May 21st, 2013, 08:29 AM | #1 |
Cat herder
Name: Gort
Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 6
MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13
|
Lane split and passing rant
Disclaimer: Many here will disagree with me. I don't care. This is how I view it and you're welcome to your own opinion.
On this morning's commute I was sitting in traffic and some guy on a ratty older bike wearing ratty gear zipped by me, lane splitting. Never saw him coming. I won't do that. First of all it's illegal here. Second, IMHO it's dangerous for the following reasons: 1) In 49 states people are not used to it and freak out when a bike goes by them at their speed +20 or 30 mph IN THEIR LANE. Freaked out people do unpredictable things. Startling them like that might even cause road rage. 2) Because they're not used to it, they don't check as carefully as they should before changing lanes. Ever been surprised by a lane splitter? I have. I was this morning. What if I'd decided to change lanes at the exact wrong moment? Ever have someone suddenly pull out without signaling and cut you off? I have. They didn't see you... in your car. On a bike, in their blind spot, in an unexpected position on the road... well, you figure it out. 3) Any time you're traveling significantly faster than the flow of traffic, being in very close proximity to that traffic is very dangerous. On an interstate going 100 mph is not actually all that dangerous (don't do it... just an illustration) IF you've got a clear road. When there's heavy traffic going 70 mph all around you and you're slicing through it like a skier on a mogul trail, it's very, very stupid. Note that the important point is "significantly faster," not your actual speed. A bike passing within two feet of a stopped car at 30 mph is just as dangerous a situation as a 100 mph bike passing a 70 mph car. Finally, it's just plain rude. I don't want some asshat on a Gixxer blowing by me in my lane, and I won't do it to anyone else. Now, I WILL make passes on the bike that I won't in my car, but I will never cut someone off. On a bike you can zip into a tiny gap safely, but that doesn't make it a good idea. Illustration: You're stuck behind some moron in the fast lane going 0.01 mph faster than the car in the right lane, with clear road ahead. They slowly inch ahead... until eventually, FINALLY, a gap opens that you can through. You're still next to the car in the right lane but you can make it by if you dive into the gap, and you know that you can do so without any hazard whatsoever. BAD IDEA and also rude. The driver is NOT expecting you to do it and it's also illegal (reckless driving). The right way to do it IMHO is make sure you're clear of the car beside you and have a reasonable lead (a bike length is enough, a car length is better), signal AND head check AND give it a moment for your intentions to sink in to give that guy plenty of opportunity to see you. Then blast on by. I do think it's fair to give the Italian salute to the idiot who was holding you up, however.
__________________________________________________
I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem. |
|
May 21st, 2013, 08:33 AM | #2 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
|
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
|
May 21st, 2013, 08:37 AM | #3 |
Certified Troublemaker
Name: Teri
Location: Hamilton, NJ
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250r "Pikachu", 2017 Ninja 650 "Epona" Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Aug '13, Aug '14, Feb '17
|
Very well said! |
|
May 21st, 2013, 08:45 AM | #4 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Fox
Location: Boston
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 250R Posts: 881
|
and I've seen cars pass people on gravel laden shoulders going over 70 mph.
asshats will be asshats, on a bike or in a car. no way around it. no need to get angry, just let them do their thing. you seem to be doing the right thing. I won't split either, the dangers are just too high for me. We all break laws occasionally. Who is to say that breaking the speed limit is any better than lane splitting? or that speeding up for a yellow is any better than filtering at a stop light? It's all about perceived risk. |
|
May 21st, 2013, 08:52 AM | #5 |
Are you sure about that?
Name: That's "Sir" to you!
Location: Chorleywood (Nr. London)
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R-F16, Versys KLE650 CAF Posts: 418
|
UK
Lane splitting is legal here in the UK, and 99% of riders do it, although there are some that are happy to sit in the traffic. But, despite the fact that it's legal, it's still not safe. I've had lots of near misses from people that decided to switch lanes without checking their mirrors. For that reason, I (like the vast majority of riders) travel pretty slowly when lane splitting in heavy traffic.
