I wondered about that. Last summer I was riding in California, Yosemite and Kings Canyon area, and didn't see a single bike splitting lanes. I see it more often on the slab in NJ where it's illegal than I did in Cali. The ones in Jersey are squids with a death wish going through heavy 60 MPH traffic at 90 or 100.
Well said JB. It is rare that I feel the need to share lanes, since I have the privilege of setting my own work hours. I choose to commute at times when less people are on the road. Yesterday however. there were two broken down cars and a tow truck on the shoulder of the 405 so EVERYONE had to slow to a crawl for about five miles, just to get a good look. With traffic at zero to 20mph in the HOV lane I was able to do about 30-35mph and get out of the mess more quickly. One driver even moved over to give me more room. I'm very glad that us Californians have the PRIVILEGE of being able to share lanes.I was very weary of lane-sharing (the politically correct way to say it and one of TWN's pet-peeves) when I moved to CA. I quickly realized the advantages to it and the fact that MOST (not all) drivers are accustomed to it and don't have a problem with it. I figured they would react like drivers in most other parts of the country probably react: "What gives that a-hole the right to get there before me?" They don't. In fact, most will actually move over to give you room. Anyway, I love it and will continue to do it until I have some good reason to stop. Of course, I am not "looking" for that reason to stop, so I'll continue to give a little respect to the guy who is sitting still and can't progress while I am riding down the center of the road.
