Lane-Splitting (California residents)

This is more of a issue towards Cali folk, folks that ride on a regular basis in Cali, or folks that lived here once and did so on a regular basis.

I have some questions based upon other peoples' comments to me, and seeing riders lane-split in what I believe to be a bad manner.

At what speed do you stop lane-splitting (CHP "prefers" you do this less than 35mph, at no more than 10 mph over traffic, in the fast lane only)?

In what lane do you lane-split (i.e....number 1 (fast lane), number 2, number 3, wherever I feel like it, etc..)?

Do you regularly swerve in and out of traffic going from one lane to the other as you lane split?

Do you lane-split with large saddlebags, and/or a large bike too large to fit easily between cars?

When you can do so safely, do you ever wave to drivers who move out of your way to let you by?

I do lane-split on a regular basis when I ride my bike, as it is a necessary evil some would say in gridlock prone metro areas. However, when I do, I try to be as consider as I can. I try not to ride too fast above the speed of traffic, I don't swerve in and out of lanes, I only split in the fast lane, and if traffic hits 45mph or so, I fall back in line with traffic.

I just see so many inconsiderate riders who split that it is really no wonder why so many people talk about us in a negative fashion in regards to being on the ride, and/or lane-splitting. It is not safe to lane-split at higher speeds, if you have a very wide bike, or are going lane to lane.

Let's talk about the lane-splitting in different lanes.

If I am splitting in the fast lane "some" cars do try to make room by moving to the right or left. If another rider is splitting in the next lane over, those cars are going to "squeeze" into his lane, and/or make the driver react and swerve back into my lane (it has happened, and I do not blame them) making me have to swerve.

Point I am trying to make is that multiple bikes splitting in multiple lanes adds up to bad things. Talking to other motorcyclists, they seem to get mad when a driver does not get out of their way. I guess the thing is, cars and bikes have to "share" the road, and riding in a considerate manner as possible while on the road and lane-splitting helps our image in eyes of others, voters, police, politicians, lawmakers (who propose new laws against us).

Next thing is splitting at too fast of a speed when traffic is flowing smoothly. Again, this ticks off other drivers, causes dangerous reactions all at a higher rate of speed, which could be much more deadly for all.

Final thing is splitting with a wide bike. Let's face it, some bikes are just plain too wide to split lanes. If you have a wide saddlebags, or a full dress bagger, you might want to bring your other bike. I have seen multiple instances of riders scraping a car as they went thru a tight spot. How would one of you feel if you were in your shiny new car and somebody ran their key down the side of it? I would not be happy.

I think the biggest issue is our inability to look at the big picture. I mean, we share the road with cars, trucks, other bikes, bicyclists, tractors, etc. We need to realize this. Think of when someone is driving in traffic. You are playing most attention to what is in front of you, and beside you. It is hard to tell when someone comes whizzing up on a motorcycle beside you.

We all bitch and complain about cars on the road, well, many riders on the road ride like @ssholes just the same, and many of them have it coming to them when they get in an accident.

I am just saying, please have some consideration for others, realize we have to share the road, and displaying arrogance will only further hurt the future of motorcycling by making more laws and restrictions. I view my riding from an open perspective, and I am always adjusting it if I believe it is for the better, and not for just my own needs. Consideration for others is very lacking in todays ever more crowded world.

Thanks for listening to my lecture, have a nice day, and RIDE SAFELY!

 

I don't like to split lanes unless it's really neccessary. Frankly, I rarely ride on the freeway (unless I have to, to get to the nearest twisty, two-lane foothill/mountain roads). But, I'm glad Cali allows it (for now...). All-in-all, I find it rather stressful. However, when I do, I try to do the following:

* Only split lanes if traffic is completely (or nearly) stopped
* Only at speeds bellow 25 MPH
* Only in the fast lane
* No swerving (down the middle)
* Stop splitting as soon as traffic gets moving

Also, I'll occasionally split at stop lights to get to the front if there's time and room. No bags so no problem.

I also notice some "squids" on sport bikes splitting way too fast (and swerving) and Harleys (with bags) trying to squeeze through too small a space. It always ticks me off to see unsafe, stupid and arrogant riding. Thanks...

 

Great thread! I share your views and opinions on cycle etiquette. We do need to "play well w/others" on the freeways and biways of this land. Make no mistake, we are the minority. Even though we are supposed to live in a Republic, not many know it and the "majority" will try to cow-tie their reps to get them to put the shackles on us.

I actually feel out the traffic sitch for lane splitting, but generally <35MPH is around where I make the move. My commute allows me to use the carpool lane. The only lane splitting I do is between carpool/fast lane. I believe the history of it stems from CHP's needing to keep moving in order to prevent over-heating befored liquid cooled bikes. Since they were allow to do it, all are allowed. When I used to ride (~20 years ago,) I seem to recall the splitting speed was 5MPH over traffic. Can't recall the guideline for traffic speed before splitting is recommended/blessed.

