Should Motorbikes Be Allowed To Weave Through City Traffic?

65 responses to “Should Motorbikes Be Allowed To Weave Through City Traffic?”

1. 

   skinhead

   January 31, 2013

   As a former Bike Rider I think they should…..BUT

   Must be completed at lowest speed possible. It would help to increase flow of traffic

   Idoits are everwhere on the road, bikes, motor bikes , cars, taxi’s and trucks. More care and respect for all.

   Log in to Reply
   1. 

      jacksonbison

      January 31, 2013

      Well said.

      I’m ok with it, but when a rider slips around me out of nowhere when I’m changing lanes, it’s their fault if anything goes astray.

      Log in to Reply
      1. 

         mn8

         January 31, 2013

         “out of nowhere” just sounds like lack of situational awareness to me. If mirrors and shoulder checks are performed thoroughly, this does not happen. Besides, if there is sufficient space for you to change lanes then the bike rider would have no need to be splitting between cars and would be in a lane… Having said that, as a motorcyclist, being right does not outweigh being injured/dead so cyclists have to have much greater awareness of others.

         I ride a bike and drive a car and agree with skinhead that it should only be done at the lowest speed possible, with the cars crawling at most, if not completely stopped.

         I believe motorcycles are great way to reduce congestion so moves like this to make the world more friendly towards them is a step in the right direction.

         Log in to Reply
         1. 

            thebatman

            January 31, 2013

            Agreed! My best mate took out a bike on the westgate, and knowing his morning situational awareness I have no doubt that while the bike was lane splitting I know who’s fault it was…. Tho as a rider I realise its ‘our’ responsibility to be aware of EVERYONE. Anyone who’s been out there he countless stories of cars that have seen them, even been nodded to by the car driver, then within minutes the same car is in your lane

            Traffic HAS to be stopped to ‘filter’. Every dipstik that takes one of out in this manner will blame the rider

            Log in to Reply
         2. 

            kato

            January 31, 2013

            “out of nowhere” just sounds like lack of situational awareness to me. If mirrors and shoulder checks are performed thoroughly, this does not happen.”
            Calling big BS on this. Many times I have done all of those checks only to STILL have a bike zoom up on me (often zipping in and out of lanes and not just coming up in a straight line behind).
            As to the rule – I didn’t know it was illegal as I see lane filtering and splitting every single day.

            Log in to Reply
         3. 

            dnr

            January 31, 2013

            i’ve been riding for 15 years, and i love it but i see so many morons on the road doing this unsafely that making it legal will only make it worse.
            I’ve had riders take a mirror off my car, side-swipe me causing a massive scratch up the side of my car, then just ride off, i’ve seen a rider reach into a guys car and punch him because he wouldn’t make room for the rider to get past at a set of lights.

            IMO if i’m Lane splitting or filtering and a driver in a car feels the need to open his door and clean me up, he is well within his rights, follow the road rules or gtfo the roads.
            the no splitting/filtering needs to be more severely inforced, not made legal

            Log in to Reply
            1. 

               sockparty

               February 1, 2013

               Lane splitting can be done safely or unsafely. I think what most car drivers resent (as I did before I had a bike) is when bike riders ‘hoon’ between lanes at really fast speeds; this often used to surprise me and can catch me off-guard still, especially with the Japanese sports bikes that don’t make a lot of noise. Also, weaving in and out of cars as the traffic takes off is a bit too dangerous.

               IMO it should be allowed, but only when the light is red and traffic is at a full stop, only at 15km/h or under, and only for 250cc or greater capacity fully powered bikes (ie no scooters, mopeds or cyclists).

               Why? Because if done properly it’s safe, and makes life easier for everyone. Certainly won’t slow down the leading cars in the pack, as (for the uninitiated) the power/weight ratio allows even 250cc bikes to take off much more quickly than cars.

               Regarding your comment, nobody is ever “within their rights” to intentionally hurt another person, despite their perceived level of jerkiness.

            2. 

               SP

               March 7, 2013

               I’d bet anything you aren’t a rider as you say you are… Not only do you not seem to know the difference between filtering and splitting, and refer to them both as the same thing, but you claim someone opening their door on you would be ‘well within their rights’, when it is well known amongst riders to be illegal to open your door in a way that causes a hazard to other drivers or pedestrians.

