18 Lanesplitting Sensibilities
Description
This article is from the Australia Motorcycles FAQ, by Cameron Simpson cs@zip.com.au with numerous contributions by others.
18 Lanesplitting Sensibilities
The aus.motorcycles community is split about 50/50 on whether it is a
good thing or not. Don't bother arguing about it, there are good cases
for and against and you'll get nowhere. If you lanesplit, try and keep
these things in mind:
* your lack of buffer zones (space around you) means MUCH
less reaction time
* cars run red lights (YES REALLY!) so look both ways
* drivers are frightened & annoyed by hoons
* look in rear view mirrors for other bikes before
spliting lanes and watch for bikes ahead of you stopped
ready to pull into the split lane (from DS -
slankers@access1.net)
Speaking for myself, my criteria for splitting are usually:
* Not if the traffic is moving (sometimes if it's
crawling).
* Not if I'd have to put my feet down during the split
anywhere.
* Not if I can't be sure of reaching the front or a
visible bike-sized gap before the traffic starts to
move again.
Some drivers will notice you coming and shift aside to let
you pass. I try always to wave or nod (or say "thanks!" if
their window's open) to acknowledge this courtesy. " " " "
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