splitting traffic
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 460
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA
RE: splitting traffic
Like someone previously said...it's not legal nor illegal to split lanes in CA. It's up to the officer that sees you to decide if you are being dangerous or unsafe while doing it.
FYI...it's been illegal in Nevada for almost 5 years now to split lanes but you can still ride side by side. Since Jan 2004 it's been illegal in Arizona to split lanes.
I split lanes almost daily going home from work or when traffic is heavy and moving slowly or stopped. I'm very aware and watch mirrors for people wanting to change lanes. The only bikes that have gotten hit while splitting lanes were the ones moving better than 20 mph faster than the traffic they were splitting between. They usually got hit by a car changing lanes that didn't see them coming up until it was too late.
Most CA drivers are aware that bikes can split lanes so many deliberately drive wide off the center of the lanes (only #1 & 2 lanes) for bikes. I usually wave at drivers that see me coming and move over to let me have even more room. I figure if I give a courtesy wave and ease by at a casual pace, then it keeps the peace. Most car drivers heading for home are tired and already at the end of their patience by the time they are stuck in traffic for an hour or two...why be a nuisance by blasting by and pissing them off?
FYI...it's been illegal in Nevada for almost 5 years now to split lanes but you can still ride side by side. Since Jan 2004 it's been illegal in Arizona to split lanes.
I split lanes almost daily going home from work or when traffic is heavy and moving slowly or stopped. I'm very aware and watch mirrors for people wanting to change lanes. The only bikes that have gotten hit while splitting lanes were the ones moving better than 20 mph faster than the traffic they were splitting between. They usually got hit by a car changing lanes that didn't see them coming up until it was too late.
Most CA drivers are aware that bikes can split lanes so many deliberately drive wide off the center of the lanes (only #1 & 2 lanes) for bikes. I usually wave at drivers that see me coming and move over to let me have even more room. I figure if I give a courtesy wave and ease by at a casual pace, then it keeps the peace. Most car drivers heading for home are tired and already at the end of their patience by the time they are stuck in traffic for an hour or two...why be a nuisance by blasting by and pissing them off?
Banned
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,195
Likes: 0
From: Nor-Cal
RE: splitting traffic
Sorry VEGASHD. Didn't mean to irritate you w/my riding habits. I split lanes every time I ride .I see no reason to sit in traffic for half an hour to get out to the Interstate. That being said I don't make a bunch of noise on the way by and always wave to the folks that scoot over for me. It is a necessary evil where I live and for what it's worth it's kind of fun. I was unaware that it was illegal in Nevada and have knowone to blame but myself for not doing my homework before I rode into that great state of yours. Lighten up big guy .Next time I come to your kneck of the woods I'll pick up a cold one for ya. Ps. any of you guys going to Laughlin this year?
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,341
Likes: 0
From: Dover, Oh
RE: splitting traffic
ORIGINAL: darkside
Sorry VEGASHD. Didn't mean to irritate you w/my riding habits. I split lanes every time I ride .I see no reason to sit in traffic for half an hour to get out to the Interstate. That being said I don't make a bunch of noise on the way by and always wave to the folks that scoot over for me. It is a necessary evil where I live and for what it's worth it's kind of fun. I was unaware that it was illegal in Nevada and have knowone to blame but myself for not doing my homework before I rode into that great state of yours. Lighten up big guy .Next time I come to your kneck of the woods I'll pick up a cold one for ya. Ps. any of you guys going to Laughlin this year?
Sorry VEGASHD. Didn't mean to irritate you w/my riding habits. I split lanes every time I ride .I see no reason to sit in traffic for half an hour to get out to the Interstate. That being said I don't make a bunch of noise on the way by and always wave to the folks that scoot over for me. It is a necessary evil where I live and for what it's worth it's kind of fun. I was unaware that it was illegal in Nevada and have knowone to blame but myself for not doing my homework before I rode into that great state of yours. Lighten up big guy .Next time I come to your kneck of the woods I'll pick up a cold one for ya. Ps. any of you guys going to Laughlin this year?
no big deal. it was nothing against you. In fact growing up in Ca i undestand when I see Ca plates hee splitting lanes cause thye probably do not know any better. What pisses me off is when they have Nv plates and I see the same bikes everyday doing it
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 8
RE: splitting traffic
Ahhhh, I still think that's just NUTs! I never realized that people actually even did this. What disturbs me now is thinking " What if I was driving my vehicle there. Driving in the left lane, minding my own business and a biker did this from behind me on my right side.