               You also don’t seem to realise the severity of what an open door can do to a rider even at low speeds, you think someone is well within their rights to potentially amputate your leg, just because they have an inferiority complex and a vindictive spiteful streak that enrages them whenever someone moves ahead of them in traffic? Get real.

               You are clearly just one of the aforementioned drivers, who for no reason other than spite can’t stand when a rider moves ahead, not realising that it actually speeds your journey up as they relieve the congestion by filtering at lights. I wonder how many of the claimed incidents you’ve had with riders were because you intentionally tried to block their path, as people with your mindset constantly do, and then complain about the result of such a pathetic, dangerous and pointless maneuver

            3. 

               dnr

               March 7, 2013

               Sure mate because you know more about my life than i do, just because i ride within the bounds of the law without filtering/splitting (which are the same bloody thing regardless of moving traffic or stopped, argue semantics all you want) that makes me a better rider than most, and judging by you’re comment, obviously a better rider than you.

               Don’t be an entitled asshole who thinks because you have the ability to bypass the law that you should.
               both the accidents caused by riders while in my car, i was stationary at a set of lights just fyi

      2. 

         Mirkon

         January 31, 2013

         It’s important to realise that there is two different definitions when performing this act.
         Filtering – Moving through stationary traffic.
         Splitting – Moving through moving traffic.
         In theory, you shouldn’t be able to take out a rider when changing lanes as they should only be passing when traffic is stationary.

         It’s positive to see it being legally allowed, even for a trial. Not only can it help reduce congestion, but it can also reduce the amount of rear-enders involving bikes. There’s too many cases around where an inattentive driver didn’t notice the smaller vehicle and didn’t include them in their stopping distance.

         Log in to Reply
         1. 

            thebatman

            January 31, 2013

            There will always be that time when ur between a lane and left lane sees a park, space in the next lane then boom! Someone wants the newly left space…. JUST FUKING LOOK MORONS

            Log in to Reply
   2. 

      timmahh

      January 31, 2013

      Gotta agree with you, as a motor bike rider myself, one of the things that makes riding a pleasure is being able to make short work of traffic. Having said that there are situations where it is just plain dangerous to do so. I think as long as common sense is used it should be no problem.

      Log in to Reply
   3. 

      blaket

      January 31, 2013

      As a non bike rider I’m happy for this at say stop lights and while traffic is under a certain speed and bikes are limited to a certain speed also.

      I’m just immensely selfish and don’t want to deal with hitting you.

      Log in to Reply
   4. 

      simo

      January 31, 2013

      As long as we define motorbike as “NOT moped”

      Mopeds ‘typically’ can’t take off from the lights quicker than most cars, so ADD to the congestion, not improve it.

      And now we have a grey area!!! Laws are good at creating those.

      Log in to Reply
      1. 

         matthiew

         February 1, 2013

         In my experience of riding mopeds they can take off quicker than most cars. The only cars I won’t pull in front of at a red light are sports cars. Obviously a moped isn’t as quick as a motorcycle, and cars will catch up once they’re in 2nd gear, but the take off is generally faster for a moped.

         Even if a moped’s take off speed is slower, that doesn’t add to congestion. Rearranging the order of the vehicles queued up at a red light doesn’t add anything, it just rearranges it.

         Log in to Reply
2. 

   elcap

   January 31, 2013

   i thought it was already legal to do this when traffic was under a certain speed……?

   Log in to Reply
   1. 

      Numpty

      January 31, 2013

      No it’s not.
      Not even with stationary traffic.
      But that hasn’t stopped it happening and because there are so very few incidents resulting from this behaviour, “they” are finaly looking at maybe de-criminalise it.
      About time too IMHO

      Log in to Reply
      1. 

         j

         January 31, 2013

         Technically it’s not illegal, however there are a number of other infringements that you can be booked for in the vein of ‘passing on the left’, ‘passing in the same lane’, ‘sharing a lane’, that sort of thing.

         Log in to Reply
         1. 

