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Johnie
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2010
Total Posts : 3

Posted 6/27/2010 9:33 PM (GMT -7)

I love ridding as do many of us.. but find that I spend the majority of my time ridding to and from work. Ahh commuting.... Traffic often is stopped and I find myself splitting lanes all the time.

How many of my counterparts out there do the same thing?.. what do you think about when splitting the lanes? A sudden car lane changing, or a mirror swipe, or what is for dinner.....

Food for thought...

Ride now or regret later.

Easy Rider 2
Central Illinois / Central Florida

Date Joined Dec 2009
Total Posts : 2259

Posted 6/28/2010 7:32 AM (GMT -7)

Johnie said...

Traffic often is stopped and I find myself splitting lanes all the time.

Where do you live ??

If it is NOT in an area where splitting is common and not illegal, I think you are just being stupid.....and will pay the price sooner rather than later......either with a ticket or a trip to the hospital......or both.

While doing it, you damn sure better have ALL your concentration on what is coming up ahead.....and/or what could come up ahead.

When the other traffic is stopped...or almost so, I think the term most often used is "filtering"......which is somewhat different than "lane splitting" when the traffic is moving.

GAJ
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2007
Total Posts : 6845

Posted 6/28/2010 10:44 AM (GMT -7)

It's legal here in California and when I used to commute, I'd do it regularly but I'd stop as soon as traffic started to get much beyond 25mph and I'd keep my speed differential well below 10mph.

Often let "faster" splitters through as I don't believe in "gap blasting."

The worst "gap blasters" around here are guys with minimal gear on loud cruisers.

I think they mistakenly believe their loud pipes provide them with a halo of protection.

Smitty
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 22123

Posted 6/28/2010 6:00 PM (GMT -7)

Obviously you are from the State of Calif., for in the rest of the States to all provinces you are NOT allowed to do any lane splitting. One of those darn rules & regulations we wish we did not have.

Also for a second or so I thought the heading was "To spit or not to spit"---thinking this will effect tobacco chewers.

Remember all the others on the road are crazy & out to kill you.

Post Edited (Smitty) : 3/29/2011 7:30:22 PM GMT

Johnie
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2010
Total Posts : 3

Posted 6/28/2010 9:01 PM (GMT -7)

Didn't know that it was outlaw'd in other state.. huh..

Any ways yeah I am only "splitting" or filtering when traffic is <5mph... But there are still some crazy drivers out there. Wondered what other riders thought about driving in a space that is just a few feet bigger then the bike, dealing with the constant wondering about clipping or slamming into another car.

Ride now or regret later.

Easy Rider 2
Central Illinois / Central Florida

Date Joined Dec 2009
Total Posts : 2259

Posted 6/29/2010 7:40 AM (GMT -7)

Johnie said...
dealing with the constant wondering about clipping or slamming into another car.

If it makes you nervous, you probably should NOT be doing it.

The most important point is to keep the speed differential DOWN.....to ~10 mph.

If traffic is at a dead stop, that would mean you going only 10-15 MPH.

IF you are not really good at keeping a steady line at that low a speed......see line 1 !!

The think that kind of buggs me.....and I haven't been around it THAT much lately.....is that riders seem to get in the habit and do it just as a matter of course ALL THE TIME, even if it doesn't really gain them anything much.

louemc
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 17483

Posted 6/29/2010 9:37 AM (GMT -7)

Johnie said...
Didn't know that it was outlaw'd in other state.. huh..

Any ways yeah I am only "splitting" or filtering when traffic is <5mph... But there are still some crazy drivers out there. Wondered what other riders thought about driving in a space that is just a few feet bigger then the bike, dealing with the constant wondering about clipping or slamming into another car.
Ride now or regret later.

I'm not wondering (constant or otherwise), about clipping or slamming into another vehicle.

I see the space, and what another vehicle can (or can't) do. There isn't any problem, when you know what you're doing.

If you don't know what You're doing, you're playing Russian Roulette, a total crap shoot Gamble on your safety.

Focus the forces, Be The Force

Gone in 60
Lone Commuter of the Apocalypse

Date Joined Jan 2008
Total Posts : 657

Posted 6/29/2010 12:09 PM (GMT -7)

For my daily commute, the ability to lane split is one of the main reasons I ride a motorcycle to work, and to daily appointments around Orange and L.A. counties. It saves time, and sanity.

For me, the decision to split or not is completely a matter of assessing the situation I'm in, and where I am.
On my regular route to and from work, I know where traffic will slow down, and where cages start "hunting" for lanes - as interchanges come up, etc.
Therefore, I'm fairly "programmed" as to where I can safely split, and where I should back off and stay in my lane. I even also know areas where squids tend to split unsafely, and have learned that this is where CHP motorcycles prowl for them, so I ride accordingly.

