Lane Splitting Idiots

Mikey · 29-04-2006, 08:08 AM

Ok Ok OK! I know this is probably a little over discussed but i have to get this off my chest. The other day i was driving thru Balmain, good old Victoria Rd during peak hour driving thru the S Bends dwonhill thru Roselle. 3 lanes of traffic crawling. i was in the far rh lane and was making a very safe move to the middle lane setting up for the on road to ANZAC Bridge. As Im making the move, indicator on with plenty of warning to the driver in the middle lane who let me in (thanks by the way) I check my mirrors one last time before completing the move when i see this fat %#&$ come flying down inbewteen, LANE SPLITTING all the cars on a big GSX road bike. He was five cars back in my mirror. At the time of my lane change the guy in front of me decided to take up on my good fortune at the same time which slowed me down in the process. What then took place was the fat %#&$ started bleeping his tiny bike horn like a mad man possed because his so called allowable bike lane was momentarily taken up. What a TW^T. The traffic is crawling at 5kph. We are approaching the lights, theyre green, intersection blocked by other great motorists who have to get thru no matter what (But thats another case for discussion) Im watching this guy on the bike hoping he'll drive up my side and start abusing me. He couldnt help himself. He's straight into me, his fat head 5 inches away from mine going off saying waht do you think youre F^^^^ doing? I just laughed in his face and said, mate you know exactly what took place so F^^^ Off. He realised then that is was not joking and i was ready to get out and kick him off his heap.

Now! This is the funny part. We were both at the starting grid at the intersection blocked by the cars, the lights start to turn red and he just guns it out of there becuase he couldnt handle the heat. He dodges the cars at the intersection and takes off into the horizon at 100ks an hour. Boy do i want to get my hands on　guy. What a TOSSER! I just laughed and other people around just shook their heads. They also saw what happened.

Now as for lane splitting IN SYDNEY. You show me a bike rider who is competant in completing this move without wobbling all over the place and almost being collected by cars in the process because they are in the blind spot. Give me a brake! I have experience in riding bikes on and off road with my first experience starting when i was 12years old. Their argument is its safer for them as they wont be collected from the rear in traffic. What a load of e. Dont get me wrong its their choice if they want to do it and im not whinging because of my so called space being invaded as they also think. I just think its a ridiculous move just to save all but say 5 minutes in travelling time with the risk of a loosing limb or two. I've seen first hand what someones body looks like after an accident on a bike and even at low speeds.

Anyways, i could go on for ever. What it all comes down to is driver/ rider training. This so called government has to start to take a proactive step in creating advanced driving courses which you have to pass before getting your license. Thats IT! There is no alternative, just get the courses happening. In Japan, it costs approx $2,000 to get your license and involves the necessary driving courses to make you a responsible, courteous driver. If you fail you dont get it and have to go thru it all again until you get it right. Drivers/ People in OZ arent even trained to watch the traffic ahead so you can anticipate a corrective or responsive move such as braking in time. The number one cause of accidents are rear enders because of the lack of this simple ability. If we all keep up with this hype the guvner may just start to realise and listen rather than just keep blaming people and counting the road toll. What they make from speeding fines should go towards these driving courses. Yes we are all responsible for our actions but do you just get in to a 22 wheeler and start driving without training?

Here is a latest fact most may not have heard recently. The LEXUS RX330 4x4 is the most common car involved in a crash in OZ! How about that!
You dont see many P Platers drivingthem do you??

Thanks for listening and your comments are most welcome.

Outbackjack · 29-04-2006, 08:17 AM

Its true, some motor cyclists put a chip on their shoulder when they pull their helmet on. Education, the key.

Walkinshaw · 29-04-2006, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikey

Here is a latest fact most may not have heard recently. The LEXUS RX330 4x4 is the most common car involved in a crash in OZ! How about that!
You dont see many P Platers drivingthem do you??

Thanks for listening and your comments are most welcome.

I find that a tad hard to believe. It may be involved in more crashes as a percentage of vehicles baught. ie, 3 baught 1 crashed. 33% of all Lexus RX330's crash.

Still, it doesn't supprise me. 100series landcruisers driven by persons of the fairer sex origionating from an area north of Australia arround schools would have to be high on the list

**Mechan1k** · 29-04-2006, 10:33 AM

If you think that is bad ... go to Melboure ... they do it in cars ... not bikes.
I freaked out ... and they think the lanes that cars are parked in are still a lane ... and push past you down that lanes as well ... taking your mirror off in the process along with side indicator and rubbing strips.

I thought Sydney and Brisbane drivers were bad ... but Melbournian's take the cake.

I think you'l find the highest rate of crashed cars is Commodores ... early 90's and before ... usually wearing P-plates. Well that's in Sydney anyway.

Hally · 29-04-2006, 09:10 PM

I have to agree with Mechan1k.....

