Back where I come from, motorcycles are just like any other vehicle on the roadway. They are subject to all the same traffic laws as cars, transport trucks, bicycles, unicycles … well you get the point.
Apparently here in California that is not the case. Here are a few things you will notice about the two-wheeled machines while driving here:
- The concept of ‘lanes’ does not apply in the city: Motorcycle drivers feel the right to not drive in front or behind you but rather beside you. If you are stopped at a red light, don’t freak out when a motorcycle makes its way past you and the car beside you. They are driving along the dotted line, inches away from your side mirror.
- The concept of ‘lanes’ does not apply on the highway: This is worse than in the city simply because of the speed factor. Here you are, doing 65 on the 110 with an SUV on one side of you and a sedan on the other. Out of nowhere you see Mr. Motorcycle whizzing up behind you, probably doing 75 or 80. The problem is he is not coming directly behind you, but beside you and in-between you and another vehicle. The motorcycles seem to come dangerously close to both vehicles; close enough I wonder what if someone ever veers over a little and catches a guy on his bike in-between two cars?
Does the LAPD or CHP ticket such incidents? Obviously not because it happens all the time.
I also wonder if this phenomenon occurs only here in Los Angeles. It didn’t happen back in Chicago and most certainly wasn’t the case in Canada.
i’m a california native, and still can’t figure out why cycle lane skipping is sanctioned. when i see a motorcyclist in my rear view mirror (particularly on the freeway), i always scoot over to give them some room in my lane for passing cause a) i’m sweet like that; b) i know they’re going to do it anyway; c) cussing and getting frustrated doesn’t help; and d) i’m not like the other rude drivers recently mentioned on your site.
9 times out of 10 i let people waiting in driveways come out in front of me, and i ALWAYS wave to show my appreciation when they do the same. you’re right…what’s so difficult about a simple act of kindness and showing appreciation for it? it’s the little things like this that would make the world a much nicer place.
as for the motorcyclists, most seem to enjoy my giving them more room and making the roads a little safer for them and will often show their appreciation by throwing me a down low peace sign or a hand wave when they pass. don’t know why, but that always makes me smile.
don’t be discouraged…we’re not all jerks out here. safe travels!
Thanks for the comment JLS.
Like everything on this site, we are pointing out things we see more often than not and know there are some good drivers out there in California – but you really have to search for them!
I’ve begun to do the same thing when I see a motorcycle in the rearview: move over and give them room. I do it not so much for them as I do me.
Yeah, I”ve noticed this motorcycle stuff only happening here.
Lots of stuff “only happens here”, unfortunately.
it’s called lane splitting, and it is legal in california if done “in a safe and prudent manner”.
and yes, it doesn’t usually seem safe, particularly for the motorcyclist, and given how oblivious most drivers can be.
Jim: I am sorry your commented wound up in my Spam folder somehow.
That is crazy! I can’t believe it is legal!