V-Rod Chet
Active member
This is a great thread, after reading all this, I wonder: Is it ok NOT to split lanes? Sometimes I just putt in traffic till I get bored. I'll dummy-up and ride the braille if lane splitting is the rule 
*The definitive laneSHARING thread*
- Thread starter motorman4life
- Start date
JPM
Well-known member
This is a great thread, after reading all this, I wonder: Is it ok NOT to split lanes? Sometimes I just putt in traffic till I get bored. I'll dummy-up and ride the braille if lane splitting is the rule
I never split traffic when I'm at work unless I'm trying to get to a call. Only because there is no reason to hurry to one side of the city just to turn around and go back to the other side.
Also it’s funny to see a bike split partway up until they see me sitting in traffic and they stop and try to blend in. :laughing If they think it is illegal then why do it in the first place? :wtf
NorCalBusa
Member #294
please don't actually ride the brailleThis is a great thread, after reading all this, I wonder: Is it ok NOT to split lanes? Sometimes I just putt in traffic till I get bored. I'll dummy-up and ride the braille if lane splitting is the rule
V-Rod Chet
Active member
Junkie, I was just metaphorically speaking
JPM
Well-known member
I'm a legend in my own mind. :rofl
Sharke
Well-known member
lane share when prudent and if you are being not so prudent..(technical way hehe) then don't do it when cops are around. I have no problem bypassing slowpokes in the fast lane but only if I feel it safe. Take the law and use your experience and wisdom and I am sure we will all make it through the high quality ..(BAH HA HA..sorry) roads of this state
Mistyz
Turn Signal Nazi's!!!
I had a Moto Officer get on his intercom and tell me lanesplitting was illegal. Then he took off lansplitting :laughing
In hindsight, I was very new, probably wobbly, and he was probably trying to get me to consider my skill level and not become a skid mark on the freeway of life. :laughing :thumbup
Great thread, thanks for posting it as a sticky.
In hindsight, I was very new, probably wobbly, and he was probably trying to get me to consider my skill level and not become a skid mark on the freeway of life. :laughing :thumbup
Great thread, thanks for posting it as a sticky.
Razel
Well-known member
:teeth Lane splitting is illegal. Lane sharing isn't... :teeth
Mistyz
Turn Signal Nazi's!!!
Its all about the details. :laughing
blackOnblack
back to black
What if you're on a 1 laned, 2 way "highway". (ie: 25, one lane going each direction). When traffic stops, do you take to the shoulder to continue on, or do you dare "share" to the left of the vehicle towards the middle of the road?
Razel
Well-known member
It's attention-grabbing, and most likey to be followed by a "discussion", maybe even insistance on your autograph.
JPM
Well-known member
If there is room on the left without any part of you or your bike crossing into the oncoming lane, and it’s done at a reasonable speed, it’s legal. Riding the shoulder is illegal.
If you search there have been a number of threads on this.
Mickey_D100
Scares Children
I've seen the question asked here in this thread, but I'm still not 100% clear - on a highway like 92W that gets completely bogged on weekends, with one lane going each way, according to JPM above it is legal to share a lane on the left provided that it can be done safely (questionable in the first place, since you'll be even closer to oncoming traffic) and completely within the space between cars on the right and the double yellow on the left.
However, is it legal to share on the right between the fog line and the cars on your left, provided you're not actually crossing the fog line and therefore, by JPM's definition, not riding the shoulder? I've read the VC that passing on the right is illegal, but does this apply in that situation?
I've seen definitive answers like JPM's regarding sharing to the left of stopped cars but haven't seen a statement regarding the acceptance of sharing on the right provided it is done entirely within a lane? I did a search but there's so many results it was tough to find anything. Based on JPM's statement that "If there is room on the left without any part of you or your bike crossing into the oncoming lane, and it’s done at a reasonable speed, it’s legal", it applies to either side of the lane, but just wanted to check.