            Richo

            January 31, 2013

            Passing on the left (in any vehicle) is quite dangerous. Drivers are not expecting it.
            Almost all of the car drivers I’ve seen doing it are P-platers. I assume that after ending in a close call or worse, most experienced drivers have elected not to do it any more.

            Log in to Reply
            1. 

               Kate

               January 31, 2013

               Passing on the left isn’t illegal, if you’re on a multi lane road and not exceeding the speed limit. Thank the middle lane hogs on the F3 for encouraging me to look it up so I can cruise along in the same lane without crossing to the far right, overtaking, and going back into the left lane.

            2. 

               j

               February 1, 2013

               Passing on the left in the same lane is illegal.

            3. 

               ashley

               February 1, 2013

               How do you pass a car on any side whilst in the same lane?

            4. 

               j

               February 2, 2013

               Technically, that’s what lane splitting/filtering is. Passing another vehicle in the same lane. That’s what you get booked for if you are unlucky enough to get caught. If you’re on the left of the white line, it’s passing on the right in the same lane, if you’re on the right of the white line, it’s passing on the left in the same lane.

               I’m a rider and this manoeuvre happens all the time, quite safely.

               Thoughtful riders are observant riders, who look out for the dangers while performing it. Oblivious riders are the ones who clip mirrors or are surprised when a door opens.

            5. 

               dknigs

               January 31, 2013

               I see it all the time, usually so people can pass the elderly driver doing 10kmph under the limit sitting in the right lane.

            6. 

               Spedy

               February 1, 2013

               Here in SA there’s no passing left or right, a couple cars will block all lanes while going slower then the speedlimit but too fast to split safely…

      2. 

         lachlan

         January 31, 2013

         lol, decriminalise is not the same as make legal. traffic offences are generally not criminal in nature.

         Log in to Reply
3. 

   lemontang

   January 31, 2013

   Having ridden a lot in Taiwan, lane splitting is not only the norm, it’s expected. With number upon number of bikes normally filtered out in front of cars at lights.
   Whilst I agree with lane splitting. It will take a long time before the Australian driving culture accepts this, heck it’s hard enough as it is just for cyclists . Let alone the lack of current infrastructure to help encourage this through both driver & rider education.

   Crystal ball tells me we will see a number of shaking fists (and worse) from cagers when a bike filters through to the front at the lights.

   Log in to Reply
4. 

   sparhawk0

   January 31, 2013

   Given that it is a practically universal behaviour now, making it legal shouldn’t make no difference whatsoever. Honestly, in the CBD, motorbike riders are a lot more sensible than their self-propelled compatriots, so I don’t have a huge problem with it.

   The major concern I have is riding to the front of a queue of vehicles at a set of traffic lights and swerving in front of the lead car. That, I hate. Even worse when it’s multiple bikes. Given the new rules seem to recognise this and say that “riders must stop at the intersection stop-line”, I don’t know how this is going to work.

   What’s interesting is that you can’t use the left-hand side of a kerbside lane, but can use the right-hand-side of a far-right lane – apparently swerving into oncoming traffic is OK, as long as the traffic on your side is stationary.

   Log in to Reply
   1. 

      Numpty

      January 31, 2013

      This should only be a problem if the rider who’s got him/her self to the front of the line, then proceeds to move slower than the vehicles they’ve jumped in front of.
      As a regular peak hour commuter (on a bike) I don’t think this happens that often.
      If I move off and in front of a vehicle from the line, I can guarantee I am not holding that vehicle up in any way.
      The whole point of moving ahead like that is to get clear of the cloggage that is the general flow of cars etc. and thus remain a lot more visible.

      Log in to Reply
      1. 

         simo

         January 31, 2013

         +1

         Log in to Reply
      2. 

         sparhawk0

         January 31, 2013

         Don’t disagree with you for the most part, but there’s potentially a lot more problems – especially for the rider. Car stalls out and bunny-hops, knocking the rider over and into traffic. Or a collision from the rear does the same thing. Also, multiple riders moving up to the front (I’ve had plenty of instances in Sydney CBD of 2-3 bikes moving in front of me, and they don’t all take off simultaneously).

