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opie
Wed Jun 20th, 2007, 04:27 PM
"What's wrong with lane splitting?" I thought as I sat in traffic crawling home yesterday. I was riding my normal commuting route between Boulder and Aurora and traffic was horrible. My badly ventilated jacket (not mesh) and my overpants (mesh) weren't doing much to slow down the river of sweat running down my back.

I know it's not legal in Colorado, but has anyone gotten a fine for lane splitting? Curious what the ticket looks like because splitting the lane (probably along the shoulder) when traffic is stopped/crawling sure looks like a great solution. If the fine is reasonable, I might be willing to take the chance. I don't think I'd go down the middle b/c it would be very unexpected for drivers here.

Any outlaw lane splitters in the group? Thoughts?

On another note, maybe we could organize and start petitioning some of our politicians. Benefit -> Increased attractiveness of riding for commuters AND lower emissions.

mushin_man39
Wed Jun 20th, 2007, 04:31 PM
Represented a client recently for lane splitting. Four-point careless driving citation.

opie
Wed Jun 20th, 2007, 04:54 PM
That seems harsh. Of course, I'd fight it (something I've done successfully in NY several times). Are tickets routinely dismissed/knocked down in traffic court here?

If not, seems I might be better off petitioning the elected officials.

Nick_Ninja
Wed Jun 20th, 2007, 05:00 PM
If our elected useful idiots are going to mandate noise ordinances on our bikes we need to twist the screws to make lane splitting legal.

Matty
Wed Jun 20th, 2007, 05:58 PM
ya... i have a feeling i'm going to forget and get a ticket when i move out here. got to love california.. the only state in which it's legal to split lanes!!!


ya, i don't see them allowing lane splitting aka "lane sharing" after your politicians just past that stupid 82 decibel bullshit.

beavisr1
Wed Jun 20th, 2007, 09:53 PM
in state where lane splitting is legal than also carries a helmet law. and also carries that any one being in a lane splitting wreck its automatic the bikers fault. Lane splitting however a good idea I think the bad out weighs the good. I'll wait in traffic thank you....

Kendo
Wed Jun 20th, 2007, 09:59 PM
opie...

do you live in Boulder and work in Aurora?

what color bike is your bike......

mushin_man39
Wed Jun 20th, 2007, 10:42 PM
Opie, traffic tickets are typically not worth a trial. You should consider, however, at least attempting a plea bargain with the city attorney or district attorney, or even the officer, depending on the jurisdiction. Unfortunately, a lot more insurance companies are basing premiums on stops, not points.

pilot
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 02:26 AM
Cali tends to have wider lanes. Makes lane splitting a bit easier.

DevilDuc
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 06:41 AM
Unfortunately, a lot more insurance companies are basing premiums on stops, not points.


How is that possible? You can be stopped for ANYTHING! All the Po-Po needs is "reasonable suspicion" ... or to even just be in a bad mood and have a hard-on for harassing sportbikes.

How can insurance base your rates on stops without documentation? At least with a ticket (or even a written warning) there is record of you being stopped, and what it was for. The ticket in it's self is not a satement of guilt, but rather a summons to appear in court tp plead your case ... or pay the fine (and subsequently admit guilt).

Curious minds want to know what you base this comment on ...

DevilDuc
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 06:48 AM
BTW ... Last Saturday there was a really bad accident on Hwy70. I was heading home form a ride with some friends and traffic was backed up for about 12-14 miles and dead stopped. Not to mention that I huge storm was rolling through that area at the same time and it was pouring rain.

I opted to ride the shoulder to the scene of the accident and find freedom from the cagers at slightly above a walking pace (10-15MPH = better than 0MPH). I heard from one of my fellow riders that he saw the Po-Po citing a couple of other riders for presumably the same offense ... which is stupid. If you are able to "safely" navigate traffice on the shoulder, then it should be a non-issue. Ploice officers do it all the time to get though traffic, both on bikes and in cars.

In any case ... Along the shoulder route I picked up a rear tire puncture that showed it's self just outside of Golden. Now ... I am not positive that I picked it up while riding the shoulder, but the likelyhood of it is pretty high considering all of the debris that gets washed into that area of the roadway.

Just something to consider ...

Mac020
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 07:09 AM
Represented a client recently for lane splitting. Four-point careless driving citation.

How many $'s (including yourself) did it cost him? Was it a slam dunk? Was there any kind of chance for him?

sky_blue
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 08:24 AM
Cali tends to have wider lanes. Makes lane splitting a bit easier.

Hm, yeah, not really.

mushin_man39
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 10:15 AM
TwinSpeedJunkie, sorry, should have been more clear. Insurance companies look at number of citations, not points. They are telling insureds, "We know you dealt the points down, but we know you're a risk."

