What do you think of lane splitting by motorcycle riders?

[Tarifa]

'Lane splitting' means riding a motorcycle between clearly marked lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. It's essentially riding in the space between two vehicles in adjacent lanes, in order to navigate congestion or speed up travel through dense traffic.

Do you do it if you ride a motorcycle? Do you consider it a dangerous practice? Do you tolerate It when you drive a car and are stuck in traffic?

[Rosexøxø]

I think it shouldn’t be done. It’s more possible in stand still traffic/ traffic back ups, as another mentioned, but if I were a rider, I wouldn’t make such attempts. Of course there’s those who get triggered by bikers and could just pop open their car door “ “ or behave in other unreasonable/ irresponsible ways. I personally wouldn’t give them that chance, nor satisfaction.

I’d care about my safety too, but bike it everything. Why would I want them to damage it for me- For free?

Also my sister had a game on her tablet once that involved this concept. It was fun 😂 but traumatic when I had first seen (in detail), my first crash 💥, due to the automatic increasing speed.

[Tarifa]

Indeed, car drivers can behave in unreasonable / irresponsible ways. I've learned over the years that not everyone is as vigilant while driving as they should be. Basically, they're just minding their own business. I've learned to watch out for anything that might come up, and even then, I've been in tight spots I prefer not to think about.

But when I'm driving my car, I'm aware of how vulnerable motorcycle riders are and notice how many times I haven't seen them coming or passing. I've learned that driving or riding should be done in a defensive way.

[TrueConfection]

Great question! I just had a debate about this subject with a friend.

I don’t mind at all. It’s risky for the rider, but if I see one coming I will try to make room.

[Tarifa]

That's a nice gesture, making room. I've also experienced the exact opposite, cars moving towards the middle in an attempt not to let you pass. But those are a minority. I'm more concerned about the vast majority who are not paying attention. The best advice I got when I first started out was from a friend with years of experience: whenever you pass or overtake a car, imagine that you're invisible. Most will not see you.

[TrueConfection]

I have been surprised more than once. It’s a little startling when that happens. I would never intentionally close the gap on a motorcyclist.

[TrueConfection]

Thank you for the MHO 🩷

[OneViewpoint]

I think it's dangerous as hell. Yes, I ride a bike. No, I don't lane split. There are too many clueless people behind the wheel. And these days they are eating burgers, drinking coffee, on their cell phone, or fucking with the infotainment system. Distracted driving is an epidemic these days. And a motorcycle is something small that 95% of drivers are not aware of or looking for.

[Tarifa]

I agree completely. I will only ride that way through traffic that has come to a complete stop, and even then I do so with the utmost care. Indeed, seen from the front, our motorcycles are almost invisible to the average driver of a car or truck.

[OneViewpoint]

My bike weighs 880 lbs. That’s heavy for a bike. The average sedan weighs between 3,200. - 4,000 lbs. An SUV or pickup can be between 5,000 - 6,000 lbs.

A bike is gonna lose every time.

[Tarifa]

You probably ride a touring bike, 880 lbs or 400 kg is heavy. But I get your point, we're always going to be the ones who bite the dust.

[BadApple69]

I don’t do it. It’s very dangerous. Had a friend break his bad when a car opened their door. You want to live while driving a motorcycle? Then practice patience.

[Tarifa]

I rarely do it, but I've ridden with people who will swerve around cars, changing lanes constantly. I can see the danger involved. Whenever I go for a ride, I change my mindset: time is of no importance. I'll arrive at my destination when I get there.

[sage2021]

The person believes they are invincible. It takes one second for one of the other cars to decide to change lanes and ram right into them and then they can kiss the ground.

[douride2]

I have never lane split on my motorcycle. Even if it is legal in my opinion anyone who does lane split is crazy & has a death wish. It may be legal some places but it won't mean squat if your dead.

[Agape93]

Exactly. And you could find someone like my girl, who will door check em.

[DryGermanGuy]

It's illegal here, but in standing traffic it's usually tolerated, from what I observed.

[WonderingManII]

I'm not a fan of motorcycles. They make traffic more dangerous, both to me and to them.

[Agape93]

Might be legal but don't bitch if someone hits ypu

[Anonymous]

I believe it’s extremely dangerous

[In_Trance]

Whatever works for them

It's their funeral