When I'm riding to an appointment, on freeways that I'm not intimately familiar with, it's just a matter of assessment. At speed in a lane, I glance ahead as far as I can see down the freeway. If I see brake lights ahead, I can assume that cages will sense upcoming traffic, and start diving back and forth to try to get in whatever lane they think will be the fastest. I'll stay in a lane while this is going on as traffic slows, (watching my mirrors), and when traffic gets to a crawl, I'll look between lanes and assess:
- Do I have enough room between lanes to safely fit?
- Are the cages acting "fidgety", weaving back and forth like they are planning lane changes
- Is there something coming up that would make cages want to make quick lane changes (car pool lane openings, freeway interchanges, etc)

As I split a lane, I'll glance from car to car on both sides as I approach to check for signals that the driver might do something sudden, or to see if they are drifting one way or another. A lot of attentive cage drivers will move over a bit to make room.

I cover the clutch and brakes in case a quick slow or stop is needed, and keep an eye on the mirror to make sure I'm not holding up other bikes who might want to split at a faster speed. In that case, I'll duck between two cars to get out of the way, and then let them "plow the road" so to speak and get back in behind them.

I've seen riders make bad lane splitting decisions and get hit, and while you can be as careful as possible, it is still not the safest thing you can do on two wheels. However, as long as it's legal, I'd much rather split where it's safe than sit in traffic with the cages.

Work to ride, Ride to work

Honda VTX 1300R

louemc
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 17483

Posted 6/29/2010 2:17 PM (GMT -7)

The riders that made bad lane splitting decisions...isn't a "it's not the safest thing you can do on two wheels" problem.

It's the Dumb Ass, that doesn''t know how to do it right...problem.

Focus the forces, Be The Force

Meanie_Intruder
Posted a Pic of a Man Thong

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 2099

Posted 6/29/2010 2:25 PM (GMT -7)

Though, California makes it legal to do so, reason being to reduce traffic congestion, to my understanding, it's not very effective. Overall, I think it's an unsafe and a somewhat stupid practice, mainly due to the other idiots on the road. A rider is trapped and asking for an accident when the driver of another car suddenly veers in your lane without any indication. To add to it, many drivers become irate when they see this practice from riders and therefore, deliberately change lanes to stop them. I can understand a complete standstill traffic, but not while moving traffic is occurring. Also, if it's against the law in your state, which I believe it is in most, you're breaking the law. But I'm no law abiding saint, so knock yourself out.

"A nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people"

Gone in 60
Lone Commuter of the Apocalypse

Date Joined Jan 2008
Total Posts : 657

Posted 6/29/2010 2:48 PM (GMT -7)

louemc - +1 on your comment to my post. When I have seen guys go down (albeit I've only seen a couple,) I was almost able to predict it, and thought to myself "Don't do it there, stupid!" One was a guy simply going too fast to possibly split carefully, and another guy was splitting in a section of freeway where cages always dive to the right lanes to catch a freeway interchange.

Both had cages change lanes into them and knock them over.

Work to ride, Ride to work

Honda VTX 1300R

Post Edited (Gone in 60) : 6/29/2010 9:51:00 PM GMT

lionlady
-----Mistress of Novices. -Total miles: 85,000+

Date Joined Sep 2003
Total Posts : 2759

Posted 6/29/2010 5:03 PM (GMT -7)

Illegal in Maryland. And I've heard some real horror stories about "retaliation" from cagers against riders who're filtering or even lane splitting. Such as someone sticking a broom handle out a window, etc.

P

ATGATT: Because walking away in disgust, beats riding away in an ambulance.

Gone in 60
Lone Commuter of the Apocalypse

Date Joined Jan 2008
Total Posts : 657

Posted 6/29/2010 5:09 PM (GMT -7)

We really don't have that kind of problem in California - or at least I've never encountered it. Splitting on the highways and filtering up to stoplights is such a normal part of our traffic pattern that everyone pretty much accepts it. On my commute, I'll usually get a couple of cages who really move way out of my way when I roll past. If I can safely do it, I'll give a quick thumb's up to those guys as a thank you. I can see how cagers in other states where it's illegal would have a problem with it.

Work to ride, Ride to work

Honda VTX 1300R

GAJ
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2007
Total Posts : 6845

Posted 6/30/2010 9:43 AM (GMT -7)

Gone in 60 said...
We really don't have that kind of problem in California - or at least I've never encountered it. Splitting on the highways and filtering up to stoplights is such a normal part of our traffic pattern that everyone pretty much accepts it. On my commute, I'll usually get a couple of cages who really move way out of my way when I roll past. If I can safely do it, I'll give a quick thumb's up to those guys as a thank you. I can see how cagers in other states where it's illegal would have a problem with it.

