Lane splitting/filtering: the legal and commonsense answers

[FJRider]

I think the ablity to not go oh shit and panic as well as knowing the bike well/how to get out of trouble helps


Still a scary expirence that I will learn from

I think ability comes under the heading of skill.

And with your dose of luck .... All makes for a happy ending then ..

Stay lucky guys and gals ...

[swbarnett]

Had any post in this thread shown my personal views on this subject to be illogical I would be happy to change them. Unfortunately this is yet to happen and if anything at all your own posts in this thread have simply reinforced my views. I'd call that a fail.

The very fact that you expect people to be infallible is illogical. As I've said already, I used to think this way and still fall back into it from time to time. This, in itself, is a demonstration that I am willing to listen to a reasoned argument. Not just repeated assertions of the same perfectionist thinking.

Also, to blame the next rider for the actions of the previous is illogical (and also prejudice). I don't tar every car driver because one tries to park on me.

Disco; nice post, well put.

At least we can agree on this. Well said indeed.

[swbarnett]

So ... what is the right speed to lane split .. ??

That which gives you time and room to react and extricate yourself without harm to anyone. The wider the gap, the faster it can be taken.

What else is required then ... a fair dose of luck ... ???

To be clear, I'm asserting that skill alone is enough to keep a rider safe. I'm not just talking about bike control but also reading traffic etc.

You make your own luck.

[FJRider]

You make your own luck.

The funny thing about luck ... when most get some ... they usually put it down to their own skill and abilities (and proclaim their greatness to all and sundry). When in actual fact ... the result(s) of what occurred was out of their control. As a small error or different action of another motorist/person might have killed them.

[Madness]

The very fact that you expect people to be infallible is illogical. Blah, blah, wank, wank.

I've never stated that at all. I have suggested that in order to be a responsible rider, one should refrain from lane-splitting unless they are confident they are able to do so without colliding with other vehicles. That's hardly an expectation of perfectionism, is it?

Also, to blame the next rider for the actions of the previous is illogical (and also prejudice). I don't tar every car driver because one tries to park on me.

So the next time the driver of a 4 (or more) wheeled vehicle has their wing mirror clipped and they vent their frustration by taking out the next splitting biker that unfortunate biker should take comfort from their hospital bed that the driver was prejudiced. I doubt that will stem the flow of blood or lessen the pain somehow.

At least we can agree on this. Well said indeed.

Yeah, I particularly liked this bit:

Generally I would say for you to avoid lane splitting if you still panic brake when given a sudden incident. If you remain calm as a cucumber when someone pulls out on you or you have to suddenly avoid something - react calmly but quickly, then that is a pretty good indicator that your ready for lane splitting.

As Disco has suggested, splitting between lanes of traffic is hardly the place to learn new things & polish skills such as basic bike control.

By the way, you're a dick.

[swbarnett]

I've never stated that at all.

You certainly implied it. Expecting a zero ocurrance of mirror clipping is like expecting a zero road toll. The only way to achieve this is to have perfect riders.

I have suggested that in order to be a responsible rider, one should refrain from lane-splitting unless they are confident they are able to do so without colliding with other vehicles. That's hardly an expectation of perfectionism, is it?

Actually, yes it is. Many riders will start lane splitting when they think they are ready and over estimate their abilities.
However, I do agree that this is a laudible goal and good advice to the novice rider.

So the next time the driver of a 4 (or more) wheeled vehicle has their wing mirror clipped and they vent their frustration by taking out the next splitting biker that unfortunate biker should take comfort from their hospital bed that the driver was prejudiced. I doubt that will stem the flow of blood or lessen the pain somehow.

Now, this I can agree with whole heartedly. However, it's hardly the fault of that previous rider either.

Yeah, I particularly liked this bit:

Indeed. If this could be achieved all the time then I'd be very pleased. However, I don't believe this is acheivable. And FYI, I would be very glad to be proven wrong.

As Disco has suggested, splitting between lanes of traffic is hardly the place to learn new things & polish skills such as basic bike control.

One can't avoid learning new things while lane splitting (like lane splitting for example). I agree basic bike control is an entirely different matter.

[Maha]

My bike measures 1mtr at it's widest point, not alot of splitting/filtering going to had on that one would assume.

[Madness]

You certainly implied it. Expecting a zero ocurrance of mirror clipping is like expecting a zero road toll. The only way to achieve this is to have perfect riders.

Fuck off I did. I accept there will always be fuckwits who can't ride without colliding with other vehicles, which is why I believe such instances should be dealt with properly; with a Careless Use charge.

Now, this I can agree with whole heartedly. However, it's hardly the fault of that previous rider either.

The other riders actions have contributed to the hypothetical situation. It's unfortunate but as you well know the world isn't perfect which is why people need to think beyond the removal of a couple of microns of paint the next time they go clipping.

Indeed. If this could be achieved all the time then I'd be very pleased. However, I don't believe this is acheivable. And FYI, I would be very glad to be proven wrong.

Where's the harm in trying? It's gotta be better to have tried and failed than to sit there and say "meh, it's only paint, fuck'em"

I agree basic bike control is an entirely different matter.

It's the same matter entirely. Don't go splitting without having it by the bucketload.

[bosslady]

Fu
cks


sake...

[Madness]

Fu
cks


sake...

Have you been drinking?

[Disco Dan]

handbags at ten paces....

[bosslady]

Have you been drinking?

always always

[Madness]

handbags at ten paces....

I'll have to borrow yours then ya big homo. Sold the Zed yet?

[Disco Dan]

I'll have to borrow yours then ya big homo. Sold the Zed yet?

Once you make an honest man out of me.... lover...

Naa, decided to keep it. Things were getting pretty dicey for a while but managed to work my way out of the hole.. can afford to keep her now.

[Madness]

Once you make an honest man out of me.... lover...

Naa, decided to keep it. Things were getting pretty dicey for a while but managed to work my way out of the hole.. can afford to keep her now.

Sorry dude, I'm into vagina.

Good move on keeping it, looks like she's a minter.