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X1glider
| | Posted on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 06:23 pm: | 
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Back when I lived in Gerrards Cross, UK, I witnessed first hand a biker getting sandwiched on my way to school along the A40 near the roundabout going to Hillingdon. Granted it's been 15 years since and their classes and exams for driving and biking are heads above ours, but I don't know if it's expected or even accepted. However if done, I would suggest getting back into a proper lane before entering the roundabout. Anyone getting ready to enter one isn't looking to the left, only the right so they know when to migrate with the flow. Getting out of one is fun too. I've done my share of 630s there! Besides worrying about overheating in the UK isn't a problem, they have that 342 days a year rain keeping them cool. The other 2 weeks are when the sun comes out for Wimbledon! |
Rashomon
| | Posted on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 08:35 pm: |
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Lane splitting, technically lane-sharing, is allowed (as in: not specifically prohibited) in California. CHP guidance on this is that you shouldn't be passing cars with more than a 10 or 15 mph speed differential (10 mph in their own training manual), and that pretty much corresponds with your ability to react to something at the front of a car when you're at its rear. Harry Hurt's large mc accident study in Los Angeles County ("The Hurt Report" or more properly "M/C Accident Cause Factors & Identification of Countermeasures" ) didn't show any undue risk from lane splitting.
It's also legal in most Southern European countries and Asian countries, including Japan. Typically in Tokyo there are two sets of stop lines at lights, the rearmost one for cars, the front one for two-wheelers, including bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles. They all filter to the front of the traffic when it's stopped for the light, and get the jump. It does tend to separate motorcycles from auto traffic flow to some extent. Of course, I don't think I've ever ridden harder than when trying to keep up with some locals in Tokyo traffic. |
Shot_Gun
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 09:14 am: |
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I usually avoid lane splitting at all if I can help it. I only had one problem last year when a light brown Astro mini van(who's plate number I have) Was being a dick! (Driving at speed on PA turnpike and saw me passing cars. I could have passed him in the right lane but desided to not push the issue with a blazer coming up.) After about 6 or 7 miles of waiting for him to pass the blazer I finaly was so pissed I went between him and the blazer nudging his passenger mirror with my shoulder(would have broke it off If I had more room!) and signaled accordingly along with a full moon. I was hoping to run into him again but I haven't since. Road rage is a vary bad thing
SG |
Jmartz
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 12:05 pm: |
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Having lived the 1st 1/2 of my life in PR, it was common for me to frequently engage in split lane stunts. In a congested island with an incandescent sun that cooks your body when in the open the advantage of a motorcycle is precisely to advance in traffic though the spacing gaps the cars are forced to leave.
Given its criminal status here in the US (I think CA is the only state that allows it) I refrain from it but not entirely. The principal fear I have when I do it is not the cops or the inherent danger (which in specific situtions is nonexistent) it might present, but the ocasional irate vigilante cager (and this is a common cultural trait here in the US) who feels I need to be punished for violating a driving rule.
"excuse sir, what lane are you in?"
During freeway closings due to accidents (these are common here in Atlanta) I venture among the cars to seek an exist and when two distracted drivers block passing by driving side by side on a divided highway I will zoom through them. This is one instance where I make sure I have a lot of speed beacuse many times they freak out and swerve.
Other times in heavy traffic on divided highways I will run only on the edge of the lanes switching constantly as I find openings to fill. |
Mikej
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 12:23 pm: |
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"Other times in heavy traffic on divided highways I will run only on the edge of the lanes switching constantly as I find openings to fill."
Ah yes, riding the tight rope, whitelining, skimming along the edge of the razor. Only problem with this is an occaisional obscure rule/law about frequent lane changes used to prosecute the lane dancers in traffic. I think last I heard was up to three lane changes per mile allowed, over that and you can get tagged. |
Jmartz
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 12:53 pm: |
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Thanks Mike, I'll keep an eye for the Man when engaging in this activity.
It is just that sometimes in the summer when the heat of the sun is causing sweat drips down my forehead and my scalp itches while encased in a helmet I do not want to be wearing, I relieve my frustration by engaging in the aformentioned activity. It never occurred to me it was legal but you have to admit it is hard to spot when "protected" by a blanket of cars.
Jose |
Peter
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 12:57 pm: |
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As Aaron said, it's very normal in Europe.
If you want to learn bike control, try splitting cars on the Paris ring road during peak hour traffic, or try to stay with a bike courier through London, or ride through Athens at almost any time of day......
I love it.
PPiA |
Jmartz
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 01:07 pm: |
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The motorcycle messenger industy would not exist in congested places with narrow streets like Europe and Puerto Rico if lane splitting was not allowed.
Come to think about it its just about my lunch hour and I'm gong to go out and try it. I'm excited. You got me going Peter! |
Blastin
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 01:51 pm: |
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Here in Milwaukee on the enterance ramps to the freeway, there are metered lanes. One lane for single passengers and one for carpoolers and motorcycles. But all enterance ramps do not have two lanes. The enterance ramp nearest to my work has only one lane and a very screwed up metering system. Sometimes it takes several minutes for the light to change. Some people wait for the previous car to merge and then go. While others won't budge until that light changes.
