What do you do in a traffic jam?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
Lane splitting's illegal in New York, but you'd never know it. I got stuck on the BQE in rush hour back in June. It was hotter than Hell, and there were a lot of bikes splitting. I sucked it up 'till I made it to the HOV lanes on the LIE.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Great Lakes State
I'm with m361, here in Mich it's illegal to split or even share lanes (2 wide). And cages would just as soon knock you off your bike, open a door or squeeze you in before they let you pass. (that's why they have removeable mirrors right?) I wouldn't split lanes to pass, too dangerous imo. But isn't that a reason bikes get such a bad rap and cages hate us, doing stuff like that? Cept in CA obviously. I have seen many a crotches doing that or other dumb, dangerous stuff and I am thinking to my self, what an ID 10 T...I'd get off the next exit or ride it out.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Great Lakes State
Switch
Seriously? Is this stock? I have a 2010 FLHTC. I have heard of one cylinder shutting down on it's own if over heating, but manually?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,673
Likes: 16
From: Norfolk, VA
If traffic is stopped and the back up looks to last a while I will get off at an exit. If the exit is not close, I will split or ride the shoulder to get there. No, it is not legal. No, I do not care that it is illegal. No, I do not care if it upsets people in cars or people that still have this "he is cutting in line" mentality left over from the second grade. If I get a ticket, I will pay it like a big boy 
I've been a LEO for well over 20 years and a metric street bike owner for over 30 years. I have a lot of experience with traffic back ups on hot interstate highways. I always got a kick out of watch Harley riders scoot up the shoulders to get out of the back up. Fast forward to two years ago when I first became a H-D owner. Now I understand. That said, lane splitting and driving on the shoulders is illegal in Wisconsin and the fine is $200.50 When ANY vehicle passes by me on the shoulder while I'm waiting, I'm obligated to take action. Cages have the benefit of liquid cooling and A/C, metrics have L/Q and H-D's (other than V-Rods) get hot. I'll have a talk with them, let them know how much the ticket $$ is, let the motoring public think what they may and tell them to get back in line and wait it out. I was stuck in a couple this summer in Ohio/WV and just shut the bike off for a few minutes. Like every traffic situation, you can just take your chances and hope for the best. But that's just what I do as I can't speak for the other LEO's....
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: CA
If you're takin the shoulder because trafficis backed up on a 2 lane road, how is a cop going to pull you over?! He's gonna be stuck in traffic too, unless he's on a motorcycle... I agree wIth the others, if you do take the shoulder be watchful for debris that could cause you to get a flat.
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
If traffic is stopped and the back up looks to last a while I will get off at an exit. If the exit is not close, I will split or ride the shoulder to get there. No, it is not legal. No, I do not care that it is illegal. No, I do not care if it upsets people in cars or people that still have this "he is cutting in line" mentality left over from the second grade. If I get a ticket, I will pay it like a big boy
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,673
Likes: 16
From: Norfolk, VA
The shoulders around here are wide enough for cars, all he/she has to do is pull out of traffic on to the shoulder and flip the lights on behind you. Honestly, I do not often see our local troopers sitting in traffic very often, they drive down the shoulder or use on of the flip cut overs to go the other direction.
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