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General Category => Safety and Riding Tips => Topic started by: Vander on July 13, 2015, 01:57:21 PM

Title: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Vander on July 13, 2015, 01:57:21 PM
Any opinions on the practice of lane-splitting?
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Aprilian on July 13, 2015, 09:33:30 PM
Practice makes perfect.  I prefer the British term "filtering".
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Deplorable, thank you! on July 13, 2015, 11:14:28 PM

 In theory it should work, but in practicality too many selfish idiots around

If it were to be voted on, I would definitely vote no.
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Vander on July 14, 2015, 08:00:43 AM
What would be your specific concerns?
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: allonm on July 14, 2015, 09:35:30 AM
The reason I started riding motorcycling in the first place. Not to  get stuck in traffic . It’s only afterwards, I discovered it was fun.
When done properly, it’s safer than riding in traffic without filtering. It’s practiced all over the world including California where motorcycling is first and foremost a form of transportation.
If it is made legal, and the general public is aware of it, that’s the way to  go. 

Allon
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Vander on July 14, 2015, 12:51:26 PM
Agreed.

I rode in Japan for a season and really discovered how well it works.  To me, it is how motorcycles were intended to be ridden.
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Elk on July 14, 2015, 09:01:26 PM
Having not done it, it sounds terrifying moving from one blind-spot to the next.  But I understand it works well in areas where the practice is well-established.

Making it legal - and safe - as a new practice in an area totally unaccustomed to it would be a challenge.  I'll let others break-in drivers to the concept.
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: mudduc on July 15, 2015, 02:50:16 PM
I'd love to have it legal here in MN.  It was a nice option to use in CA.  I can't understand why anyone in CA would take a car anywhere.
Another option that would be nice is filtering at stop lights.  I was doing that all winter for a few years but it really seems to upset the few police officers who stopped me to talk about it.

During warm weather, most drivers seem mad if you filter at the lights despite the fact that you going first doesn't slow anyone else one iota.  But when the temp is below freezing, most drivers (not police) seemed just fine letting the poor cold bike rider use the lights to skip past the pack and get home sooner.

It can't be made "safe" since riding in general is not safe but that's my job as the rider not the law's job or the other driver's job.  If I'm taken out, it was my fault for not being ready regardless of how stupid a move was made by some another driver.

Make splitting and filtering the law in MN!  It will be extra incentive to commuting by motorcycle and make bikes a higher percentage of the traffic.  Increasing the motorcycle use will make traffic better and parking easier for everyone.

Later,
Kent
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Vander on July 15, 2015, 06:00:33 PM
Having not done it, it sounds terrifying moving from one blind-spot to the next.  But I understand it works well in areas where the practice is well-established.

Making it legal - and safe - as a new practice in an area totally unaccustomed to it would be a challenge.  I'll let others break-in drivers to the concept.

It's not even remotely terrifying.  It may seem uncomfortable at first, but not terrifying.
There is even a study out of UC Berkley that reveals it is actually SAFER to lane split.
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Vander on July 15, 2015, 06:01:45 PM
I'd love to have it legal here in MN.  It was a nice option to use in CA.  I can't understand why anyone in CA would take a car anywhere.
Another option that would be nice is filtering at stop lights.  I was doing that all winter for a few years but it really seems to upset the few police officers who stopped me to talk about it.

During warm weather, most drivers seem mad if you filter at the lights despite the fact that you going first doesn't slow anyone else one iota.  But when the temp is below freezing, most drivers (not police) seemed just fine letting the poor cold bike rider use the lights to skip past the pack and get home sooner.

It can't be made "safe" since riding in general is not safe but that's my job as the rider not the law's job or the other driver's job.  If I'm taken out, it was my fault for not being ready regardless of how stupid a move was made by some another driver.

Make splitting and filtering the law in MN!  It will be extra incentive to commuting by motorcycle and make bikes a higher percentage of the traffic.  Increasing the motorcycle use will make traffic better and parking easier for everyone.

