Motorcyclists that white line it

Ron-P

One main reason I hate motorcycles. They speed through traffic, carelessly, zooming in and out. Well, thanks to one such dumbass today, he shut down 3 of 4 lanes of the 405 freeway today due to doing such and getting himself killed, due to hitting car.

Oh sure, I'm fully aware that motorcycles are cooled by air but they can also be cooled doing 5mph vr. 30+mph in rush hour traffic.

At least that's one less assclown on a motorcycle on the road. This guy created a nightmare for 1,000's of people this morning.

{rant over}

huggies

Dont know if it still is, but splitting traffic used to be legal in Cali. There was a speed limit though of like 5-10 mph over the speed of the traffic. Guys like this one though are taking their lives for a big gamble. Traffic ahead of you doesn't get a chance to see you coming if you're swerving in and out of lanes and going to fast. Way too easy for someone to merge right onto your unprotected **** and not see you coming.

nooshinjohn

It is illegal to do so, but the cops cannot enforce that law because they do it themselves

tcrossma

nooshinjohn wrote: »

It is illegal to do so, but the cops cannot enforce that law because they do it themselves

That's crazy. Since when could a police office not enforce something illegal just because some of them might do it? Police speed too, and they shoot people. Does mean they can't stop others from doing it.

WilliamM2

nooshinjohn wrote: »

It is illegal to do so, but the cops cannot enforce that law because they do it themselves

Lane splitting is illegal here, and apparently where you are too, but not in CA, which is where it happened I assume, since that's what Ron-P lists as his location.

McLoki

It's legal in California....

From the California Highway Patrol website (linked above)

Can motorcycle riders "split" lanes and ride between other vehicles?
Lane splitting by motorcycles is permissible but must be done in a safe and prudent manner

WilliamM2

Ron-P wrote: »

One main reason I hate motorcycles. They speed through traffic, carelessly, zooming in and out. Well, thanks to one such dumbass today, he shut down 3 of 4 lanes of the 405 freeway today due to doing such and getting himself killed, due to hitting car.

Oh sure, I'm fully aware that motorcycles are cooled by air but they can also be cooled doing 5mph vr. 30+mph in rush hour traffic.

At least that's one less assclown on a motorcycle on the road. This guy created a nightmare for 1,000's of people this morning.

{rant over}

You hate all motorcycles because of a few jerks? Apparently you are not paying attention to how the cagers drive, and there are far more of them. Maybe I should hope that the next driver who cuts me off, or pulls out in front of me on my bike runs into a tree and dies? Nah.

BTW, I haven't had an air cooled motorcycle in over 25 years.

Ron-P

WilliamM2 wrote: »

You hate all motorcycles because of a few jerks? Apparently you are not paying attention to how the cagers drive, and there are far more of them. Maybe I should hope that the next driver who cuts me off, or pulls out in front of me on my bike runs into a tree and dies? Nah.

BTW, I haven't had an air cooled motorcycle in over 25 years.

A few? Do you drive in CA? I'd say a good 75% of motorcyclists here are a-holes, and the way they ride proves it. I rarely come across a respectful motorcyclist.

Danny Tse

Ron-P wrote: »

A few? Do you drive in CA? I'd say a good 75% of motorcyclists here are a-holes, and the way they ride proves it. I rarely come across a respectful motorcyclist.

Oh yes, they lane-split here all the time. I drive across the San Francisco Bay Bridge everyday and the motorcyclists not only lane-split, they'd cut in front of every car waiting to get to the toll gate. On top of that, the motorcyclists get angry at the drivers for not opening up the "lane gap" for them by pulling off a bit to the side. I've received many dirty looks because I didn't "let them through" at full speed....as if I've to constantly look in my rear view mirror to see if some motorcycle is coming up my back end.

messiah

Ron-P wrote: »

A few? Do you drive in CA? I'd say a good 75% of motorcyclists here are a-holes, and the way they ride proves it. I rarely come across a respectful motorcyclist.