One of my pet peeves is the guy (and it usually is a male) who spots the bike lane splitting in his mirror and actually moves over to BLOCK the lane and prevent the rider from coming through. I guess that he just feels that if he's stuck in traffic, everybody else should be too. |
|
May 21st, 2013, 08:54 AM | #6 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Daniel "God"
Location: South Florida
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 326
|
I would only lane split after it had been legal for a couple years. All your points are valid. I would begin filtering, going to the front of a red light, once a law had been passed making it legal just to get people used to motorcycles coming between them. I trust myself to be where I need to be on the road, I don't trust anyone one else. Ever.
|
|
May 21st, 2013, 09:04 AM | #7 |
not an actual panda
Name: dan
Location: philadelphia
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250, 2009 CBR600RR (Sold) Posts: A lot.
|
I admit to lane splitting in the city. If traffic is moving slowly or stopped I'll split - I also filter at red lights.
I tend to stay within 10mph of traffic so I'm not blasting by stopped or slow moving cars. Drivers in NYC tend to be aware of and make room for motorcycles lane splitting. I've also lane split outside of NYC and I've had people get super pissed off at me for lane splitting or filtering. |
|
May 21st, 2013, 09:10 AM | #8 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
|
Obligatory Californian chiming in. Lanesplitting can be done with degrees of safety/courtesy/asshattery just as motorcycle riding as a whole can be done with differing degrees of same. Here are some new guidelines that the CHP have recently published on lanesplitting in California. It's a good read:
http://www.chp.ca.gov/programs/lanesplitguide.html I've been fortunate enough to ride a motorcycle in quite a few different countries, and what's interesting (to me at least) is that everywhere I've been, has similar rules and norms around lanesplitting as here in California. It's the 49 other states that stand out as weird, from a big picture standpoint.
__________________________________________________
Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
|
May 21st, 2013, 09:18 AM | #9 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: dave
Location: Pasadena
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250, ZX6r, RSV4, Caponord Rally Posts: 267
|
I don't disagree with anything really in the OP; as a lane-splitter in a lane-splitting state I think blowing by somebody 20-30+ mph is not a good idea either. I think both Alex.S and I mentioned the last time we had one of these discussions that if you can't avoid something (be it scooting around left/right to avoid it or simply brake and come to a controlled stop) then you're splitting way too fast.
|
|
May 21st, 2013, 09:33 AM | #10 | |
Are you sure about that?
Name: That's "Sir" to you!
Location: Chorleywood (Nr. London)
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R-F16, Versys KLE650 CAF Posts: 418
|
Quote:
|
|
|
May 21st, 2013, 09:45 AM | #11 |
Certifiable nontundrum
Name: Harper
Location: NC Milkshake stand
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16
|
I thought it was a cool idea when I first saw it at bike week... Until the lane splitter got to a road rager in a cage that door checked him. Not my idea of a good ride at all
__________________________________________________
|
|
May 21st, 2013, 10:04 AM | #12 | |
Cat herder
Name: Gort
Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 6
MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13
|
Quote:
I do filter at stop lights and will ask politely to move ahead at very low speed (walking pace) if it's a true parking lot out on the road. It's all about the courtesy. One time I filtered at a stop light and the guy in the front of the line took exception to the fact that someone had the utter gall to try to get ahead of him. He tried to race me. Fortunately even the 250 has enough zip that it was no contest.
__________________________________________________
I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem. |
|
|
May 21st, 2013, 10:19 AM | #13 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jono
Location: Memphis, TN
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Triumph Street Triple, 2009 KLX250SF, 2003 Suzuki SV650S (Sold), 2006 Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: A lot.
|
I wish it was legal in all states... but even if it was, there would still be asshats.
|
|
May 21st, 2013, 10:35 AM | #14 | |
Daily Ninjette rider
Name: Hernan
Location: Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16
|
Quote:
Many, many years ago, civilized people invented those not-killing-each-other tools in order to prevent the conflicting results that we discuss here today. Exactly the same thing happened to me last week; only that the guy was full geared on a V-storm.