I have just moved to Melbounre (about 3 months ago) and the drivers here are generally crap. They live in a day dream, do u-turns when and were ever they want and when they do expect to be let in on the other side of the road. As it relates to driving in lanes with parked cars....... I wish I was a panel beater!!

The worst thing that I find about Melbourne though is cyclists (pedal power ones). I do a lot of driving in the CBD and these people are the biggest cause of traffic congestion in the city. They come up the inside/outside of cars stopped at traffic lights to get the jump on the traffic and then a line of cars has to struggle to get around them and once it does, bingo, red light and we start over again.

Victoria has recently introduced new laws that makes it illegal for cyclists to lane split and lane share. The other week I was driving down Flinders Street and two police bicyclists were cruising down the street, sharing the lane, blocking traffic etc and then moving to the front of the traffic que starting the whole process again causing motorist major frustration. After 3 rounds of this I got caught at a red line, front of queue and Mr Plods came up beside me. Window down I called out to the closest one to me to get his attention, I asked for his badge number which shocked him completely!! He asked what for, and I told him I was going to report him for lane sharing and spliting which was now illegal in Victoria. He was peeved....... wouldn't give me his badge number so I pulled into the police station about 200 metres away and made a complaint to the duty officer.

Got a call from a Seargant later that night, explained the situation and advised he should have a word to his officer. Left it at that but could of forced the issue.

Thats my gripe on bikes. I don't want to go into the engine versions!

Cheers,

Hally

Bucknaked · 30-04-2006, 06:45 AM

Whats that Add on TV. The one about the bikes were the slogan is "We use the road too" Something like that. The big bloke on his land yacht. They make motor cyclists out to be the innocent victims in the car drivers not looking out for them. That we knock them off their bikes. When they start to live by the road rules, then their campaign might start to work. They split lanes and they bring this upon themselves.

RG · 30-04-2006, 08:04 AM

Does anyone realise that lane splitting is legal. Could you imagine how much more congested the roads would be if they didn't do it. Motorcyclists aren't always innocent victims but in most cases it IS the fault of the car.

rag top · 30-04-2006, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenEL

Does anyone realise that lane splitting is legal. Could you imagine how much more congested the roads would be if they didn't do it. Motorcyclists aren't always innocent victims but in most cases it IS the fault of the car.

Do you mean lane splitting is legal whilst traffic is stationary, or whilst it is moving(and at what speed the traffic is flowwing? 110kph?)?

RG · 30-04-2006, 08:32 AM

Well last I heard was that it was legal as long as it was safe. There was a big protest recently here in Victoria about it because Bracksy wants to outlaw it.

rag top · 30-04-2006, 08:38 AM

Ah, found a bit about the problem in Victoria recently:

http://www.abc.net.au/melbourne/stories/s1549432.htm

**Falcon Coupe** · 30-04-2006, 08:39 AM

I have had two cars fail to give way and pull out in front of me while motorcycling, only evasive action saved my life, if all car drivers experianced riding in heavy traffic they may have a different point of view.

rag top · 30-04-2006, 08:41 AM

Also, here's a thread on on a motor cycle forum discussing the rules in NSW, as per the Thread Author's location...

http://www.twowheels.com.au/forums/viewtopic.php?t=569

Wokkas · 30-04-2006, 03:42 PM

My rules for "lane splitting" on my bike.

1) Only ever lane split when there is ample room to get between the cars.

2) Only ever lane split when I can be CERTAIN that there is no chance of the traffic moving, or the lights going green before I get to the front.

3) Only ever lane split when it is safe for me to pull away quick from the lights, so as not to getting in the way of cars next to me, thus causing stress and confusion to other motorists.

For rule 3, it disgusts me when scooters (and any slow bike) lane split, because 99% of cars are quicker off the line than scooters, which causes more traffic problems for motorists.

Obviously I am no authority, and don't pretend to be, but if a motorcyclist sticks to these 3 rules of common sense, and you are still annoyed, then your only problem is jealousy.

pertuan · 30-04-2006, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wokkas

My rules for "lane splitting" on my bike.

1) Only ever lane split when there is ample room to get between the cars.

2) Only ever lane split when I can be CERTAIN that there is no chance of the traffic moving, or the lights going green before I get to the front.

3) Only ever lane split when it is safe for me to pull away quick from the lights, so as not to getting in the way of cars next to me, thus causing stress and confusion to other motorists.

For rule 3, it disgusts me when scooters (and any slow bike) lane split, because 99% of cars are quicker off the line than scooters, which causes more traffic problems for motorists.

I totally agree with this. I dont care if cyclists/motocylists lane split as long as they dont cause confusion or danger to those around them. If they can get ahead, good on them.