That's a lower percentage than car drivers then. If motorcyclists are 75 percent a-hole, car drivers are 175% a-hole. At least you don't see bikers applying make-up, texting , calling, repremanding their snot nosed brats, eating, etc that you see all those other morons in cars doing. That said, I'm not sure why lane splitting is legal in Cali, but it IS legal. You hate motorcycles? Now you see why we dislike most people that drive. Most people behind the wheel drive like a bunch of ignorant a-holes because they feel safe behind their 2000 pounds of steel and an airbag. Most drivers are oblivious to what is going on around them, and as a result bikers have to spend most of the time trying to not get killed by said idiots.

exalted512

Ron-P wrote: »

Oh sure, I'm fully aware that motorcycles are cooled by air but they can also be cooled doing 5mph vr. 30+mph in rush hour traffic.

depends on the motorcycle.

I too, hate motorcyclists that act like idiots. Being a motorcyclist myself, it gives us a bad rep. Idiots like the one you mentioned are the reason why my insurance is ridiculously high.

On the flip side of things...if you think thats bad, you should see some of the **** I've had to deal with on my bike.

I literally had a guy motion for me to get out of the way and started coming into my lane. Its not legal to lane split in texas, but I've done it a few times anyway to get away from **** like that.
-Cody

BlueFox

I do not have a bike anymore (to slow and to asleep in the morning), but I do not mind them. As far as I am concerned, it is one less car on the road taking up space. However, the biggest, longest traffic jam I have been in for years was because of a biker down on 101. I have no idea whose fault it was.

As a side note, I have never understood how two car drivers cannot drive in a straight line on the freeway without running into each other.

billbillw

Yes, there are a-hole riders out there, but I don't think a majority of riders can be characterized like that.

Around Atlanta, there are many, many more a-hole car/truck/SUV drivers and they (along with the $hitload of 18 wheelers) cause the majority of major accidents around town, which happen on a daily basis. I swear there is an major 18 wheeler wreck at least 3 times a week around this town. They flip over, catch on fire, close all lanes, etc.

BTW, I am a rider and I never drive like how Ron and Danny describe.

bobman1235

Lane splitting in traffic is a good t hing in theory - I never do it because I don't trust people who do everything from open their doors to swerve into you if you try it - because anything that helps LOWER congestion is a good thing. But Ron is right - the a-holes that do things like that recklessly not only make a bad name for those of us who would do it responsibly, they negate any benefit taht might be had from allowing that kind of thing.

It literally amazes me what kids do on their bikes, especially the rice rockets but Harleys / cruisers as well. I've only been riding 8 or 9 years but I have seen enough out there to know that just driving CAUTIOUSLY is dangerous as hell, driving like a maniac? HOpe you're an organ donor.

dkg999

Not all of us motorcycle riders are a-holes, well not on most days anyway :rolleyes: And the ones that Ron-P is describing are unfortunately giving the rest of us a bad name. Myself, it's the cagers that have the three "C"'s going on that worry me.

Three "C"'s = Cigarette, Cell Phone, Children all happening while they attempt to drive!

snow

All motor vehicles should be outlawed, if you cant walk ride a horse or a dog sled then stay home



REGARDS SNOW

billbillw

dkg999 wrote: »

Myself, it's the cagers that have the three "C"'s going on that worry me.

Three "C"'s = Cigarette, Cell Phone, Children all happening while they attempt to drive!

Shoot, nowadays, they are TEXTING while they drive as well! That is fricking stupid as hell, but I see it every day.
I just don't understand how anyone can think it is a safe thing to do while driving.

Ya'll should read the article in Car and Driver (last month I think) about the delayed reaction time effect that texting while driving has. Although it is an obvious problem to me, I think that the vast majority of people (including lawmakers) do not realize what a problem it causes.

Fongolio

Where I live in Canada out west Harley riders are the smartest. It's many of the rice rocket riders that are ignorant dicks.

nooshinjohn

on the 405 at Getty Center I saw a woman driving her Suburban with cell in tucked between shoulder and ear, mascara wand in one hand coffee in the other... and her FOOT on the steering wheel!!!

kawizx9r

Wow, well that was ****...I just deleted my entire post with the "BACK" command.

