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Mapper
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« on: October 03, 2018, 04:17:46 PM » |
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A couple years ago, I saw a video that showed traffic in a European city during a day that all the motorcyclists that would normally split lanes did not. This was in response to efforts to make it illegal to lane split in a city that was much more congested without it.
Is anyone else here familiar with that video? I can't seem to find the link anywhere.
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RDKLL
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Posts: 1222
VRCC #1231 VRCCDS #271
Mesa, AZ
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« Reply #1 on: October 03, 2018, 04:26:01 PM » |
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I used to party in Willoughby Spit like it was 1999 but it was actually 1984. Out here in AZ they have tried 2 times to pass filtering and lane splitty to no avail, maybe the third time's a charm.
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Mapper
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« Reply #3 on: October 03, 2018, 05:29:02 PM » |
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I used to party in Willoughby Spit like it was 1999 but it was actually 1984. Out here in AZ they have tried 2 times to pass filtering and lane splitty to no avail, maybe the third time's a charm.
 Some things you would recognize, but some things you wouldn't. My house was built on the cleared lot from an hourly hotel. The beach has been cleaned up quite a bit, but still fun place to live and much safer than in the 90's. They aren't trying to pass splitting laws here... I don't think it would work because of the culture.
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sheets
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« Reply #4 on: October 03, 2018, 06:03:50 PM » |
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I was in Paris a few weeks ago. I was amazed at the lane splitting on the freeway in the near proximity to Paris. Four lanes of bumper-to-bumper moving along at 25-30 mph . . . motorcycles and scooters blasting through on the right side of the #1 lane - between lane #1 and #2. The riders are fearless. Seems to be the norm there so 4-wheel vehicles seem to know the drill and play along. Witnessed French police coming through splitting the lane with lights flashing while responding to a car crash miles ahead. They were moving along faster than the bikes and scooters that split lanes. Observed motorcyclists pull over into #2 to let the police go by . . . they, and without hesitation pulled out and followed the police to take advantage of their escort at an accelerated pace. I was cringing at the site of all the bikes and scooters making their way at a much faster pace than the cars. In downtown Paris motorcycles and scooters rule the road. I've never seen so many two-wheel rigs concentrated in a urban setting. They buzz around the city streets like bees swarming around a hive. Seems as though they have the right-of-way - or it looks that way to the casual observer, simply by virtue of their numbers in mass. Two wheels is a way of life in Paris. And they don't play by ATGATT. 99% of riders were adorned in everyday fashionable street clothes . . . and high-heels. Did see a few high-viz vests, but can't say it was the norm across the board. Was crazy! With a population of 12M, two wheels is the easiest way to get around town. Not for me.
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« Reply #5 on: October 03, 2018, 06:20:42 PM » |
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When it's the norm and is part of traffic culture it works well. Some European cities have painted areas at stop light so that 2 wheelers can filter through stopped traffic to move off first.
I did it for years with only 2 very minor mishaps. Both my error and a result of impatience.
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« Reply #6 on: October 03, 2018, 06:24:18 PM » |
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I just remembered another moment. Filtering through traffic and it's pouring down. PVC rain suit. Having stopped I put my foot down to support myself. PVC rain suit got caught on footpeg and I gracefully leaned over and on to the hood of the car to my left. It took me a couple of seconds to get the snagged foot released and myself upright. 
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Kokomo Kevin
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« Reply #7 on: October 03, 2018, 07:16:43 PM » |
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Dont know about the video bit this spring spent several weeks in Southern California with friends and the lane splitting is crazy out there. Nothing like 6 lanes of traffic backed up both ways, with bikes splitting lanes going both directions, They told me it was legal!
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Hooter
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« Reply #8 on: October 04, 2018, 05:11:57 AM » |
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If not actually a written law I don't believe it is legal. California law used to pretty much mirror Michigan law. It would be referred to as "illegal lane usage" careless or possibly even reckless driving depending on the circumstances. I don't know how many here would feel comfortable lane splitting but just seems like inviting something to go defunct?
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You are never lost if you don't care where you are!
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« Reply #9 on: October 04, 2018, 07:02:29 AM » |
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Kokomo Kevin
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« Reply #10 on: October 04, 2018, 07:16:43 AM » |
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Thanks for clarification Britman! I know my riding buddies in California do this as they can get around the frustration traffic stops. Honestly could not wait to get back home, really puts things in perspective here in Indiana.
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Oss
Member
    
Posts: 12762
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #11 on: October 04, 2018, 08:46:49 AM » |
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when in rome saw many scooter accidents just on way from airport to hotel We rented a 400cc scooter in Florence Man that was sick Every red light is like the grand prix with bikes swarming around cars to get to the front Traffic circles are full speed ahead damn the torpedoes 
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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sdv003
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« Reply #12 on: October 05, 2018, 08:16:12 AM » |
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I've ridden in SoCal quite a bit. When you first start to lane split, it's scary as hell. After a while, you realize that the drivers are paying attention, in general. It sure cuts down on the time it takes to get where you're going.
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