I had a push bike lane split this morning on my way to the shopping Center. Ample room on the left but he decides to ride up in between 2 lanes. To make matters worse, he rides off in the middle when the lights turn green and I have to merge because theres a car parked ahead. Does he move to the left so I can merge? NO... just carried on riding like he was in a freakin park. I used to ride my pushy to work but I always stayed left. If I can do it, so can he.

dansedgli · 30-04-2006, 04:18 PM

Common sense is lacking everywhere. lane splitting is fine but the rider has to at least be courteous and get out the way quickly and be careful while he/she splits.

2 stroke scooters should be banned. I hate getting cut off by them then having to slowly follow them while they slowly split only to get drown by the stench of burnt oil.

The Monty · 30-04-2006, 04:32 PM

I always try and leave a little room if I see them coming. Id expect the same if I was a bike rider.

dansedgli · 30-04-2006, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Monty

I always try and leave a little room if I see them coming. Id expect the same if I was a bike rider.

Thanks mate!

If only all drivers were like you.

I have had one f''cker cut across the lane and slam on his brakes when I went in between him and another car so I could move into the left. I thought I was changing lanes but he must of thought I was getting some kind of advantage over him. He had a little girl in the passenger seat as well. I wish him some kind of painful death. He nearly crushed me between his car and the car I was changing lanes in front of. :jab:

BIGBIRD · 30-04-2006, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '67

Do you mean lane splitting is legal whilst traffic is stationary, or whilst it is moving(and at what speed the traffic is flowwing? 110kph?)?

Just a quick bit of knowledge. Lane SPLITTING is the process of riding between cars at speed ie/ 110kph or even 50kph for that matter and is ILLEGAL.

Lane FILTERING is the process of moving up to the front of the queue in a group of stationary cars ie/ intersections traffic light, jams et. and is LEGAL.

Hope this helps guys.

AC · 30-04-2006, 11:43 PM

I used to do it a fair bit when i was riding, got fined and warned once or twice.
If people in cars get angry about bikes getting ahead of them sooner, i put it down to jealousy.
Jealous that someone else with quicker means is getting ahead.
Its a psychological thing, everyone wants to be the man up front, be the leader.

Also what drivers have to realise is this.

Riders/Bikers/Bikies, whatever you want to call them, wear layers of protection.
Protection that gets very hot, so getting free of the traffic helps alot.
Can you imagin how many people would passout on thier bikes in the middle of summer in traffic if they simply stopped up with the cars. Would add to the traffic jams and peak hour mayhem.
Until they make air conditioned body suits, dangerous or not thats the way its going to be.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenEL

Motorcyclists aren't always innocent victims but in most cases it IS the fault of the car.

Tis why when you do the rider training course, they tell you to drive for drivers.
Because they arn/y looking for bikes, they are looking for cars.
Something easily seen, unlike a bike which you will miss with a quick glance while looking for a quick exit.

Black XR6 · 30-04-2006, 11:50 PM

I dont mind lane filtering.

But lane splitting is another thing and is downright dangerous. Hence it being illegal I guess.

Bluefreak · 01-05-2006, 12:14 AM

I lane split on my motorbike... I follow similar rules stated earlier, common sense and courtesy are key here... As a rider, I'm very aware of other bikes when I'm in the car. I always make room for them so they can get on their way. I see a whole lot of idiots on motorbikes here in Melbourne. They think splitting at 100+kph while traffic is stationary is fine... I get the urge to open my door when I see them coming. They only serve to scare the out of motorist who are already at the end of their tether from sitting in traffic. People do unpredictable things when they're scared and it's only a matter of time(hopefully) before guy's like this come unstuck.

parawolf · 01-05-2006, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hally

The worst thing that I find about Melbourne though is cyclists (pedal power ones). I do a lot of driving in the CBD and these people are the biggest cause of traffic congestion in the city. They come up the inside/outside of cars stopped at traffic lights to get the jump on the traffic and then a line of cars has to struggle to get around them and once it does, bingo, red light and we start over again.

Victoria has recently introduced new laws that makes it illegal for cyclists to lane split and lane share.

Can you provide a clearer definition of lane sharing please? This is the first time i've heard this terminology.

I'm a cyclist, I commute every day to and from work. And I can tell you that more cars drive in the bike lane than cyclists outside of it during my morning commute. Cyclists are far from the "biggest cause of traffic congestion". Put that down to those Tram "Super Stops" which funnel two lanes of traffic into one, and poorly syncronised traffic lights. Or plainly, two many people in 4 or 5 seater vehicles with only 1 person in them.

It is perfectly legal for a cyclist to ride up the inside where safe to do so at a red light, and park their bike in front of the traffic ready to take off. In fact there are 'stop boxes' there marked for cyclists most of the time just for that reason. The only time it isn't allowed is when there is a car turning left at the front of the queue.