Anyway, I haven't read all the posts above but I thought I'd just chime in on the subject at hand. I do think it is a bit unfair to rule out that all motorcyclists behave in such a manner due to a few negligent bikers. I've been riding for over 5 years, and all that time spent riding was done in northern and southern California. The lane splitting thing is in fact legal in the state, and is actually encouraged to help minimize traffic between other vehicles. It is risky to drive between vehicles don't get me wrong, but a biker should know full well what he is doing. There are other responsibilities as well that need to be taken into account, such as driving like you are invisible. As a motorcyclist, you must always assume that even if you are near other vehicles, you should take into account that they might not always be able to see you.....if at all. I will agree that there can be some very stupid drivers out there, especially those that go out and purchase a bike simply for that "cool" factor. But can't we say the same about drivers of other vehicles? You've got some pretty f%ck^d up drivers out there, worst case being having one of those drivers be behind the wheel of a semi, or a huge SUV that can really cause alot of damage. Just my .02

xj4094dg

Ron-P wrote: »

A few? Do you drive in CA? I'd say a good 75% of motorcyclists here are a-holes, and the way they ride proves it. I rarely come across a respectful motorcyclist.

He does not lie. It sucks to drive here anyway, but this seems to be the **** capitol of the world when it comes to nuts on motorcycles. I've seen more crashes than I can remember and in many cases the **** have been drinking.

I once saw a guy riding on his back (that's right, on his back) on a motorcycle on the freeway at about 80 mph. This guy needs to be taken off the road before he kills someone. Don't care if he kills himself (that would be nice).

Jerks like that ruin it for everyone else.

xj4094dg

snow wrote: »

All motor vehicles should be outlawed, if you cant walk ride a horse or a dog sled then stay home



REGARDS SNOW

Or move to Alaska.

Polk addict

Man, I ride my bike, and sometimes I have to wait for one whole light change because people making right turns cut me off... While the light is green for me to go forward through the intersection. Most people who do stop are all on two wheelers.

That being said, it's kinda scary watching some motorcyclists on the road. But all the guys that I know personally are respectful all the time.

Sherardp

I ride and I do split lanes but only when the traffic has come to a stop, then I will white line it all day. Once the traffic picks up then I will merge back into traffic and continue moving. The one thing I fear is being hit from the rear in traffic by someone not paying attention. So if you ever wonder, its usually better for a motorcyclist to keep moving because people are so careless about driving these days. Sucks the guy was killed but what can you really do.

shadowofnight

Sherardp wrote: »

I ride and I do split lanes but only when the traffic has come to a stop, then I will white line it all day. Once the traffic picks up then I will merge back into traffic and continue moving. The one thing I fear is being hit from the rear in traffic by someone not paying attention. So if you ever wonder, its usually better for a motorcyclist to keep moving because people are so careless about driving these days. Sucks the guy was killed but what can you really do.

Even back in the 80's, thats the only way I would split lanes...dead stop traffic...any movement at all and I was right back in line with the cars.

And nowadays, with everybody's windows up...air conditioning on...cell phone to their ear and texting to boot ( Both are illegal here in CA now, but I still see everybody doing it...except the motorcycle riders. ) .....its much worse.

Its funny you mentioned fear of being rear ended....I always scan the mirrors at a stop , and even that didnt keep me from getting rear ended once.

I was at a stoplight in San Jose, nobody on the streets behind me ( Checked mirrors ) ...when all of a sudden my motorcycle lurched forward a few inches ??? A station wagon coming out of the washer/dryer repair shop parking lot just clipped my rear lens assembly just enough to break the back out of it. He got out of the car with his hand over his mouth in terror looking like he just killed somebody, when in fact it was just a broken lens and the bulb was fine( On a brand new...I was actually riding it from San Jose Honda where I had just bought it...motorcycle with like 5 miles on the odometer )

He had like 6 kids and a wife in the station wagon, and didnt speak english...and being about 5'6" to my 6'5" I think he thought I was going to kill him...poor guy. Luckily I speak enough spanish to let him know it was no big deal....and that it shouldnt cost more then 40 bucks to fix. His face looked like he had just won the lottery...he got 40 bucks from his wife , and we both took off.

exalted512

shadowofnight wrote: »

Its funny you mentioned fear of being rear ended....I always scan the mirrors at a stop , and even that didnt keep me from getting rear ended once.

