Videos of SAFE Lane Splitting ("Proof It Works")

[James Burleigh]

So FJRFencer is advocating for lane-sharing legislation in Alabama. Good on him! :clapping: As part of his efforts he has reached out to his fellow riders on the Forum to request in this posting "Videos of SAFE lane Splitting (i.e., proof it works--JB, sorry man your out)."

Now, IMHO, the reason FJRFencer says my vids are out (I'm sure it wasn't just to hurt my feelings ) is not because of the "genuine" lane-splitting segments they capture, but because of footage showing other aggressive commuting behaviors that involve, specifically:

• Weaving around cars at high speeds as if they were traffic cones.
• Going up between fast-moving cars that are running parallel to each other.
• Throwing ball bearings at cages (Um...maybe that part was just in my head).

Those behaviors aren't "lane sharing" strictly speaking, though they do involve sharing a lane from time to time.
Anyway, what I have done in the following two vids is put together genuine lane-sharing examples--i.e., where traffic is backed up and moving quite slow, and the rider moves between the cars slowly, carefully, rationally, legally. No rock & roll music; just engine sound during two uninterrupted segments.

Always one has two fingers on the front brake, often the rear brake covered as well, and 100% concentration (I often don't see bikes right behind me 'cause I'm only looking forward, and once it took a CHP M.C. cop two blips of his siren to get my attention to pull me over--no, not for lane splitting).

Now, if you argue that these are not good examples, then I am left like the Grinch, "puzzling my puzzler." Because I don't see how it can get any "safer" than this--read, slower, more careful, more deliberate. But I've been wrong once or twice before, or at least that's what my wife, Fang, says. :glare:

Let me know what you think FJRFencer, and if I missed the mark, well, just trying to help a fellow motorcyclist....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OcpVCHXrEk

California Lane Splitting--Bay Bridge Morning Commute
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OcpVCHXrEk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwCDNKbKu5k

California Lane Splitting--Richmond Bridge Backup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwCDNKbKu5k

Now, as for other thoughts, the California Highway Patrol supports lane sharing. If you can get a statement from those guys, that would be powerful. And the Alabama DMV information services should have info on registrations.

If you choose to amaze me and request copies of these vids, I am your to command with details....

Good luck!

Jb

 

[jdog109socal]

I hate the *** hole that squeeze you out, I have a bad habit on snapping car antennas and smaking mirrors on those jerks that move into your lane, Here in Cal each lane is divided into 3 single lanes, Legaly you could put 3 bikes side by side, Dont advise it. Cagers dont really read there hand books but it is shown in color how the lane is divided.....A Message for those cagers " By a Bike if you dont like sitting in traffic"

Jdog

 

[IndianaTom]

whew... you made me a little claustrophobic there in a few places. :blink:

No side bags?

 

[James Burleigh]

No side bags?

Negative! Never when commuting. Uh, you see why....

Now, if I could just get rid of those @$%*& mirrors!

Jb

 

[Toecutter]

Now, if I could just get rid of those @$%*& mirrors!

Just fold 'em in.

 

[feejer222]

This is done all the time in the UK. We call it filtering. I personally only do it on the motorway when the traffic stops. If its moving at over 25mph I get back in line.

We have ******** here too that try and close you out. Others that move over for you....probably not to be helpful, but to avoid a mild steel pinstripe down the side of the car. When this happens the biker always waves, hopefully this encourages other car drivers to do similar and not sit there cursing us.

 

[Chief]

The only thing i would add is to install headlight modulators. After I did it is amazing how many more people will see you and move to give you more room. Love them or hate them they WORK!! Just my 2 cents worth. :clapping:

 

[Fencer]

JB

I sent your videos to my Rep to watch. Thanks. I meet with him Thurs morning.

But man, you're giving that clutch Hell!

 

[James Burleigh]

JBI sent your videos to my Rep to watch. Thanks. I meet with him Thurs morning.

But man, you're giving that clutch Hell!

Aw, shucks! I don't know what to say (for a change ). I'm honored. Let us know how it goes.

And yes, I do fry that clutch!

Jb

 

[painman]

Jb, there is talk of starting a ferry service to the city, (no jokes with a lisp please), and you can ride down to Antioch or Martinez and kick back and enjoy an expresso and watch the sea gulls on the way to work. I drove those roads for a living and that freeway is one scarey place. And Fencer, good luck with your endevor to make your reps see clearly. PM. <>< :blind:

 

[DucatiSSsp]

James,

Wouldn't a go-ped yield better results....Especially in the tight stuff?