What's Wrong w/ Cage Drivers?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 12,229
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From: Along the shoreline in SW FL
The roads here (like anywhere really) vary, but we drive the same imported cars you do. A Hyundai here is a Hyundai there. We just don't drive your domestic cars because they're not available here and they seem to be the largest ones. It think it's all pretty much even, really. I will say we don't have the same affection for pickups and SUVs (although I think anyone driving a Range Rover in London should be dragged out of the driver's seat and beaten with a copy of the highway code).
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Advanced
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: tennessee
OK, I wasn't going to dis any particular drivers, but you invited it. In the DC area, the most hostile, aggressive drivers I see aren't Pennsylvania. The worst have New Jersey tags. The next are Maryland (who I think are NJ wanabe's.) Maryland is just across the river but Virginia drivers are much more polite. (Let the Civil War begin again!)
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 168
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From: PA
While were all complaining, I would just like to say that school bus drivers are by far the worst. Out of every other vehicle on the road, the highest percentage of people who cut me off, drive slow, disregard turn signals, and a multitude of other pet peeves of mine, are driving school buses.
But once you go in to Philly, it's a whole new ball game..
But once you go in to Philly, it's a whole new ball game..
Last edited by Vitric; Sep 14, 2011 at 12:39 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,202
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From: Hudson Valley, NY
People riding in the shoulder in traffic are much bigger ******** than lane splitters.
And the fact that ANYONE is defending a driver purposely turning into a guy on a bike lane splitting is a real eye opener to the state of bikers in this world.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,095
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From: Central Illinois
So you're a complete hypocrite then? Riding in the shoulder is illegal and not only that if there is an accident and someone is dying you're now tying up the only way police and an ambulance can get to the accident victim. I've seen plenty of cars pull into the shoulder to stop someone from riding the shoulder in traffic.
People riding in the shoulder in traffic are much bigger ******** than lane splitters.
And the fact that ANYONE is defending a driver purposely turning into a guy on a bike lane splitting is a real eye opener to the state of bikers in this world.
People riding in the shoulder in traffic are much bigger ******** than lane splitters.
And the fact that ANYONE is defending a driver purposely turning into a guy on a bike lane splitting is a real eye opener to the state of bikers in this world.
There is a HUGE difference between carefully riding on the shoulder at 5mph to avoid overheating, where there is ample room to go off into the grass to avoid contact with other vehicles...and splitting lanes which puts you within INCHES of other cars on BOTH sides, just because you were in a hurry.
Of course, I fully expect that distinction to be lost on you.
Also: You will not find ONE single defense on my part of the driver's actions. I very acutely stated that I would not do the same, only that if you lane split where its illegal, you appear to be an ******* in my opinion.
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Hudson Valley, NY
And the feeling is mutual, except you're a complete hypocrite riding in the shoulder in traffic as well as an opinionated *******.. The only thing dangerous about lane splitting is when some sociopath decides he is going to try and kill you by pulling out in front of you.
In a few states lane splitting is legal, riding in the shoulder to avoid traffic never is, so that should clue you in to which is preferred by the powers that be.
In a few states lane splitting is legal, riding in the shoulder to avoid traffic never is, so that should clue you in to which is preferred by the powers that be.
Last edited by babalu; Sep 14, 2011 at 01:43 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Central Illinois
And the feeling is mutual, except you're a complete hypocrite riding in the shoulder in traffic as well as an opinionated *******.. The only thing dangerous about lane splitting is when some sociopath decides he is going to try and kill you by pulling out in front of you.
In a few states lane splitting is legal, riding in the shoulder to avoid traffic never is, so that should clue you in to which is preferred by the powers that be.
In a few states lane splitting is legal, riding in the shoulder to avoid traffic never is, so that should clue you in to which is preferred by the powers that be.
The last defense of someone without a solid argument is always "but the great authority figures say its good, so THERE".
You overlook the main danger with lane splitting: It doesn't take a sociopath to try and block you, it just takes one of the following:
Driver tries to change lanes without looking
Passenger or driver holds their arm out the window
Passenger or driver opens their door to pour out an unwanted drink
All of the above are common occurrences, and in each case above, not only are you at risk on the motorcycle, but you are putting the cars on BOTH sides of you at risk to damage and potential injury in the "arm out the window" case.
Now, in states where lane splitting is LEGAL, you can make the argument that drivers should know about it, and therefore be more careful not to open doors, pour out drinks, lane change without looking for a lane splitter, etc....
But in states where its ILLEGAL, drivers are not looking for a motorcycle that has created its own imaginary lane, and therefore if they open a door...its YOUR fault as the rider, which makes YOU the *******.
The difference between that and shoulder riding, is that shoulder riding offers the motorcycle a path to evade an opening door, or a car straying from its lane, while lane splitting does NOT.
Also, this study found that lane splitting in Eurpoe did NOT reduce rear end accidents:
In Europe, the MAIDS Report was conducted using Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) standards in 1999–2000 and collected data on over 900 motorcycle accidents in five countries, along with non-accident exposure data (control cases) to measure the contribution of different factors to accidents, in the same way as the Hurt Report. Four of the five countries where data was collected allow lane splitting, while one does not, yet none of the conclusions contained in the MAIDS Final Report note any difference in rear-end accidents or accidents during lane splitting.
California's DMV handbook for motorcycles advises significant caution regarding lane splitting: "Cars and motorcycles each need a full lane to operate safely. Lane sharing is not safe. Riding between rows of stopped or moving cars in the same lane can leave you vulnerable. A car could turn suddenly or change lanes, a door could open, or a hand could come out of a window. Discourage lane sharing by others.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lane_splitting
Last edited by parabellum_9x19; Sep 14, 2011 at 01:55 PM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 12,229
Likes: 7,806
From: Along the shoreline in SW FL
Just because someone rides a motorcycle doesn't make them a perfect highly skilled operator on the road. I try to pound this into heads all the time..."People are people, regardless if they're behind a steering wheel, or behind handlebars. It's the person that counts, not the machine they're in, or on top of".
There are good and bad drivers AND riders.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,202
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From: Hudson Valley, NY
I've waved to NYC cops stuck in traffic more than once lane splitting and have never been pulled over for it. I find it impossible to believe that you have any amount in the saddle other than some weekend rides in the country and find lane splitting so abhorrent. Do it, don't do it I can respect both sides, if people don't feel comfortable or safe they shouldn't do it. But don't call everyone who lane splits "********" while you're riding up the friggin shoulder to avoid traffic because you're too timid to lane split. You're still an "*******" (using your words) you're just a timid *******.