__________________________________________________
Motofool .................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí |
|
|
May 21st, 2013, 11:05 AM | #15 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Morgan
Location: A city twinned with Kawasaki
Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, 2010 STR 675 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 1
|
Quote:
|
|
|
May 21st, 2013, 11:15 AM | #16 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Brett
Location: Everett, WA
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1998 Ninja 250 2007 Yamaha R6 2003 Honda RC51... sold :( Posts: 205
|
I've done in where it is legal, and where it isn't. Sometimes it is the safer, faster, and more comfortable way to get there. Yeah, it is illegal in some places. So is left lane camping and driving around with an unsecured load or talking on a cell phone. I'd rather put those type of people far behind than sit in bumper to bumper with them. I'd also rather filter to the front of a stoplight than wait at the end of the line to get smacked by a dump truck: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/03/25...orcycle-crash/
The only reason why people here in the states are so afraid of it is because they aren't used to it. If it was common place, it wouldn't be such a big deal. California doesn't seem to be burning to the ground due to all the lane splitting. It isn't like there is a rash of people dying in all of the places it is legal. The other reason why it isn't legal is because people need to control others and play nanny because they think something they've never done is scary and dangerous. Same reason why we have helmet laws. The irony is that at the same time they don't want anyone in their personal space. I've had people swerve at me when I passed them 100% legally. Does this mean I shouldn't pass cars because the egos of other people can't handle it? Some also like to think it is their right to do whatever they want on the road, including camping in the left lane. One thing that most also fail to realize is that just because it is legal, doesn't mean you have to do it. Just because you think it is dangerous, doesn't mean other riders don't. Do you really need to force them into believing your way of thinking like it is some kind of crusade? Guess what? Cruiser riders all think sportbikes are dangerous. Should we let them tell us what to ride? The general public thinks all motorcycles are dangerous. Should we let them outlaw them? The speed differentials in places where it is legal are usually slower than 30mph. |
|
May 21st, 2013, 12:20 PM | #17 |
Avid Kitteh Poster
Name: Justin
Location: Norcal
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.
|
Im from CA....
soo I do it all the time. We dont have crazy freeway traffic so its generally at lights.
__________________________________________________
I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/ |
|
May 21st, 2013, 12:59 PM | #18 |
Certified looney toon
Name: Teri
Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV)
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 16
MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14
|
Nevada is working on getting a law passed that makes lane splitting legal.
Would I do it? No. Do I mind if others do it? Depends. If some asshat is going by at 20-30+ over the limit and using the line as his own personal lane, I wouldn't feel bad if they got nailed by someone changing lanes. I'd feel bad for the one who got hit from behind. If someone is being respectful and courteous of other street users and using lane splitting when stuck in rush hour traffic, ok fine whatever. I go into Cali a lot and don't lane split. I treat my bike as a full sized vehicle and ride as such. Just because I am physically capable of it doesn't mean I should.
__________________________________________________
<-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow. |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
May 21st, 2013, 01:05 PM | #19 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Fox
Location: Boston
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 250R Posts: 881
|
masschusetts has tried it before too, to no avail.
|
|
May 21st, 2013, 03:27 PM | #20 |
Avid Kitteh Poster
Name: Justin
Location: Norcal
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.
|
FWIW its been proven that lane splitting alleviates traffic.
__________________________________________________
I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/ |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
May 21st, 2013, 03:37 PM | #21 |
ninjette.org member
Name: -
Location: -
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): - Posts: 139
|
I lane split in stopped traffic. It takes away the possibility of being rear-ended.
|
|
May 21st, 2013, 03:38 PM | #22 |
Certifiable nontundrum
Name: Harper
Location: NC Milkshake stand
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16
|
folks try something like it in vehicles all the time as well. when do you not see some turd going around all the other traffic in a traffic jam through the grass, running over road cones, or all sorts of nonsense
I wanna go to this california place after seeing that video... ive seen way to many cars rear ended, and to many folks sliding into the intersection when a red light disrupts the drivers texting
__________________________________________________
|
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
May 21st, 2013, 03:38 PM | #23 |
Certified looney toon
Name: Teri
Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV)
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 16
MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14
|
:shrugs: I still stay with my answer I won't do it.
