City Riding ARRRGGHHH

[cozy]

This morning my ride in was almost as hard as when i used to ride a bicycle.   I dunno, but  it appears as though unless i ride aggresively i have to put up with losing my lane of travel because people don't know or don't care that i'm there.  If i do some weaving and lane splitting, and let some revs scream i get some room, especially when stuck with the same wolfpack for a bunch of lights. >10 Then after i make my presence known i can lay back and not ride like a psycho.  I try not to get road rage, but when you're on a machine that will easily out manuver and out accelerate all vehicles near you .....
All suggestions are appreciated.

[Cal Price]

Downers?

[cozy]

Oh btw it's a hoot to ride like that i just don't want to piss off the biker gods..

[scratch]

You must make your presence known.  Number one reason people say, in an accident with a m/c is, "I didn't see you". If I am in the left lane and I am coming up on a car in the right lane, I make sure I can see him in his mirror by moving to the far right of my lane. Be assertive/the agressor. Wear bright colors. Weave in your own lane (it's not illeagal). Use your horn and wave...alot. It's amazing what a freindly wave will do! It's an attention getter! (works really good with those multi-colored race gloves (less threatening than black).)

http://www.southbayriders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2401

[bbanjo]

Cozy, homeboy.......

You have probably lived/ridden/driven in town long enough (maybe all of your life, I don't know) to know that other cars/bikes/peds mean ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to other Philly drivers. I've known folks who've moved here from Seoul friggin Korea who've told me, "These cats in the cars are crazy".

Ride like they can't see you bro. Period.

I also use the "Sharper Knife" technique when I'm in town. Crisp, clean, fast moves to stay in front of or behind bumpers. It's seriously fun.

Philly fun fact for the day: Avoid Frankford Ave in the Northeast at all costs.

[JLKasper]

The old Hell's Angels trick was to ride around with a pocketful of old nuts and bolts, rocks, ball bearings, whatever:  When some cager offended them, they'd reach in the pocket and throw a handful at the windshield.  That activity has fell from favor in this age of cell phones.

   Better to ride like most of them can't see you, and those that do are trying to kill you.  I'd also echo some other comments that say in effect, the best defense is a good offense; ride a gear or two lower so you have instant acceleration when grabbing some throttle; close up gaps with the car in front of you so some yahoo doesn't pull in right in front of you; cover your brakes and clutch; assume the SUV pilot in the next lane will do the most stupid thing imaginable so you're never surprised; and watch those mirrors! (A Saint Christopher medal won't hurt, either)  

[denman]

yea ever seen a hand full of 1/2 nut's bounce when tossed over your sholder doing 60+.   see ya.

[denman]

youth and tallent are no match for age and treachery.   see ya.

[JLKasper]

yea ever seen a hand full of 1/2 nut's bounce when tossed over your sholder doing 60+.   see ya.

Well, Denman, I can't say that I've ever been on the delivering or receiving end; are you speaking from experience?  Are you a 1%er?

[cozy]

Hey thanks yous guys, this afternoon i used every opportunity as far as moving through traffic goes and most of the moves i made weren't premeditated. That whole bike and rider as one unit thing is starting to make sense finally. We're gonna work on that this weekend.....

[cozy]

Cozy, homeboy.......

You have probably lived/ridden/driven in town long enough (maybe all of your life, I don't know) to know that other cars/bikes/peds mean ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to other Philly drivers. I've known folks who've moved here from Seoul friggin Korea who've told me, "These cats in the cars are crazy".

Ride like they can't see you bro. Period.

I also use the "Sharper Knife" technique when I'm in town. Crisp, clean, fast moves to stay in front of or behind bumpers. It's seriously fun.

Philly fun fact for the day: Avoid Frankford Ave in the Northeast at all costs.

bbanjo,
been heya 15 years (to life) .  The Knife, i will remember the Knife...
I can't stand driving in the Northeast much less ride a bike- hope you don't get stuck up there much!

[bbanjo]

Yeah man.

I live in the NE so I get a dose each and every day. Roosevelt (the) Blvd at 70+ is my playground  

Taxis in town, or work trucks in the Northeast? That should be a poll question for Philly riders.

[denman]

nope on all three,but i been around.    and i used to be the dude you dident want living on your street,as i was a real shaZam! head.   now im  honest nice guy,reformed by the dallas county court's.  see ya.