J
JWHITE518
Guest
Add California to that list. Many more people move over for me than move to cut me off. Though the latter has happened.
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WA-support lane sharing
- Thread starter OfficerImpersonator
- Start date
Add California to that list. Many more people move over for me than move to cut me off. Though the latter has happened.
Threeteas
New member
One finger, one thumb
I did add California, I'm just a finger and thumb typist, so you beat me to it.
I did add California, I'm just a finger and thumb typist, so you beat me to it.
kbasa
Well-known member
As a regular lane splitter, that's my experience, as well.
Not too many folks have moved to block me, but I've come across lots of folks that really crowd the line and pretend I'm invisible. Patience...
PacWestGS
25-MPH NEXT 1OO MILES
That's a key ingredient in safely lane sharing, not every road user appreciates or approves of your ability to move around and past them while they are stuck in their circumstances. Most will say/think damn I wish I was riding a bike and could do that, and will happily move over for you.
But sometimes you just have to wait your turn and let traffic move again before getting past the pissy people. Don't let it bother you though they are pissy people all the time and already hate motorcyclists, you are not going to change their mind or make them hate you more.
As to the lights, horns and sirens, I think it's better to sneak up on them and quietly ride by.
But again, JMO
kbasa
Well-known member
I run the Big Lights and the high beam. It helps the courteous know I'm coming and they'll move over. It'll keep the oblivious from making that lane change into me from time to time, but responsibility for that really lies with me.
If you get to the point where you need to rely on flashing lights and stuff to save your skin, you've already screwed up. (I paraphrased that from a passage in Zodiac, by Neal Stephenson).
Threeteas
New member
lane share injuries
Birmingham in the UK has a notorious stretch of motorway 3 lanes each way.
I started lane sharing and 35 miles later reached the front. My injury was a sore clutch hand and wrist and aching smile muscles. We were quick that day.
The furthest I've had continuous lane sharing was the M25 around London on a Bank Holiday-85 miles with all the 100,000 bikes going to world supers at Brands. They even opened the toll gates on the QE Bridge to let us through f.oc.
Amazing ride.
Birmingham in the UK has a notorious stretch of motorway 3 lanes each way.
I started lane sharing and 35 miles later reached the front. My injury was a sore clutch hand and wrist and aching smile muscles. We were quick that day.
The furthest I've had continuous lane sharing was the M25 around London on a Bank Holiday-85 miles with all the 100,000 bikes going to world supers at Brands. They even opened the toll gates on the QE Bridge to let us through f.oc.
Amazing ride.
I think that the LEO's who might lane share would be better served to have some experience sharing lanes before their official duties require it.
Also, does the term "official duty" allow them to share lanes without their lights and siren on? My first instinct would be to say "no" since that is truely the only way for the surrounding vehicles to know the LEO is enguaged in "official duty." (I also know that there's probably a whole lot of grey area involvled in this.)
Differenct case, similar circumstance:
My work vehicle is a bright red, 40,000 pound truck with at least 20 flashing lights, a 200 db mechanical siren and a couple of real loud air horns. Sometimes in traffic I wonder if any of it is working even though I can see that all the people on the sidewalk have their hands over their ears. I'm not too sure that a few lights, a dinky electronic siren and a motorcycle are going to make any better impression to get people on the highway to move- even if it's a few inches to let the LEO by. My experience is that the general public thinks emergency vehicles are a nuisance (like taxis) unless they're in need of one.
Also, does the term "official duty" allow them to share lanes without their lights and siren on? My first instinct would be to say "no" since that is truely the only way for the surrounding vehicles to know the LEO is enguaged in "official duty." (I also know that there's probably a whole lot of grey area involvled in this.)
Differenct case, similar circumstance:
My work vehicle is a bright red, 40,000 pound truck with at least 20 flashing lights, a 200 db mechanical siren and a couple of real loud air horns. Sometimes in traffic I wonder if any of it is working even though I can see that all the people on the sidewalk have their hands over their ears. I'm not too sure that a few lights, a dinky electronic siren and a motorcycle are going to make any better impression to get people on the highway to move- even if it's a few inches to let the LEO by. My experience is that the general public thinks emergency vehicles are a nuisance (like taxis) unless they're in need of one.
Threeteas
New member
Tea's up-must dash!
Secondly, is anyone aware of "first on scene" training classes here in WA?
Two things. In the UK, if the kettle was boing and the canteen just opening, getting back to the station was "official duty".
Secondly, is anyone aware of "first on scene" training classes here in WA?
BRADFORDBENN
Slowpoke & Proud of It!