         Cars and bikes in line usually leave a solid metre at least between vehicles for good safety reasons, but riders moving up to the front leave far less room. Most times, the swing-in angle also means that when they take off, the rider crosses both lanes to swing back into the right direction.

         Log in to Reply
   2. 

      stevothedevo

      January 31, 2013

      My thinking as well.

      Log in to Reply
5. 

   Joseph

   January 31, 2013

   It should be encouraged and accepted.

   I regularly commute through the Sydney CBD in both a car and on a bike – the trip on the bike takes me approximately 10 minutes, where I can be stuck in the car for well over 40 minutes doing the same route.

   However, with this – you get both kinds of drivers, ones that will move to the far side of their lane to let you pass – and others whom will actively try to crush you between the car beside them.

   Ultimately, it’s the responsibility of the motorcycle rider to know their limits when filtering, and accept the fact that sometimes (as Gandalf would say) ‘You shall not pass!’ when there simply is no room to pass. On the other hand however, it’s also a car drivers responsibility to not actively go out of their way to block/crush/mame or kill a rider who is filtering past them.

   That bike going past your stationary vehicle is not slowing you down, quite the contrary – it’s one less car in your way, so don’t be a knob and keep an eye out for bikes in your mirrors.

   GG Duncan Gay – let’s hope the trial is a success!

   Log in to Reply
6. 

   ellyhart

   January 31, 2013

   I used to do this all the time when I had a motorbike, knowing full well that it wasn’t legal. I remember one occasion when I rode straight past a cop car stuck in a traffic jam. I don’t think it’s particularly safe — it gives riders permission to weave in between lanes when they might not think it’s safe to do so otherwise.

   Log in to Reply
7. 

   monoclonal

   January 31, 2013

   No!

   Log in to Reply
8. 

   matt0

   January 31, 2013

   As a motorbike rider I’d like to see it happen for obvious reasons. After speaking to a number of people (including unbiased people who don’t know I ride) and the vast majority suggested that by the time a motorbike takes off from the lights they are already way ahead of the pack to even care about, having no impact on their journey. The people who get upset are the ones who feel ‘ripped off’ because they see it as the motorbike is cutting ahead of the line.

   Log in to Reply
   1. 

      Numpty

      January 31, 2013

      Yep, those people who, as you say “feel ripped off” seem to be worried that perhaps I’m going to take the last donut at the shop or something by “jumping the que” or something.

      Log in to Reply
9. 

   godfrey

   January 31, 2013

   I watched a motorcyclist die speeding (relative to the traffic but probably under the speed limit) through traffic about a month ago. Stupid idea. It’s not just about the motorcyclist. There’s pedestrians and other drivers to consider.

   Log in to Reply
   1. 

      Numpty

      January 31, 2013

      I’ve seen pedestrians hit by crossing the road and not looking too, but we don’t blanket ban people from crossing roads, and the jaywalking rules obviously didn’t help.
      I’ve known someone who died riding a motorbike when he was hit by a truck that didn’t bother to look before changing lanes, but we still have trucks on the roads, changing lanes.
      (sadly enough, had he actually moved ahead in the traffic que earlier, he would have been well clear of that truck)
      Ultimately, it’s down to the rider to determine weather or not it’s safe to something or not. Rules won’t do it.
      Rules will also not stop me from riding in a manner that I deem to be in MY best interests (safety, first and foremost). Some rules actually make it more dangerous to be on a bike.
      See my earlier comment re getting out in front of the pack.

      Log in to Reply
      1. 

         godfrey

         January 31, 2013

         Cyclists, Motorcyclists, motorist, … helll, people all cut corners. There’s a spectrum of really how bad these individual incidents are.

         The difference is that the guy I saw was doing something illegal AND as it turn out, mortally stupid. Having the law means that the other party, when there is one, obeying the rules and common sense shouldn’t have to suffer court cases, grief, depression, etc.

         It’s always up to the driver to determine if something’s safe, but there are boundaries. The guy I watched end up in a pulp probably thought it was ‘safe’. The occupants of the car he hit, who were obeying the law, have to now live with his decision.