Mac020, it was one of Morse Racing's employees. Part of paying off my bodywork. Cost him $16.00 and the Alive at 25 class and a six month deferred sentence so no violation appeared on his DMV. I think the original fine was something around $100.00.

Yamacati Bob
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 10:19 AM
Lane splitting is a friggin blast...did lots of it when I went to MotoGP in '05.
The streets are the same here as there...some wide, some not. No matter, my hard bags fit just fine and it is a LOT of fun to "high five" the people who enjoy seeing someone make headway in spite of their dire circumstances.
:slappers:

Would be interesting to see what it would take to get it on the agenda with the legislature. :hump:

towneh
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 10:21 AM
--all --
imo there is more of an attitude of share with highway resources in the state of CA. there is give and flex amongst drivers on the West coast whereas the East and Plain states exhibit their territorial rights in the driving habits they use. My Hayabago with the CO plates was given lots a space at several Mex and Can crossings and all of the Ca interstates. expect a ticket in any other state.....
very smooth
bus_henry :crazy:

sky_blue
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 10:36 AM
--all --
imo there is more of an attitude of share with highway resources in the state of CA. there is give and flex amongst drivers on the West coast whereas the East and Plain states exhibit their territorial rights in the driving habits they use. My Hayabago with the CO plates was given lots a space at several Mex and Can crossings and all of the Ca interstates. expect a ticket in any other state.....
very smooth
bus_henry :crazy:

Gotta disagree here. Splitting lanes in CA I had cars on an almost daily basis, see me moving up trough traffic, and purposely move their car over onto the lane lines to prevent me from splitting on a freeway or up to the front at a red light.

In CA, you're only supossed to go 15 mph or less faster than traffic is moving. Unfortunately, many squids blow down between lanes at high speed, freaking out cage drivers, and generally making people hate the splitters.

On the other hand, I had many guys in trucks move over a bit in their lane when they saw me, so I could get by their mirrors. My guess is that these guys are riders themselves or wish they were.

IMO lane splitting is a great time saver. My commute from Newport Beach to Riverside could easily be 2 -2.5 hours in the cage (with an $5-9 toll road short cut), on the bike it was maybe 1.5 hours (with free tolls, depending on the route). Difference is, when I got home I was exhausted. Splitting lanes takes 150% concentration if you dont want to get squished.

Matty
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 11:34 AM
in state where lane splitting is legal than also carries a helmet law. and also carries that any one being in a lane splitting wreck its automatic the bikers fault. Lane splitting however a good idea I think the bad out weighs the good. I'll wait in traffic thank you....I'd much rather be able to Lane Share than be able to ride without a Helmet. When i was out there last weekend, i was amazed to see some of ya'll on sport bikes riding without a lids on. as for waiting in traffic fuck that. once you split lanes enough it's second nature. seems to be much safer splitting than having a cage rear-end you.


--all --
imo there is more of an attitude of share with highway resources in the state of CA. there is give and flex amongst drivers on the West coast.
You're on Crack!!! People in CA hate motorcyclists. not one day goes by where i don't think i'm going to get hit by some cager that doesn't want me to pass them cause their stuck in traffic.




In CA, you're only supossed to go 15 mph or less faster than traffic is moving. Unfortunately, many squids blow down between lanes at high speed, freaking out cage drivers, and generally making people hate the splitters.

On the other hand, I had many guys in trucks move over a bit in their lane when they saw me, so I could get by their mirrors. My guess is that these guys are riders themselves or wish they were.

well actually it's not the squids splitting fast it's the experienced riders doing that. most of the squids get scared when it comes to splitting. you'll see them on the freeway doing 85-100mph when the road clears and then when traffic hits their splitting maybe 5 mph faster than traffic, pisses the fuck out of me.

as for the trucks moving over. ya, i think that has to do with them being the only ones that can see us. but even they don't give you room all the time. don't get me wrong there are a lot of people out there that make room for bikes. but the big problem is that CA drivers forget that it's legal to lane share. and the last time they were reminded of these was when they got their drivers license.


And as for the lane width comment... that's a federal Dept of Traffic regulation that no lanes can be any narrow than 12 feet.


I've been Splitting Lanes in California for 8 almost 9 years and love it. On the freeway, it makes commutes quicker, and less stressful(i'd rather dodge a car or two, than be stuck in my cage yelling at dumb ass drivers who don't know the difference from the gas pedal and the brake while smoking a pack of cigerettes cause i got nothing better to do). On the street i love being able to ride to the front and not having to deal with cars not seeing me next to them and having them merge into my lane. with all the years and miles i've put on my bikes (about 200,000 miles) i've only been rubbed up on once or twice. yes, when you're splitting you have to be hella focused and always looking ahead. as for it being dangerous, ya of course it is. but then again, everything when it comes to sport bikes is dangerous.

towneh
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 01:01 PM
Everyone is entitled to their opinions. M cert since 1972 with a break starting in 1980 thru 1992. I have 6 documented rides that include big portions of the California interstates. Never had a problem with the CA drivers. Perhaps they gave me space because I was a curiosity. A busa with Givi boxes, full height windscreen and tankbag, more lighting than usual, gps, escort, a hazmat stitch, et al.

