Possible new law
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,132
Likes: 25
From: NorCal
Riding two abreast is cool, you get used to it. You just have to pay attention.
As far as lane sharing is concerned (it's not lane splitting), it's perfectly fine if you're following the guidelines and not being an asshat. There's so much traffic here in CA that if we couldn't lane share I'm not sure I'd ride half as much.
As far as lane sharing is concerned (it's not lane splitting), it's perfectly fine if you're following the guidelines and not being an asshat. There's so much traffic here in CA that if we couldn't lane share I'm not sure I'd ride half as much.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 658
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake, VA
While listening to the Fox (106.9) this morning, they said the bill passed the House and is going to the Senate...
http://hamptonroads.com/2012/01/hous...e-2-abreast-va
http://hamptonroads.com/2012/01/hous...e-2-abreast-va
Last edited by Olde Skool; Jan 31, 2012 at 09:53 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Central Virginia
I'm in VA and have been riding two abreast and side by side at stop lights and stop signs for years and years. I've never had a problem with it. Even pulled up beside a motorcycle cop at a light before and we commented on each others bikes. Any locality that chooses to enforce a stupid law like that is retarded. Here's hoping this passes the other house and is signed into law!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
lane splitting, legal in Ca. under certain conditions.
If you know what you are doing it is great, however it's the rider's liability in case of a collision, and responsibility to know the regulations.
In general, lane splitting ( between lanes of traffic headed in the same direction) is permitted at no more than 10 MPH faster than the other traffic, and no faster than 35 MPH.
you get really good at watching stalled driver's heads and looking for front wheels turning- anticipating a lane change.
never had a spill or came close to one.
Ca. drivers are used to this, and many many drivers ( esp with bike stickers in the window) will give a little more room, and I've seen drivers pull their mirrors in as a courtesy.
This also allows bikes to work to the front at intersections.
Before the car pool lanes were put in on some of the major freeways, lane splitting really was a must
sharing the lane, rarely, only with a good riding Pal- more relaxing for both of us to stagger and have more room.
Mike
If you know what you are doing it is great, however it's the rider's liability in case of a collision, and responsibility to know the regulations.
In general, lane splitting ( between lanes of traffic headed in the same direction) is permitted at no more than 10 MPH faster than the other traffic, and no faster than 35 MPH.
you get really good at watching stalled driver's heads and looking for front wheels turning- anticipating a lane change.
never had a spill or came close to one.
Ca. drivers are used to this, and many many drivers ( esp with bike stickers in the window) will give a little more room, and I've seen drivers pull their mirrors in as a courtesy.
This also allows bikes to work to the front at intersections.
Before the car pool lanes were put in on some of the major freeways, lane splitting really was a must
sharing the lane, rarely, only with a good riding Pal- more relaxing for both of us to stagger and have more room.
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jan 31, 2012 at 02:32 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 3
From: Cheltenham, UK
Lane splitting is pretty much accepted as standard in the UK. I see no problem with it and do it all the time but you do have to be at a heightened state of alert.
As MK states above, you do tend to look ahead and read the signals, for example if there is a gap opening up for drivers to change lanes. All I ask is that the drivers show their intention and drive according to that intention. Sadly that is not always the case but, fortunately for me, it always has been so..
I will say that I find driver lane discipline in the US shocking compared to the UK and EU, so when I am in the US I don't lane split. That said, I am always out there on hols and relaxed anyway so why bother
As MK states above, you do tend to look ahead and read the signals, for example if there is a gap opening up for drivers to change lanes. All I ask is that the drivers show their intention and drive according to that intention. Sadly that is not always the case but, fortunately for me, it always has been so..
I will say that I find driver lane discipline in the US shocking compared to the UK and EU, so when I am in the US I don't lane split. That said, I am always out there on hols and relaxed anyway so why bother
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,101
Likes: 1,013
I had no clue that this was illegal anywhere.
Try riding the "roller coaster road" (back road to the Weirs) during bike week in NH
at night! Two bikes abreast in each lane going both ways at night on a narrow winding road going 50-60 mph, with a bunch of drunken morons can pucker you up pretty good! I don't mean just a few bikes either.
I swear I missed a few mirrors by inches or less! I try to stay away from that road during bike week at night. Puckered up so good I couldn't **** for 2 days...LOL
Try riding the "roller coaster road" (back road to the Weirs) during bike week in NH
at night! Two bikes abreast in each lane going both ways at night on a narrow winding road going 50-60 mph, with a bunch of drunken morons can pucker you up pretty good! I don't mean just a few bikes either.
I swear I missed a few mirrors by inches or less! I try to stay away from that road during bike week at night. Puckered up so good I couldn't **** for 2 days...LOL
Last edited by Ragtop; Jan 31, 2012 at 02:26 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 2
From: MKE, WI
I've driven side by side of my riding buddies for years. If you know your rider and feel comfortable with them by your side I see no issues with it. I guess I didn't know this wasn't allowed in all 50 states. In all of them I've toured in I've always done it and never been pulled over. Guess I should check the local laws before traveling a bit better?
T
T
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 138
Likes: 1
From: Nor*Car
We (6 bikes) did a road trip to CBBT last year and made sure to stay staggered once we hit VA. However, we did lane share at lights and stops. Don't know how we'd have kept the group together if we stayed staggered at stops.