And I'm sure, you, like me, have split behind CHP and other motorcycle cops.

It is, as you say, a well accepted practice when done safely...and yes, it saves a TON of time.

louemc
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 17483

Posted 6/30/2010 1:54 PM (GMT -7)

Gone in 60 said...

Both had cages change lanes into them and knock them over.

I've heard, that is the #1 cause of the crashes for splitters. Now it doesn't take a rocket scientist to look ahead. If an open space a car can fit into, is there, there is a very high possibility a car in the other lane will make the move, to switch lanes, into it.

When you are between the lanes, you have to "read" all the clues.

1. Mirrors, you are looking right in them (you better be looking in them) as your coming up on the other vehicles.

if a driver is looking to switch lanes, they turn their heads a little. You as a biker splitting can see that.

2. Wheels, the first thing you as a biker can see (you better be looking so you do see) is the wheels start the turn towards a lane switch.

When you are approaching an open space a car can switch lanes into...You can see where you are and where they are, and the paths that the speeds define.

There is no excuse for being oblivious to being in the wrong place where the path of the other vehicle will intersect with yours. You can slow down for that nano second it takes to stay behind the intersecting path, until one of two things happen.

1. Either the other vehicle changes lanes (doesn't matter if they see you or not, you can not depend on the other person, only on yourself).

2.Or the other vehicle doesn't change lanes, and when they move to the place where they no longer can switch, you speed up and pass that open space.

If...(I've never had to use this, but it is always a possibility) all clues were missed, and the other vehicle switches lanes as you are going to be taken out by them, You turn into that open space right with them, maintaining clearance from them.

Every single "problem" bikers have, is because they went through life with their head up their ass, happy to be oblivious.

There are other bikers that are happy to be in command of their space, and confident with their equipment.

They don't have problems, and that is happyness to them. cool

Focus the forces, Be The Force

Post Edited (louemc) : 6/30/2010 9:00:02 PM GMT

Gone in 60
Lone Commuter of the Apocalypse

Date Joined Jan 2008
Total Posts : 657

Posted 6/30/2010 2:59 PM (GMT -7)

Ha Gaj! Here's where I sometimes get a bit worried...

You're splitting a freeway in heavy traffic... you come up behind a CHP bike that's splitting as well. He's going slower, maybe glancing into the cars in the car pool lane looking for single drivers, people on the phone, smoking weed, whatever. You figure "cool, I'll follow this guy!", and keep a safe, respectable distance, letting him plow the way.

Then the CHP rider pulls in behind a car. You're now in the position of having to make a decision.
A) did he pull between two cars to be polite, so that you can pass and continue to split at a slightly faster speed?
B) did he pull between two cars because he wants to pull you over for something when you go by?

If you slow down too, and get behind the same car, it's kind of awkward. I continue on, give a wave as I pass, and ride at pretty much the same speed the CHP was splitting, the whole time looking back thinking "please don't pull back out, please don't pull back out..."

Work to ride, Ride to work

Honda VTX 1300R

louemc
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 17483

Posted 6/30/2010 3:10 PM (GMT -7)

First...Just What do you call coming up behind a CHP? You didn't see the CHP up there? They are going Slow? You can't stay back a respectful distance? (respect that they are dividing the split like Moses parting the waves). The Cop doesn't have to do any of the work slow.

If You are splitting in a safe way, keep going.

Focus the forces, Be The Force

Post Edited (louemc) : 6/30/2010 10:13:19 PM GMT

Gone in 60
Lone Commuter of the Apocalypse

Date Joined Jan 2008
Total Posts : 657

Posted 6/30/2010 4:46 PM (GMT -7)

Ha - Moses parting the waves - you think the cages move over a bit for my bike? Man, if I had a black and white Beemer, they'd move over a lot further!

Work to ride, Ride to work

Honda VTX 1300R

GAJ
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2007
Total Posts : 6845

Posted 6/30/2010 6:53 PM (GMT -7)

Gone in 60 said...
Ha Gaj! Here's where I sometimes get a bit worried...

You're splitting a freeway in heavy traffic... you come up behind a CHP bike that's splitting as well. He's going slower, maybe glancing into the cars in the car pool lane looking for single drivers, people on the phone, smoking weed, whatever. You figure "cool, I'll follow this guy!", and keep a safe, respectable distance, letting him plow the way.