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VP of BMW MOA Foundation
OfficerImpersonator
Seattle-area Rounder
You should stop riding in the city and take her out to the country where there are no traffic lights and traffic jams.
Isn't that what a Sunday ride is all about?
Threeteas
New member
Dubious decorating deal?
This was in the country, up the 9 then across to La Conner. Those solid yellows, for miles ahead, were playing havoc with our sense of progressing at an appropriate speed. There must be an arrangement between the lining companies and WADOT. Are all government employee houses painted bright yellow, free of charge, by any chance? Just a thought.
Still Spanish roads for two weeks as of this Wednesday, a riding nirvana. Up from Malaga, through Granada and the mountains, then drop down to the coast road, happily lanesharing as we go.
This was in the country, up the 9 then across to La Conner. Those solid yellows, for miles ahead, were playing havoc with our sense of progressing at an appropriate speed. There must be an arrangement between the lining companies and WADOT. Are all government employee houses painted bright yellow, free of charge, by any chance? Just a thought.
Still Spanish roads for two weeks as of this Wednesday, a riding nirvana. Up from Malaga, through Granada and the mountains, then drop down to the coast road, happily lanesharing as we go.
OfficerImpersonator
Seattle-area Rounder
All these years I've enjoyed quiet rides through deserted countrysides and empty winding roads and I had no idea I wasn't having fun 'cuz I couldn't lane-split.
Come on, dude - you make it sound as if your ride through the Skagit County tulip farms was ruined because you had to contend with other motorists out enjoying the same things you were - beautiful weather, literal square miles of tulips blooming at the flower farms of the Skagit Valley - all completely un-enjoyable because you had to contend with others out experiencing the same sights you were.
So many places to ride without traffic - Eastern Washington, the Olympic Peninsula - all areas with deserted roads and beautiful scenery. Take advantage of not having to wait in line for a ferry and go ride around one of the ferry-served islands - Vashon, Bainbridge, the Kitsap Peninsula, the San Juans - since bikes get priority loading on ferries, take advantage and beat the cars to the island roads. When it comes to priority loading for bikes on the boats, riding onto a ferry is almost like having your own private float plane to reach the islands.
The absence of lane splitting shouldn't ruin your ride.
You could always move to California - I'm just sayin'.
Come on, dude - you make it sound as if your ride through the Skagit County tulip farms was ruined because you had to contend with other motorists out enjoying the same things you were - beautiful weather, literal square miles of tulips blooming at the flower farms of the Skagit Valley - all completely un-enjoyable because you had to contend with others out experiencing the same sights you were.
So many places to ride without traffic - Eastern Washington, the Olympic Peninsula - all areas with deserted roads and beautiful scenery. Take advantage of not having to wait in line for a ferry and go ride around one of the ferry-served islands - Vashon, Bainbridge, the Kitsap Peninsula, the San Juans - since bikes get priority loading on ferries, take advantage and beat the cars to the island roads. When it comes to priority loading for bikes on the boats, riding onto a ferry is almost like having your own private float plane to reach the islands.
The absence of lane splitting shouldn't ruin your ride.
You could always move to California - I'm just sayin'.
Threeteas
New member
Been around
You may be surprised to learn that I've been on the ferries as a rider, I think in total, 9 times last year.
Plus, Eastern Washington, around the Olympic Peninsula 3 times. Approx 19500 miles last year.
Lane sharing isn't the be all and end all of a ride out, it's just that cherry on top.
I think you've jumped to conclusions that we didn't enjoy the time out, we did, but the...
Do you know what, I'd explain if I thought you were genuinely bothered?
Oh and I've never been a Dude and I've ridden and visited California sufficient times to be able to make a decision as to where I should or shouldn't live.
You may be surprised to learn that I've been on the ferries as a rider, I think in total, 9 times last year.
Plus, Eastern Washington, around the Olympic Peninsula 3 times. Approx 19500 miles last year.
Lane sharing isn't the be all and end all of a ride out, it's just that cherry on top.
I think you've jumped to conclusions that we didn't enjoy the time out, we did, but the...
Do you know what, I'd explain if I thought you were genuinely bothered?
Oh and I've never been a Dude and I've ridden and visited California sufficient times to be able to make a decision as to where I should or shouldn't live.
OfficerImpersonator
Seattle-area Rounder
"Dude" is slang - it's not an evaluative or derogatory word.
