"New" lane splitting safety technique - Wiggle

[NorCal Factory]

I recently started commuting HWY 85 and 101 N via MC again and started trying something on freeways that I have not seen others ever do. It really works to improve safety, so I thought I would mention it.

When I am approaching cars between lanes 1 and 2, I can tell when they notice me approaching and move over from lane 1 to give a little extra room. When I had loud pipes, you could tell they heard me coming a couple car lengths ahead.

Now, I often see many people moving over 5-7 car lengths ahead with some that don't. They are behaving better generally, but there are those who don't notice until I am right behind them or until I pass by. I typically slow down due to limited or no space.

When I see cars that have not moved over as far as 7-10 cars ahead, I now wiggle the bars a bit. The headlight flashes across their mirrors which triggers peripheral vision. As they look and see the wiggle it's also obvious that I'm trying to get them to part ways a bit. It really works. I know they see me, and have more room before I have to slow down. I have a safer, more relaxing commute with less braking.

Now that we are commuting in the dark where all they see in the mirror is a string of headlights in relatively fixed positions, having the headlight move side to side is more likely to be picked up.

Give it a try.

Having experienced this, I am sure that modulating headlights are valuable, but the side to side motion I believe has additional value.

 

[mrzuzzo]

commuting HWY 85 and 101 N via MC

 

[GPzPop]

aka the SMIDSY wiggle

 

[kurth83]

I do something similar, have slightly louder pipes too.

Not sure it's better than a modulator, but it works after dark and a modulator doesn't.

What I do is make my bike lean by shifting weight, gently rocking the whole light triangle back and forth, grabs attention nicely - same idea, maybe same thing by another name.

SMIDSY wiggle, like that.

 

[LakeMerrit]

I do that, plus give a little quick fingering to the high beam flasher (kind of emulating a modulator).

I like fingering the high beam flasher, because it feels like I'm shooting laser cannons in starwars and clearing a path ahead.

 

[Schnellbandit]

:laughingOh no, loud pipes saves lives.

Movement catches people's attention, loud pipes do zero for the person who can't hear you which is probably a high percentage.

LE vehicles often have the one side on one side off flashing light sequence so your idea has merit.

Just not sure about the wiggling handlebar thing though.

I'm waiting for someone to try a riding suit that looks like the rider is naked, I bet everyone moves over and then slows down just to look. There has to be some brave soul willing.

 

[bergmen]

Maybe something like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpGQYnI2AhE

Dan

 

[danate]

I like to do the full on "tire warm up" side to side swerve while splitting. Usually gets their attention. If not, wheelies work too.

 

[budman]

aka the SMIDSY wiggle

The mini SMIDSY.

I know the real deal works for sure.

 

[Kawikiwi]

I too do the wiggle.

 

[Joseppi]

I recently started commuting HWY 85 and 101 N via MC again and started trying something on freeways that I have not seen others ever do. It really works to improve safety, so I thought I would mention it.

When I am approaching cars between lanes 1 and 2, I can tell when they notice me approaching and move over from lane 1 to give a little extra room. When I had loud pipes, you could tell they heard me coming a couple car lengths ahead.

Now, I often see many people moving over 5-7 car lengths ahead with some that don't. They are behaving better generally, but there are those who don't notice until I am right behind them or until I pass by. I typically slow down due to limited or no space.

When I see cars that have not moved over as far as 7-10 cars ahead, I now wiggle the bars a bit. The headlight flashes across their mirrors which triggers peripheral vision. As they look and see the wiggle it's also obvious that I'm trying to get them to part ways a bit. It really works. I know they see me, and have more room before I have to slow down. I have a safer, more relaxing commute with less braking.

Now that we are commuting in the dark where all they see in the mirror is a string of headlights in relatively fixed positions, having the headlight move side to side is more likely to be picked up.

Give it a try.

Having experienced this, I am sure that modulating headlights are valuable, but the side to side motion I believe has additional value.

you do realize that people are not required by law to move over and give you room, right?

 

[Schnellbandit]

Maybe the reason the car drivers move when you wiggle is they think:

1. You are about to crash
2. You are DUI
3. You're about to crap your stich and just as soon you weren't next to them when it happened.
4. You've already done the dirty deed and are losing it.
5. You got the mother of all wedgies.

You think you're wiggling, car drivers probably think something's wrong with you or your bike and get out of the way.

 

[GPzPop]

Maybe the reason the car drivers move when you wiggle is they think:

1. You are about to crash
2. You are DUI
3. You're about to crap your stich and just as soon you weren't next to them when it happened.
4. You've already done the dirty deed and are losing it.
5. You got the mother of all wedgies.

You think you're wiggling, car drivers probably think something's wrong with you or your bike and get out of the way.

That is all part of the racecraft!

 

[HeatXfer]

I too do the wiggle.

Not on the bike in your avatar: that fairing keeps the light steady. My headlight is frame-mounted too. I just keep my eyes open and don't split above the recommended 15mph delta.

Although I hear that using hazards while splitting creates a force-field around the bike (for believers) that will prevent anything bad from happening.

 

[NorCal Factory]

Maybe the reason the car drivers move when you wiggle is they think:

1. You are about to crash
2. You are DUI
3. You're about to crap your stich and just as soon you weren't next to them when it happened.
4. You've already done the dirty deed and are losing it.
5. You got the mother of all wedgies.

You think you're wiggling, car drivers probably think something's wrong with you or your bike and get out of the way.

Don't swerve - just give a little wiggle when needed - you will see it gets cars to react much farther ahead than pipes. I was even thinking of putting on my louder pipes until I saw this was more effective and less offensive.

 

[Killroy1999]

I like the wiggle for visibility and to stay off the dots!

 

[Kawikiwi]

Not on the bike in your avatar: that fairing keeps the light steady. My headlight is frame-mounted too. I just keep my eyes open and don't split above the recommended 15mph delta.

Although I hear that using hazards while splitting creates a force-field around the bike (for believers) that will prevent anything bad from happening.

A wiggle is a wiggle is a wiggle: it still wiggles. But also, I no longer have my beloved banana 250, I’m stuck with broken bikes that need engine work that I’m too busy to do at the moment.

Anyways, faired bikes still wiggle. It’s like a Mars Light and catches more attention than not wiggling. Also, wiggles aren’t huge sweeping swerves, it’s just a tiny handlebar input to barely move side to side.

 

[ctwo]

I saw a rider splitting like he was skiing moguls, bouncing up and down and in and out of lanes. It was quite the scene.



youtu.be/eqQBubilSXU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqQBubilSXU

 

[FreeRyde]

I just cram myself in tight spaces and hope for the best

 

[1962siia]

I've managed to incorporate the SMIDSY into my riding over the last few years, so it just happens now. I haven't really used it while splitting but I'll give it a try. :thumbup