Then the CHP rider pulls in behind a car. You're now in the position of having to make a decision.
A) did he pull between two cars to be polite, so that you can pass and continue to split at a slightly faster speed?
B) did he pull between two cars because he wants to pull you over for something when you go by?

If you slow down too, and get behind the same car, it's kind of awkward. I continue on, give a wave as I pass, and ride at pretty much the same speed the CHP was splitting, the whole time looking back thinking "please don't pull back out, please don't pull back out..."

Never had that issue; the cops ALWAYS split faster than I do...and I'm happy to follow at a distance...and a somewhat slower pace.

louemc
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 17483

Posted 7/1/2010 9:44 AM (GMT -7)

Gone in 60 said...
Ha - Moses parting the waves - you think the cages move over a bit for my bike?

I didn't say they move over for your bike, I said ...(well it is in print, right where I posted it).

You need more than Black and White...You need the whole (complete) image. The Cop Lights, the Cop Helmet, The cop uniform. And if that isn't enough the Cop Siren

Focus the forces, Be The Force

Smitty
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 22123

Posted 7/1/2010 1:45 PM (GMT -7)

Johnnie, I wonder if the light has come on that you are breaking the law in your State & so you are chancing your life & if you are married then stress upon your wife & if kids then the same upon them as well. That is ALSO why I have this Signature below, not for sort of legal lane splitters but all other riders to ride in a sort of defensive manner to stay alive.

Also remember I started riding back in '46 & have not stopped even at my old age, do not ride a cruiser, but one of several powerful sportbikes up here in the mountain roads.

Remember all the others on the road are crazy & out to kill you.

Andy VH
Where is the earth shattering kaboom!?

Date Joined Apr 2005
Total Posts : 4952

Posted 7/6/2010 7:32 AM (GMT -7)

California is the only state in the union right now that tolerates lane-splitting. There is no written law that forbids it in CA. But that is the only state that allows it. If you live in a different state you lane split at your own peril, safety wise and legal wise. A cop WILL pull you over if you lane split in other states. Also, if you lane split and a crash occurs, you will be seen as at fault so don't expect support in court on that one.

Here is an interesting picture of a rider splitting lanes on a California freeway. I got this from an add for Fieldsheer jackets. This is what I see lane spitting to be. Note the spacing of the cars to either side of the bike, and the lane width for the bike itself. But also consider the visibility issue for the rider. If you lane split, do it smart, ride only 5 to 10 mph faster the traffic around you, ride with your fingers over the clutch and brake levers, be ready and practiced to stop your bike within two car lengths at most in case some cage driver make a mistake or feels compelled to administer "road justice" on you because they are caught in traffic and you are moving through.

Note also, in the picture, the number of cars with brake lights on compared to many without. That in itself is a warning sign to the cycle rider to be ready for everyone suddnely stopping or for a car ahead to suddenly force their way into another lane, the ol' pinch move if you happen to be there.

Myself? If I lived in CA and had to put up with this on a daily basis, I would take less freeway and more two lane, or I would lane-split too. Sitting still in traffic, sucking car fumes in the heat is not good for you. Still another reason why I love Wisconsin and I can put up with the winter weather.

Training, the best safety and performance "equipment" you can get!

Get MSF trained, check out: http://www.msf-usa.org

Post Edited (Andy VH) : 7/12/2010 9:46:52 PM GMT

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Fish.
Doesn't Really Talk Much

Date Joined Mar 2011
Total Posts : 112

Posted 3/20/2011 7:39 PM (GMT -7)

Andy VH said...
. Still another reason why I love Wisconsin and I can put up with the winter weather.

Cheesehead.

"When the people lead, the leaders will follow." - Gandhi

Triumph Guy
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2008
Total Posts : 1926

Posted 3/23/2011 8:14 PM (GMT -7)

Avoid cages at all cost. Listen to Smitty. Splitting is the most dangerous thing that I can think of. Just plain dumb that it is allowed in California. Many other things are allowed in Calli, not my cup of tea.

Asphalt the greatest tattoo remover.

Smitty
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 22123

Posted 3/29/2011 12:34 PM (GMT -7)

The only time I split between cages was when all were at a stop sign & I knew I had 6 seconds to move up to the front & when the light changes my accelleration was far faster then the cages.

True if there was a ruddy line-up, then I would ride the shoulder to get to the front.

Mind you the RCMP were polite to me is saying these moves were ILLEGAL. So reason I do not split the traffic in front of me, expecially moving traffic even in past yrs.

Remember all the others on the road are crazy & out to kill you.

Post Edited (Smitty) : 3/30/2011 7:22:02 PM GMT

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