Yellow Schmellow

[trufflebutter]

Is it generally acceptable (when you’re out riding) to pass on yellow lines where you perceive it to be safe to do so?

The reason for the question is that I have seen it done so many times over the years.

Personally I don’t cross the yellow lines in an effort to decrease my arrival times by three seconds. Generally, there always seems to be a place to pass when the lines run out and let’s face it, a passing manoeuvre on a bike does only takes three seconds or so. I guess it’s more a conscience question more than anything.

[Banditbandit]

Is it generally acceptable (when you’re out riding) to pass on yellow lines where you perceive it to be safe to do so?

The reason for the question is that I have seen it done so many times over the years.

Personally I don’t cross the yellow lines in an effort to decrease my arrival times by three seconds. Generally, there always seems to be a place to pass when the lines run out and let’s face it, a passing manoeuvre on a bike does only takes three seconds or so. I guess it’s more a conscience question more than anything.

No, it's never "acceptable". It's ALWAYS illegal ...

For me - the only question is; Can I get passed the car and back on my side of the road before something comes around the corner and hits me ? If the answer is Yes - I go yellow lines or not.

The lines based around a car accelerating and getting back in and most larger bikes are much quicker to accelerate than cars ...

I'm not in a rush - I just like playing in the traffic ..

[Oakie]

It is unacceptable.

[Jin]

Generally not on double yellow lines unless there is a very clear path i wait until white or yellow+white.

[flashg]

It's unacceptable.
And even though it may only take a few seconds to pass, exceeding 100 kph is breaking the law.
Back in the day it was taught, get the manoeuvre over with asap and get back on your side of the road.
Now we are not allowed to speed, (we never were really) we could be on the wrong side of the road for a long long time trying to complete an overtaking manoeuvre while not exceeding 100 kph. How safe is that ?
I'm pretty sure I exceed the speed limit almost every time I overtake on the open road.

[Madness]

Apparently it's very unacceptable to do it on one wheel.

[george formby]

I ride by the rules unless nobody's looking. The sound of a one handed man clapping and all that. Can't do a decent wheelie for shit, either.

Habitually treating traffic as a series of chicanes is usually a temporary riding style.

[pritch]

Generally no. Having said that I probably have done it. Most times I've seen it done though is on group rides and it has been done in suicidally stupid places.
The recommendation (Ienatch et al) is that you don't even ride with people who cross the centre line, let alone yellow lines.

Problem is that yellow lines are appearing everywhere, even in places where they aren't necessary, but hey! we're paying these dudes and we've got all this paint...

[Akzle]

Generally not on double yellow lines unless there is a very clear path i wait until white or yellow+white.

there's no such thing as "double yellow lines" you fucking idiot.

lanes of traffic are "controlled" by ONE line painted on the drivers' side of the vehicle.

[Virago]

there's no such thing as "double yellow lines" you fucking idiot.

lanes of traffic are "controlled" by ONE line painted on the drivers' side of the vehicle.

Wrong. The line is painted on the road, not the vehicle.

[Akzle]

Wrong. The line is painted on the road, not the vehicle.

hah. you literalist cunt.
I demand an injunction! hitcher!

[Maha]

there's no such thing as "double yellow lines" you fucking idiot.

lanes of traffic are "controlled" by ONE line painted on the drivers' side of the vehicle.

I am sure even your closest alias must frown a tad and shake their head when they read the miscellaneous crap you believe to true and accurate. Two yellow lines together are known as Double Yellow Lines.

There is no 'Twin Bridges Road' but mention it to a biker and they know exactly what you're talking about....semantics.

[Gremlin]

Two yellow lines together are known as Double Yellow Lines.

Non-legally, sure, but in law, there is no double yellow line. There is one yellow line for each direction of traffic.

Legally, so long as you do not cross the yellow line, and pass on the right of the vehicle (ie, vehicle, you, yellow line) then you may do so. However, most roads don't have that width available, and if you've been on the right side of the vehicle, are you sure the left side of the lane is clear? ie, let's say there is a cyclist you didn't see, and the car moves right to give him space... you could find yourself nowhere to go.

Crossing yellow lines to overtake? Nope, a, what's the rush, b, hopefully it's been put there for a reason, limited visibility, dip in the road so you can't see oncoming etc. Yes, sometimes the placement does make you wonder, but I still wait and I wouldn't want to ride close to anyone that does think it's a good idea.

[george formby]

I am sure even your closest alias must frown a tad and shake their head when they read the miscellaneous crap you believe to true and accurate. Two yellow lines together are known as Double Yellow Lines.

No Maha, don't jump in the pool, it's got floaters!

[FJRider]

there's no such thing as "double yellow lines" you fucking idiot.

lanes of traffic are "controlled" by ONE line painted on the drivers' side of the vehicle.

BULLSHIT ... The yellow lines are painted on the fucking ROAD. Not on the drivers side of the vehicle.

Double yellow lines are common down here ... with no white lines between the yellow.