Originally Posted by
poopisnotfood
Not trying to be an A-hole here but the guy that did that is one of these "Two League of American Bicyclists certified traffic cycling instructors demonstrate the advanced traffic cycling skill known as "lane splitting"". I know they are in Cali where lane splitting is legal, if certified instructors were teaching this skill, what is going on? I thought they communicated well, they were traveling at a manageable speed, I did not see any danger. The reason for my post is I am new at commuting, not biking, and I will probably do this through traffic. What are some other takes on this?
Then it's even worse. As a certified instructor he should know that what he is doing requires skills far beyond those of people who are new to commuting. Newbies make all kinds of mistakes (even experienced cyclists make mistakes) and teaching them something where even a little bobble could place them between two large flat surfaces is beyond stupid.
California may allow lane splitting but they are in a very small minority. If you cycle in a state that doesn't allow it, expect to get very angry reactions if you try it. People just don't expect having a vehicle appear where they don't expect it.
Another issue is what happens when the lanes you are splitting suddenly start to return to a more normal flow? Now you are a small, slow vehicle in the middle of a rushing river with no escape route. And you just passed a bunch of people who may be pissed off about your maneuvers. Not likely the best time to ask them to be courteous. Think of how you'd feel in the same situation.
Better to find another route.