Modern Vespa

The video us one I shot today on my commute home from work. Everyone has an opinion on lane splitting, and I'm not looking to present any debate. Here's the heart of my commute, for better or worse. You will see that many Bay Area drivers are conditioned to leave the lane 1-2 gap for bikes. It always makes for an interesting ride.

This was shot with cell phone video, attached to my jacket collar. The scene is Eastbound I-580 from the Bay Bridge to Keller / Mountain Ave at 4:10 or so p.m.
Enjoy!
Warnings for volume. Video upload dropped audio for ten seconds @ 9:35.

Hello HB,

Nice ride, simple but clever camera solution.

Q; Those round fisheye mirrors?? Can you tell us more please....

Thanks
André

One of the good things about CA. If you tried that here not only could you get ticketed but I think many drivers would intentionally try to block you. Or worse.

I'm curious as to the traffic and your speed.

The only lane splitting I do here - and it's not really lane splitting - is to ride the curb in order to make a right-on-red.

Whoah...
that would get my adrenaline pumping.
I don't think I would have the .....balls.... to do that.
I would be so afraid someone would decide to change lanes at the last minute, spit out the window, open a door, stop unexpectedly.....

My hat is off to those that can do this!

Ironic to be reading this, I commute from berkeley to san carlos during the week and actually got pinballed tuesday on the 92 between two cars. My problem was people using the commuter lane to get ahead, then just cut over. It's got me sidelined for a while, not to mention totalled bike. But honestly it will not deter me from getting back on (whenever the 500 is replaced)& lane splitting or riding. But always keep your third eye open while rolling around the bay area......

Thanks Andre,
Those are just some simple convex blind spot mirrors. I looked around for different blind spot mirrors on the forum, and didn't find any I liked. Many attach to the regular mirror face, and take up valuable space there. I prefer to keep the stock ones to their full use. These attach by use of double sided 3M body trim tape to a small mount. Between the mount and the mirror is a curved arm that has a ball mount on each end, so it is adjustable. I used a bit of weather stripping adhesive glue in each cup that the balls mount into, to keep the mirrors steady and less likely to rattle out of position.

They help me a lot by letting me scan my blind spots without a head turn, taking my eyes too far off the road or refocusing at something a lot closer. Sticky --- No kidding. I understand there is an initiative to call for penalties for blocking/harassing/impeding lane splitters. I've adjusted a couple mirrors for drivers who apparently couldn't use theirs. Just trying to be helpful... It varies depending upon the traffic speed, but I try to stay consistent. It may be a little aggressive, but I consider it "Assertive and in control." Lane splitting has a certain rhythm to it. I try to regulate my speed to be just enough over the other vehicles speed to allow me to pass safely without blowing their doors off. I flash my high beams regularly to catch driver's attention. I do hold off a pass regularly, although this commute went pretty smoothly and no back offs were needed. It is exhilarating, for sure. The worst I've gotten was a soda poured out a Driver's window at about 25mph. This cues me that the driver obviously wasn't watching me approach and I waited until they were done disposing of their Coke. I needed to wash my gear that night to avoid attracting ants.

Line splitting here is only allowed when traffic is 30 mph and under. Not to be done in the entrance/exit line either. Our lanes are so darn tight you have to be crazy, or a Harley/ pocket rocket driver to do it!

Hey Mike,

There are no laws governing lane splitting, only guidelines that were released a couple months ago. They suggest that you only split when the traffic is at 30 or below, and that you not pass no faster than ten mph faster than traffic, so your speed should be 39 mph or less. But these are only guidelines...

I split both directions between Fair Oaks and the Capitol every day on a BMW R1200RT with saddlebags and a trunk. Easy peasy.

Cheers!

John

http://www.chp.ca.gov/programs/lanesplitguide.html

Yes, but still only guidelines. It says so at the top. These are not ensconced in the California Vehicle Code.

(They're good guidelines, regardless -- just want to make it clear that these come from within the CHP, and not from California Law).