I only swerve when traffic is <35MPH, the car in the Diamond Lane doesn't give me ample space, and the fast lane section of road I need to pass is available. My life insurance is NOT as good as I'd like it to be, so I error on the side of caution.

I do have the Givi saddle bags for my VFR. I don't feel they protrude much (if any) further than my mirrors. I think they can pass, I go for it.

 

I have my top speed at which i wont lane split anymore; usually its about 45mph though sometime i break that rule. I dont serve in and out of traffic, crossing lanes unless i'm going around a jerk that squeezes over on the line. I too can commute in the carpool lane so i split this lane everyday.

If i see some :asshat: flying through traffic i'll let them pass, but if a car moves over i definitely will give then a head nod or wave if safe. Good topic!

 

Thanks for sharing your opion
Here is mine

I ride daily with my hardcase
I split lane mostly in Carpool lane
Cannot tell you how fast over the car.....I split lane whenever I feel safe.
I swerve only at a low speed and only in the hot summer day (Keep me and the bike cool).
I'm agree with you there are many asshole riders out there..........There are nothing we can do but just be safe for yourself and share the road with other.

Cheers

 

Lane splitting in So. Cal is a much different sport than it is in Sacramento, people are way less likely to be looking for us and most of us keep it to a minimum except on surface streets. When in So Cal though it is a required event to get anywhere.

 

I am a warrior. Fear me. Part the waves as if you were the Red Sea and I am Moses!

Not really. I split when necessary. When I can travel with traffic, I do.

 

Ditto that, except I seem to do a lot of freeway riding.

 

I lane splitted south of San Fransico on my way to Reggies on the 101 and I gotta tell you I did not like doing that evne at the low speeds we were doing. (accident) So the traffice was doing about 15mph and I was doing like 25 mph. Good enough for me. Had the traffice been doing any faster, I would have just stayed in line. Self preservation I guess.

 

Its because of guys like you on their big old loud gas guzzling fully dressed.........oh wait wrong forum....let me start over........Its because of guys like you on your noisy, gotta go 100 miles an hour with your hair on fire, balls swinging in the wind riding styles , AND your un american Japenese bikes...whats the matter are you to good to own a merican made machine...

lane splitting I don't like it, I didn't grow up with it so its relatively new to me. I do it but only when traffic is stopped or moving really slow.
If a car moves over to let me by I give them a wave if it is safe.
Now here is another question.... when you are caging it. do you move over or are you automatically moved over to help the lane splitter out? I drive a little to the right just in case a bike comes upon me. asa far as the full dress guys lane splitting, you scratch my car, you gonna pay for it.

I had an aincident in LA last year were a guy cut me off on purpose so I couldn't pass him and when I did get around him he followed me and was honking his horn and yelling at me it was quite funny.because after a few miles the CHP pulled him over..... pretty sure it was for road rage

 

I like your style. Thanks for responding.

Curious.....what does this mean? I was referring to switching from one lane to another rather than just staying in the fast lane.

Thanks for your comments. I think that this is a big part of it. Your speed over traffic should not be more than 10-15mph. You man look at my lecture as an opinion, but if all of us motorcyclists who lane split follow it and are more considerate, we would be viewed of in a better light by other vehicles on the road...and that means by politicians, lawmakers, police, etc....meaning less new laws against us.

I think that this is the main NO-NO that I was talking about. I am just suggesting for you to reconsider your actions. You may think that you are not hurting anyone by splitting lanes at speed, but you are pissing off other drivers, scaring them and possibly making them make a knee-jerk reaction and get into an accident. I know when I am in my car driving and a MC passes me at higher speeds it ticks me off, and puts me, him, and the others on the road in danger. That is the main complaint that I hear from people that I talk to about MCs....they say they swerve thru traffic and pass them at high speeds and scare the crap out of them.

Think of it, if you wait 30 seconds for the cars doing 65 to pass one another, you could proceed without having to split. I know I want to split at higher speeds sometimes, but I restrain myself because of the increased danger not just for me, but for the other drivers on the road. Like I said, I am always trying to become a more considerate rider, and get along better with others.

Ride safe!

 

This could be a handy accessory for lane splitting:

http://webmail.aol.com/31888-111/ao...px?uid=1.28021755&folder=/Saved/Nina&partId=5

 

This is how we deal with lane splitters in British Columbia where it is illegal:

 

I split, I probably go to fast (as possible). I do not swerve, if I rejoin traffic I signal. I use the left hand most medians (HOV lane or fast lane, as available) I have no luggage on my bike. I wave like a high octane Pope, blessing the considerate drivers who makes way and disgustedly shaking my head at the selfish fucks who verge towards and narrow the gap. I have had a small number of close shaves, mostly from drivers not being aware of my quest to occupy the same piece of roadway. Occasionally you come across the douche bag who feels its "not fair" that you are moving along in traffic, but rarely...

 

There is no traffic code relating to lane splitting speeds or density. The only time it was addressed to me was regarding "causing the other driver to react" this was by a town PO, no ticket. This was on secondary road.