A couple of days ago I was stuck in the "Mercer Mess". The cages were stacked up, unable to go anywhere. I thought to myself "if there was ever a place to filter to the front of the queue for the stoplight, this was it. I wouldn't myself as I believe my bike too wide for the space between the cars, but that Lamble DUDE may not be totally crazy after all - maybe you COULD snake a moped or 250 Ninja through the space".
Then you comment about how your ride on two lane country roads through the Skagit Valley could have been improved only if lane splitting was allowed in Washington. A "sundae without the cherry on top".
Except the only road within 30 miles of the Skagit Valley that could be lane split is I-5, because I-5 is the only road in the county with more than two lanes. You didn't ride I-5. The proposed legislation wouldn't allow splitting on two-laned roads - that's called "passing".
So I fail to see how splitting would have improved your ride through the country, and I fail to see why you posted a ride description completely devoid of lane splitting issues to this thread.
A couple of days ago I was stuck in the "Mercer Mess". The cages were stacked up, unable to go anywhere. I thought to myself "if there was ever a place to filter to the front of the queue for the stoplight, this was it. I wouldn't myself as I believe my bike too wide for the space between the cars, but that Lamble DUDE may not be totally crazy after all - maybe you COULD snake a moped or 250 Ninja through the space".
Then you comment about how your ride on two lane country roads through the Skagit Valley could have been improved only if lane splitting was allowed in Washington. A "sundae without the cherry on top".
Except the only road within 30 miles of the Skagit Valley that could be lane split is I-5, because I-5 is the only road in the county with more than two lanes. You didn't ride I-5. The proposed legislation wouldn't allow splitting on two-laned roads - that's called "passing".
So I fail to see how splitting would have improved your ride through the country, and I fail to see why you posted a ride description completely devoid of lane splitting issues to this thread.
Threeteas
New member
riding and reading between the lines
I didn't mention splitting lanes because, as you point out, there weren't lanes to split.
The point was about the miles of solid yellow lines which prevented overtaking.
It is and was, a posting that questioned the overly zealous safety of WADOT and perhaps their misguidedness.
Personally, I find the ability to turn right on a red light is fraught with danger, but it's allowed. Why is that? Could it be to expedite the flow of traffic?
Yet lane sharing, or over taking on a clear stretch of the 9 are prohibited.
Somewhere things don't stack up. There's inconsistency in policy.
That's why I posted and I assumed everyone would be able to read into the meaning.
I didn't mention splitting lanes because, as you point out, there weren't lanes to split.
The point was about the miles of solid yellow lines which prevented overtaking.
It is and was, a posting that questioned the overly zealous safety of WADOT and perhaps their misguidedness.
Personally, I find the ability to turn right on a red light is fraught with danger, but it's allowed. Why is that? Could it be to expedite the flow of traffic?
Yet lane sharing, or over taking on a clear stretch of the 9 are prohibited.
Somewhere things don't stack up. There's inconsistency in policy.
That's why I posted and I assumed everyone would be able to read into the meaning.
OfficerImpersonator
Seattle-area Rounder
I guess I just presumed that your post referenced lane splitting because it was posted to the lane splitting thread. I'll never do that again!
I've ridden/driven SR 9 many times. SR 9 is one of the most dangerous highways in Washington State. SR 9, SR 522, US 2 - they are all two-lane highways in rapidly growing rural -> suburban areas with 60 mph limits. This means that if no speeding is involved, a head-on collision will result in a closure speed at impact of 120 mph. Consider that most people exceed the speed limit when passing slower traffic on a two lane road and you'll have closure speeds at impact of 140+ mph.
I don't know about you, but in my opinion I need to see a very long stretch of no oncoming traffic and a safe passing environment before I'm willing to risk a head-on at 120+ mph.
Lots of people who live along SR 9 have blind driveways. I don't know about you, but I've experienced plenty of situations when I've determined it's clear to pass just as someone pulls out of a side street or driveway. Suddenly they are in my lane and approaching fast.
Not sure if you've noticed this or not, but the two local Seattle papers both have transportation "forums" where people can submit questions about local transportation "quirks" they've encountered and then reporters attempt to find out why something is the way it is.
Turns out that most decisions about placement and timing of stoplights, placement of road signs and pavement markings, etc. are all determined by traffic safety engineers with college degrees and years of experience. I'm not so willing to second-guess the decisions made by knowledgeable and experienced traffic engineers. I presume a section of SR 9 is marked as "no passing" because it's an unsafe place to pass, perhaps with a history of accidents, and not because it's a big conspiracy to slow down Lamble's Sunday ride.
