Lane Splitting Death - not an RIP Thread

[splat]

I just found out that the rider was a close friend of mine. I had just spoken to him on Tuesday.

I'm so very sorry for your loss...

 

[Jasonmarandas]

Any details on the crash itself? I split lanes, and most worry when it's between two trucks and the gap starts narrowing between them . Just curious if most crashes are caused by narrowing drivers versus people switching lanes in front of a rider?. Either way, I get he underlying message. Sorry Pluot, just saw that it was a friend-

 

[Enchanter]

Any details on the crash itself? I split lanes, and most worry when it's between two trucks and the gap starts narrowing between them . Just curious if most crashes are caused by narrowing drivers versus people switching lanes in front of a rider?. Either way, I get he underlying message. Sorry Pluot, just saw that it was a friend-

It has been my experience and observation that most lane splitting crashes could be avoided if the rider had used better judgement. Either one of the situations that you describe can more easily dealt with when the speed differential is lower.

 

[Grissom]

It has been my experience and observation that most lane splitting crashes could be avoided if the rider had used better judgement. Either one of the situations that you describe can more easily dealt with when the speed differential is lower.

I have to agree with this - better judgment and speed differential

 

[DataDan]

Just curious if most crashes are caused by narrowing drivers versus people switching lanes in front of a rider?

I have collected more than 60 first-person lane-splitting crash and close-call stories from BARF and other forums over the past 12 years, and the vast majority are lane-change cutoffs.

IMHO this is crucial information for lane-splitters. The recommended speed differential of 10-15mph is a good start, but not as important as recognizing the traffic situations most likely to lead to a crash. Contrast to the discussions we have about left-turner crashes: Obeying the speed limit is helpful, but serious countermeasures start with identifying the specific threat.

The California Office of Traffic Safety could get this information out to motorcyclists by analyzing in detail the 1000 lane-splitting crashes LEOs reported in the enhanced motorcycle collision data collection project 2012-2013. So far, they have not.

 

[budman]

In retrospect what was described to me was not lane splitting. I should have mentioned that before.

 

[EastBayDave]

Trucks don't jink around the way cars do and hold a steady line.

Sorry, I respectfully disagree.

Any set of "doubles" is twice the danger, especially when they are empty (empty trucks bounce all over the place, you can tell.) The springs/shocks (leaf & air-springs) are made to be hauling 40,000lbs.

When empty they are way oversprung, & tend to bounce around a lot. If you see that happening, stay further away then you normally do. I split 1 & 2 only unless in town at a light. On the freeway, stay to the left is I think the best advice, & especially stay away from double-trailer trucks.

Again, so sorry for your loss...

 

[Enchanter]

I have collected more than 60 first-person lane-splitting crash and close-call stories from BARF and other forums over the past 12 years, and the vast majority are lane-change cutoffs.

IMHO this is crucial information for lane-splitters. The recommended speed differential of 10-15mph is a good start, but not as important as recognizing the traffic situations most likely to lead to a crash. Contrast to the discussions we have about left-turner crashes: Obeying the speed limit is helpful, but serious countermeasures start with identifying the specific threat.

The California Office of Traffic Safety could get this information out to motorcyclists by analyzing in detail the 1000 lane-splitting crashes LEOs reported in the enhanced motorcycle collision data collection project 2012-2013. So far, they have not.

This is what I meant by judgement. It appears that many riders place a larger part of responsibility for the safety on the other vehicles. I believe that we bare much more (damn near all) of this responsibility and should ride accordingly.

 

[dravnx]

Sorry, I respectfully disagree.

Any set of "doubles" is twice the danger, especially when they are empty (empty trucks bounce all over the place, you can tell.) The springs/shocks (leaf & air-springs) are made to be hauling 40,000lbs.

When empty they are way oversprung, & tend to bounce around a lot. If you see that happening, stay further away then you normally do. I split 1 & 2 only unless in town at a light. On the freeway, stay to the left is I think the best advice, & especially stay away from double-trailer trucks.

Again, so sorry for your loss...

