How can I not lane split in that kind of traffic? - Page 3

bigbadbrad67 · 10-12-2012, 02:36 PM

This is what it will be like to motorcyclists when/if they ever allow lane-splitting in this state

Debi · 10-12-2012, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by Duck

It sounds like even the Chips don't know the law. I was told it is legal if traffic is moving less than 25 mph. That being said this is a reasonable way to split lanes but remember that most Cali drivers realize that motorcyclists split lanes and know to look out for them. The lanes are also wider than here in Washington for the most part.

I would've split, wouldn't be the first time. How's a cop going to pull you over if traffic is that bad anyway?

It has been legal since 77 in Cali. All the Police officers we knew at that time helped get it through as well they were Motor Officers and used this all the time. they helped push it through back then and yes the whole "Air cooled" issue was brought in to it as well.

BTW... those Chipy's can catch you even while lane splitting as I found out in 83 damn them

NoChickenStrips · 10-12-2012, 04:09 PM

Why I love carbed bikes with a choke:
Use the choke to keep you rolling a low speed , adjust to suit speed. Almost never need clutch unless i need to stop. Extra fuel means engine doesn't get as hot either.

I technically lane split all the time but on city streets. I ride in the bicycle lane for like 50 ft so i can turn right at the stoplight.

R6Roller · 10-12-2012, 07:21 PM

When I started riding I lived in a spot wher splitting the lanes was legal. Thank goodness, because traffic would pile up for about 12 miles out of the city every morning.

Things can get messy though. I've had a woman exit a vehicle at a red light. Clipping my bars and shattering my mirror. She was very lucky indeed. So was I , I guess.

Then I had my chain come off my sprocket and lock up the rear at around 40mph, that was really interesting. (This was in my younger days when partying was way more important than maintenance)

It's not that lane splitting is dangerous. Riding is dangerous period. So yes I'd split lanes if it was legal and of course the general cager public was expecting it. Then I would feel a lot safer about it, but in an area where it is illegal and it is not expected in traffic, you may be asking for some trouble.

This guy is my hero. Cue the lane splitting god.

Iceman600 · 10-12-2012, 11:48 PM

I honestly feel that if a committee actually was created, and spent substantial time on it, this could eventually work. Networking is the golden egg to this all. I want in...

Suzuki Stevo · 10-13-2012, 12:10 AM

Meh..if slower drivers can't even stick to the right, then fucking forget trying to ride between them

ninjaplay · 10-13-2012, 10:09 AM

I've always considered the yellow line was a motorcycle trail. Stay on that and everyone's happy, right. If you can't please others you can always please yourself. Lead, follow, or get the hell out of the road.

Icon · 10-13-2012, 10:24 AM

I split lane all the time...I dont care that its illegal..

Icon · 10-13-2012, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by R6Roller

When I started riding I lived in a spot wher splitting the lanes was legal. Thank goodness, because traffic would pile up for about 12 miles out of the city every morning.

Things can get messy though. I've had a woman exit a vehicle at a red light. Clipping my bars and shattering my mirror. She was very lucky indeed. So was I , I guess.

Then I had my chain come off my sprocket and lock up the rear at around 40mph, that was really interesting. (This was in my younger days when partying was way more important than maintenance)

It's not that lane splitting is dangerous. Riding is dangerous period. So yes I'd split lanes if it was legal and of course the general cager public was expecting it. Then I would feel a lot safer about it, but in an area where it is illegal and it is not expected in traffic, you may be asking for some trouble.

This guy is my hero. Cue the lane splitting god.

Mitch F · 10-13-2012, 11:03 AM

Easy question. Don't ride I5 because I5 sucks nuts.

Derp

DullJack · 10-13-2012, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by Mitch F

Easy question. Don't ride I5 because I5 sucks nuts.

Derp

Or better yet, move out of the PNW.

canyon63 · 10-13-2012, 12:31 PM

R6Roller, that wasn't lane splitting, that was lane inventing.

Nathan · 10-13-2012, 07:25 PM

I will do it until I get a ticket. After I get a ticket, I will do it until I get another ticket.