Same with lane splitting. We don't allow lane splitting in Washington State because trained, educated and experienced traffic engineers have advised elected officials that it's not safe. Lobbyists for law enforcement agencies have advised elected officials that it's not safe. I presume not to know more than traffic engineers and law enforcement about what's safe and what isn't safe for our roadways.
You presume to know more/better than the professionals, and you have every right to say so and share your thoughts and opinions - just as I am doing mine.
If you want miles of unoccupied country roads for your ride with your sweetie on the first warm sunny Sunday of the year, you're going to have to get out of the Puget Sound region before you find what you seek. Otherwise, you're going to have to do what us motorcyclists ask the cars to do - Share the Road.
I've ridden/driven SR 9 many times. SR 9 is one of the most dangerous highways in Washington State. SR 9, SR 522, US 2 - they are all two-lane highways in rapidly growing rural -> suburban areas with 60 mph limits. This means that if no speeding is involved, a head-on collision will result in a closure speed at impact of 120 mph. Consider that most people exceed the speed limit when passing slower traffic on a two lane road and you'll have closure speeds at impact of 140+ mph.
I don't know about you, but in my opinion I need to see a very long stretch of no oncoming traffic and a safe passing environment before I'm willing to risk a head-on at 120+ mph.
Lots of people who live along SR 9 have blind driveways. I don't know about you, but I've experienced plenty of situations when I've determined it's clear to pass just as someone pulls out of a side street or driveway. Suddenly they are in my lane and approaching fast.
Not sure if you've noticed this or not, but the two local Seattle papers both have transportation "forums" where people can submit questions about local transportation "quirks" they've encountered and then reporters attempt to find out why something is the way it is.
Turns out that most decisions about placement and timing of stoplights, placement of road signs and pavement markings, etc. are all determined by traffic safety engineers with college degrees and years of experience. I'm not so willing to second-guess the decisions made by knowledgeable and experienced traffic engineers. I presume a section of SR 9 is marked as "no passing" because it's an unsafe place to pass, perhaps with a history of accidents, and not because it's a big conspiracy to slow down Lamble's Sunday ride.
Same with lane splitting. We don't allow lane splitting in Washington State because trained, educated and experienced traffic engineers have advised elected officials that it's not safe. Lobbyists for law enforcement agencies have advised elected officials that it's not safe. I presume not to know more than traffic engineers and law enforcement about what's safe and what isn't safe for our roadways.
You presume to know more/better than the professionals, and you have every right to say so and share your thoughts and opinions - just as I am doing mine.
If you want miles of unoccupied country roads for your ride with your sweetie on the first warm sunny Sunday of the year, you're going to have to get out of the Puget Sound region before you find what you seek. Otherwise, you're going to have to do what us motorcyclists ask the cars to do - Share the Road.
More lane sharing fun. Not useful in the least bit, but fun.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd-dLiEE8IE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd-dLiEE8IE
Threeteas
New member
dysfunctional
Oh to be blessed with the tranquility that prevails from knowing, everyone knows better than I do.
Unfortunately I'm dysfunctional and have a cynicism borne from experience, which frustratingly keeps nagging away in my head saying, "If a committee (with, or without paper based degrees) designed a race horse, it would look like a camel", and whilst there's no denying a camel's worth in certain situations, it's far from ideal in every circumstance.
I'd also cover my butt and put just a few extra lines in, just in case.
I'm unsure why you ride. There's usually some degree of enthusiasm evident in the words people use for two wheels. With your writings, there's only threat, danger, inconvenience, animosity, more fear and angst.
So, why?
Also, the lady in question is my wife, not my sweetie. You do have a way with words. Unfortunately, it's a way that is derrogatory.
I hope Spain was far enough away from Puget Sound to qualify. I've just had 10 splendid days riding around the Sierra mountains, with my wife.
Oh to be blessed with the tranquility that prevails from knowing, everyone knows better than I do.
Unfortunately I'm dysfunctional and have a cynicism borne from experience, which frustratingly keeps nagging away in my head saying, "If a committee (with, or without paper based degrees) designed a race horse, it would look like a camel", and whilst there's no denying a camel's worth in certain situations, it's far from ideal in every circumstance.
I'd also cover my butt and put just a few extra lines in, just in case.
I'm unsure why you ride. There's usually some degree of enthusiasm evident in the words people use for two wheels. With your writings, there's only threat, danger, inconvenience, animosity, more fear and angst.
So, why?
Also, the lady in question is my wife, not my sweetie. You do have a way with words. Unfortunately, it's a way that is derrogatory.
I hope Spain was far enough away from Puget Sound to qualify. I've just had 10 splendid days riding around the Sierra mountains, with my wife.
