Do You Lane Split?

[RacinJason]

Please answer the poll then comment below on what city/state you live in and why or why dont you lane split. Please subscribe to my channel! -RacinJason

 

[sjbali]

all the time, can't go without Bali - Indonesia

 

[malJohann]

That's the only way to ride safely, so I also constantly lane split. I'm in Victoria, Australia.

 

[CruzerVlog]

Not as of yet...dunno if I will.

 

[ShadowBoxer]

I live in Los Angeles, California.

Yes when reasonable for the circumstances. Not every time I can.
I think it leads to a safer ride when done reasonably. Speeding past people at 50 mph is stupid/foolish, but never splitting or even thinking about it is a bad practice in my opinion.

Riders who are not thinking about the space in between cars and are simply focused on being in the center of the lane are not thinking about or at least ignoring potential escape routes. Something I see as a bad and potentially dangerous shortsighted habit.

 

[AndyManCam]

I do. But very gingerly. When I lived in London I would lanesplit or filter like a boss! Never fast, never reckless, but always moving forward. I got pretty handy at getting that bike through some tight spots and riding REALLY slowly!

But now I'm in Germany, filtering is a grey area. I do it. But not nearly as much or as aggressively as I used to. Car drivers actively try to stop you doing it here. Blocking off lanes, swerving purposely, closing gaps etc.. Plus I don't know what the Polizei would say about it!

 

[sjbali]

yeah every country has it's laws sometimes though unfortunately. Here, if you don't lane split, you probably die
Interestingly i just uploaded a video last night

 

[AndyManCam]

That's a hectic ride! Reminds me of the London City commute! Except for every scooter or small bike, there would be a Red Bus or a Black cab taking up all the space!!

 

[ShadowBoxer]

So SJBali,
The lane lines are strictly for comedic effect?
You guys sure put a lot of trust in each other, I'll say that.
And I'm guessing helmets are the law there?

Reminds me a bit of my trip to China. Trucks would just drive up on the sidewalks there.
It looks like being safe is a challenge there, so good job getting home safe everyday.

 

[malJohann]

yeah every country has it's laws sometimes though unfortunately. Here, if you don't lane split, you probably die
Interestingly i just uploaded a video last night

Interesting video! Some great splitting footage there! Subbed!

 

[zordflea]

Lane spitting is not legal anywhere in Canada, which is a shame. I have done lane spitting in California, and I think if done correctly, it is the best and most efficient way for motorcycles in integrate with the rest of the traffic.

Occasionally I will squeeze between the cars and the curb to get to my turn-off if I'm close enough. And even then people have honked at me for doing it.

 

[TriumfAnt]

I've only done it twice while in the US. First time while riding in slow traffic, a pick-up truck driver waited till I was just about to pass him and he opened his door on me. Second time, I filtered to the front at some traffic lights. After pulling away, a pick-up truck driver (yes, another one) chased after me and started shouting and gesticulating at me. I got that one on video, but you can't really see much.
Fortunately I don't often ride on roads that are so busy I need to filter.

 

[chix]

I do not lane split. Houston, TX is filled with ignorant drivers and a lot have big trucks. No way they would see me under normal circumstamces, much less lane spliiting next to them in their massive blind spots. Plus I try not to ride on super congested roads.

 

[malJohann]

I've only done it twice while in the US. First time while riding in slow traffic, a pick-up truck driver waited till I was just about to pass him and he opened his door on me. Second time, I filtered to the front at some traffic lights. After pulling away, a pick-up truck driver (yes, another one) chased after me and started shouting and gesticulating at me. I got that one on video, but you can't really see much.
Fortunately I don't often ride on roads that are so busy I need to filter.

Bunch of arseholes with nothing better to do?

 

[MsRandomnS]

I don't (try not to) lane split here in Georgia. There is always the opportunity, but it is illegal. Plus, I don't think that--with the skill level of driving that happens here--trying would be advised unless traffic is absolutely stand-still and will not move for a while. But not even then. People tend to get jealous and act out.

 

[O8ride]

I never lane split, but I always filter. Yeah I'm being pedantic, but I see them as quite different. I may be techniclaly incorrect, but my definition is that lane splitting is going between cars that are already travelling at speed, while filtering is in between cars that are clogged up in a traffic jam.

Here in UK, most drivers are great. And most understand filtering is legal. You just have to do it nice and slow, stay alert, I always open my visor while filtering to both improve visibility and to apply cold air to my face which I feel gets you to pay attention more.

But there is the occasional one that can take offence. Screw 'em, you've gone way past them already

 

[sjbali]

@AndyManCam yeah lots of bikes here its a madhouse sometimes!

@ShadowBoxer lines and signs are only decoration here well i do have to say it works out somehow and i probably would have more problems to lane split in lets say australia as i can not judge how the cars would react, not that it is not dangerous here, it is. Yes helmets are law.. at least on the paper.

@malJohann glad you liked it! Thanks for the sub!!!!!!


The main thing about lane splitting / filtering is, i always try to pass the 'hazard' as quickly as possible, the shorter the time you are exposed to drivers unaware of you the better.

 

[malJohann]

..The main thing about lane splitting / filtering is, i always try to pass the 'hazard' as quickly as possible, the shorter the time you are exposed to drivers unaware of you the better.

This! Approach, Assess, Move On. The longer you hang around, the more exposed you are to decisions made by others. Keep it dynamic and you'll stay alive, rely on others in traffic to do the right thing and it'll be the end of you.

 

[sjbali]

This! Approach, Assess, Move On. The longer you hang around, the more exposed you are to decisions made by others. Keep it dynamic and you'll stay alive, rely on others in traffic to do the right thing and it'll be the end of you.

yup exactly ! Ride save everyone and enjoy splitting the pie

 

[damsel]

its totally legal here in good old england