I was at a stoplight in San Jose, nobody on the streets behind me ( Checked mirrors ) ...when all of a sudden my motorcycle lurched forward a few inches ??? A station wagon coming out of the washer/dryer repair shop parking lot just clipped my rear lens assembly just enough to break the back out of it. He got out of the car with his hand over his mouth in terror looking like he just killed somebody, when in fact it was just a broken lens and the bulb was fine( On a brand new...I was actually riding it from San Jose Honda where I had just bought it...motorcycle with like 5 miles on the odometer )

i had something eerily similar happen to me. I do the same, always scan my mirrors for some idiot not paying attention. I'm a stop sign, cars are coming so I cant go, see a car coming up behind me, look at them until they stop. Look forward again and am about to take off when BAM! Get knocked a few inches forward. This was about I had the bike for about 2 weeks...brand new. Luckily NOTHING was hurt. She HAD to have hit the license plate holder but im guessing it just bent til it hit the tire...its plastic.

Anyway, I pull over in a parking lot to check out the damage. Lady comes up very apologetic. She said she just started looking over at someone walking across the street and let off the brake a little and didnt realize she was rolling forward.

Seems like no matter how careful you are, stupid cagers are hell bent on not recognizing motorcycles.
-Cody

billbillw

exalted512 wrote: »

Seems like no matter how careful you are, stupid cagers are hell bent on not recognizing motorcycles.
-Cody

I ride too, but you know what...
They hit other cars just the same because THEY ARE NOT PAYING ATTENTION! They are not hell bent on hurting us.

jacob.simpson

I have driven Motorcycle from 1992 - 2008 around 1,50,000 miles (Back Home) with just 3 accidents for no fault of mine, before i moved here, i agree some of them are just crazy punks, assuming they own the road for themselves with no regards to others or rules or for other people on the road.
And once i return home will have to start all over again with a new MC

shack

This morning as I was driving back from the airport, doing 75 on the interstate and was passed like I was standing still by a couple of guys on sport bikes doing wheelies. I just hope that there will be enough good organs left to donate when their time comes.

I live real close to the Tail of the Dragon...A well known enthusiast road for cars and bikes alike. While there are more idiots on the bikes...the drivers of the cars pull their share of bone-head stuff. When you have 318 curves in 11 miles...crossing the yellow line, acting line you are on a GP road course by cutting the curves, etc is dangerous for everyone. Several deaths each year (always bikers) and most could be avoided if they and the car drivers didn't act like such idiots.

PhantomOG

driving on IH-35 north of Austin one night I was doing maybe 70-75 and was passed by a motorcycle like I was standing still. I swear he must have been doing at least 120mph. I barely saw him.

A good two minutes after he blew by me a state trooper also flew by with lights and siren on, going fast, but not as fast as the biker (maybe 90-100?).

A good 10 minutes later I see 4 or 5 troopers surrounding the biker on the shoulder. I was really surprised they managed to catch him. I hope he lost his license for good. First and only chase I've seen in person.

concealer404

shack wrote: »

I live real close to the Tail of the Dragon...A well known enthusiast road for cars and bikes alike. While there are more idiots on the bikes...the drivers of the cars pull their share of bone-head stuff. When you have 318 curves in 11 miles...crossing the yellow line, acting line you are on a GP road course by cutting the curves, etc is dangerous for everyone. Several deaths each year (always bikers) and most could be avoided if they and the car drivers didn't act like such idiots.

I typically don't have a huge problem with the car drivers, but there certaintly are some idiots out there.

The bikers though..... ugh. I've been passed on the outside of blind corners, i've been tailgated like crazy, i've seen them pulling wheels through the short straights, and they seem to be the worst offenders of crossing the double yellow out of anyone there. Except maybe the LEOs.

There's a reason i go on non-peak days or late at night. I like to avoid all the other idiots on the road. Cars or bikes alike.