Where there is no bike lane, a single cyclist is legitmately allowed to ride 1.5 metres from the edge of the gutter. eg where it meets the street, not where it meets the footpath. This puts a cyclist approximately where the left tyre would be for a car. If two cyclists are riding abreast, they must maintain a distance of seperation no greater than 50 centimetres. This would put the outside rider on the inner track of the right hand tyre of a large car. A further cyclist is allowed to ride 3 abreast if their intention is to pass and they are actively doing so.

You might be surprised as how few actual road laws their are for cyclists. You might like to check them out at the VicRoads Website (PDF).

Anything that isn't in that document is only a guideline for safety, not a road rule.

merlin · 01-05-2006, 09:00 AM

Wow, another whining cage driver...get a life mate

out:

Mack 6 · 01-05-2006, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wokkas

My rules for "lane splitting" on my bike.

1) Only ever lane split when there is ample room to get between the cars.

2) Only ever lane split when I can be CERTAIN that there is no chance of the traffic moving, or the lights going green before I get to the front.

3) Only ever lane split when it is safe for me to pull away quick from the lights, so as not to getting in the way of cars next to me, thus causing stress and confusion to other motorists.

For rule 3, it disgusts me when scooters (and any slow bike) lane split, because 99% of cars are quicker off the line than scooters, which causes more traffic problems for motorists.

Obviously I am no authority, and don't pretend to be, but if a motorcyclist sticks to these 3 rules of common sense, and you are still annoyed, then your only problem is jealousy.

I agree with you there Wokka's.

When I was riding i stuck to similar rules. My main problem now days is the increased number of scooters on the roads thanks to fuel prices. Business women in skirts and heels (i have seen a few), and suburban commuters all lane splitting, using the (push)bike lanes to get ahead before jumping back into traffic. You don't need a bike licence for a scooter and I'm surprised there haven't been more accidents.

red_hotxr6 · 01-05-2006, 09:29 AM

I thought that motor cyclists had to follow the road rules just like us motorists, whether cars are stopped,crawling along at 5kph,s or 70klms an hour they are not allowed to lane split or even to pass on the left hand side of cars to get to the front when stopped at the lights like they all do. Imean if i can wait in traffic/drive at 10kph in line following other vehicles why cant they.?

parawolf · 01-05-2006, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red_hotxr6

Imean if i can wait in traffic/drive at 10kph in line following other vehicles why cant they.?

Because they do not need to, and if they did would only contribute to congestion further.

Wokkas · 01-05-2006, 06:27 PM

Never heard of "lane filtering", but it's probably a good term to distinguish between the relatively safe practise of "filtering" through stationary traffic, and the idiot act of riding in between two lanes of moving traffic; whether that be at 5km/hr, or 150km/hr. Sorry, but anyone who does this is a -wit.

As far as the (South Australian) law is concerned (this is according to a traffic copper that brings trailers into work for repairs often), there is no specific law relating to either lane "splitting" or "filtering". The only law that governs this, is the no overtaking on the left law. Ie, you can lane split/filter between two cars only on the right hand side of the vehicle, keeping in the same lane as that vehicle. But who knows, another copper might tell you something completely different.

I remember an out-cry in the mid nineties in Two Wheels magazine, about a motorcyclist that pulled up to the lights, to the left of his lane. A car then pulled up next to him (to the bike's right) in the same lane, as there was enough room. A copper then came up behind the two, and booked the bike for overtaking on the left hand side, even though he acknowledged that the bike was there first, and both were stationary. It was taken to court, and the fine was upheld.

bwhinnen · 01-05-2006, 07:41 PM

I used to get all worked up by lane splitting. I really don't care too much now. Most bike riders are courteous about it. I'll generally make some more room in the lane if I see them coming. Some riders are arrogant about it and think it their god given right, but then I realise that all their arrogance will probably get them is a minimum of a crushed leg when some driver doesn't see them and changes lanes, so feel a little sorry for them.

All I can say is that any road user should at least do the introductory riders course, if makes you look a little harder for the bike that is trying to stand out in traffic.

;)

Brett

hsv8 · 01-05-2006, 08:20 PM

yes filtering (only for stationary vehicles) is legal and when I did my course to get my "L"s many moons ago we were taught that this was the safets way to ride
a) safe not to be in traction if you lucky or wheel chair rest of your life if not so cause getting hit up the back on a bike can be rather nasty.
b) congestion did not come into it when you reconsider point a just a side benefit that most motorist can not see.

I find these days that a lot of or even most people make room for bikes when they see them I always give em a wave and say thanks. If moving always wait for a safe break and broken lines to pass it amazes me how many people think they are doing the right thing by pulling over on to the verge at speed to allow a bike to pass them on double lines with poor forward vision and then covering you in stones and crap that lies of the driving line. they mean well but sheeesh!