__________________________________________________
<-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow. |
|
May 21st, 2013, 04:03 PM | #24 |
Certifiable nontundrum
Name: Harper
Location: NC Milkshake stand
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16
|
i would def do it at red lights if it was legal... its alot harder to get rear ended by stopped cars, than by those texting not paying attention to driving up to an intersection
__________________________________________________
|
|
May 21st, 2013, 04:21 PM | #25 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Eric
Location: Los Angeles
Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): '86 Honda VFR700 Posts: 173
|
I ride in California, and I feel safe doing it with a sufficiently low speed differential. Between the HOV lane and the rest of the freeway, that usually means about a 10mph difference - at a red light, that usually means a 1-2 mph difference. Basically, if I feel like I can stop in time to be safe no matter what the next two cars do, I feel safe lane splitting. And I've been called on it - asshole in a beamer pulled out of the HOV lane across double yellow, without even checking his mirrors, let alone a shoulder check, with nowhere to go the other day. Ended up just sitting right across my path. I did my first stoppie burning off speed fast, but I came to a full and complete stop about five feet short of him.
|
|
May 21st, 2013, 04:27 PM | #26 |
wat
Name: wat
Location: tustin/long beach
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 5
MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14
|
as someone who splits 20+ in heavy traffic every work day about 100miles, i can assure you that all of your points are invalid.
not knowing how to correctly lane split or deal with assholes and sudden closures or swerves-- sure, lane splitting is scarwey! if you look in your mirrors frequently in a car, at best you'll see a bike coming up maybe 2 or 3 cars back. unless you are sitting in the middle of the lane. either way, it doesn't matter. you aren't required to do anything. you can do whatever you want, swerve, try to block. i don't care. nobody ever sees me anyway and i'm happy with that. its my own responsibility to do things correctly and if i make a mistake by letting someone block my path or put myself in a situation where i really have no viable escape... its my own fault. that being said, i've had plenty of people try to cut me off, cut in front of me, move over, block, open doors, fling cigarettes at me. guess what. it doesn't matter and i go around them.
__________________________________________________
|
2 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
May 21st, 2013, 05:03 PM | #27 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Morgan
Location: A city twinned with Kawasaki
Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, 2010 STR 675 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 1
|
Quote:
On that stretch 1925 lost vehicle hours becomes 706, expanding the numbers to the whole country (a little smaller than Maryland) they estimate a saving of around €350,000 ($450,000)per day. COMMUTING BY MOTORCYCLE: IMPACT ANALYSIS http://www.tmleuven.be Report number: 10.69 |
|
|
May 21st, 2013, 05:07 PM | #28 | |
wat
Name: wat
Location: tustin/long beach
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 5
MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14
|
Quote:
__________________________________________________
|
|
|
May 22nd, 2013, 07:14 AM | #30 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Brett
Location: Everett, WA
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1998 Ninja 250 2007 Yamaha R6 2003 Honda RC51... sold :( Posts: 205
|
|
|
May 22nd, 2013, 07:45 AM | #31 |
Avid Kitteh Poster
Name: Justin
Location: Norcal
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.
|
I live in Nor-Cal. small town. Rarely split on HWY unless going to sacramento and hit traffic.
__________________________________________________
I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/ |
|
May 25th, 2013, 07:52 PM | #32 |
Jersey Devil
Name: Daks
Location: Austin, TX
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): '06 Ninja 250 Posts: 469
|
I live in CA where lane splitting is legal and I agree with you---but only on two points: in the other 49 states, no one expects it (hell, even here only about 50% of drivers know it's legal) and it's illegal anyhow. Therefore it is very unwise.
However, lanesplitting definitely has its perks. And considering that CA's moto death count went down last year while the rest of the country went up, I wouldn't call it a terrible idea. I'm for legal lanesplitting everywhere but only with proper education, guidelines and PSAs. Personally, I don't do it over 30mph and only in stopped traffic. |
|
June 3rd, 2013, 04:37 PM | #33 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Michael
Location: Brisbane
Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250J Posts: 126
|
It is illegal in Aus, but plenty do it.
I filter at red lights, when traffic is stopped. When traffic is moving, I prefer, with my limited road riding experience, to claim my bit of tarmac among the rest of the traffic, just like everyone else. |
|
June 15th, 2013, 09:04 PM | #34 |
Squid Hunter
Name: Alex
Location: Florida
Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R and '13 ZX-6R Posts: 117
|
Lane splitting is illegal here in Florida but I filter through at red lights to move up to the front to avoid being stuck in traffic and potentially rear ended. I have been rear ended in a car at a red light and required surgery and physical therapy for my neck, I do not want it to happen on a bike... It's amazing though I've had people full on road rage at me honking/yelling etc when I pull up in front of them at a red light, it's not like I'm slowing them down at all or getting in their way.
