A different lane-splitting question: Does it make cagers angry?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
I rode today down PCH from Topanga to LAX to see the Shuttle landing. There was some pretty significant traffic around the airport and on the way home. I was doing my fair share of lane splitting.
So to answer the original question of how CA drivers handle lane splitting, my experience today was one ******* squeezing in so I could not get through while there were dozens that moved over to make more room for me. I'd say 50 to 1, drivers are ok with it, based on my experience today and in general.
So to answer the original question of how CA drivers handle lane splitting, my experience today was one ******* squeezing in so I could not get through while there were dozens that moved over to make more room for me. I'd say 50 to 1, drivers are ok with it, based on my experience today and in general.
Last edited by 2black1s; Sep 21, 2012 at 08:14 PM. Reason: add photos
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Canyon Country
I do a lot of riding in SoCal and I really dont have many problems when lane splitting every once in a while a person will squeeze over but it doesnt happen often most of the time people move out of my way.
I once saw a white truck accidentally squeeze over on a few 1%ers and quickly swerved over when the lead rider turned around and gave him a look of death. Kind of irreverent but it made me laugh.
I once saw a white truck accidentally squeeze over on a few 1%ers and quickly swerved over when the lead rider turned around and gave him a look of death. Kind of irreverent but it made me laugh.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,126
Likes: 51,455
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Didn't want to hijack the existing most-recent lane splitting thread, so I started this one.
Do the car and truck drivers in So Cal generally "get" the purpose of lane splitting and act courteously? I'm talking about proper splitting, moderate speed in jammed up traffic. ?
Here in NJ, I would imagine that cagers would try and sabotage a rider doing this (ie, shifting their bumper to block the open spot, open their car door, etc).
The social and automotive climate around here is so different than in CA, I didn't know if drivers were just nicer about it there. Or if some of them still act like jackholes. ?
Do the car and truck drivers in So Cal generally "get" the purpose of lane splitting and act courteously? I'm talking about proper splitting, moderate speed in jammed up traffic. ?
Here in NJ, I would imagine that cagers would try and sabotage a rider doing this (ie, shifting their bumper to block the open spot, open their car door, etc).
The social and automotive climate around here is so different than in CA, I didn't know if drivers were just nicer about it there. Or if some of them still act like jackholes. ?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,982
Likes: 6,111
From: Florida
I could give a rodent's rectum if cagers are offended or not. I think most talk of them running into you on purpose is exaggerated. Most people don't want to bear the legal ramifications of doing something stupid like that nowadays. Hell, here in Floriduh, you can be charged for harassment if you stare at someone for more than 8 seconds. If they try it while I'm splitting, either they take me out for good, which will end my problems & begin theirs, or if I survive, I will OWN everything they have.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,258
Likes: 523
From: USA
Here in No Cal...
1) Seems small percentage get angry and move over on you.
2) A little larger perentage move to give you more room.
3) Then perhaps the majority are asleep at the wheel and don't care.
1) Seems small percentage get angry and move over on you.
2) A little larger perentage move to give you more room.
3) Then perhaps the majority are asleep at the wheel and don't care.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 17
From: Southeastern Wisconsin
What I don't understand is.....if say five lanes of traffic are stopped say due to an accident leaving one lane open, how does allowing motorcycles run up between lanes and fill the one open lane make sense? If everyone took their proper turn traffic would move better for all. This has got to be the scenario that pisses drivers off. I know one of my pet peeves is when everyone sees the sign saying lane closed and that lane is the one moving because everyone allows that traffic to tuck in at the last possible second. People jump into that lane and fly up to the end then move over slamming on the brakes causing the slinky to start.If that lane is stopped moving it seems everyone moves a bit smoother. So flame away I don't see lane splitting as a good thing. We want all the rights of the road that cages have plus a bunch of extra's because we bought a Harley!
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From: TOAK western branch
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 1
From: North Jersey
In Jersey it's illegal and eventually you will get killed doing it here. There are too many drivers that can't drive, change lanes on the spot, cellphoners, make-up arts, window shoppers, bluehairs and hell they're all here driving around like they are the only car, van, suv and trucks. Plus you have the bike haters and the folks that wouldn't let God get in front of them. I don't see many Harley's doing it but ricers seem to love it, even on their rear wheel. Then we read about them. I just don't chance it.