Follow up to "Talkin about Lane Splitting"
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,225
Likes: 2
From: Southern California
Follow up to "Talkin about Lane Splitting"
I posted the following in "Talking about Lane Splitting":
Yesterday a Kawasaki Ninja rider was killed in Buena Park, Ca doing this very same thing. There were a bunch of witnesses that saw the rider sideswipe himself off the bike at high speed. He sideswiped a slower moving car. The car wasn't going slow, it was just going slower that the ninja. Rider was dead on the scene. The Ninja traveled over 300 feet without the rider.
This collision occurred on Beach Blvd north of Knotts Berry Farm. A very busy street, with a lot of traffic. Beach Blvd is four lanes each way with a bunch of traffic lights and a speed limit of 45mph.
It's legal to split lanes in California, but very dangerous when cagers are moving fast. I'll admit that I split lanes to get to the front of traffic that is stopped for a red light. I don't split lanes on the freeway or when traffic is moving on surface streets.
End quote---
What does everyone think about lane spliting? I've split lanes for 30 years, but for the most part, it's only when vehicles are stopped for a red light. I do see riders every day split lanes on the freeway during rush hour traffic. This includes the motorcops from the California Highway Patrol.
Yesterday a Kawasaki Ninja rider was killed in Buena Park, Ca doing this very same thing. There were a bunch of witnesses that saw the rider sideswipe himself off the bike at high speed. He sideswiped a slower moving car. The car wasn't going slow, it was just going slower that the ninja. Rider was dead on the scene. The Ninja traveled over 300 feet without the rider.
This collision occurred on Beach Blvd north of Knotts Berry Farm. A very busy street, with a lot of traffic. Beach Blvd is four lanes each way with a bunch of traffic lights and a speed limit of 45mph.
It's legal to split lanes in California, but very dangerous when cagers are moving fast. I'll admit that I split lanes to get to the front of traffic that is stopped for a red light. I don't split lanes on the freeway or when traffic is moving on surface streets.
End quote---
What does everyone think about lane spliting? I've split lanes for 30 years, but for the most part, it's only when vehicles are stopped for a red light. I do see riders every day split lanes on the freeway during rush hour traffic. This includes the motorcops from the California Highway Patrol.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
Can motorcycle riders "split" lanes and ride between other vehicles?
Lane splitting by motorcycles is permissible but must be done in a safe and prudent manner.
http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/answers.html
Safe and prudent leaves a lot to interpretation. You California folks are the only ones in the U.S. allowed to even do it.
Lane splitting by motorcycles is permissible but must be done in a safe and prudent manner.
http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/answers.html
Safe and prudent leaves a lot to interpretation. You California folks are the only ones in the U.S. allowed to even do it.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 2,140
From: Hope Mills NC, bye CA!!
I do it in backed up freeway traffic that is stopped or moving at 15-20 mph or so. I dont bother at red lights....it will get moving soon enough. You are not supposed to pass at more than 10 mph faster than traffic and most around here dont.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,225
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From: Southern California
I can't believe California is the only state that allows lane spliting! If you're in California and split lanes keep in mind there are caged drivers that hate this and will try to block you. I think they are just jealous, but they are dangerous.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,364
Likes: 40
From: Los Angeles, CA
I have been splitting lanes for 15 years here in CA and have never had an accident as a result of splitting. There have been close calls but now that I am a bit older I ride slower. I see these guys on crotch rockets lane splitting and wonder if I ever split so fast, but I am sure I did in my day.
I have had my fair share of accidents as well, but none have been splitting. I was once pulled over for splitting too fast on the 405. The motorcycle officer informed me that 10 MPH faster than traffic is moving is the limit and only if deemed safe.
|Drew
I have had my fair share of accidents as well, but none have been splitting. I was once pulled over for splitting too fast on the 405. The motorcycle officer informed me that 10 MPH faster than traffic is moving is the limit and only if deemed safe.
|Drew
Gonzy
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 7
From: Foggy Coastside California
I split lanes when traffic is backed up and practically at a standstill. For the most part i come across very few people who resent lane splitters, it's usually the out of staters who have a problem with it. Most people I come across move over a bit. I sometimes split at traffic signals, just depends on my mood at the time. The key is safe and prudent.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2010
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From: Sierra Nevadas
as opposed to sitting in traffic?
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,067
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From:
I have a personal rule for splitting....I only stay in 1st gear for lane splitting. As soon as traffic is moving to the point of shifting to 2nd gear, I fall in line with everyone else.
I have to agree with earlier poster that most people are fine with it, it seems to be those out of state that have an issue.
I have to agree with earlier poster that most people are fine with it, it seems to be those out of state that have an issue.
Supporter
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 33,677
Likes: 135,790
From: SoCal
Some of the worst traffic I have experienced, here is SoCal, is heading south on PCH from Malibu on a Sunday afternoon. Bumper to bumper and the split...tire to tire. It is almost comical.
As for the ninja guy shooting through traffic like a rocket...may the idiot rest in peace.
As for the ninja guy shooting through traffic like a rocket...may the idiot rest in peace.