I know, darn well, out of habbit, if I were to consider making a lane change, I would look in my rear view mirrors to look behind me and a head check to see the car beside me, but I would probably would't consider someone in my blindspot like a bike would be. I would very likely focus on the car beside me and judge my speed and attempt to change lanes by that. I would never expect to see a bike between us, thus I would probably look right through it."
Now, I know about this and MAYBE I would be a little more prepared, but, how many others are completely unaware this is something to watch for. It's bad enough that bikers are often "not seen" at the best of times...This really disturbs me.
I know, darn well, out of habbit, if I were to consider making a lane change, I would look in my rear view mirrors to look behind me and a head check to see the car beside me, but I would probably would't consider someone in my blindspot like a bike would be. I would very likely focus on the car beside me and judge my speed and attempt to change lanes by that. I would never expect to see a bike between us, thus I would probably look right through it."
Now, I know about this and MAYBE I would be a little more prepared, but, how many others are completely unaware this is something to watch for. It's bad enough that bikers are often "not seen" at the best of times...This really disturbs me.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 8
RE: splitting traffic
I know we're not talking about normal freeway speeds and stuff...But, I would be very apprehensive about partaking in this practice for fear of THAT ONE LONELY GUY that just didn't know about this....not to mention all the other people out there that have taken out bikers who were in plain site...cause "they just didn't see them".
Normal or not normal...it's still playing chicken!
Normal or not normal...it's still playing chicken!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,820
Likes: 15
From: PA
RE: splitting traffic
I lived in Germany for many years and this is common practice throughout the country. If I recall correctly they do prefer to use the curb rather then 'splitting' lanes down the middle. But you'll almost always see all the bikes work there way to the front at a red light when traffic is moving slowly or standing still. I guess it's just something you get used to. My favorite place to drive a car was Italy. They'll pass on one lane roads while another car is coming at you. At first you think they're nuts but then you realize it works because they all know how it's done. Everyone makes room. And as they say - 'When in Rome do as...' - you get used to it and then you do it to.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,341
Likes: 0
From: Dover, Oh
RE: splitting traffic
no one has mentioned when riding in california those drivers that hate bikes and move over on their lane or open a car door on PURPOSE
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Banned
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 941
Likes: 0
From: San Leandro,ca
RE: splitting traffic
yes you're right vegas but it happens. recently a dj on one of the local radio stations advocated opening your car door on lane splitters . the fcc is investigating this right now thats why its a white knuckle ride and not for everyone but on the other hand alot of people move over to give you more room I always acknoledge this by waving or yelling thank you and when a car does swerve toward me I spit on the drivers window as I pass not very mature but makes me feel better and the bonus is sometimes the window is down
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,341
Likes: 0
From: Dover, Oh
RE: splitting traffic
ORIGINAL: fxdxsteve
yes you're right vegas but it happens. recently a dj on one of the local radio stations advocated opening your car door on lane splitters . the fcc is investigating this right now thats why its a white knuckle ride and not for everyone but on the other hand alot of people move over to give you more room I always acknoledge this by waving or yelling thank you and when a car does swerve toward me I spit on the drivers window as I pass not very mature but makes me feel better and the bonus is sometimes the window is down
yes you're right vegas but it happens. recently a dj on one of the local radio stations advocated opening your car door on lane splitters . the fcc is investigating this right now thats why its a white knuckle ride and not for everyone but on the other hand alot of people move over to give you more room I always acknoledge this by waving or yelling thank you and when a car does swerve toward me I spit on the drivers window as I pass not very mature but makes me feel better and the bonus is sometimes the window is down
Your right, Not very mature and I am sure people will frown on it. I would do the same immature thing. But many many people carry a hand full of marbles in their jacket pockets just for idiot drivers while going down the interestate. Or another popular tool is the spring punch in the pocket.
I was driving down the freeway one evening not to long ago and this pick up truck started stepping on his brakes on purpose. When I tried to go around he swerved. All of a sudden a beer bottle comes out the passenger window just as he steps on the brakes. I could only focus on the brakes and locked them up and had a nice encounter with a beer bottle to the chest. I waited til traffic was clear and moved over three lanes and gunned it to get around him.