Lanesplitting rider killed

[dravnx]

Honking and flashing your lights is very rude. Have a little patience and the split will always open up.
Every time you get on your bike you become an ambassador for the rest of us.
Act accordingly.

[Maddevill]

While I agree that big rigs are a special hazard, many of those crashes where a big rig was involved, the rider was injured AFTER he crashed with an ordinary car. I've been riding awhile and I do ride a sporty pace in the hills but, in my opinion, there are a LOT of riders splitting with a very high delta. I see it every day. I guess until they get involved in an accident , it means nothing to them.

Mad

[ScottRNelson]

Originally Posted by Maddevill

While I agree that big rigs are a special hazard, many of those crashes where a big rig was involved, the rider was injured AFTER he crashed with an ordinary car.

I think the main point of not splitting past big rigs is that if something goes wrong you've greatly increased your chances of serious injury or death. So even if it's a car that you tangle with, you're more likely to die going under the wheels of a big rig.

[Maddevill]

Originally Posted by ScottRNelson

I think the main point of not splitting past big rigs is that if something goes wrong you've greatly increased your chances of serious injury or death. So even if it's a car that you tangle with, you're more likely to die going under the wheels of a big rig.

That's fine but how about riding so you don't get tangled with a car in the first place ? Semi's are part of the highway. We have to deal with them.

Mad

[Enchanter]

The techniques you two are sharing are not mutually exclusive.

I split all the time. I never split past semi tractor-trailers.

[budman]

I will pull back in line as well.
One tip over being fatal is just not worth the risk.

[Hoppalong]

Originally Posted by budman

One tip over being fatal is just not worth the risk.

I think for many riders it's not even about getting somewhere a few seconds quicker. They get caught up in the adrenaline-rush of it.

[Enchanter]

Originally Posted by Hoppalong

I think for many riders it's not even about getting somewhere a few seconds quicker. They get caught up in the adrenaline-rush of it.

I tend to agree with you. I've recently met a few riders that indicated that a) you have to lanesplit, and b) cars are supposed to get out your way / create space.

[PorradaVFR]

Originally Posted by NorCalAthlete

A pet peeve of mine is the people who swerve sharply onto the shoulder at the last minute to give you room. [....] It also tells me they have no depth perspective, because 9 times out of 10 it's someone in a Nissan Leaf, Mini Cooper, Prius, or other tiny car that barely takes up half a lane to begin with.

Exactly!! I’ll split past a far larger car that’s far closer to the lane marker with no problem - then the person in the tiny clown car moves 10’ over (I mean, thanks?) abruptly and recklessly.

Every.

Damn.

Time.

[295566]

Originally Posted by PorradaVFR

Exactly!! I’ll split past a far larger car that’s far closer to the lane marker with no problem - then the person in the tiny clown car moves 10’ over (I mean, thanks?) abruptly and recklessly.

Every.

Damn.

Time.

Omg, seriously! I appreciate the gesture, I guess... but I can't tell you how many blank stares I get when I tell people I prefer them to keep going their course and NOT pull 3/4 of the way onto the fucking shoulder to "make room" for me splitting. I know where the ends of my bike are, and there's plenty of room for both of us... if there isn't, I'll wait! No need to recklessly jerk over to make more room. 99% of the time that extra room isn't needed. And, worst case, you pop a tire, freak out other drivers not paying attention, etc. Not worth it. Just keep in your cage!

[Hoppalong]

Originally Posted by 295566

... but I can't tell you how many blank stares I get when I tell people I prefer them...

They're not staring at you blankly, they're staring at you in disbelief (as am I).

[mjj]

We need to require sailing lessons before issuing DL's, where the concept of "standing on" is as important as giving way.

Besides, everyone would be happier.

[295566]

Originally Posted by Hoppalong

They're not staring at you blankly, they're staring at you in disbelief (as am I).

So you'd prefer when people erratically swerve out of the way for you when you're splitting, as opposed to staying where they are and being predictable? The lanes in CA are plenty wide enough for both a car and motorcycle to fit. No reason for them to swerve out of the way for us, and again, I'd prefer predictability over crazy movements that can confuse or scare other inattentive drivers.

I'd genuinely like to hear your reasoning behind this.

[Hoppalong]

Originally Posted by 295566

So you'd prefer when people erratically swerve out of the way for you when you're splitting, as opposed to staying where they are and being predictable? The lanes in CA are plenty wide enough for both a car and motorcycle to fit. No reason for them to swerve out of the way for us, and again, I'd prefer predictability over crazy movements that can confuse or scare other inattentive drivers.

I'd genuinely like to hear your reasoning behind this.

What you call "erratically swerve out of the way" I call acknowledging my presence and extending courtesy to me.

What you call "staying where they are and being predictable" might actually be that they don't know I'm there, or worse.

And as to why they might be staring in disbelief? you're talking about forcing your way into their already established lane position. You're like the ungrateful house guest that complains about the accommodations.

[295566]

Originally Posted by Hoppalong

What you call "erratically swerve out of the way" I call acknowledging my presence and extending courtesy to me.

What you call "staying where they are and being predictable" might actually be that they don't know I'm there, or worse.

And as to why they might be staring in disbelief? you're talking about forcing your way into their already established lane position. You're like the ungrateful house guest that complains about the accommodations.

Now you're making statements about my character?



Look how much fuckin' room there is in those CA lanes. As stated above, plenty of room for a motorycle and car to occupy that space, without either having to alter their path. Sure, the thought is nice, but I'd rather them drive predictably. Unpredictable behavior is what causes collisions, and in case you haven't heard, those usually end up poorly for motorcyclists.

EDIT: I think you're confused.

I'm not saying ALL PEOPLE THAT PULL OVER A BIT ARE BAD. I don't mind that. What I'm really saying is those people who are driving, don't see you until you're at their rear bumper, then swerve into the shoulder quickly to "make room." IMO that's not "acknowledging my presence and extending courtesy to me," it's erratic and unpredictable, and I'd rather prefer they stay where they're at.