There are only 6 states in continental US that I haven't ridden in. I've got mileage throughout the United Kingdom and skipped around in Canada and Mexico.

To me, the toughest locations are the major beltways at peak; try the 495 around wash, dc or the 610 around houston, tx.

nope, no crack here because I drive for a living.... pee in this cup please...
bus_henry:)

Matty
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 01:59 PM
Everyone is entitled to their opinions. M cert since 1972 with a break starting in 1980 thru 1992. I have 6 documented rides that include big portions of the California interstates. Never had a problem with the CA drivers. has nothing to do with age, you obviously have a few more years under your belt. But i too have ridden in New York, Chicago, Boston, Vegas, and a couple of other congested area. And after Boston, the rudest cagers towards motorcyclist are in Los Angeles (ok, not all of California, but the largest part).


nope, no crack here because I drive for a living.... pee in this cup please...
bus_henry:) Hahahahaha!!! :lol::lol::lol::lol: Really looking forward to moving out to Colorado and meeting some of you guys.

towneh
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 02:12 PM
k-then Matty, the toughest motorized crowd in CA were the drivers in the vicinity of the Santa Monica Fwy. most were clueless until you got their attention!!!!

--tell us when you get here--
bus_henry:)

dapper
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 02:15 PM
--tell us when you get here--
bus_henry:)
Then we can split lanes on our MT bikes! :p

snatfinder
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 02:22 PM
I got pulled over after being an idiot. I shot the gap between 2 cars when they were doing 45 in a 55. It was at night, CHP was several cars back. Ended up getting cuffed and stuffed, charged with reckless driving. They let me go but initially told me I was spending the weekend in jail and my buddy's bike was getting impounded. I think I almost shit my pants.

Matty
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 04:07 PM
k-then Matty, the toughest motorized crowd in CA were the drivers in the vicinity of the Santa Monica Fwy. most were clueless until you got their attention!!!!
ya the 405 and the 10 freeways sux!

clustermagnet
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 09:26 PM
i walk between cars all the time...

walk

opie
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 10:12 PM
Kendo,
My bike's black (or used to be). Maybe a little greyish black now. I wear a bright yellow helmet and a grey riding jacket.

Nick_Ninja
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 10:57 PM
Kendo,
My bike's black (or used to be). Maybe a little greyish black now. I wear a bright yellow helmet and a grey riding jacket.

Was that you at Costco this evening?

MrMischief
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 11:07 PM
I've split lanes a couple of times to avoid what I felt was a dangerous situation. Last time was down the middle of I-25 and I found that as soon as I got in between the cars it was very comfortable but man it pissed off the cagers. I had one guy lay on his horn as I went by and I was 4 cars up before he let off. Also seemed nobody wanted to give me an inch to get back into a lane. I think splitting lanes at 15 mph over is reasonably safe, but I can't imagine what the ad campaign would cost to be sure cagers knew it was legal so they wouldn't try to cut you off / open the door. Filtering to the front row at a light is even more safe although it comes with the obvious downside of requiring you be the first through the intersection and increasing the risk getting hit by someone running the red light. I'd sign a petition for lane splitting / filtering as long as there was a 15 mph over traffic speed limit for it and anyone found purposely cutting off a bike that's filtering would be face something along the lines of reckless driving or some other very stiff fine. I think I would also like to see a clause along the lines of lane splitting is only allowed when traffic is moving at something like 15 mph or less. Just because as speed increases cagers are going to be changing lanes more often and when I'm in my cage doing 50 in a 65 I'd worry about be able to see a bike splitting the lane doing 65.

Matty
Thu Jun 21st, 2007, 11:13 PM
This is a recent article written by a journalist out of Orange County, for those that don't know it's where Disneyland is, just south of Los Angeles.

KIMBERLY EDDS
Register columnist
kedds@ocregister.com

Brandon Garcia joked that he read too much and listened to way too much music. He worked for a carpet-cleaning company in Mission Viejo. He was a DJ and a part-time youth pastor. And he rode a motorcycle. On June 14, Garcia died riding that motorcycle. He was 23.

Garcia was splitting lanes in heavy morning traffic on Beach Boulevard in Buena Park when he tried to maneuver past a big rig. His handlebars caught on the side of the semi, sending Garcia and his motorcycle careening into a Mercedes. Garcia bounced off the Mercedes and under the semi. Garcia wasn't speeding. He wasn't drinking. But he died.

Also called lane-sharing, it's the practice of motorcyclists of moving between stopped or slow traffic traveling in the same direction. It's legal – but for many drivers, it's annoying. For motorcyclists, it's dangerous.

If you've ever tried to escape the O.C. anytime after 3 p.m., you've probably watched a clinic in lane-splitting. Kawasakis, Suzukis, Harley-Davidsons cruising past the SUVs stacked up bumper-to-bumper through the Orange Crush. Admit it, we've all had times sitting in traffic jams where we wished the four-door we were driving was magically transformed into a hog so we could head for the open road, leaving everyone else – and their sensible cars – in the dust.

But that nimbleness comes at a price. Most drivers lumber down the highway encased in thousands of pounds of steel. Their vehicles have four stable wheels. But motorcyclists are exposed to all the elements. The only thing between them and the asphalt is a short drop and a leather jacket – or a T-shirt.

Motorcycle rider fatalities accounted for 10 percent of the 43,200 total deaths from motor vehicle crashes in 2005 – even though motorcycles made up just over 2.5 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States. It also marked the eighth straight year the number of motorcycle fatalities went up.

With traffic getting worse, there are more motorcycles speeding off dealership lots and onto the roadways. Unless you own one, most drivers haven't been reminded of how to share the road with a motorcycle since they passed their first driver's test.

Next time when you see a motorcycle cruising by as you're stopped in traffic, keep these tips from the DMV in mind.

•When you change lanes or make a turn, look for motorcycles. Motorcycles can easily disappear into a vehicle's blind spots.

•Allow a four-second following distance – just in case a motorcyclist falls in front of you.

•Things that annoy you – like potholes, gravel, and wet or slippery surfaces – could be deadly for motorcyclists. So look out.

And don't think of it as a motorcycle – think of it as a person.

clustermagnet
Fri Jun 22nd, 2007, 08:03 AM
one thing, please dont forget one thing

THE GOV DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THE CIVILIANS ONE FUCKING BIT

if they did, they would have nation wide helmet laws
they would have nation wide proper protection laws
if they did, they would have properly timed traffic lights
if they did, they would make sure all vehicles made in US were safest in the world.

example... had a friend take his car (us made ofcourse) to EU. First thing he had to do, was completely replace the ENTIRE brake system. Several thousand dolars. why? because the brake system was designed for breaking at 60 mph, not 160... Not even mentioning the suspension.

yada yada yada


the reason lane splitting is illegal, is because it pisses off the right people

tripledigits
Fri Jun 22nd, 2007, 08:16 AM
If you're going to lane split, don't do it on the shoulder, it'll be a ticket for driving on the shoulder. I've lane split a couple times in CO when there was stopped traffic due to road construction or an accident, and I had to get to work. Had a couple cars move in front of me to keep me from passing, so I just went behind them and passed them on the other side. As soon as traffic started moving better than 10 mph, I just got back in line. I wouldn't feel comfortable doing more than 10-15 mph in stopped traffic......

opie
Fri Jun 22nd, 2007, 09:01 AM
Indeed, it was! Picked up fuel and some stuff for dinner. I parked next to a very nice looking sportbike with a tankbag and an HJC helmet balanced on the seat. Didn't register the make/model. Was that you?

Nick_Ninja
Fri Jun 22nd, 2007, 09:03 AM
Indeed, it was! Picked up fuel and some stuff for dinner. I parked next to a very nice looking sportbike with a tankbag and an HJC helmet balanced on the seat. Didn't register the make/model. Was that you?

Nope. I was in the 4-Runner. Needed more stuff than the bike could carry. Ride safe :up:

Matty
Fri Jun 22nd, 2007, 10:09 AM
one thing, please dont forget one thing

THE GOV DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THE CIVILIANS ONE FUCKING BIT

if they did, they would have nation wide helmet laws

they would have nation wide proper protection laws



those 2 comments have nothing to do with the government caring about civilians. in actuality i'm glad there are still states that allow riders the freedom of choice, whether to ride with a lid or not. the helmet law how it's set in certain states is unlawful and against the US Constitution and so would it be if it was mandated that we had to wear proper riding safety gear. People in California and other states that make you wear helmets have been fighting the law since they were established. personally i think you people that don't ride without a lid on are crazy, but then again this country was founded on the Right to Choose.

Nick_Ninja
Fri Jun 22nd, 2007, 10:12 AM
I'm more in support of the Left to Choose :D

clustermagnet
Fri Jun 22nd, 2007, 11:17 AM
Matty, completely agree. That goes with choice of splitting lanes, abortion, and pissing on the sidewalk :)

it just depends on who you piss off

mushin_man39
Fri Jun 22nd, 2007, 09:31 PM
Matty, a quick scan of the Constitution does not reveal motorcycles or helmets. Am I missing something?

Crisco
Fri Jun 22nd, 2007, 10:07 PM
I wouldnt mind some sort of law that let us do it during traffic

I was stuck in I-25 going south and the only reason was because there was an accident

I was so f**king pissed because it was dry when I started and I got nailed by the storm that I would have missed if it wouldn't of been for stupid ass people. 75mph + rain= wet crisco

Matty
Sat Jun 23rd, 2007, 12:09 AM
Matty, a quick scan of the Constitution does not reveal motorcycles or helmets. Am I missing something?
1st Amendment. Freedom to choose the way you live your life. and if you choose not to wear helmet, that should be your choice.

like i said i couldn't imagine riding without a lid. but i do believe it's a riders choice.

MrMischief
Sat Jun 23rd, 2007, 08:50 AM
1st Amendment. Freedom to choose the way you live your life. and if you choose not to wear helmet, that should be your choice.

like i said i couldn't imagine riding without a lid. but i do believe it's a riders choice.


Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

I see nothing about being free to choose the way you live your life. Only that no law shall prevent establishing a religion or prevent you practicing your religion. As well as you can say what you like, publish what you want assemble as long as there is no violence and say to congress "I don't like how this functions..."

You would have a better chance arguing your point using the 9th and 10th amendments. However these only apply to the federal government leaving the states free to enact a very limited set of rights so long as the state does not discriminate between its own citizens and the citizens of other states. I do not know the Colorado Constitution but I'm willing to bet there is no clause in there regarding personal choice shall not be infringed. So basically the federal government should have a difficult time enacting a national helmet law (although the federal government has already reached far beyond its original powers should have allowed) individual states would have no problem enacting such a law.
My opinion; wearing a helmet or seat belt if over the age of 18 is a personal choice as no one other then yourself is going to be physically harmed if you choose not to wear either.

#1Townie
Sat Jun 23rd, 2007, 12:35 PM
lane splitting creats a whole new world of road rage that i want nothing to do with... you think you are pissed at the guy doing a wheelie in traffic, not anything like you will be when you are siting in you hot ass car not moving and bike after bike keeps passing on the shoulder or in the middle of cars... this is when people realy start to aim for bikes.. open doors... realy just make it a bad day... i used to do it in cali untill i olmost got killed by an suv stopping us from passing....

tarded400
Sun Jun 24th, 2007, 09:28 AM
I would love splitting lanes, especially filtering. Who knows how long it'll take grandma to realize the light is in fact green, then move her foot over to the gas. I've had many people come up waaaayyyy too close to my rear tire too. But lane splitting is always going to be very dangerous too. People sitting in traffic, already ticked, they see you in a better situation and they'll take it out on you. I might lane split if I was sitting in stopped traffic for a couple minutes and saw that people weren't being idiots, but I would do it between lanes. Theres always cops sitting along the shoulder before an accident looking for people going around. And I can almost see people not letting a bike back in, just because they would lose 15 feet that they waited 2 hours for. I avoid denver at all costs, and I just suffer through the ft collins traffic, which is pretty good 99% of the time.

d_mob
Tue Aug 28th, 2007, 12:20 PM
i moved here from san diego recently and aside from the beach, lane splitting is one of the things that i miss most! it may seem dangerous to those that have never done it and may seem dangerous or a nuisance to cagers that are stuck in traffic, but it is an effective way to increase awareness for motorcyclists and an effective way to cut down on traffic...

i was a bit scared at first when we moved to cali, but once i got used to it, it became second nature. of course, as with all things riding related, a certain sense of maturity and respect for your bike and the cars around you is necessary. i believe the law is that you can lane split, but can't exceed 10 or 15 mph above the flow of traffic...

i usually made sure that each person recognized me in their side mirror prior to passing them and would allow faster lane-splitters to go by if needed (e.g. cops, idiots or a combination of both)...

seriously, i couldn't understand (and still can't) for the life of me when we moved here why they will let you ride without a helmet, but won't allow you to lane split when traffic is at a standstill?!?!? colorado gets to me at times i have to admit... :banghead:

The GECCO
Tue Aug 28th, 2007, 01:10 PM
If our elected useful idiots are going to mandate noise ordinances on our bikes we need to twist the screws to make lane splitting legal.

Yeah, can you imagine how tight those screws would have to get? If they look down on bikers enough to pass the noise crap I doubt it's even worth trying to make lane sharing legal.

The only positive is that you would be appealing to a completely different body - the noise ordinance was the city of Denver, the lane sharing would go to the state legislature.

pilot
Tue Aug 28th, 2007, 01:20 PM
"Better judged by 12,
than carried by six."

AKA, I'd rather have the "man" yell at me than be put in a pine box.

So, I would have to say that if my life were in "less" danger by lane splitting, driving down the side of the road, momentarily crossing into the on-coming lane. Then, that be what I would do.

Also, I'm all in favor of more HOV/MC lanes.

Clovis
Wed Mar 26th, 2008, 01:38 AM
Old thread, I bring ye back from the dead!

Anyhow, after spending the last several days in Southern California driving to Disneyland and later to San Diego I have to say... man, I wish lane splitting were legal in Colorado.

The first time it kind of startled me because I wasn't expecting it but I was following my friend home on his 90 minute, 50 mile drive home from work and the traffic made me want to shoot myself; basically a mix of speeding up to 70 and then coming to a full stop.

The lane splitters I've ran into so far do so safetly, only passing about 5-10 miles over my speed and revving their engryinines when coming to a stop light to alert cars to their presence.

I read that there are two people trying to get lane splitting legalized in 2008, or rather on the ballot.

JustSomeDude
Wed Mar 26th, 2008, 08:48 AM
Represented a client recently for lane splitting. Four-point careless driving citation.

If he was lane splitting - uh - how did he get caught?! Did he pull over and wait 12 minutes for the cop to catch up?

:dunno:

wankel7
Wed Mar 26th, 2008, 10:22 AM
BTW ... Last Saturday there was a really bad accident on Hwy70. I was heading home form a ride with some friends and traffic was backed up for about 12-14 miles and dead stopped. Not to mention that I huge storm was rolling through that area at the same time and it was pouring rain.

I opted to ride the shoulder to the scene of the accident and find freedom from the cagers at slightly above a walking pace (10-15MPH = better than 0MPH). I heard from one of my fellow riders that he saw the Po-Po citing a couple of other riders for presumably the same offense ... which is stupid. If you are able to "safely" navigate traffice on the shoulder, then it should be a non-issue. Ploice officers do it all the time to get though traffic, both on bikes and in cars.

In any case ... Along the shoulder route I picked up a rear tire puncture that showed it's self just outside of Golden. Now ... I am not positive that I picked it up while riding the shoulder, but the likelyhood of it is pretty high considering all of the debris that gets washed into that area of the roadway.

Just something to consider ...

I think the big problem with using the shoulder when there is an accident ahead is this. Emergency vehicles use the shoulder to get to the accident. Not to get to the quicki mart a lil bit fastter:) At least i hope not. If you are in the way you could be causing a problem.

I think that would be the issue the officer would have if you are riding the shoulder.

Cat118!
Wed Mar 26th, 2008, 12:39 PM
That seems harsh. Of course, I'd fight it (something I've done successfully in NY several times). Are tickets routinely dismissed/knocked down in traffic court here?

If not, seems I might be better off petitioning the elected officials.

Not if you get Judge Archuleta!!
Don't get a traffic tkt in Jefferson County is all I can say!

Giianee
Wed Mar 26th, 2008, 05:50 PM
Jeff cnty. That's where I got my careless driving tick for cutting lanes:banghead:

beavisr1
Wed Mar 26th, 2008, 10:17 PM
So in Colorado lane splitting IS illegal. In states that lane splitting is legal(I think california is the only place where its legal) But they have a helmet law. I am not sure if its a must in Colorado. Though I sometimes on c-470 I would wish it was in early morning traffic and 5pm traffic is warranted to have a helmet law in colorado. I mostly to choose to ride with a lid but there are sometimes I dont. So the argument is this.... Ride with the helmet %100 of the time to have the option of lane splitting or endure the traffic and not have to wear one. That is the question?

Giianee
Thu Mar 27th, 2008, 06:49 AM
You know last time I was in Cali lane splitting was legal if traffic was moving less than 30mph. Not sure if it's still like that.

Speedwagon
Mon Mar 31st, 2008, 03:20 PM
I lived in Okinawa, Japan for 2 years in the Army. The first thing I learned... Keep ALL arms, hands, legs, heads inside the vehicle at ALL times. In traffic, you are almost constantly being passed by bikes/scooters. They do it so much, everyone knows about it, and it is very natural.

Obviously, that would take a long time for Americans to get used to. But it can be done safely. The single biggest obsactle, would be American's tendency to cause harm to those that are getting ahead, because they forget that the bikes are lightening the traffic load for them. Of course, I also believe that we need much better driver's ed, and less government intervention in this stuff (seat belt and helmet laws and such). Let the insurance companies figure that stuff out, and not the government.

modette99
Tue May 20th, 2008, 03:21 PM
..

Clovis
Tue May 20th, 2008, 09:47 PM
I generally don't lane split all though it is very tempting to move to the front of the line when at a stop light; I'll occasionally do that, especially on powers. It's argrivating being 10 or more cars back; once the light finally turns green it takes forever to get the speed limit which results in catching the next light.

If I move to the front I can usually make the next light and not get stuck.

I would gladly take a law that allowed lane splitting but required helmet use - but then again, I never ride without a lid!

Matty
Thu May 22nd, 2008, 12:16 PM
You know last time I was in Cali lane splitting was legal if traffic was moving less than 30mph. Not sure if it's still like that.
lane "sharing" is still legal in Cali. there is NO speed limit at which you can't share. you just can't go over the posted speed limit.

Stuart Little
Thu May 22nd, 2008, 01:03 PM
Just out of curiosity as I haven't ridden in Cali, what does one do with those big ass reflectors for fog, I would assume those could change the rear direction of a tire/ be extremely slippery when wet.


ya... i have a feeling i'm going to forget and get a ticket when i move out here. got to love california.. the only state in which it's legal to split lanes!!!


ya, i don't see them allowing lane splitting aka "lane sharing" after your politicians just past that stupid 82 decibel bullshit.

Matty
Fri May 23rd, 2008, 12:19 PM
Just out of curiosity as I haven't ridden in Cali, what does one do with those big ass reflectors for fog, I would assume those could change the rear direction of a tire/ be extremely slippery when wet.
????? I'm so confused with your question.

Ummmm.... it only rains once in awhile. And most of the roads are all grooved so not much slippage going on. As for the fog, not much in SoCal. When there is fog its usually around the Beach area and in the Valleys. And it's usually early in the AM or late PM.

MetaLord 9
Fri May 23rd, 2008, 12:28 PM
I do it if the traffic is almost at a stand still, but if I am on I25 I just use the shoulder to get off at the next exit that I can see down the roadway, I do this in the car too...I'm not really passing anyone, I'm making the situation better for the other drivers on I25 by getting off. Why would I wait, to leave the roadway when I can leave it right away?

I have yet to split at a light here, but if I knew the lane ended say on my right and it was a nice twisty section up ahead yeah I might lane split...why be stuck behind some SUV going slower then I!!!
Everyone's welcome to their opinions, but that type of thing becomes a pet peeve of mine. I understand if you're one or two cars back from where the yellow line opens up for the exit lane, but if you're several cars or even miles back and start driving on the shoulder for a non-emergency it really irks me. I don't think you're a bad person or anything, but everyone's in the same boat of being stuck in traffic and wanting to be somewhere else. Just because you think you can get away with it I disagree that you should do it. I've actually put my car half way onto the shoulder in my stupid little passive-aggressive way of stopping folks from doing this. They come right up to me and start getting all pissed. If it was meant to be another lane, it would be another lane. Sorry, guess ya just touched a nerve! /rant

devon
Fri May 23rd, 2008, 03:09 PM
I have a mixed view on that. I'd say if the exit ramp is within like a hundred yards, I don't mind people getting over to try and exit a clogged freeway. However, if they start doing it miles ahead of time, it just clogs up like the legitimate lanes and makes it freaking impossible for the emergency vehicles to get through when they try to access the accident up ahead. What if someone is dying and you're blocking the ambulance from getting there cause you were impatient?

That said, I think motorcycles should be able to lane share, it's ridiculous to force us to take up as much space as a car in crowded freeways and streets. Unfortunately most American drivers are far too inherently angry and full of rage for it to be as safe or commonplace as it is in other countries. If they would accept us without occasionally attempting to murder us, I'd much rather be NEXT to a car in between two lanes than sandwiched between two 6000 lb. SUVs when one stops short.
This issue should be pursued, because the safer (and more efficient) that driving becomes for motorcyclists, the more people will take up bikes and scooters, the less crowded the roads get, the less fuel we consume, the more consideration we get from other drivers on the road, etc., etc.

JimmySprinkle
Fri May 23rd, 2008, 07:04 PM
????? I'm so confused with your question.

Ummmm.... it only rains once in awhile. And most of the roads are all grooved so not much slippage going on. As for the fog, not much in SoCal. When there is fog its usually around the Beach area and in the Valleys. And it's usually early in the AM or late PM.

I think what he's asking is if the dashed lane markers on CA, namely the reflector strips to halp people see the lanes in the fog, affect your traction negativly. I'd say yes, only because your riding on heavy paint vs asphalt, but you probably wouldn't notice it much unless you're taking a sharp turn.

Matty
Fri May 23rd, 2008, 08:42 PM
I'd say yes, only because your riding on heavy paint vs asphalt, but you probably wouldn't notice it much unless you're taking a sharp turn.
in all honesty i've slide more on the painted lines out here then i ever did back out there.

shift shiftly
Fri May 23rd, 2008, 10:09 PM
Im gonna add my .02

I lived in California my hole life up to 3 years ago, I used to ride there in shorts and tank tops sandals etc. " I do have alittle road rash scar"
I would always lane split I MEAN ALWAYS !
Never had a problem.. I even di it here in Colorado From time to time
But i'll tell you what here in the Springs You guys dont even know what traffic is.....
I'f everyone would let everyone else live there life without judgement..
I.E. Pulling in front of a guy lane splitting or riding on the shoulder "dont be hating"
Jesus " judge not lest ye be judgeg thy self"

modette99
Thu May 29th, 2008, 09:42 AM
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modette99
Thu May 29th, 2008, 09:45 AM
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Jadam
Thu Jun 26th, 2008, 06:39 PM
I've done it on several occasions when traffic was miserable. I don't run the shoulder just because of debris. Had a few people bump out in front of me. They are usually to chicken s**t to actually get close enough to the car next to them to actually fully block you. Took one guys mirror off to teach him a lesson because he did it right as i was coming up behind him, where most do it preemptively.

Also passed a UC in the middle lane once. didn't realized it till i rode next to him. He just blurped his siren at me. I just thought, well s**t I'm not going to stop and wait up for the guy, and just kept going knowing he would be hard pressed to actually get room to pursue me. Made sure to duck out the exit after the next one though.

I'll run no faster than 15mph when I'm doing it. keeps the bike agile which is a must, slow enough for drivers unaware to still react to your being there should they start to move over, and in the case of an accident... mild injury as opposed to high speed wreck.

All of this is just my choice and opinion on the matter. to each his own. Also I always wear helmet and leather jacket. Not that that justifies it, but does i guess show that I'm not a complete fool.

Jadam
Thu Jun 26th, 2008, 06:46 PM
I have a mixed view on that. I'd say if the exit ramp is within like a hundred yards, I don't mind people getting over to try and exit a clogged freeway. However, if they start doing it miles ahead of time, it just clogs up like the legitimate lanes and makes it freaking impossible for the emergency vehicles to get through when they try to access the accident up ahead. What if someone is dying and you're blocking the ambulance from getting there cause you were impatient?


Only seen something like that once, and it was while i was in my car. It was Northbound on I-25 after the lincoln on ramp. people were using the right shoulder so much to the point where it was just as slow as the traffic. I happened to be in the right hand lane, so i just situated my car so that it blocked anyone else from using it as another lane, while still leaving me room to get back fully into my lane should I need to. A little half-zeees :)

tripledigits
Fri Jun 27th, 2008, 12:01 PM
I think blocking a lane to keep someone from passing is poor judgment. What is there's a pregnant or sick person in need of quick medical attention??

Reminds me of the time a big SUV blocked both lanes of traffic on C-470 one day, because there was a lane closure 1 mile down the road. She was making sure nobody was going to pass her to make the "late" merge. Gotta love people who enforce their version of reality on everyone else.

LadyT
Fri Jun 27th, 2008, 03:28 PM
I cant say that I have never done it either....but in CA it was crazy how normal it was.

ghostrider_9
Fri Jun 27th, 2008, 03:36 PM
It is very normal in Cali. I was stationed out there for many years. It takes a while, but you get comfortable with it. The only problem is that some get too comfortable with it . . .

LadyT
Fri Jun 27th, 2008, 03:47 PM
Ya I was not there long enough to get comfortable with it...maybe that is a good thing?

tarded400
Fri Jun 27th, 2008, 03:47 PM
On the way to work there was a guy on the boarderline of lane splitting. Looked like a lot of fun! Everyone was giving him room and he wasn't being a huge jerk about it. More power to him, but I think I will stay in my lane around the homicidal drivers today. I fear for the day I'm stuck in stopped traffic here in denver.

Suki
Fri Jun 27th, 2008, 03:55 PM
one of many things that piss me off during rush hour is when people that are on the highway block the people that are merging onto the highway. When I used to live up north and took I25 to get home I would always see people blocking the HOV lane traffic that was merging back into I25. that fucking lane goes on and gradually merges yet people would leave their lane to block it. Some guy did that to me and I was fucking pissed! Not only did I have to slam on my brakes, but then when I tried to go around him, he went even further into the lane. I started yelling at him and he just sat there shaking his fat fucking head.

People like that piss me off, what difference does it make to you if someone still has another couple hundred yards to go before their lane actually ends and they can pass you by? Because you had to wait in traffic so everyone else does? fucking childish. Sometimes I wish I had a bb gun or a metal bat to get out and bash their fucking windows in. Everyone has this stupid mentality that they are above everyone else and that everyone is out to show them up.

people that either block merging traffic or those trying to exit the highway are just creating more problems and putting themselves and others at risk. Like someone said, there might be an emergency and someone needs to exit right away and can't wait their "turn" to get far enough ahead to exit legally, by pulling out infront of people you're risking alot more than getting some sick fucking revenge on those that are "cutting corners".

That's one of my concerns now that i'm pregnant, that something might happen or i'll go into labor and some asshole thinks that we're just trying to skip to the front of the line and put us and our baby in danger just to "keep us in check".

/rant

LadyT
Fri Jun 27th, 2008, 05:03 PM
Whoa Suki.....you tell em babe!

Suki
Fri Jun 27th, 2008, 05:07 PM
lol, have I mentioned that I suffer from severe road rage? :lol:

ghostrider_9
Fri Jun 27th, 2008, 09:53 PM
<mental note: stay off the road when Suki is driving!>