Yes, No, Maybe?

[GregoXB]

_SvqoRl6WNM

(Not my video)

[d_adams]

Nope. I can see too many of those cagers intentionally trying to run into the biker. Accident just waiting to happen.

[rah7777777]

Hell no! At least not here in Texas. People are too blind as-is. No way I'd want to get in their lanes like that.

When I first started riding on the street I tried some of that going through downtown dallas at rush hour. I had a big delivery truck run me into a concrete divider, well his intentions were for me to hit it but luckily I was able to brake fast enough and he had to go about 4 feet OUT of his lane to do that. So that was the last time I tried that.

[GregoXB]

JNGD9AAIfFU

[brock]

That's ****in stupid. If he was 5 sec faster that grey toyota Camry would have taken him out. Especially in NYC these ****in guys just turn without looking let alone use signals. That's a dangerous game. He was really moving at a few points in the vid.

[Theycallmecrash]

Yes, part of the reason i ride most of the time, traffic sucks. And it would suck even more on a hot motorcycle in gear in a hot day, and even worse on a freezing day, i got places to be. Obviously not at excessive speeds but the first video the speeds werent nuts, the traffic was a bit dense though, i would have taken it a lot slower.

[thrstrmech]

we'll the guys in the video kinda got it wrong, lane splitting in California:

Lane splitting in a safe and prudent manner is not illegal in the state of California.

The term lane splitting, sometimes known as lane sharing, filtering or white-lining, refers to the process of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of stopped or slower moving traffic or moving between lanes to the front of traffic stopped at a traffic light.

Motorcyclists who are competent enough riders to lane split, should follow these general guidelines if choosing to lane split:

1) Travel at a speed that is no more than 10 MPH faster than other traffic – danger increases at higher speed differentials.

- A speed differential of 10 miles per hour or less allows an alert, competent rider enough time to identify and react to most dangerous situations that can occur.

- The greater the speed differential, the less time a rider has to identify and react to a hazard.



2) It is not advisable to lane split when traffic flow is at 30 mph or faster --- danger increases as overall speed increases.

- At just 20 mph, in the 1 or 2 seconds it takes a rider to identify a hazard, that rider will travel approximately 30 to 60 feet before even starting to take evasive action. Actual reaction (braking or swerving) will take additional time and distance.

- Braking and stopping distance varies greatly based on a multitude of factors (rider, machine and environment).

- As speed increases, crash severity increases.



3) Typically, it is safer to split between the #1 and #2 lanes than between other lanes.

- Other road users are more accustomed to motorcycles splitting between the #1 and #2 (furthest left) lanes.

- Avoid splitting in lanes near freeway on-ramps and exits.

- Avoid splitting lanes when another motorcycle rider is splitting between other nearby lanes as cars may make additional room for one rider and accidentally reduce space for another.



4) Consider the total environment in which you are splitting, including the width of the lanes, size of surrounding vehicles, as well as roadway, weather, and lighting conditions.

- Some lanes are narrower than others, leaving little room to pass safely. If you can't fit, don't split.

- Some vehicles are wider than others -- it is not advisable to split near wide trucks. If you can't fit, don't split.

- Know the limitations of your motorcycle --- wide bars, fairing and bags require more space between vehicles. If you can't fit, don't split.

- Avoid splitting on unfamiliar roads to avoid surprises such as poor road surfaces.

- Seams in the pavement or concrete between lanes can be hazardous if they are wide or uneven.

- Poor visibility, due to darkness or weather conditions, makes it difficult for riders to see road hazards and makes it more difficult for drivers to see you.

- Help drivers see you by wearing brightly colored protective gear and using high beams during daylight.



5) Be alert and anticipate possible movements by other road users.

- Be very aware of what the cars around you are doing. If a space, or gap, opens up next to your lane, be prepared react accordingly.

- Always be prepared to take evasive action if a vehicle changes lanes.

- Account for inattentive or distracted drivers.

- Riders should not weave back and forth between lanes or ride on top of the line.

- Riders should avoid lingering in blind spots.

- Never ride while impaired by drugs, alcohol or fatigue.

- Constantly scan for changing conditions.



The Four R's or “Be-Attitudes� of Lane Splitting:

Be Reasonable, be Responsible, be Respectful, be aware of all Roadway and traffic conditions.

- Be Reasonable means not more than 10 MPH faster than traffic flow and not over 39 MPH.


- Be Responsible for your own safety and decisions.

Don't put yourself in dangerous positions.
If you can't fit, don't split.