Obviously, for those reading, IF right-side sharing is legal, one should take extra care when approaching a ride-side exit or a right turn opportunity. I currently don't share on the right side of a two-lane highway because of the questionable legality but if the answer is "yes, it's acceptable", it is something I would consider in certain situations, with the caveat of heightened vigilance in those scenarios.
However, is it legal to share on the right between the fog line and the cars on your left, provided you're not actually crossing the fog line and therefore, by JPM's definition, not riding the shoulder? I've read the VC that passing on the right is illegal, but does this apply in that situation?
I've seen definitive answers like JPM's regarding sharing to the left of stopped cars but haven't seen a statement regarding the acceptance of sharing on the right provided it is done entirely within a lane? I did a search but there's so many results it was tough to find anything. Based on JPM's statement that "If there is room on the left without any part of you or your bike crossing into the oncoming lane, and it’s done at a reasonable speed, it’s legal", it applies to either side of the lane, but just wanted to check.
Obviously, for those reading, IF right-side sharing is legal, one should take extra care when approaching a ride-side exit or a right turn opportunity. I currently don't share on the right side of a two-lane highway because of the questionable legality but if the answer is "yes, it's acceptable", it is something I would consider in certain situations, with the caveat of heightened vigilance in those scenarios.
Mickey_D100
Scares Children
I was able to find this just now. Here is an excellent post by MM4L (as usual
). My understanding is that it MAY be written as unsafe passing on the right, but that YMMV and that you assume a higher risk of write up when doing it on the right. Would that be the correct way to look at it?http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/f...2983018&highlight=laneshar*+right#post2983018
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After years of lurking, this is the thread that makes me jump in... great stuff.
How about this scenario: going on a two lane backroad, 50 mph speed limit. The road meanders, so it's double yellow for miles and miles; though it's not excessively twisty. Mr. Tourist is putting along at 40-45, oblivious to my being right behind him doing all I can to get his attention.
If there's room to share safely (which to me means that I fit nicely between him and the centerline and I can get by him in a half a second), can I do so legally?
In these type of situations, it's usually a no brainer to pass on the double yellow. It's illegal, to be sure, but on a bike it's safe and easy. Would it be legal if I passed while sharing the lane? That would save me a lot of trips to the confessional...
How about this scenario: going on a two lane backroad, 50 mph speed limit. The road meanders, so it's double yellow for miles and miles; though it's not excessively twisty. Mr. Tourist is putting along at 40-45, oblivious to my being right behind him doing all I can to get his attention.
If there's room to share safely (which to me means that I fit nicely between him and the centerline and I can get by him in a half a second), can I do so legally?
In these type of situations, it's usually a no brainer to pass on the double yellow. It's illegal, to be sure, but on a bike it's safe and easy. Would it be legal if I passed while sharing the lane? That would save me a lot of trips to the confessional...
rumpofsteelskin
friend to spiders
This is a great thread, after reading all this, I wonder: Is it ok NOT to split lanes? Sometimes I just putt in traffic till I get bored. I'll dummy-up and ride the braille if lane splitting is the rule
Here, I can clarify this for you: it is never not OK to not split lanes. There. :x
motorman4life
Well-known member
This thread on using hazard lights (flashers) while lanesharing is worth adding to this thread. Please check out http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=225304 for more info.
Carlo
Kickstart Enthusiast
If this is the definitive thread on lane sharing, it ought to have the relevant California Vehicle Code section in it. This is the only place I was ever able to find where "lane usage" is defined.
Interestingly (and since I'm living in Oregon now) the law here reads in essence, almost exactly the same, yet you'll get a ticket if you try to "lane share" in Oregon. They are talking about a law that specifically addresses lane sharing by motorcyclists, and allowing it under certain circumstances.
Interestingly (and since I'm living in Oregon now) the law here reads in essence, almost exactly the same, yet you'll get a ticket if you try to "lane share" in Oregon. They are talking about a law that specifically addresses lane sharing by motorcyclists, and allowing it under certain circumstances.