Here's a fresh video I shot this morning. Traffic was especially bad due to the impending BART strike. Traffic was much slower than the previous video. This is westbound Interstate 80 toward Oakland. You can see why having a scooter in the Bay Area is quite an advantage. Enjoy!

Thanks for the great video. The MP3 works well for lane splitting.

It took me two months, a Screaming Banshee horn, and an HID headlight to get the courage to split lanes in the Bay Area. I told myself that I wouldn't split until I felt at peace with my MP3. I would also encourage others to adopt a similar plan.

I also began splitting lanes by following motorcycles and observing their techniques. I also appreciate the fact that a few revs from motorcycles work well to get drivers' attention.

My son and I white line on our daily commute to and from his school. Since I installed the HID headlight, we are accustomed to seeing drivers move aside.

Our morning commute is heavily congested on CA Hwy 24. The two front wheels make lane splitting less of a chore because of the front end stability. Once you get used to balancing the MP3 at slow speeds, a sudden slowing to avoid a mirror or two is easier to manage.

Afternoon commute on Thursday evenings and Friday afternoons are brutal. They begin in Oakland and end in Pleasant Hill. On Thursdays, my son and I usually have to split lanes through a tunnel (the Caldecott) and for several miles beyond until the traffic speeds up. On Fridays, I normally have to split lanes the entire 10 mile commute home.

Occasionally, my afternoon commute throws a wrench when the sun shines bright into drivers' mirrors. I noticed that motorcycles without HID lights have to be really patient. Even with the sun in their mirrors, drivers can see my headlight because they move over, some two car lengths ahead.

I hope this helps.

Eric

Does anyone have a list of which states allow Lane splitting

Here is your complete, comprehensive list


1.) California

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lane_splitting

It is a gift to the motorcycle riders to make up for stupid taxes and other regulations.

Sorry, no other States endorse it. (Cali only tolerates it if done safely)

I love how you were shaking your head at the car riding on the line at the 30 second mark. I do that too.

But it does seem that most California drivers do give space. A few years ago I went riding with my son and some of his track friends in LA. I was on his Speed Triple. I had to learn real quick how to lane split and filter or I would have been left behind...well further behind.

Big pressure not to stall after filtering past all the cars at a light.

That was awesome. Obviously, it makes commuting to work an "action verb" compared to most drivers who do so while their brain is still asleep.

I travel to California on business and remember the first time a motorcycle shot by me in traffic...scared the bezeezus out of me. And later some bikes rode along the inside shoulder next to the concrete barrier (is that legal, too?).

The camera loses all depth perception, so I'm sure it's not as hairy as it looked on video, but I'm not sure if I'd bring myself to do that. Kudos for the California drivers who generally accept the practice and even give you room to swing by.

If this were allowed in Florida you'd need a catcher's mitt to catch all the beer cans flying out the window at you. Or, worse yet, a bullet proof vest should some Zimmerman character take a shot at you in self defense!

Thanks for sharing. Having sat for HOURS in LA area traffic, riding my mp3 and lane splitting would be the only way I could live there and keep my sanity. I'm in NJ and lane split here quite often, but only when traffic is completely stopped. I've only had a couple of hot shots at lights and I can usually tell who those are by the type of car.

It's quite the rush to do it on the 405 at rush hour(day). FYI I have clipped a car with the UFP's so now when it's tight I fold them up.

Hi Honeybadger,

Can you tell me the brand of those mirrors and where you got them? i've been looking for something like that... thanks in advance.

Great video, HoneyBadger.

Now, please repeat with me: "this is the last vertical video I will ever shot."

I got them at the local AutoZone. The cost was $5-$6 buck each. They are average quality imported plastic jobbers, but they work. I don't remember the mfg name, but I found them at a couple different locations. (I lost one on a highway, due to a rough bump) I searched the AutoZone website for them but no luck. I suggest you check out your local stores and see if you can find them. --- hey... Check Amazon.com... You never know what they have..

Steve...

Canopus... Whatever... Lol

thanks, there's an autozone near me... will scoot there tonight.

http://www.autozone.com/safety-and-security/blind-spot-mirror/pilot-automotive-multi-adjustable-mirror/120901_0_0/