now, this isn't the case here.

[Strong Eagle]

... and it is good for both bikers and cagers. 

Wayne, I agree.

Now, don't ever expect to hear that again.    

Strange.  Very strange!  Peace   

[Slvrvalk1]

It is legal here.  I do it when the traffic is really slow.  Actually, the best at it are the California Highway Patrol guys.  I am surprised RJ did not jump in here.  Maybe he did and I did not see his post.

A lot of drivers will pull slightly to the other side of the lane when they see you coming so that you can get through easier.

Dave

[Cruzen]

A lot of drivers will pull slightly to the other side of the lane when they see you coming so that you can get through easier.
Dave

More likely they're moving over to get a clear shot.

[Kidd]

It is legal here.  I do it when the traffic is really slow.  Actually, the best at it are the California Highway Patrol guys.  I am surprised RJ did not jump in here.  Maybe he did and I did not see his post.

A lot of drivers will pull slightly to the other side of the lane when they see you coming so that you can get through easier.

Dave

Really , it's legal in Ca , I lived there  1976 for 1.5 years and I did it , but  thought I was breaking the law  with every one else

[alph]

I’ve never done it, but man there have been many times I’d love to!  The problem is I’ll be driving with my wife and kids and I know the Van just wont fit!

If I were in bumper-to-bumper traffic like the previous posted picture, and I were on a “thinner” cycle, I would without hesitation.  I’m pretty use to people thinking of me as an a-hole anyway so what the hey!  I’ve seen people do worst on the highway and get away with it!

[Rocketman]

Willy... this sounds pretty much like a Texas attitude... open the car door to stop that #&$%^@% lane splitter from getting ahead.  Like I said in an earlier post, lane splitters are good for cages and bikes.

First, he didn't say anything about intentionally injuring people, he just said that he thought the man was rude.  Your assumption that if he resents it, he (or someone else) will automatically resort to violence is flawed.
You say it's good for everyone.  That's not true.  At best, it's neutral for the folks the the splitter passes.  When the splitter has to merge back into traffic, it WILL slow down the main traffic behind him.  That slowdown may be negligible, but it will happen.  In countries where it's not common, the rider may not be comfortable splitting, and therefore not do it smoothly.  The cager will be worried about the rider not executing smoothly.  More slowdown.
It's obviously good for the splitter.
As for the cagers the splitter didn't pass?  Could go either way.  They get closer to the light/wreck/name-a-traffic-slowdown faster, but they don't pull away as fast, due to the ripple effect of the slowdown caused when the splitter merges back into traffic.  Probably a net positive for him, but depends on a lot of things, and probably not enough positive to be influential.

If it's not common,  other motorists will resent it more (due to both unfamiliarity, and the extra slowdown that unfamiliarity brings).  Then you risk finding that one cager that WILL resort to violence, whether it be because he hasn't thought through just how dangerous it is to pinch a splitter, or has thought it through and just doesn't care.
Additionally, if it's not common, people will be even less likely look out for a splitter when shifting lanes, or even just waving a hand out the window.

As regards the safety issue:
I accept most of the Hurt report.  I do not accept the lane splitting conclusions.  The logic is flawed (you're better off riding a narrow line with no buffer space between large pieces of metal that might move at any moment than sitting still and watching people coming up behind you?), and the statistics are vague (as most statistics are).

Mark

[Gary]

Definitely use to for many years (legal) when I lived out in So Cal. Not only on the street at lights but also in that rush hour crap you had to contend with day in day out on the beloved freeways. This would have been on a 650, 750, GL1000 and 1100cc Hondas. I can't say I have ever really done it on the Valk since she is quite the fat... lady. I try to avoid that mess whenever possible. It did always make for an invigorating ride to work in the morning.

I lived out in a Houston suburb for about a year and sure wanted to then (not legal). Sitting in the 100 plus degree temps in rush hour traffic, sucking up the auto exhaust and humidity, now that sucked. Thank goodness there was an optional helmet law loop hole.. otherwise my gray matter would be even worse than it is now!!! 

[asfltdncr]

"A--HOLE" may have been a little strong a word but that is honestly the first thing I thought. Now if I lived in a part of the country or world where traffic was so bad that lane splitting was helpful, then I would probably do it. Fortunately for now, this isn't the case here.

Doesn't matter if you think lanesplitting is helpful or not, what is the law in Louisiana regarding lanesplitting?