Last summer when it was very hot(by Milwaukee standards) instead of standing there and cooking, I would slowly scoot up the side(after scanning the area for the MAN) My defense: the other on ramps have two lanes with a motorcyle/carpooling lane. I'm just making my own lane.
As long as I'm in the topic of Motorcyclist rights, anybody else get grief from fellow employees for taking up a WHOLE spot with your motorcyle. My company does not provide motorcyle parking.(I'll have to see about that  )
These people are trying to justify that I can't take up a whole spot because my vehicle is smaller etc. Mostly it is because I have taken some prime parking spots in the past and parked right in the middle towards the front to allow no one else access to the spot(Defensive Parking you know, hopefully less tipover possibility) Mostly I think it is that they are upset from having to walk their lazy buts a few more feet than they have to. I just get sick of hearing it, and lately have been just saying "If you don't like it, kiss my butt"(could get me in trouble, but I'll cross that bridge when I get there.)
Jerry |
X1glider
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 03:15 pm: |
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Unfortunately a lot of people don't think of motorcycles as a viable form of transport and therefore don't deserve a parking spot, much less the prime ones. They can always leave for work a little earlier. Yeah, they're just too lazy, like the people who go to the gym and drive around the parking lot for 1/2 hour so they can get the closest spot because they might break a sweat from walking too far. Besides, we never take up more than one spot. I still can't figure why some can't keep their cages between the lines. "It's just not that difficult!" So keep parking cock-eyed and towards the front of the space to keep the cagers from sharing the FULL parking space you legally have a right to. Makes you more visible for someone who thinks the space is free too. I've seen a car block in a bike who had pulled all the way in.
On a positive note, we can park 2 bikes in a metered spot. (not applicable in all states) |
Court
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 03:51 pm: |
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Tis truly a shame that motorcycle parking is such a rediculously charged topic. Why, pray tell, may I not park a bike parallel to the curb, thus allowing a car to take the parking spot, my bike to be parked safely and sidewalk traffic to flow unimpeded?
New York is a funny place to park and the local bag of tricks is as legendary as the parking rates.
A couple from my personal bag.
1) Never park an EXPENSIVE bike on New York City streets. Those of you who know me, know my passion for Buells. But . . trust me . . in Gotham, when I have to park and leave the bike for a while. . I have 3 words . . K-L-R.
2) I chain my bike. Read it again...I CHAIN MY BIKE. Not "sometimes" or "whenever possible", ALWAYS.
HINT FROM COURT: Do NOT chain your bike to one of those 3 yard dumpsters. Don't ask.
Motorcycles offer a host of opportunities to IMPROVE congestion. But, before the problem can be solved we need to change (i.e. adopt some Euro) some attitudes.
Court (is it just me, or am I growing opiniated in my old age?) |
Jmartz
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 03:57 pm: |
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Blastin:
After leaving the Pilgrim plant during the 98th, I encountered that meeteing ramp system you describe. I was utterly confused by it at the time.
Here in Atlanta we have sensors embedded in the road that detect cars in order to prevent unnescessary red lights when no one is on the side road. Unfortunately these sensors do not recognize motorcycles. Often times I am forced to commit a violation and "run" the light because otherwise I would forced to remain at said spot indefinitely. |
Jmartz
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 04:06 pm: |
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Changing Lanes
Here is another example where the law has not caught up with reality. Let me begin by saying that I am willing an will always violate the law every time safety is an issue.
With the popularity of full face helmets and the resulting reduction in peripheral vison they afford us, it is quite difficult to see who or what is near you, especially when you consider the fact that motorcycle mirrors are generally only good to look at your arms.
Because of this in order to change lanes on the freeway I will invariably speed up to reduce the likelyhood of a car traveling next to me faster than I am going. Inside the city the freeway speed limit is 55 but the average flow is somewhere 75 with many oultiers as fast as 90.
When I crack the throttle on my bike I easily get to 100 and that is when I feel I can move over w/o knowing exactly what is there. |
X1glider
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 04:46 pm: |
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Jmartz, we have those sensors too in Houston among many other places. I used to think they were weight sensitive, but no, they are electro-magnetic. All you have to do is drive the bike over top of them. If that doesn't work, put the kickstand down to get some metal closer to the sensor strips. Just remember to put it back up to deactivate the interlock circuit when you take off. People like me laugh at those who stall their bikes! Almost always works for me. If not, legally we can treat it like a defective signal and proceed if it would seem to be safe, in a cop's eyes. I sat thru 3 before with a cop watching in a 7-11 parking lot. I went thru, no problems.
All helmet manufacturers must make helmets with 180 degrees of peripheral vision to be DOT legal. Snell, ANSI, I don't know what they require, if anything. I think they are more to do with structural requirements. If you have better than 180 degrees peripheral vision, you have a funny shaped head! Try adjusting your mirrors and turning your head to have a look-see. It works for me and many others.
Also, consider going to a support group to deal with your "high speed in heavy traffic" problem! See ya there! |
X1glider
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 05:34 pm: |
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Anyone buggered about their last speeding ticket? Be glad we don't live in Finland.
http://www.americanmotor.com/news.cfm?newsid=1962 |
Jmartz
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 24, 2002 - 08:29 am: |
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X1:
I'm going to try your kickstand technique. There is no hope for the mirrors unless they are remounted further out. As to rolling your head it helps but visibility is still less than w/o a helmet.
Jose |
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