         Your argument could extend to all road laws. Do you think it’s okay to do 230 in a 60 zone if YOU think it’s safe? discuss.

         People will still do dumb things. If they kill themselves then that’s natural selection working hard for us all. The point of the law is to dissuade idiots from doing so when it affects others.

         Log in to Reply
10. 

    fury-s12

    January 31, 2013

    yea i can already see this trial ending in a fist fight, like everything there are good and bad players out there the problem is this is cars vs motorbikes doesnt matter which ones the bad player the bike will always lose and lose bad, under perfect conditions im sure bikes can lane split and pull away from traffic no issues its the other 75% of the time when its doesnt go smoothly that will end this trial/thought

    Log in to Reply
11. 

    Grumpy Old Gamer

    January 31, 2013

    Having ridden a motorbike until I had too many of my legs smashed by cars not looking, I used to do this, knowing full well if anything where to happen lane splitting it was my fault. Consequently I did it when cars where stationary (can’t trust the bastards while there moving) and the only real concern I saw from drivers was the fact they felt cheated.
    Until box drivers realise this is only one of a few benefits they have, and they are under the constant threat of a dozy driver obliterating them, I don’t think the majority will ever care enough to allow it

    Log in to Reply
12. 

    Bob

    January 31, 2013

    I’m suddenly reminded of this video:

    Log in to Reply
    1. 

       details

       January 31, 2013

       You realise that is a snatch and grab crime, not an accident, right?

       Log in to Reply
13. 

    tirade

    January 31, 2013

    Not excited about the idea.
    Even if legal, there’s going to be road rage, and I’m not sure you can tell a group of people that swerving between traffic is fine, but only under XXXX conditions and not have that lead to increases in people doing it under ALL conditions.

    Log in to Reply
14. 

    virus__

    January 31, 2013

    In my area? HELL NO! The motorists who drive cars don’t give two shits about those who ride motorcycles. A local paper has even gone to the point where a few years back they liked to attack motorbike riders saying they cause all the accidents they end up in. When in fact it was the car drivers not paying attention at all to what was around them and cleaning up bike riders.

    Log in to Reply
    1. 

       thebatman

       January 31, 2013

       Too fukin true…I love it tho when they do tho

       Ten years in the military and 20 yrs lifting weights… As a calm person I love to see the reactions of ‘tough guys’ when I fire up, never had to gt physical tho have stood at a drivers door going full tap with helmet in hand… Make my day!

       Log in to Reply
15. 

    Numpty

    January 31, 2013

    Due to the fact that a vast majority of riders already do this, (lane splitting or filtering) I can’t see how a “trial” is going to show up any significant changes in traffic flow.
    Just because it’s legal all of a sudden, won’t make an appreciable difference to traffic.
    But it might give law enforcement something better to do than worry about it. (which also apprently isn’t much of an issue either. I’ve passed any number of police vehicles without issue. Well, except for one who was on a bike. He couldn’t follow me between the cars because of his panniers, so he went up the wrong side of the road to pull up in front of me at the lights, and tell me to stick to my lane. Nothing more. Who’s actions were the more dangerous here I ask)

    Log in to Reply
16. 

    stew

    January 31, 2013

    Another motorcyclist here. Yes, I think it should definitely be allowed. Many riders – myself included – do it often anyway.

    * It’s such a huge time-saver, especially when it’s hot and you’re in leathers.
    * You filter up through the traffic then naturally take off faster than vehicles around you, so there’s no “time penalty” to the vehicles you’re getting ahead of.
    * It’s reduces overall trip time with no speeding, traffic off the road sooner
    * It significantly reduces clutch-hand fatigue in long traffic jams.
    * But it must absolutely be done a low, predictable speed, and I’d say after you’re on your opens so you know how to balance the bike at low speed & not side-swipe other vehicles.

    Riding a bike is great fun, but balancing your bike whilst stationary, exposed to the elements (blazing hot sun, pouring rain), no aircon/heater, no radio (unless bluetooth headset), unable to just recline and chill out, inhaling unfiltered exhaust fumes from the traffic around you. The stop-start-stop-start of a long traffic jam can also really cause pain in your left hand too if you’ve got a stiff clutch.