Later,
Kent

Totally agree.
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Mike Duluth on July 16, 2015, 08:46:38 AM
My thought is, we already piss people off and the whole lane splitting thing just makes it worse. This bypassing of general automotive rules on public streets would only make the haters hate more.
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: mudduc on July 16, 2015, 06:43:26 PM
My thought is, we already piss people off and the whole lane splitting thing just makes it worse. This bypassing of general automotive rules on public streets would only make the haters hate more.
Completely agree.  My wish is to have lane splitting and filtering legal _AND_ have car drivers be cool with it instead of being pissed.  I do understand that is a fantasy dream world not reality.  Even in CA, people were pissed.  Doesn't make sense to me.  If it pisses you off, get a bike and enjoy the privilege yourself.

Letting bikers keep going while traffic is at a stand-still doesn't make any of the trapped vehicles take longer to get through the blockage while quickly removing the bike riding minority.  So, if anything, allowing lane splitting will only help to reduce backups.  But the privilege will be abused by few (splitting doing limit+10 or 20 or more while traffic is moving at posted) and make it be hated by many.  It's never going to happen here anyway...but...I'll always wish it would be enacted.

Later,
Kent
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Mike Duluth on July 17, 2015, 07:30:21 AM
Don't get me wrong, I would love to move through traffic at will. That would take a perfect world and we ain't in one.
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Elk on July 17, 2015, 11:15:09 AM
It's not even remotely terrifying.  It may seem uncomfortable at first, but not terrifying.
There is even a study out of UC Berkley that reveals it is actually SAFER to lane split.

Terrifying is a bit of hyperbole on my part.

It may indeed be safer.  I learned from a CHiPs patrolman that they purposefully travel a bit faster than surrounding traffic, regardless of the speed of traffic, as moving through blindspots and continuously passing is safer.  I can see this transferring to lane-splitting.

OTOH, there are many videos on YouTube with drivers deliberately blocking bikes and opening doors on bikes, road rage at bikes for splitting, bikers engaging in stupid human tricks while splitting, etc.

I like the concept.  But in a more bike friendly world.
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Vander on July 17, 2015, 01:34:09 PM
Sounds like you guys are making a pitch to not ride a motorcycle at all.

If there are so many drivers out there that get pissed off at motorcycles, why even risk riding at all?

And I don't think Minnesotans would rage if they knew it was legal now.  If it was communicated that every lane-splitting motorcycle represented one less car clogging up the road, they think differently.  Never saw anyone internationally block the buses in the shoulders...?

And I never saw a vid where someone intentionally opened a door on a lane-splitting motorcycle. That seems ridiculous.  Wouldn't they get hurt too?  Flying debris and such?  Plus they'd be prosecuted for reckless endangerment, no?

Even now I would choose to lane split to lose a road rager... even if the practice remained illegal.  How are they going to follow you?
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Elk on July 17, 2015, 03:44:23 PM
Sorry, you asked for opinions and thoughts.

Interestingly, the CA DMV recommends against splitting as unsafe. 

Shoulder driven buses is not a valid analogy; they are big, have explicit right away, and driving on the shoulder is illegal for a car.  A lane splitting bike does not have right of way, it is legal for a car to drive on the lane divider lines while switching lanes or to hug the line, and bikes always lose in an accident - regardless of who is at fault. 

Legally, a rider can only lane split when prudent to do so.  A jury will treat an accident as prima facie evidence it was imprudent unless one can explicitly demonstrate the driver was at fault, a significant hurdle. 

As I acknowledged, it may ultimately be safer.  We do not know. 

I do not trust drivers and ride as if they are all out to kill me.  Driving between them appears to provide them with yet another opportunity.  I know what it is like trying to maneuver around cars on a racing bicycle.  Many drivers resent when you are between them at turn lanes, etc. even when it is perfect legal and is keeping them from being stuck behind a bicycle. 

