Lane splitting (Originally a poll about doing it in DC)

Checkswrecks

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[This was originally a poll about lane splitting for Washington DC. People have restarted the thread to discuss lane splitting. - CW]

"California motorcyclists look crazy splitting lanes. Maybe we should follow their lead."


This is an interesting article with a poll to take at the bottom. For those of us who've spent time riding in California, the point should come as no surprise.


https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/tripping/wp/2016/06/30/california-motorcyclists-look-crazy-splitting-lanes-maybe-we-should-follow-their-lead/



The following three paragraphs are copied from the article with emphasis added:


The [color=rgb(23, 96, 147) !important]safety study[/color] – which was conducted by the Safe Transportation Research & Education Center at the University of California Berkeley — found that lane-splitting, when done within certain limits, is no more dangerous than riding a motorcycle otherwise. The study examined 5,969 crashes between June 2012 and August 2013 using enhanced data-reporting by police. It found a lower rate of fatalities among lane-splitting motorcycles and less serious injuries overall.


The study found that most of the bikers who were lane-splitting were doing so during rush hour. They were also traveling slower and less likely to be using alcohol or carrying a passenger.


But the study also found that the circumstances of lane-splitting are critical, especially the speed differential between the motorcyclist and the surrounding traffic. The overall speed of traffic flow is also important. So long as a motorcycle is traveling no more than 15 mph faster than the surrounding traffic, and the traffic all together is moving at 50 mph or less, lane-splitting can be done safely, the study says. Going above 50 mph, however, invites trouble.
 
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Andylaser

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Most filtering over here is done at speeds of 10 to 30 mph with the surrounding traffic being semi stationary.

Most other road users are pretty considerate and will move over and give you space to pass.
 

Checkswrecks

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[Andy is in the UK]


Unfortunately, a few cars will intentionally close the gap here occasionally. If they can't move nobody should. I want a sticker for my top box which says "I could be taking the space of my truck now"


Nothing spells good karma like vehicular assault.
::)
 

arjayes

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The keys to safe lane splitting on the freeway (IMO) are:

1. Speed (both relative and absolute, as mentioned above).

2. Gap awareness.

If gaps between cars become large enough for cars to change lanes then you should expect that they will, and most drivers only look next to them at the gap before they make the move and not behind them. Even in California most drivers don't think to check for motorcycles zipping up from behind between lanes, and as a driver myself I don't really blame them for that. So as soon as the gaps start to open up I pull back into a lane. Defensive driving is always important, but especially so when basically playing chicken with moving cars driven by mindless commuters!!
 

SHUMBA

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The side cowls can be removed with Givis .
Very pleased to hear that you were not seriously injured.
I see you are somewhere in the U.K.. I have a few questions for you if you don't mind. I'm in Canada where "lane splitting " is not allowed. Canadian drivers, generally speaking are poor motorists as our licencing standards are low in comparison to yours. I have, on occasion driven cars in England and Wales and Ireland. It requires my complete and undivided attention.
I do understand that splitting is permitted in your country, or perhaps in certain areas or roads. Assuming the police attended the accident, what was the outcome? Has the negligent driver of the car been charged with a traffic offence? Will your insurance premiums increase due to this mishap?
Just to add info from this end, had this occurred in Canada, the motorcycle rider would be charged with careless driving since splitting is not allowed.
I've watched some videos of lane splitting in California and I must say I'm impressed to see motorists actually move over (within their lane) to accommodate the cyclists.
Ride safely and always wear your gear.
SHUMBA





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Sierra1

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....I have a few questions for you if you don't mind.....

I'm not being critical, because I have done the same thing before; several times. But, notice the dates on the post. Also, the last time that he was on here was 2015. They're still ok to read, but, the response maybe a long time coming. By the way, I wasn't able to see his pictures; all I get is an "X"
 

Checkswrecks

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Feel free to leave comments but this poll was nearly 3 years ago. I moved some posts here form another thread about crash bars and may've inadvertently deleted some. If one was yours, fee free to re-post it with my apologies.
 
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