Riding between cars. Do YOU do it?

[TCazes]

screw the view i like the bike

[pixelpusher]

Looks like Palos Verdes.

[Darkdruid]

Completely legal at low speeds in the UK and most riders do it. Couldn't just sit in traffic when I can ride through!?

[93gc40]

Funny how the main reason or example given for both UNSAFE and SAFE is the same.. That big wall of steal. The only difference being the UNSAFERs are affraid of the walls to the side, and the the it's safe crowd is worried about the ones in front of and behind the bike.

For me the best argument FOR splitting lanes is the affect of GRAVITY and centrifical forces on the motorcycle. As the one increases the affects of the other decreases.. This mean a motorcycle is less likely to tip over if it keep moving. The most bike drops happen at very low speed or when stopped. I for one don't want to have a gravitational episode in traffic. Yes after 40 years about the only thing about bikes that I really worry about is, GRAVITY, and what happens if it and that car overther, decide to interact with me. Then there's the risk of stalling.

[O'Larry]

I have really enjoyed this set of postings! Gives everybody a greater insight to different scenario's and makes us all think outside of the box! Steel walls or otherwise!

[DarkAero]

Thanks to all who participated in this discussion! I am a new rider and was truly seeking opinions based on experience, which I definitely got. I think the conclusion that can be drawn is if its legal and you feel safe doing it, then go for it. Boils down to personal preference I guess... For now I will sit my happy ass in traffic as I think doing something on a bike I am not comfortable doing is more dangerous than the potential rear ender. I may think differently after I have some time in the saddle...

Sent from my PC36100 using Motorcycle.com Free App

[Lemonhead]

Originally Posted by ZackDaniels

Not while in motion but you bet your ass I'd be skipping to the front of the line at lights in heavy traffic.

Agreed. This MIGHT be the only time I would consider it. But since it's illegal, I'd try it one time and there's be a po-po sitting pole position at the light. That's how my luck rolls.

[lttlbddy]

As far as I know, Calif is the only state where it is specifically legal.

I lane split daily, on surface streets and on the freeway and I've done it for the last 4.5 years. If possible I will always be the first one out at a stop light.

I almost never split lanes if traffic is moving at 55 or more though. There are also several situations where I wait for the right traffic pattern before I sneak between cars.

And yes, I have dents in both of my mirrors from hitting the mirrors on the cagers.

I also use my horn as necessary but I never insist on the right of way. I only split when I can do so without infringing on the others right of way.

[fithamoto]

Originally Posted by lttlbddy

As far as I know, Calif is the only state where it is specifically legal.

I lane split daily, on surface streets and on the freeway and I've done it for the last 4.5 years. If possible I will always be the first one out at a stop light.

I almost never split lanes if traffic is moving at 55 or more though. There are also several situations where I wait for the right traffic pattern before I sneak between cars.

And yes, I have dents in both of my mirrors from hitting the mirrors on the cagers.

I also use my horn as necessary but I never insist on the right of way. I only split when I can do so without infringing on the others right of way.

I personally think that lane splitting can be done safely and responsibly as long as we don't abuse the circumstances that it was designed for.
At 55mph....you don't need to do that anyways ? ... to my knowledge & understanding, it was originally created for heavy traffic situations and to let the bikes move thru traffic without impeding the flow of automobiles. The bikes are only supposed to move thru trraffic at speeds no faster than 10 mph of the flowing traffic.
So if your hauling thru lanes at 50 when traffic is rolling at an average of 20 mph, then your an IDIOT ! use your head and common sense !

Lane splitting is only best used in heavy or stopped traffic for the bikes to get thru the larger autos.....plain and simple.

[lttlbddy]

Originally Posted by fithamoto

At 55mph....you don't need to do that anyways ?

I stated that at 55 I don't. Traffic condition determine when I do at higher than crawl speeds.

Originally Posted by fithamoto

... to my knowledge & understanding, it was originally created for heavy traffic situations and to let the bikes move thru traffic without impeding the flow of automobiles.

You may cite specifics or your knowledge and understanding are speculation.

Originally Posted by fithamoto

The bikes are only supposed to move thru trraffic at speeds no faster than 10 mph of the flowing traffic.
So if your hauling thru lanes at 50 when traffic is rolling at an average of 20 mph, then your an IDIOT ! use your head and common sense !

When you quote me and make a statement this, my only response is that "IF" your are directing this at me, you need to improve your reading comprehension. You are making a lot of assumptions here.

Originally Posted by fithamoto

Lane splitting is only best used in heavy or stopped traffic for the bikes to get thru the larger autos.....plain and simple.

Noting in my post says anything different.