I think this thread really belongs in the Advocacy and Safety forum. I think you'd get a lot more interesting responses there.

You're probably right, but I don't know how to move it. Also, it is definitely a commuting issue. I suppose all riding issues are commuting issues.

I think that some people would have a problem with filtering. I can see how it would annoy some drivers. I saw another thread on it, and I think the most sane comment was something along these lines: it all comes down to lane width. If you would feel comfortable riding in the area in which you are filtering while the cars were moving at speed, then it is probably fine to filter. If you are filtering in a space that normally you could not share with moving cars, then it's not as optimal.

Either way, there is the fact that motorists already think that we cyclists operate as if we don't follow the same rules as "normal" vehicles, and filtering and not stopping at stop signs definitely encourages this. (I tend to roll through stop signs myself, but not blow through them)

It is indeed much harder to do the head swivel on a bent. Mirrors are needed a lot more on a bent I have found in the last few months.

Incedentally oboeguy, sorry about not PMing. Truth is I have never done it before (he said head bowed in embarassment and shame). Will do so more in the future!

Ehh I dunno about that...
As I read the story, the threadstarter only caught up to the 'bent because of the Stop Sign (not a Yield Sign BTW):


The Bent was right about the Stop, and technically wrong about the filtering (although I think filtering is rather rude, and often dangerous)

Besides that though, sounds like the Bent was an Azz.

I was in the bike lane yesterday on Sunnyvale ave. and a guy on a loud-ass Harley filtered up to the light, yep in the bike lane.

I have heard that in CA motorcycle riders are encouraged to lane split to reduce traffic volume. If that is the case, I could see such liberties taken one step further. Seems dangerous to me.

Given Idaho's unique law, I am curious as to how he was right about the stop?

I dunno. My reaction would have been to hop off my bike, tug on his overgrown gray beard, make fun of his corduroy shirt, vintage overalls and the milk crate he uses for transporting his role playing game manuals and documentation on programming languages that died out in 1983.

Just doing my part to further cement stereotypes.

Quick question that I can't figure out: What's a 'bent?

Don't know if encouraged, but allowed. I split lanes for a couple of years during commute times. It's too dangerous during non commute times. A few years back commute traffic was running 5..20 mph, so splitting lanes was easy, even with a monster goldwing.

RecumBENT bicycle (the low kind with the pedals out front).

This is a bent. (short for recumbent)

I think you are about the fourth person to make this mistake in this thread. In Idaho, you can cautiously roll through a stop sign when making a right turn. Its legal! It IS a yield sign!

Lane splitting, as its called in the motorcycle world, is legal in many areas, but not all. In california people do it all the time, as it is perfectly legal. They really shouldn't do it in the bike lane though. Usually you go between two rows of stopped traffic to pull out to the front. Any motorcycle over 125cc can out-accelerate nearly any car on the road from a dead stop, so its never a problem. But boy to do people hate it.

Filtering is something I usually do. There are times when I don't, namely if I feel like my doing it will impede someone else, or cause a hazard, but in most cases I can move through the stopped cars without slowing anyone down. They might think its rude, but they would be wrong, since I'm not actually affecting their travel.

peace,
sam

BUT.... What is the right thing to do if a vehicle (bike or car) is stopped ahead of you at the intersection. Is it still legal to not stop and pass them (even if on their right)? Even if not legal isn't it always 'a good idea' not to pass a vehicle stopped at an intersection?

Al

Oi! Watch what yer sayin' 'bout D&D! Don't make me pull out my +5 U-Lock of Roadie Slaying!

Lane splitting is one of the things I miss most about England. No only was it legal,it was expected.

That and traffic circles. Most US citizens have no idea how to properly navigate a traffic circle. Or build one. I cringe every time I come up on the mess at Mass and Nevada.

They've installed two roundabouts on one of the bike trails here. I was riding it last Saturday morning with a mate, and both times we entered each of the roundabouts there was someone else there going the wrong way and creating some dangerous situations. There are even big signs leading up to them and in the center telling people which way to go...

I really miss roundabouts, not so much for their traffic calming abilities but for the increased flow they give. So many times you come across a sidestreet with a traffic light where the flow on the more major road has to stop to let one car out. Perfect spot for a roundabout!