Riding between cars. Do YOU do it?

[93gc40]

Where it is legal and safe I will split lanes. SAFE is the key word here. Anybody ever feel uncomfortable with the cars approaching from the rear at a busy, stop light or sign???? Now imagine you are going 5-10 mph, on a 6 lane freeway, all 6 bumper to bumper. You going to split lanes or HOPE that idiot behind you and to each side doesn't decide to merge into the empty spot on the road that is you and your bike. Me, if it is safe to stay in line I stay put, if it os faer to split the lane I split the lane. California freeway at rush hour I'm splitting lanes and riding in the breakdown lane. No way I'm getting between thoose fruitcakes on the road.

[Espiritus]

I learned to ride in Japan, where lane splitting is the accepted norm. Everybody who rides a bike splits lanes, but more importantly, all the cagers know and accept that it is the norm. None of the cagers get upset or angry, defensive or aggressive.

Here, we can't have our own lane without some idiot deciding to "share" it with us, or texting while drifting into our lane, or running up on us because he didn't see our tail light.

Would I split lanes in the states? Sure, if the traffic was standing still and I had alot of room and was heading to a MOTORCYCLE event where all the cagers were also headed. That usually means they are aware of the bikes, appreciative of the bikes, and won't get angry when I split the lane.

On a regular highway, with traffic stalled or backed up due to an accident? Nope, but I might run up the emergency lane to the nearest exit and lay back until it clears.

But I sure would be mindful of those cagers who saw me coming.

[Zop_man]

I lane split at stop lights if I think I can make it to the front before the ligt turns green. I also lane split on the freeway in trafic up to about 40mph, then I merge into a lane and flow with the traffic. It is, as far as I know, not legal in California, it is just not illegal. Lol.

I was raised on the back of a Harley and my dad lane split with me on the bike, I guess I am just used to it. I get stuck in traffic everyday being a bus/limo driver, so it is nice to have the freedom to skip all of that.

[justinmahn]

Never tried it. I have visions of some kid suddenly deciding to see how the wind feels on his arm, and discovering it feels like motorcycle.

[Zop_man]

Also, here in California, many of the cagers are aware of bikers, and those that are not might get a kick to the door, an elbow to the mirror, or a ball bearing thrown into thier windshield...

I haven't and probably never will do these things, but i have seen other bikers take mirrors off because they swerved to prevent them from passing.

[pixelpusher]

Thankfully, California law allows me to lane split when it is safe and prudent to do so, so I do.
I've lived in LA all of my life, and have done most of my riding for the last 25 years commuting in heavy traffic.

Riding a motorcycle gives me access to carpool lanes and I use them as well, but they are often as jammed up as the other lanes.

There are sensible ways to do it, many split at higher speeds. I choose not to.
I am often overtaken by faster riders when lane splitting. I wave them past.

Last week I was overtaken by 2 CHP bikes while I was lane splitting between the carpool lane and the #1 lane.(on the double yellow....a no-no)
I waved them past.
They waved back.
I followed them for the rest of my ride up the 405 towards Santa Monica to work.
Nothing like having a police escort breaking the trail for you. Lol.
It's happened quite a few times over the years, too. They always wave or give me a thumbs up.
I probably have more miles in between lanes than some of you have ridden at all.
Stay safe out there.

[wallasan10]

I’ve done it in the past but I preach against it. In California everyone knows it’s legal but here in Texas nobody knows if it’s legal or not. There is no law against it but there is nothing in the law making it legal either. In an article on Texas motorcycle laws Ride Texas Magazine had this to say

In spite of several "lane splitting" bills having been introduced in different sessions of the Texas Legislature, to date none has been signed into law. The concept of "lane sharing" is not specifically addressed by existing statute. A lane-spiltting rider stopped by a peace officer will be subject to the interpretation of the peace officer at the time.

[rmw]

In Indiana it is specifically against the law and more importantly the drivers around here will not accept it. There was a fella who moved here for a while who was a life long Californian who rode and despite our best efforts he would lane split here and he would constantly fuss about drivers cutting him off, trying to drive him off the road until finally two guys in a pick up opened a door on him and he hit it and was ticketed by the investigating officer. California drivers seem to accept it, here they will try and get you.

[E'ville Rider]

Living in the same area as rmw, I totally agree. I have never done it and in fact it doesn't even enter my mind as a possibility.

But even in California not everyone appreciates it. When I was stationed there in the '70s I was in a car heading towards San Jose when a bike passed us by while lane-splitting. Traffic was at a standstill on the highway. I was watching the biker as he moved ahead (thinking, "That lucky SOB.") when all of a sudden the driver two cars up and one lane over dumped his drink out the window onto the biker. Needless to say, words were exchanged.

[ButchA]

Lane splitting? Um, no... No way, Jose... Even if it were legal, I would still say "NO!!"