Sir T-Rex · 10-14-2012, 02:31 PM

I personally think lane splitting is safer than sitting in bumper to bumper traffic. How many times have you been caught in that traffic and started feeling sleepy? Yup...the fumes are getting to you...literally. I may not split lanes all the time, but I will get in the emergency lane and travel at a safe speed...usually around 25-35mph.

firedad · 10-14-2012, 03:01 PM

So, i've always been a lil confused about the whole "legal" vs. "nothing against it" in the California law. I understand the argument on it, but seriously...

There's nothing in the law books saying you can drive with 1 hand on the wheel. Nothing saying you can have your window down and an arm hanging out when it's hot. Or smoking while driving etc...

Basically, if there is no law AGAINST something, then it's legal... period. We don't live in a dictatorship here.

That being said, it is HOW someone splits. If they're riding like an ass, then yes, they can get busted for neg or whatever. But basic point... YES, it's legal in Cali.

hyperfine · 10-14-2012, 05:24 PM

Originally Posted by firedad

There's nothing in the law books saying you can drive with 1 hand on the wheel. Nothing saying you can have your window down and an arm hanging out when it's hot. Or smoking while driving etc...

This. If something isn't prohibited, it isn't prohibited, so make hay while the sun shines. This is how I learned to think of the law a long time ago, thanks to my father, the lawyer. I understand if you're being a jackass they'll just get you for reckless, but that's something else entirely.

dcdeuce · 10-14-2012, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by Suzuki Stevo

Meh..if slower drivers can't even stick to the right, then fucking forget trying to ride between them

This.

Brandon16166 · 10-14-2012, 07:56 PM

Splitting lanes got me a $1800 ticket. Well that and "Failing to yield". Who says a 250 cant get you in trouble..

That being said, I think it should be legal. I have yet to do it again though.

rs4race · 10-15-2012, 08:08 AM

I would skip lane splitting around here. Aside from it being specifically illegal here, Too many drivers merge over suddenly without signals. On top of that drivers arent used to bikes lane splitting so they probably wont be looking out for you. That means when that derp is texting and swerving over to get off the exit at the last second they dont have an open hand to signal and cant look over completely to check their blind spot.... not worth the risk to me..

mineman bruce · 10-15-2012, 08:23 AM

Originally Posted by Iceman600

Yeah, I do not deny the legality of it at all and in no way do I condone it...but given the nature of what we love, speeding is a common thing. For me, I LOVE going fast, when it's safe to do so of course. I know it's completely illegal to blast past a hundo in I-90 tunnels but I still do.

It'd be nice to hear a police officer's view on it, and how much he weighs its legality. Also, does anyone know why only CA was able to pass that law? I am very curious about how they're the only state*. (only state to my knowledge)

It was deemed ok by cali law because back in the day everyone riding on their harley complained about overheating in traffic, since there was no airflow on their engines.


10-12-2012, 02:36 PM	#41
bigbadbrad67 Training Wheels Joined: Jul 2006 From: Kent, WA (West Hill) I Ride: '07 ZX-10R w/ a G30 under the seat	This is what it will be like to motorcyclists when/if they ever allow lane-splitting in this state __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-12-2012, 04:09 PM	#43
NoChickenStrips Licensed Joined: Apr 2011 From: Seattle,WA I Ride: 2004 Yamaha FZ1	Why I love carbed bikes with a choke: Use the choke to keep you rolling a low speed , adjust to suit speed. Almost never need clutch unless i need to stop. Extra fuel means engine doesn't get as hot either. I technically lane split all the time but on city streets. I ride in the bicycle lane for like 50 ft so i can turn right at the stoplight. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-12-2012, 11:48 PM	#45
Iceman600 Training Wheels Joined: Mar 2012 From: Redmond, WA I Ride: 2007 Honda CBR600RR	I honestly feel that if a committee actually was created, and spent substantial time on it, this could eventually work. Networking is the golden egg to this all. I want in... __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-13-2012, 12:10 AM	#46
Suzuki Stevo Railer Joined: May 2008 From: Seattle, Wa I Ride: at a speed that allows me to ride again tomorrow GSX650FK8, DL650K5, SH150i, AN400K7, 2013 WR250R	Meh..if slower drivers can't even stick to the right, then fucking forget trying to ride between them __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-13-2012, 10:09 AM	#47
ninjaplay Licensed Joined: May 2011 From: Sunnyside Wa I Ride: 06 636 ninja xt 600 Yam enduro, Honda v65	I've always considered the yellow line was a motorcycle trail. Stay on that and everyone's happy, right. If you can't please others you can always please yourself. Lead, follow, or get the hell out of the road. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-12-2012, 07:21 PM	#44
R6Roller Peg Dragger Joined: Apr 2010 From: Olympia, WA Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: Yamaha.	When I started riding I lived in a spot wher splitting the lanes was legal. Thank goodness, because traffic would pile up for about 12 miles out of the city every morning. Things can get messy though. I've had a woman exit a vehicle at a red light. Clipping my bars and shattering my mirror. She was very lucky indeed. So was I , I guess. Then I had my chain come off my sprocket and lock up the rear at around 40mph, that was really interesting. (This was in my younger days when partying was way more important than maintenance) It's not that lane splitting is dangerous. Riding is dangerous period. So yes I'd split lanes if it was legal and of course the general cager public was expecting it. Then I would feel a lot safer about it, but in an area where it is illegal and it is not expected in traffic, you may be asking for some trouble. This guy is my hero. Cue the lane splitting god.