    Bikes are like sharks. They need to keep moving to survive 🙂

    Log in to Reply
    1. 

       Numpty

       January 31, 2013

       Damned straight. ( I like the sharks bit BTW)
       I especially agree with the “low, predictable speed” bit.
       Me, I only ever filter between stationary vehicles. As Grumpy Old Gamer mentioned, you just can’t trust moving slow moving vehicles in traffic to behave in a predictable manner.
       Well, you should predict that they will do something daft like suddenly decide that the other lane is better than the one they’re in.
       By far the worst offenders are the drivers who seem to think that you flick the indicator on with the same movement used to turn the steering wheel. In other words, they use the indicator, but with zero time between indicating and actually turning. The first thing you see is the car turning and then finally a blink or two from the indicators.
       Bikers take heed. Treat ALL other road users as though they are deaf, blind and plain stupid as, unfortunately, a lot of them are.
       Then they’ll get cranky at you.

       Log in to Reply
17. 

    grod

    January 31, 2013

    However it’s done, any attempts will be nothing compared to how they lane split in Rome. Crossing a three lane, one way road was rather interesting as it had 4 lanes of cars and 5 of mopeds. Road markings? Pah! They’re for tourists.

    Log in to Reply
18. 

    Craig W.

    January 31, 2013

    Lane splitting saves me heaps of time getting to work, I don’t think it saves cars much at all… There is not enough bikes on the road to have them to add to traffic. If any thing it might encourage those who choose not to use public transport, to start riding. If most rode to work I assure you Traffic would cease to be a thing.
    It’s a pitty the trial is only in the CBD where lane “filtering” is difficult due to the lanes being very narrow in areas. I find bus lanes are the best option…

    Log in to Reply
19. 

    whitepointer

    January 31, 2013

    It wouldn’t make much of a difference because all motorbikes I see in the city lane split anyway.

    Log in to Reply
    1. 

       simo

       January 31, 2013

       if they didn’t lane split – you wouldn’t see em – they’d be stuck a long way behind you.

       Log in to Reply
20. 

    danhalford

    January 31, 2013

    If this were Brisbane, they’d be starting a new trial to find new ways of ticketing motorcyclists who dare to find ways to speed up their progression through the traffic light quagmire that’s the CBD.

    Log in to Reply
    1. 

       Numpty

       January 31, 2013

       Or the one particular bike cop pulling you over to treat you to his ideas of why a mudguard is so important and how they work no less. In the middle of road works. On the ICB. In the center lane. In peak hour traffic
       This after he forgot all about why he pulled me over in the first place. Idiot.

       Log in to Reply
       1. 

          arnie

          February 1, 2013

          The only reason for a mudgard in the city is because of the road ‘repairs’ where they dig up and leave loose gravel filling the hole for several weeks or more with no warnings for 2 wheelers.

          Log in to Reply
21. 

    rhino86

    January 31, 2013

    A good portion of Asian countries have a large number of riders and they look crazy when we see footage of them. Though looking from a riders perspective you can see the order in the chaos.
    +1 for the trial and hopefully other states can learn from the trail too.

    Log in to Reply
22. 

    brade

    January 31, 2013

    I have to say no, not because I have a problem with them doing it but because I think we really do need the traffic laws to be universal irrespective of what mode of transport you use. Saying yes to motorbikes doing this paves a path to allowing the same for scooters (which can be very slow to accelerate) and pushbikes (which are just slow in general).

    Log in to Reply
23. 

    jimsug

    January 31, 2013

    This depends so much on what the circumstances are. As a biker, I completely agree that filtering doesn’t really harm anyone – the cars are stationary, and by getting to the front, other cars can move up to fill the gaps.

    I’ve never been a fan of splitting though, since… well, but a lot of drivers don’t do head checks before changing lanes. Just last week, I was nearly squashed against the side of another car twice, because drivers didn’t see me. I’ve also, in the past, been forced to move into lanes on the wrong side of the road to avoid getting crushed.

    I don’t mean to generalise or stereotype and say that all drivers are careless or incompetent – I’ve probably just had bad luck with the few that are. But I think this trial will fail because of the idiotic minority (both riders and drivers).