__________________________________________________
My Gear Reviews (more coming soon) Icon Airmada Helmet |
|
June 15th, 2013, 09:18 PM | #35 |
Boring is my middle name.
Name: Jason
Location: Bay Area, CA
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250r Posts: 258
|
^It's the "Wait in line" and "Me first" mentality that a lot of people have in the states. Regardless of if you're doing anything to affect them or not.
Even in California where it's legal I've had people call me a dick or glare at me. A survey in Cali found only ~50% of drivers know it's legal though so maybe that's why. |
|
June 16th, 2013, 08:16 AM | #36 | |
Squid Hunter
Name: Alex
Location: Florida
Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R and '13 ZX-6R Posts: 117
|
Quote:
I've been stopped by a police officer twice for doing this and explained to them the safety reasons behind it and they changed their attitude and let me go and carry on what I was doing. Best time was on memorial day, coming home from the beach and it was starting to rain so there is a mass exodus of cars (many of which were probably drunk) trying to leave the island and backed up bumper to bumper trying to get to and over the bridge, bike lane FTW (then passed police officer stuck on the bridge and he turned on his lights so I stopped next to him and told him why I was doing it and he told me to carry on
__________________________________________________
My Gear Reviews (more coming soon) Icon Airmada Helmet |
|
|
June 16th, 2013, 10:36 AM | #37 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Chris
Location: Luxembourg
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250, 2015 F800R Posts: 90
|
We don't really have regulations for that here, but usually it's tolerated and done by most riders. As long as you don't act stupid, officers won't stop you for lane splitting or passing (going alongside cars in your lane that are either stopped or rolling slowly, the left lane is oncoming traffic).
On my commute there is a two-kilometer downhill avenue which is usually packed at peak times - usually I just coast in 2nd until the bottom which saves me a good 10min of getting cooked in stop-go Car drivers seem to be used to it and try to make room if they see the bike - which in turn you're supposed to appreciate by sticking out your foot after passing. Not too many of the bozos that try to block you here - but that may be because of French Riders who aren't too concerned about taking off their mirrors lol. Funny moment yesterday at this downhill: Cars are stopped, I'm rolling down at maybe 20kmh. Then I get passed by some dude on his race bicycle, he must have had at least double my speed ! Right into oncoming traffic that had to serve to avoid him... Seriously the cyclists are worse than riders here sometimes! |
|
June 16th, 2013, 11:05 AM | #38 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Al
Location: York, Pa
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300..............2008 Ninja 500-sold...2009 Ninja 250-Crashed Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '14
|
Quote:
|
|
|
June 16th, 2013, 12:23 PM | #39 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Samual
Location: Utah
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r (RIP) Posts: 258
|
It's funny, when I first started riding I thought the same thing, I just couldn't see myself doing it, it just seemed too dangerous...fast forward 2 weeks and I was heading into the city (San Francisco from wine country) during 5 o'clock traffic and it came to a complete halt...it took me about 20 seconds until I said "eff this" and lane split the entire rest of the way. After that I've never had a problem with it. The point is you shouldn't knock something until you try it, I find it useful and have no problem doing it in Cali...
...With that said, while living in Maryland right outside of DC I wouldn't have done it even if it were legal...eff those drivers, all of them, seriously, every time I think of driving there I think of that terminator scene, you pretty much need the shotty |
|
June 16th, 2013, 12:39 PM | #40 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Chris
Location: Luxembourg
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250, 2015 F800R Posts: 90
|
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
I like to lane split. | ez12a | Videos | 32 | June 28th, 2014 09:29 PM |
In Russia... cars can lane split too! | akima | Videos | 5 | June 16th, 2013 08:02 PM |
[hell for leather] - Flashback Friday: How to Lane Split | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | January 18th, 2013 05:40 PM |
[hell for leather] - How to lane split | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | July 7th, 2011 06:00 PM |
[topix.net] - State looks to allow motorcyclists to - lane split' in slow traffic | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | November 18th, 2010 01:00 AM |
|
|