- Be Respectful --- sharing the road goes both ways.
Don't rely on loud pipes to keep you safe, loud pipes often startle people and poison the attitude of car drivers toward motorcyclists.
Other vehicles are not required to make space for motorcycles to lane split.

- Be aware Roadways and traffic can be hazardous.
uneven pavement
wide trucks
distracted drivers
weather conditions
curves
etc.


Disclaimers:

These general guidelines are not guaranteed to keep you safe.

Lane splitting should not be performed by inexperienced riders. These guidelines assume a high level of riding competency and experience.

The recommendations contained here are only general guidelines and cannot cover all possible combinations of situations and variables.

Personal Safety: Every rider has ultimate responsibility for his or her own decision making and safety. Riders must be conscious of reducing crash risk at all times. California law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers wear a helmet that complies with the DOT FMVSS 218 standard.

Risk of getting a ticket: Motorcyclists who lane split are not relieved of the responsibility to obey all existing traffic laws. With respect to possible law enforcement action, keep in mind that it will be up to the discretion of the Law Enforcement Officer to determine if riding behavior while lane splitting is or was safe and prudent.



When is it NOT OK to split?

You should NOT lane split:

- If you can't fit.

- At a toll booth.

- If traffic is moving too fast or unpredictably.

- If dangerous road conditions exist --- examples include water or grit on the road, slippery road markings, road construction, uneven pavement, metal grates, etc.

- If you cannot clearly see a way out of the space you're going into (for example, if a van or SUV is blocking your view).

- Between trucks, buses, RVs, and other wide vehicles.

- Around or through curves.

- If you are not fully alert and aware of your surroundings.

- If you are unable to react to changing conditions instantaneously.

- If you don't feel comfortable with the situation.


Messages for Other Vehicle Drivers
1) Lane splitting by motorcycles is not illegal in California when done in a safe and prudent manner.

2) Motorists should not take it upon themselves to discourage motorcyclists from lane splitting.

3) Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal (CVC 22400).

4) Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcycle is illegal (CVC 22517).

5) Never drive while distracted.

6) You can help keep motorcyclists and all road users safe by

Checking mirrors and blind spots, especially before changing lanes or turning
Signaling your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic
Allowing more following distance, three or four seconds, when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency

[HighPlanesRider]

I wish it was legal to lane split here in Colorado and everywhere else. No one says you have to split lanes but if you have the room and are comfortable doing so you should be able to. Just my .02¢

[thrstrmech]

agreed, sucks not being able to do it here in Arizona after living in California for many years doing so

[Theycallmecrash]

Too long didnt read

[Burts Bird]

Just watching the video now. Lane splitting is illegal here in Ma but people do it all the time. It looks like suicide to me but I'm a very new rider

[Enemy Zero]

It's illegal here in Nevada as well. There was a measure in the state assembly this year to pass it and it was shot down by a very wide margin. Where as we need it here in the summer months badly which I learned this year having my first big air cooled bike. It unfortunately would probably be suicide here. People drive terribly. There are too many people from out of town and most people here are A**Holes on the road to begin with.

I've had people that I work with and know pretty well tell me how they want to open a door on people doing it.

[rchuff]

Wow! Live near the city Philadelphia ,and would not try this at all .People drive bad and I know what would happen ( SPLAT! ) Like my bike to much and don't like pain. MY 2 cents.

[sprk_sprd]

Too long didnt read

+1

[ctrvl]

I've lived overseas and in Cali, lane splitting has always been legal for me ever since I started riding. I think it would drive me nuts if I couldn't lane split in heavy traffic.

[Enemy Zero]

I've lived overseas and in Cali, lane splitting has always been legal for me ever since I started riding.Â* I think it wouldÂ* drive me nuts if I couldn't lane split in heavy traffic.

Growing up in Northern California, I'm in the same boat. It's something that's always been there. Coming here, I feel crippled in traffic. Especially on a 100+ degree day. Every time I go back to california I feel like it just works and wonder why it's not legal everywhere. Then I get back here to Vegas and realize that the people here are A**hats and even when you're just trying to get around anywhere they drive into you.

[thrstrmech]

Too long didnt read

how else would you educate yourself about anything, just saying to take the time to learn about such things, may benefit you sometime down the road, hearsay is a bitch unless you can back it up with facts

[snrusnak]

Motorcycles are not above traffic laws. Of course there are exceptions.

[jetlee]

In the metro areas of Cali, people drive like they expect and respect lane-splitting. I'm in the central valley, people drive like asshats and try to cut you off. I only lane split when cars are stopped dead so less chance of them switching lanes.

