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Originally Posted by BarracksSi
(Post 6953413)
If it really was that narrow, I can't say that I'd even be out there mixing it up with traffic, let alone trying to decide to split lanes or stay right. Most of where I ride has an "out" of one kind or another.
If there was a way for him to see the cross yellow or pedestrian signals changing, or even thinking, "Man, that light's been red for a while... it might change soon..", he would've had a better shot at getting out of trouble. That was my original point to the OP. Find another way since, with some exceptions, there is a parallel route where the traffic is lower. On my routes to work, I could take any number of arterials but within 3 blocks of each one is a quiet street with few stopsigns that have little or no traffic. I can...and have...mixed it up with traffic but it requires diligence, awareness and you always have to be ready for those inattentive or distracted drivers making a stupid move. Riding a quieter side street ratchets down the adrenaline a little. |
Originally Posted by aMull
(Post 6956588)
Are you that paranoid? O oh no a cigarette butt, jump for cover! :eek: Anyway sitting behind a line of cars is pointless. Go in front you're on a bicycle not a car.
Waiting in line has other advantages. I position myself behind the last car in line in their wheel track or in the middle of the car. When I start, I'm not trapped up against the curb, I'm not forced into a sewer grate, I can avoid manhole covers, potholes, etc. Filtering to the front of the line means I have to pull out in front of a line of cars to avoid those hazards. I'd avoid riding on a road like that in the video for the reasons I've already laid out. |
Originally Posted by chipcom
(Post 6944067)
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Use the tactic that meets your requirements for safety and efficiency based upon the situation you are facing. Sometimes I'm in the lane waiting with traffic, sometimes I'm splitting, sometimes I'm filtering up the right, sometimes I jump on the sidewalk, sometimes I shortcut through parking lots or alleys. It's up to you, your skills, your comfort level and the conditions at the time.
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Originally Posted by capolover
(Post 6956785)
Reasons it's a good idea.
1. You stay in the flow of traffic. If you pass on the right or the cross walk you put yourself into another street and have to remerge into traffic. 2. Cars see you more often than not and you're already taking the lane on the other side of the intersection. Staying visible keeps you safe. 3. You're less likely to be hit by a car in your lane turning right into the intersection on the spur of the moment. I slow down if the light has turned green as I pull up. I don't try to overtake cars. If it's a really busy and large intersection I usually stop. 2.They weren't taking the lane at the intersection. He clearly passed one car through an intersection. As for visibility, splitting lanes moves the cyclist in and out of blind spots. Moving faster than the traffic, the guy in the video would be less visible to the cars. I'll bet he startled many of the people in the cars...even in a state that allows lane splitting. The drivers just don't expect a vehicle to squeeze into the small space between the cars. 3. But you are more likely to be hit by a car making a lane change maneuver. Given that a sizable number of people don't signal lane changes and are erratic, it'd be pretty easy to find yourself with no place to go. |
Originally Posted by cyccommute
(Post 6956932)
Do you enjoy being passed (usually too closely) all the time? 'Cause going to the front of the line all the time just results in the motorist having to pass you over and over again. Just wait your turn (8 cars isn't that much) and, with any luck, you'll be the last one through the light and won't have to worry about being passed by anyone.
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