New Lane Splitter here

[fred]

Yeah we should all ride up the 101 in and split for the 30 miles it takes to get through LA. Yes I have split lanes numerous times through there for 30 whole miles straight traffic. Really makes you feel productive, even if you're only headed to Galco's to buy some old tyme sodas. 

Mmmm, Galco's. I usually take my car though because I'm not sure that I could resist buying way more soda than I could transport home on my bike... Perhaps once I have my top box mounted, it will be possible...

[bucks1605]

I think I'm going to give a persuasive speech on the benefits of lane sharing outweighing the dangers. Lets here some arguments I could use, as I've never actually lane shared.

[qwertydude]

Here's a link to a forum where a bad lane splitting article is discussed.

http://www.sportbikers.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2623

[Roadstergal]

I think I'm going to give a persuasive speech on the benefits of lane sharing outweighing the dangers. Lets here some arguments I could use, as I've never actually lane shared.

You can filter to the front at a stoplight.  I actually think there's a safety gain to that, as you can't be asspacked by someone who isn't paying attention if you're not stopped at the end of a line.

That's the only situation where I feel safety is as much there as convenience.  But I do like convenience.  And I hate traffic congestion, which sharing reduces.

[bucks1605]

Thanks 

[Toogoofy317]

You know originally I was thinking that there were really no safety concerns that backed lane sharing. But someone can't remember who brought up motorcycle over heating and such. I remember a time I sat in I-4 traffic here in Orlando fo over an hour. I was so hot and drenched in sweat by the end of the day I ended up in the hospital with severe dehydration. I also never really thought about the chances of getting hit from behind. I guess that is why I have seen a few motorcycles sitting under the freeway drinking a powerade! Thought they were crazy but twenty minutes later and only 1/4 of mile farther I began to understand.

So, I guess in short I see both sides of the issue.

Just yesterday was on 192 and a long line at the red light and I wanted to go right so I squirted up the lane. There was no oncoming traffic and the SUV wouldn't take the right even though it was legal. But, was from another state I guess they thought it was illegal?

Mary

[fred]

As far as I know, turning right on red is OK in every state...

Lane splitting in hot weather is the only way to go. I can't imagine not lane splitting in a place that is both hot and humid...

[Esteban]

As far as I know, turning right on red is OK in every state...

Looks like you're right (with the exception of NYC): http://www.geocities.com/jusjih/trafficlightsignals.html#us (Note: Reliable source? Check the link for your state.)

[fred]

As far as I know, turning right on red is OK in every state...

Looks like you're right (with the exception of NYC): http://www.geocities.com/jusjih/trafficlightsignals.html#us (Note: Reliable source? Check the link for your state.)

Good to know. I'm also interested to see that turning left on red (when going from one one-way street to another) is only legal in about half the states...

[Roadstergal]

Dehydration - I wear a hydration bladder when I'm riding in warm weather (and when I'm riding dirt in any weather).  Boy has a Camelbak, but I have a $10 one I got on closeout from REI that works perfectly well.  The hose slips right inside of a fullface; no need to stop to stay hydrated.

[fred]

Dehydration - I wear a hydration bladder when I'm riding in warm weather (and when I'm riding dirt in any weather).  Boy has a Camelbak, but I have a $10 one I got on closeout from REI that works perfectly well.  The hose slips right inside of a fullface; no need to stop to stay hydrated.

Yes, hydration is crucial. I have a Rapid Transit tank bag that has a hydration bladder in it. Not only do I get water and more storage space, I can fit everything I need for work in there on most days so I don't have to have anything on my back. Riding without a backpack is so much more comfortable and it makes it so much easier to move around on the bike...

[Roadstergal]

Hydration bladder in a tank bag - that's clever!

Can't do that on a dirtbike, though, and I have enough crap that I shouldn't get more. :p

[TheGoodGuy]

I thought the rule was
+ 10 mph but not more than 25-30mph speed.

You can lane split upto 25-30mph moving traffic (that means cars are going 15-20mph)

That is on the freeways obviously. I use that rule.

I see the idiots lane splitting at 65.. ugh!

[vorBH]

I lane split on Yonge St in Toronto, so beautiful! Cuts the time in half to get downtown.

[Roadstergal]

I thought the rule was

It's a sensible rule, but not a codified one.

This is the most I've found as far as official gummint statements:
http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/answers.html

The CA Motorcycle Handbook limits its commentary to "Lane sharing is not safe."

[vorBH]

I do it at speeds below 15km/h...slow...anything fast lane splitting is dangerousssss.

[dadsafrantic]

do about 18k per year sharing lanes some of the way every day.  i travel a polite stretch of 680 from benicia to dublin.  people make room for you.  even in the rain. 

[Toogoofy317]

Yeah, after that experience I got a rapid transit and I love it! I got it at the MC shop in front of my apartment complex. Best $75 I spent on the bike seriously! This is what it looks like
http://www.rapid-transit.com/rt/products.cfm?products_id=639

It has sooo much space! I also, really like that it has straps that turn it into a back pack. Plus the mp3 holder with earphone slot, the hydration bladder with a port that comes out and it has clips that holds the tube outside so at a red light you can pull it up and get a good drink. I find if you freeze it half way then fill the other half with water it will be cold all day with a couple of refills too. It actually has an innerbag that the bladder goes in so that it doesn't get everything wet. The sunglass pocket is too small for sunglasses but it holds my ear plugs and oakley sunglass cleaning kit with no prob, It also has two small pockets for pocket and toll change. A slot to read maps or like I did today a list of directions was very useful. The magnets are very strong it ain't goin anywhere. what more can I say this is a great product!

mary

[fred]

I thought the rule was

It's a sensible rule, but not a codified one.

This is the most I've found as far as official gummint statements:
http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/answers.html

The CA Motorcycle Handbook limits its commentary to "Lane sharing is not safe."

I believe there is case law on lane splitting though. It isn't written in code, but there are many rulings from court cases surrounding accidents, so I've heard. If only it were easier to find this stuff... I'd love to stay within the bounds of what courts have determined is safe, but I have no idea what that is...

[Faint]

Helmet cam of a lane splitting crash:

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=c20_1234041020

He seems to be ok and apparently won a large settlement since the Minivan crossed the double yellow lines which is illegal.