And I respectfully disagree with your respectfullyied disagreement. My observation is that semis, even doubles, hold their line. At my lane splitting speed, they are not bouncing around.

 

[Enchanter]

Sorry, I respectfully disagree.

Any set of "doubles" is twice the danger, especially when they are empty (empty trucks bounce all over the place, you can tell.) The springs/shocks (leaf & air-springs) are made to be hauling 40,000lbs.

When empty they are way oversprung, & tend to bounce around a lot. If you see that happening, stay further away then you normally do. I split 1 & 2 only unless in town at a light. On the freeway, stay to the left is I think the best advice, & especially stay away from double-trailer trucks.

Again, so sorry for your loss...

And I respectfully disagree with your respectfullyied disagreement. My observation is that semis, even doubles, hold their line. At my lane splitting speed, they are not bouncing around.

You guys are a) arguing semantics, and b) using different words to describe different actions.

Semis don't tend to make as rapid side-to-side movement in their lanes as cars do (+1 dravnx), unloaded, they definitely bounce around on their suspension more than cars (+1 EBD). This may cause a bit of side to side movement in their lane, but nothing like cars (+1 both of you).

Either way, making a mistake near a semi is more likely to cause serious injury than the same action near a car. Let's not loose the message of this thread by nitpicking.

 

[turboLT]

This thread (and of course the others this week) has changed how I plan to deal with trucks and busses in the future. Oddly I haven't been near any yet the past 2 days now that they're front of mind.

Googling these types of accidents and watching bike behavior has been helpful as well. It's almost like a violent high side so you have to plan to be tossed into the next lane I suppose. Obviously the better solution is simply not to split when there's a high probability of a lane change or an exceptionally high consequence should one occur.

 

[budman]

I have collected more than 60 first-person lane-splitting crash and close-call stories from BARF and other forums over the past 12 years, and the vast majority are lane-change cutoffs.

IMHO this is crucial information for lane-splitters. The recommended speed differential of 10-15mph is a good start, but not as important as recognizing the traffic situations most likely to lead to a crash. Contrast to the discussions we have about left-turner crashes: Obeying the speed limit is helpful, but serious countermeasures start with identifying the specific threat.

Totally agree here. This came up in a conversation with some leading motorcycle attorneys as a substantial reason that motorcyclists involved in these types of crashes actually win cases. So I am throwing out a tip....

well two.

First recognize that when there is a gap that a car can take expect them to take it... and avoid it. Basic shit - apply it!!

Second if you happen to get collected in one of these types of accidents remember if you are next to the car and have transitioned even an inch into the other lane you own that lane and that is the important thing to say to the officer that is writing the report. Once you are there in the eyes of the law you are no longer splitting...You own the lane.

Sure hope you avoid it of course.... and with superior judgment you can!
Once AB 51 is passed we will be.... hmm. Keep that one under my hat for another thread.

Ride smart

 

[budman]

I would like to take this thread to a further positive direction and ask what other hazards are common for lane sharing (I still don't like splitting )

We have:
1. The open gap
2. Sharing or filtering next to a truck with open wheels.
3. A high speed differential.
4. I will add sharing in the #3 -4 or #4 -5 lanes where drivers will tend to exit or merge quickly to get to the commute lane


What else you got?

 

[turboLT]

I have a few city specific, these might apply.

Left turners downtown on a 1 way from the #2. The #1 is left only but a lot of drivers cheat and do it from #2 as well - bad news if you're splitting 1-2 in Soma.

Ridges at intersections between 1-2 lanes from lane compaction / trucks stopped at the red. This one is minor but I don't split 1-2 on Van Ness near pine anymore for fear of the bike tracking left or right.

 

[packnrat]

as a truck driver we try to watch out for everything. but some lane splitters are going way too fast to ever know they are there. but when i have time and room i give way for the bike.

but the report that stated this thread. bike rider was in the "left" lanes correct?
how did a rig run him over? as rigs can only be in the two right lanes in Ca.
is there not five lanes in that area?

 

[budman]

Incendent happened between 2-3 from what I understand.

