Relaxing lanesplitting video of "light" traffic in Houston

[02GSNewb]

Cool video. I don't think I am comfortable enough to split lanes and its illegal in GA anyhow. But to each his own. Just be safe. I did find this video of a guy splitting on a GS who got hit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GH8D2EqDZs

You can see the bike at 1:35.

[Suzuki Stevo]

Cool video. I don't think I am comfortable enough to split lanes and its illegal in GA anyhow. But to each his own. Just be safe. I did find this video of a guy splitting on a GS who got hit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GH8D2EqDZs

You can see the bike at 1:35.

That ryder was going way too fast for the conditions.

[parker]

Isn't it legal to do it there? And also the car wasn't allowed to pull off that manoeuvre even if the motorcycle wasn't there.

[Suzuki Stevo]

Isn't it legal to do it there? And also the car wasn't allowed to pull off that manoeuvre even if the motorcycle wasn't there.

If your talking about the video just posted by 02GSNewb?
The rider was clearly Overdriving The Situation...anytime your riding so fast you can't react to the situation placed before you, you are overdriving the situation, riders fault...never trust any car to stay put. 

[parker]

Yes, but from what I read, that yellow car isn't allowed to merge like that? Obviously yes the rider was fast but what he was doing wasn't illegal?

[Suzuki Stevo]

Yes, but from what I read, that yellow car isn't allowed to merge like that? Obviously yes the rider was fast but what he was doing wasn't illegal?

OK...they both where at fault, but I'm sure when the driver of the car checked the mirror, the bike (if seen?) was far enough away it didn't look like a threat?

[xtelevisionset]

I've split lanes in SoCal traffic every day for years. Once a month or so I see or hear about some squid that got cocky and f%$ked himself up doing it; but overall, if you wreck a motorcycle it's your fault. Being prepared for @$$holes who want to block you, or toss a burrito out their window or cross double yellow lines into the carpool lane is part of riding, well, here anyway.

Hahahaha, toss a burrito. That must be a SoCal thing. xD

After watching the video (1/2 way then I commented) I noticed that if people would drive and pay attention most of the traffic won't be like that. There were lots of gaps and empty pockets of lanes, but I forgot that people need to text, put on their makeup, read the paper while their driving which makes for traffic jams. So the cage drivers need not get upset at those of us who pass them by.

So to those drivers  and double

Interesting thing is this.

If people left space in front of them, gridlock wouldn't exist.
The more space, the faster we can all go.

When people follow closely, they must brake constantly which makes the person behind them brake which starts a chain of brakers.

This rule doesn't apply to motorcycles 

[Phil B]

Yes, but from what I read, that yellow car isn't allowed to merge like that? Obviously yes the rider was fast but what he was doing wasn't illegal?

Safety while driving a motorcycle, has to be based on the premise of: The people in cars are out to get you.
NOT, "I trust the car drivers to always stay safe and legal".

The "safe" thing to do when lanesplitting, is to not exceed a speed differential of 10 mph to the traffic around you.
If cars are stopped, dont exceed 10mph. If they're going 20, dont exceed 30.
Then, when and if they cut you off, you only have what is effectively a 10mph crash... if you're lucky, and have nothing runnig you over, after the fact.

It looked like the guy on the bike in that video was going at least 20mph.
It also looked like he wasnt paying attention. That van didnt pull out THAT suddenly. There was time for the rider to swerve, or at minimum slow down a bit.
Doesnt look like he did either.

Not to mention, any time you're lanesplitting, and you see a car on one side, and a great big space on the other.. ASSUME the car can and will swap sides in front of you!

Yes, the car driver did a bad thing. And I suppose the cycle rider got a legal settlement.
But better still, if he had been riding better, and so avoided the crash and getting the broken shoulder bone he mentioned.

[BaltimoreGS]

Yes, but from what I read, that yellow car isn't allowed to merge like that? Obviously yes the rider was fast but what he was doing wasn't illegal?

Who had the right of way really doesn't matter when you are laying on the ground, cars always "win" in an accident...

-Jessie

[ghostrider_23]

"Car drivers are out to kill you"

That's may thoughts exactly because they are careless and not paying attention. I know they are not out to get us intentionally, except those drivers that see bikes than splitting, than it's like "God forbid you get to that red light before me you little SOB" let me weave into your lane and teach you!!! 

All that while texting, talking on the cell phone and doing god knows whatever besides driving their car.

[Jared]

It's illegal  here in MD-lane splitting . Illegal pass and $100 or more fine or reckless driving ( 6 points and $500 or more maybe..)-not sure how'd it be issued.

I'd consider "filtering" but not splitting.... If Traffic is stopped and you filter your way to the front that's one thing (Someone will cut you off or try to block you here...).

Always someone who can't have anyone go ahead of them...I do get annoyed at why people can't just wait there turn too so I see why people get shitty about it.

Yeah...if you tie with a car...you lose...Absolutely right Jesse....

Not for me.


Ohh and as for "They're trying to make it legal" defense... Good luck with that... just states you knew it was illegal and did it anyway.

[ohgood]

I've split lanes in SoCal traffic every day for years. Once a month or so I see or hear about some squid that got cocky and f%$ked himself up doing it; but overall, if you wreck a motorcycle it's your fault. Being prepared for @$$holes who want to block you, or toss a burrito out their window or cross double yellow lines into the carpool lane is part of riding, well, here anyway.

Hahahaha, toss a burrito. That must be a SoCal thing. xD

After watching the video (1/2 way then I commented) I noticed that if people would drive and pay attention most of the traffic won't be like that. There were lots of gaps and empty pockets of lanes, but I forgot that people need to text, put on their makeup, read the paper while their driving which makes for traffic jams. So the cage drivers need not get upset at those of us who pass them by.

So to those drivers  and double

Interesting thing is this.

If people left space in front of them, gridlock wouldn't exist.
The more space, the faster we can all go.

When people follow closely, they must brake constantly which makes the person behind them brake which starts a chain of brakers.

This rule doesn't apply to motorcycles 

Your common sense is piling up, please re-distribute some to the rest of society !

It's so easy to watch people tail-gate each other in a very frustrating accordion of death. Eventually, one of them isn't quite quick enough on the brakes, and bam, another rear-ender happens. People are stupid.

[cbrfxr67]

Nice seeing some Houston cam riding.