    Also, anyone comparing this to cyclists – sorry, but bicycles just aren’t the same as they often can’t reach or maintain decent speeds. I always groan inwardly when I see a cyclist ahead of me, especially if I’m in a bus and they’re in a bus lane.

    Log in to Reply
24. 

    Heather

    January 31, 2013

    Yes! This would be great in Melbourne as well. Nice to see attitudes to motorcyclists improving, slowly but surely,

    I refuse to lane split (in moving traffic), but filter (in stationary traffic) every chance I get. It’s not actually about saving time as it often doesn’t in non-peak hour traffic, rather it’s about safety for me. Being at the front means I can take off and leave cars behind that would otherwise be on all sides of me, posing risks if they change lanes, have a lapse in attention, drift lanes, etc, etc. Keeping a good distance between them and me increases my buffer space, makes it safer and makes for a much nicer ride 🙂 Fewer stinky exhaust fumes up the front too.

    Log in to Reply
25. 

    shmooks

    February 1, 2013

    Given that this is already commonplace, how will the study be able to determine whether there is a benefit to traffic congestion???

    Log in to Reply
26. 

    Noother

    February 1, 2013

    I drive my car to and from work via the M4 peak hour every work day. The average speed is probably something around 60kmph or so, and the only motorcyclists I see that aren’t dodging and weaving in an out of traffic or driving up the emergency lane, are the ones on motorcycles that can’t physically fit between cars.

    Hell everyday I see motorcyclists going up between a truck and a car and all sorts of other stupid circumstances. While I’m sure there are some that only filter when traffic is crawling or stopped, I never see them and I’ve been driving the same route for the last 4 years. And yes sometimes they come out of no where and fly past you. While I check all my mirrors, in peak our that’s stop and start, I have to watch traffic in front of myself more then normal as well, so during that gap its easy for a motorcyclist to fly past me when they’ve been sitting behind a truck or some other large vehicle that blocks my vision.

    If they make it legal to do so at crawling speed and while traffic is stationary, the police should more heavily enforce motorcyclists weaving in and out of traffic while its moving at non-crawling/stationary speed. I’ve somehow managed not to see an accident happen in front of me yet, but I’ve seen them on the sides of roads at least once a month if not more. I’ve also seen motorcyclists drive right past cops between lanes and ignoring them completely.

    And I do agree that there are plenty of idiot car drivers out there, hell I work with a few of them. Those that don’t indicate ever seemingly, pull off into on-ramps to use as overtaking lanes or even emergency lanes (motorcyclists do it just as frequently). Those that as said previously, indicate for 1 or 2 blinks as part of their turning action, or even just pull into the lane and then indicate with one blink.

    Log in to Reply
27. 

    boris

    February 1, 2013

    It is already legal in WA so long as the traffic is not moving and you stay on the left side of the white line – that is what the police told me – and it works fine. Having commuted on motorbike for about 15 years – the main issue with filtering/splitting is pedestrians that walk between the cars to cross the road.

    You have to be very careful when going past vans/trucks where you can’t see pedestrians that you don’t wipe some clueless pedestrian out.

    Most pedestrians don’t think that a motorbike will be coming down the middle of the cars and they definitely don’t look – so it becomes the motorcyclist’s responsibility to look. So long as motorcyclist pays attention then everything flows well.

    The other problem is cage drivers who get angry that a motorcycle can keep moving and they are stuck – they try to deliberately pull into the gaps to stop there being enough room for the motorcyclist to continue. Eventually they meet a motorcylist who punches side mirrors and they stop doing that. Let that be a warning to you if you plan to block a motorcyclist 🙂

    Log in to Reply
28. 

    Cawka

    February 22, 2013

    I wanted to thank you again for that aamzing web-site you have built here. It’s full of useful tips for those who are genuinely interested in this particular subject, specifically this very post. Your all actually sweet and thoughtful of others and also reading the blog posts is a good delight in my opinion. And exactly what a generous present! Mary and I usually have pleasure making use of your points in what we should instead do in the near future. Our collection of ideas is a distance long and simply put tips is going to be put to excellent use.

    Log in to Reply