Per federal statute, motorcycles are defined as high occupancy vehicles. Of course, not every state’s laws reflect that.
Where I live, it’s legal to lane split on a motorcycle. Much faster than sitting in traffic, but also comes with a whole new set of risks.
Yes, and I imagine every one of them! I don’t know how people (including husband and son) do it! SMH
Oh, don’t I know it. Our first automatic turned into my commute vehicle, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much easier it was to drive in traffic on a regular basis without having to stir a gearbox constantly!
Lane splitting can be done pretty safely, other than the knuckleheads and chuckleheads who get angry seeing motorcyclists moving down the road while they’re stuck in their metal cages. Ride the line only between the #1 and #2 lanes, keep your speed differential reasonable, and only split the lane when you have two cars abreast (or nearly abreast). When the cars are next to each other, they won’t try to change lanes and accidentally move into you because they can see the other car even if they don’t see you coming up the line. If you come to a big gap in one lane with a car next to it in the adjacent lane, move into the lane with the gap with your thumb on the horn button. That way, if the car next to you tries to move into the gap you’re occupying, you’ve given yourself a little cushion AND you’re ready to announce your presence with your horn.
Lane splitting can be safer, because everything is happening within your forward field of vision - you’re not going to be rear-ended while you’re splitting lanes, so you really only have to pay attention to what’s in front and beside you, not so much what’s behind.
(Looking skeptical).
Seriously, that makes sense, but I bet I can imagine something bad!
I never had to “lane split”. I’ve seen it done, but the drivers here are not all that friendly, so I never tried it. I have no idea if it is legal or not in my state.
I didn’t know that… learn something new everyday. My commuter was a simple 600cc sportbike. I still have it and use it as a toy, now.
More than fast enough for me and still got 52-55 mpg.
The first I’d heard of motorcycles lane splitting was a few years ago on Judge Judy. It was news to her and us. Video was shown. I don’t care if it’s legal in some states or not. I feel no pity whatsoever for those riders if something happens to them.
You clearly have never ridden. When you’re on a motorcycle in stop-and-go traffic, you feel incredibly vulnerable. A simple tap from behind while you’re in a car can be nothing at all, not even leaving a scratch. getting tapped from behind when you’re on a motorcycle could be fatal - you go down, and risk getting run over. If you can keep moving at a pace that is faster than the rest of traffic, you’re in greater control of your destiny, and substantially increase your chances of getting to your destination. True, lane splitting can be done recklessly, but so can just about anything else, but it is not inherently reckless. Your lack of pity for others’ safety and well-being is alarming, and quite frankly, seems out of character.
I had a couple of motorcycles in my youth, as much as I loved them, I got scared of traffic and annoyed at being a single underpaid female paying insurance for two vehicles. But they were such a buzz!
I am sorry to hear this even tho it was ago. Sadly, shameful history rears its ugly head and repeats itself over and over…
Test of a marriage: the two times husband and I together replaced the ragtop on our convertable. Talk about quiet and precise communication. The marriage lasted longer than either top. (We keep cars forever.)
Me too. My car is 27 years old, I bought it when it was 4 years old, a lease return. Still looks great, runs smoothly.
166,000 miles. I had my Karmann Ghia convertible
25 years.
As much as I appreciate that (and I do; this is usually a great place to hang out), this does not even register in the “bad things I’ve seen and heard” category. I spent a lot of money on that car and he missed out.
The magic of Google magic eraser!
Perhaps I gave you too much credit.
I first read this as “I bought it when I was 4 years old”.
I had a good chuckle thinking “Now THAT’S a car enthusiast”.