10-13-2012, 10:24 AM	#48
Icon Peg Dragger Joined: May 2007 From: Tacoma I Ride: 2006 Suzuki gsxr1000	I split lane all the time...I dont care that its illegal.. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-13-2012, 11:03 AM	#50
Mitch F Streetfighter Joined: Jun 2006 From: The Ham I Ride: every god damn day	Easy question. Don't ride I5 because I5 sucks nuts. Derp __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-13-2012, 12:31 PM	#52
canyon63 Chicken Strips Joined: Apr 2012 From: Olympia, WA I Ride: 430lb.-130hp nut massager	R6Roller, that wasn't lane splitting, that was lane inventing. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-13-2012, 07:25 PM	#53
Nathan Peg Dragger Joined: Jul 2006 From: Seattle, WA	I will do it until I get a ticket. After I get a ticket, I will do it until I get another ticket. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-14-2012, 02:31 PM	#54
Sir T-Rex Chicken Strips Joined: Jan 2006 From: Bellingham, WA I Ride: 04 Busa	I personally think lane splitting is safer than sitting in bumper to bumper traffic. How many times have you been caught in that traffic and started feeling sleepy? Yup...the fumes are getting to you...literally. I may not split lanes all the time, but I will get in the emergency lane and travel at a safe speed...usually around 25-35mph. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-14-2012, 03:01 PM	#55
firedad Railer Joined: Mar 2010 From: The shallow end of the gene pool I Ride: Faster than I should	So, i've always been a lil confused about the whole "legal" vs. "nothing against it" in the California law. I understand the argument on it, but seriously... There's nothing in the law books saying you can drive with 1 hand on the wheel. Nothing saying you can have your window down and an arm hanging out when it's hot. Or smoking while driving etc... Basically, if there is no law AGAINST something, then it's legal... period. We don't live in a dictatorship here. That being said, it is HOW someone splits. If they're riding like an ass, then yes, they can get busted for neg or whatever. But basic point... YES, it's legal in Cali. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-14-2012, 07:56 PM	#58
Brandon16166 Training Wheels Joined: Jul 2011 From: Redmond I Ride: Ninja 250	Splitting lanes got me a $1800 ticket. Well that and "Failing to yield". Who says a 250 cant get you in trouble.. That being said, I think it should be legal. I have yet to do it again though. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-15-2012, 08:08 AM	#59
rs4race Permit Joined: Apr 2008 From: Renton, WA I Ride: 06 Kawasaki ZX-6R 636	I would skip lane splitting around here. Aside from it being specifically illegal here, Too many drivers merge over suddenly without signals. On top of that drivers arent used to bikes lane splitting so they probably wont be looking out for you. That means when that derp is texting and swerving over to get off the exit at the last second they dont have an open hand to signal and cant look over completely to check their blind spot.... not worth the risk to me.. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode