Motorcyclists

[Nor Cal driver]

As a 911 owner (2nd one!!!) and a motorcyclist (4th one!!!) here in CA I always appreciate the serious focused attentive attitude of Porsche drivers - especially when lane splitting - as I am legally allowed to do in this state!

[Jgordon]

as a former (and hopefully future) motorcyclist myself, any consideration that can be made for them is welcome. I try to anticipate them, and make room. I would appreciate it if others did the same.

Ride safely.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Lane splitting isn't legal here in AZ AFAIK, but if it were I imagine I'd try to just be as predictable as possible. Which means holding my line.

[Nor Cal driver]

Originally posted by BlueSkyJaunte
Lane splitting isn't legal here in AZ AFAIK, but if it were I imagine I'd try to just be as predictable as possible. Which means holding my line.

First - to bad lane splitting is not legal in all fifty states - it makes sense on a moto.

Second, as a moto rider I do very much appreciate folks who I see in side mirrors take note of me and who don't change their line. Remaining predictable is very very good - IMO, creating a bit of space is even better - so when roadway conditions / space allow, I always move a bit to the side to let a moto rider pass.

[jyl]

I watch for lane-splitting motorcycles and make extra room for them. A surprising number will give me a wave or lifted finger in return, which is nice.

Speaking of two-wheelers, I watch harder for bicycles than motorcycles - cyclists are harder to see, behave less predictably, and their stopping ability is minimal.

[Neilk]

My brother used to have a motorcycle, but that's another story. Some people would cut him off to prevent him from getting past them at a light. Whatever. A good slap on their window sure got their attention.

My dad, who lives in France, saves serious amounts of time by lane splitting. There people are aware of motorcycles unlike some of the brain dead drivers around here. I alway make room if possible.

[MotoSook]

As a motorcyclist, I have to say that the best thing a 4-wheeler can do is to maintain speed and refrain from quick lane changes. You should do that whether it's a car or bike!

Give us distance if you come up on us. Even in your 911 (mine too), you won't be able to stop as quickly as we can.

If you happen to be in a lane next to us and we don't speed up or slow down, you might consider speeding up or slowing down (better) so you are not side to side. Even motorcyclist, when riding in a group, should ride staggered. If I have to change lanes quickly with you next to me (I hope I have scanned my area though), I'll make an ugly hood ornament. This is a good practice in a car too (staggered formation).

A motorcyclist can weave within his lane. Don't be alarm, just stay alert. I weave in my lane to make sure I don't get lost in the scenery. I do it when approaching an intersection so the driver will notice my headlights when I flick from one side of my lane to the other. I ride with my high beams during the day so the drivers will see me. It's not to piss you or other 4-wheelers off.

Common sense is common sense on two wheels or not...


We can share!

[MotoSook]

Splitting lanes can be hard to implement in some states or cities, because the 4-wheelers will have to get use to it. Riders will have to be very very careful once implemented. There will be lots of initial accidents. I'm mixed on the idea, but I think it should be left to the motorcyclist to decide if he wants to split lanes.

[mwbaum]

I have owned about 5 motorcycles (largest was a GS 1100) and now own a Vespa and have been hit twice totalling two bikes, by cars running a light or making an illegal turn. Bike riders have to deal with life threatening situations weekly from $hitty drivers. I always give them a lot of space and respect.

[kstylianos]

I've been riding motorcycles for the last 8 years and when driving a car I show any fellow motorcyclist the same road manners as I would expect when riding myself. As Souk said, don't tale gate, keep a watchful eye out, and we are not all hooligans

Too bad lane splitting is illegal in MD/VA or I'd be riding to work more often. If you try lane splitting on the beltway during rush hour, you'll most likely be the lucky recipient of a front fender sandwich from some a-hole who doesn't want you to make faster progress. Folks are ruthless out here. The motorcycles have been left for weekend fun, unfortunately. BTW: for the brave soul who does try his hand at lane splitting, I try to make room and pray

[arcsine]

My riding mindspace is:
No one sees me except police and other riders.
Everyone is out to kill me.
With those thoughts in my head I stay out of peoples blind spots and always try to give myself an out. I prefer drivers to not anticipate me and just pay attention and be consistent. (Seems to be a lot to ask though.)

I did get to do a ride in California once and did some lane splitting. Scared the crap out of me. Drivers seemed to take offence that we were moving and they were not and would intentionally take up space and close us off. I don't know how riders there do that all the time.

[silverc4s]

I have ridden motorcycles off and on for many years - on 3 continents. I just want to say that I think that lane-splitting is a BAD idea, and even when I lived in Cali, I saw it as a pretty dangerous process. I would never do it, personally.

There is a entire universe of idiots, drunks, incompetents, and drivers with other types of deficiencies out there EVERY DAY! You are barely safe against these folks in another 4 wheeled vehicle, never safe on a bike, especially in California (Bay Area is my main experience, don't get me started). Why try to get between them in a non-lane, when they likely don't even see you at all? Big hurry? Bad reason, as recuperation times are long.

Really really really bad bad bad idea. Sorry.

BTW- I selected category 3 above, as that's what I want drivers to do when I am on a bike, be predictable, DON'T HELP ME!!!!

(Stepping off soap box, shutting up, going to room quietly...)

[Schrup]

I accidentally pulled out in front of a big nasty Harley guy when I was a kid & he almost lost it. He chased me for two or three miles before I lost him in my Firebird. I thought he was going to shoot me. I stay as far away from bikes (espiecally Harleys) as possible every since.

[masraum]

personally the times that I have visited CA I have been amazed by the lane splitting (learn something new everyday). I am amazed that it is legal as it seems really dangerous to me. I can't imagine it working here in Houston at all SUV's take up too much space, and people are not observant enough.

[caliber60]

Don't do it. I have 4 motorcycles myself. My friend was land-splitting in Disneyland area, the driver got so pissed off the passenger opened the door and my friend almost ran into the open door.

[elbean]

As a motorcylist also I always try to look out for not just bikes but any vehicle while entering intersections and changing lanes. I split lanes as much as possible when its allowed(not sure what the speed limit allowing it is but I know it's got to be pretty slow to do so). I hate to say it but it's really a game to me, I am totally focused. On my Harley I always rev the motor so people hear me coming. Most people do move over of which I always give a wave of apprieciation. On my K12RS I have an after market exhaust that isn't as loud so I'm alot more careful.
I have to admit I have driven in traffic when along comes a bike splitting lanes that I just did not hear or see coming and it scares the sh**out of me. As a rider I would hate to accidently change lanes and hit someone, kind of like parking next to a 911 in my SUV and slamming my door into it.
BTW did all you bikers ride your scooters to work today?
It's ride your motorcycle to work day!! 12th annual.
Ride safe!!!

[MotoSook]

Rode mine today!

[Nor Cal driver]

I ride mine to the office most every day, besides the heavy rain. And I lane split everywhere and do so with GREAT CARE.

Whenever I ride, and for that matter drive, I do so with the understanding that it is entirely up to me to maintain a safe enviroment for myself - because IMO everyone else is trying to kill me. That being said, I do recognize when folks out there are actually being attentive and friendly / skilled drivers, and I appreciate it - no matter if I am on my moto, bicycle, or car. Of course, when on the moto I always give a wave or finger nod to drivers that let me past.

I really do wonder about the poll at the top there. There are a few votes that perplex me. Why would one intentionally block a moto rider - we sure don't slow you down...and any that do are at fault and should lose their license. And why would one just be bothered by riders - we have such a intense focus on roads and drivers and skills and behaviors that a motor sports enthusiast like a Porsche owner would almost be sure to appreciate it...

[masraum]

I didn't vote, but the road is such a competitive place. It doesn't surprise me that some people would be pissed that a rider could scoot right through while the driver was stuck. People, the general public, are idiots and do things that amaze me all of the time.

[sammyg2]

CAUTION: MAJOR RANT AHEAD!

I always move over and give motorcycles room to split lanes, but I really really really hate the inconsiderate SOBs who decide to run drag pipes or other excessively loud pipes on harleys. I guess what they want is to be obnoxious and they figure their quest for 64 hp instead of the stock 63 hp is more important that the rights of those who are forced to share the road with these future grease spots. It does not make them cool.
At least once a day on the way home I'm sitting in traffic minding my own business when one of these low-lifes passes right by my door and rings my ears with their POS exhaust. Man I hate that.
I also don't enjoy sipping coffee and reading the paper on Sunday morning and being distracted by a loud harley revving it up while going down my usually quiet residential street. Many times I thought about cutting them off, but I never have.
I don't play my radio so loud as to annoy others, I don't modify my exhaust so as to annoy others, too bad these ***** don't show the same consideration. I used to ride a cruiser but sold it three years ago after I brought home a stray Porsche. The wife said I had too many toys so I sold the bike. No, it wasn't loud. and I don't want to hear that myth of "loud pipes save lives". I don't buy it. All they do is infringe on the rights of others. If people want a loud bike or car they should only run it on a track where people expect it and it is acceptable, not on the street. There's a reason it is illegal.
OK, I feel better. End of rant. Nomex on. Maybe I am too old.