[anrkizm95]

Yes, No, Maybe?Yes

[BuddhaBuell]

Too long didnt read

http://www.troll.me/images/rage-face/reading-y-so-hard.jpg



maybe next time, it can be posted with simple pictures, maybe some crayons for those that feel the need to colour..

http://cdn.all-funny.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/not-sure-gif.gif





how else would you educate yourself about anything, just saying to take the time to learn about such things, may benefit you sometime down the road, hearsay is a bitch unless you can back it up with facts

no **** eh

ignorance is bliss for some
[smirk]

[anrkizm95]

maybe next time, it can be posted with simple pictures, maybe some crayons for those that feel the need to colour.. or one of your kickass vids buddha :D

[BuddhaBuell]

maybe some crayons for those that feel the need to colour..

this is more my speed as I have a penchant for going outside of the lines..


or one of your kickass vids buddha

you must have mistaken me for some other guy
LOL
:D

xKP06aWPQhg

[MustangGuy]

I'm in Cali too. I only lane split when the traffic is stopped or nearly stopped at a light and I feel I can get safely between the vehicles and up to the front. That in itself saves me time and frustration. I don't travel any freeways to work so I've never had to lane split in that situation, but when I've been in my car caught in freeway traffic, as jetlee said, most drivers (even as bad as they are) seem to respect it.

[Cooter]

I moved from lane-splitting freeway packed Cali, where you must have insurance, wear a helmet, pay huge registration fee's, and can only buy vehicles that are constricted with additional smog equipment...

To Florida, where you can NOT lane split.
BUT where theres no helmet law (I've had 2 moto PD officers tell me they prefer to NOT wear one, yes really), no liability insurance required, (and you MUST ride a moped (50cc) on the sidewalk >35mph!!)[confused]

Rules, they no make none of that sense.

[sprk_sprd]

ignorance is bliss for some

Point well taken. So I went back and read (some) of what I had previously skimmed. Thankfully, I found a tidbit that will prove invaluable:


You should NOT lane split:

- If you can't fit.


I'm now enlightened.

[Theycallmecrash]

Ok, i lied...
I read it... Just wanted to give thrstrmech some trouble. Everyone is so sensitive these days.

[BuddhaBuell]

was not trying to be too big of a dick guys
seems every piece of info or tool that we can use to make ourselves better riders and even more importantly, we continue exercising our grey matter.
As big as I am on physical fitness and health I know that keeping yourself mentally stimulated (not that way! )
:D
goes along way to maintaining our faculties as we get older.

Now to properly jack this thread I present for your amusement..



5Krz-dyD-UQ

[thrstrmech]

it's all good fellas, thanks Jacob for busting my balls:p:D

[ccdirtrider05]

im in colorado springs and there isnt anywhere here i would ever feel safe splitting lanes. nor is the traffic so gridlocked and ****ty that is warrants doing so.. bigger cities ive ridden in there is almost no other option!. agree with part of the story above about being smart about it. coming to a stop light and getting to the front.. yes. on the interstate going 50.. no way.
either way just remember that you are in charge of your safety.. most likely the cager in front, beside, and behind you has much more important things to worry about like radio stations, texting, coffee, food, and forgetting they need to turn left at the next light. so watch out and ride safe!

[GregoXB]

This morning I headed out to work a little later than usual, and all I have to say is thank god I was on my motorcycle. There was 16 miles of bumper to bumper traffic. By motorcycle, I made it to work on time in 35 minutes. By car, even if I left on time, I would have been traveling for 2 hours, and would have been late. I almost felt bad for all the cagers......... almost.

[Buellaucracy]

I lane split at lease once on my way to work/home in FL. I know most of these old people can't see but it can be done in a safe manner. Plus, bumper to bumper traffic eats brakes and increases emissions.

[BambamXB12r]

Glad you brought it back from the dead. I personally live in Las Vegas, NV and know it's not legal here but when it's 115 degrees and bumper to bumper you almost have no choice on an air cold bike. Way too hot for you and the bike.

[jetlee]

I split if:
-more than two cages stopped between me and the light
-cages pacing under the speed limit
-uncomfortable with tailing cager (using phone, tailgating, old, illegal, etc)
-pissed off cager chasing me (cause I passed him? I dunno why these dip****s start flipping me off and driving erratically)

I don't split if:
-it means passing a moving vehicle that has a trailer attached. Stopped, yes; moving, no.