 

[DataDan]

but the report that stated this thread. bike rider was in the "left" lanes correct?
how did a rig run him over? as rigs can only be in the two right lanes in Ca.
is there not five lanes in that area?

See my post #14, though latest news says that the initial motorcycle-SUV collision may not have been while splitting.

 

[DataDan]

I would like to take this thread to a further positive direction and ask what other hazards are common for lane sharing (I still don't like splitting )

We have:
1. The open gap
2. Sharing or filtering next to a truck with open wheels.
3. A high speed differential.
4. I will add sharing in the #3 -4 or #4 -5 lanes where drivers will tend to exit or merge quickly to get to the commute lane


What else you got?

• Gap in traffic in one lane that invites a lane-change. Riding between lanes of bumper-to-bumper traffic gives you some protection because vehicles can't change lanes.
  
  
• Large speed differential between lanes. Someone in the slower lane is going to be looking for a spot in the faster one.
  
  
• Convergence/divergence where freeways split or join. At a split, expect last-second merge to make the almost-missed exit. At a join, expect a quick merge to get to the fast lane or an upcoming exit.
  
  
• HOV entry/exit points. This is more of an El Lay thing, but when HOV access is limited, expect lane changes where it opens up.
  
  
• Problem drivers weaving or making multiple lane changes. You spot him a few hundred yards away. Oooh! #1 looks good. Nope, it's #3. Aw shit, it was #2 all along!
  
  
• Driver searching for a lane change opportunity. There's a major offramp ahead, and he's boxed in. Head's on a swivel, and he's squeezing into the splitting corridor.
  
  
• Slowing traffic ahead. As traffic slows, drivers anticipate bumper-to-bumper traffic and try to make needed lane changes while it's still possible. Ride with head and eyes UP so you can spot a slowdown before the chaos begins.
  
  
• Narrow lanes. Can be in a construction zone, or on an older freeway with an additional lane squeezed into the available space. The combination of a wide vehicle and narrow lane can be deadly to a splitter.
  
  
• Extended mirrors on campers and vehicles towing wide trailers.
  
  
• Wide trailers themselves create a hazard.
  
  
• Sudden lane change by multiple vehicles. This suggests debris or a stalled vehicle ahead.
  
  
• A clear intersection or crosswalk. In city traffic, in addition to lane-changers, you have cross-traffic to worry about. A vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian could be crossing through stopped traffic, not expecting a lane-splitter to come along.
  
  
• Splitter behind. When you see another rider approaching from behind, get out of the way as soon as possible. A tailgating splitter puts YOU at risk if you have to brake to avoid a hazard.
  
  
• Splitter ahead. Follow at least two seconds behind. If you want to split faster, find a way around as soon as possible.

 

[Marcoose]

Sorry, I respectfully disagree.

Any set of "doubles" is twice the danger, especially when they are empty (empty trucks bounce all over the place, you can tell.) The springs/shocks (leaf & air-springs) are made to be hauling 40,000lbs.

When empty they are way oversprung, & tend to bounce around a lot. If you see that happening, stay further away then you normally do. I split 1 & 2 only unless in town at a light. On the freeway, stay to the left is I think the best advice, & especially stay away from double-trailer trucks.

Again, so sorry for your loss...

Don't know, Dave. Lorries don't bounce and weave that much at or below 50mph, the speed at which you should stop splitting. Higher speeds, yes, agreed. But then, the only need to split if traffic is already rolling at a good speed is to put distance from the tailgater behind.

I avoid splitting by large open-wheel vehicles at all price. Especially on the passenger side. I even avoid filtering by them if I don't have at least 1 vehicle worth of space in front of them. The only time I take that extra chance is if the odds are even worse with the vehicles behind me.

 

[Archimedes]

I believe a female friend of ours witnessed this accident, though I heard it second hand from my wife. Indication was that the moto struck a car and the rider was thrown, but my wife wasn't certain whether the car was changing lanes. She said that by the way her friend described it, she didn't think so. Not certain what she saw or if this was even the accident, but it sounds like it.