Again, I like the concept.  I'm just not convinced it is a wise option here.  In heavily congested urban areas with small vehicles (Thailand, etc.) it makes great sense for scooters and small bikes to filter through traffic. 

I would not oppose a change in law here and would happily let others break in Minnesota drivers to the concept.

YMMV.  I am completely comfortable with this. :)
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Vander on July 18, 2015, 08:24:13 AM
Absolutely no reason to apologize, sir.  You are precisely right... I am engaging in an argument in pursuit of a truth (and possibly unrealized on my part).

I have more for you to pick apart (and please do) but it is a busy day for me today.

Thank you for contributing.  :)
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Deplorable, thank you! on July 18, 2015, 11:19:43 PM
 Too many dumbs in the world, and a whole slew of them ride 2 wheels when the weather permits.

It has already been stated, motorcyclists have a bad image- why make it worse.
MN riding season is short, and MN drivers are going to what.....have to get used to it every spring like they have to get used to even seeing bikes now.......We all see that barley works....

I do not believe for a single second any/many in a car will ever buy the concept that by having the motorcycles drive on by that somehow they themselves get anywhere faster.... If the bike is behind- it surely isn't holding you up---if it is in front one could easily deduce now it is part of the problem ahead of you..

You know how many fucktards ride motorcycles--far too many, even with it being illegal they do this shit and far worse, imagine if it were legal, they would zoom by at mach speed and not obey the laws they already break-why obey some new law saying what.... a 10mph passing speed difference when splitting and only if traffic is moving what sub 30mph.......... you know that won't happen by enough of them that every joe in a car will see numerous idiots abusing it and will be calling for changes etc...

The whole bicycle thing--yeah they should not be on any roadway period unless and until they can go the speed limit, have lights and signals, a license plate large enough to read and call in when they blow every stop sign and break every rule of the road other licensed vehicles have to obey...and then the drivers (riders) of said bicycles should also have to pass written and driving tests like every other driver on the road and have equipment checks and test renewals etc.......(and I hate adding more government bullshit).......sans all that- they need to stick to the billions of dollars worth of bicycle trails and sidewalks already designed for them specifically or ride off road.

And where specifically would this proposal supposedly even benefit traffic? Because I do not see it benefitting the masses, it may the few-the very few- but certainly not the masses.

And it also is not like every motorcyclists of the road storms away from every light, or rides in a manner that is not holding up some other traffic, how many times have we come across motorcycles that are holding up traffic.....nearly every ride! Nearly every time I go to the grocery store or run for parts! So what these people are going to likewise feel entitled to barge to the front of the line and then what accelerate slow enough grandpa Fred with his walker can keep up from the sidewalk....gee already too many idiots on bicycles do that

It is a stupid idea IMO, and one that will never fly in MN---all it would/could do is turn yet even more 4/6/12/18 wheeled vehicles against the 2 wheeled ones even more than they already are.......and I could easily see the accident rates sky rocketing as a result

You asked for thoughts..............there you go---it is stupid IMO
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Vander on July 21, 2015, 12:57:22 PM
So is it just driving habits of Minnesotans that makes it stupid? Am I understand that correctly?  And don't bad motorcyclist give us a bad rep anyway?  The "bad" ones lane-split already.

And again... it sounds like a position taken to not ride a motorcycle on the streets of Minnesota... ever.  If people in Minnesota are such bad drivers, wouldn't it make US stupid for driving our vulnerable motorcycle on the streets?

I guess don't see how adding the CHOICE to lane-split or not to lane split will affect how dangerous it is to ride in Minnesota.  It will offer a legal (if changed) option to riders to navigate a safe passage through congested traffic on their own terms.  I personally don't want to wait for an inattentive driver to rear end me while I sit behind another car (right in the impact zone).

Currently, doesn't the MSF teach us to take a lane position in congested traffic to increase visibility?  And isn't that lane position on the EDGE of the lane closer to MOVING traffic?  But maybe I don't have that correct...

And where specifically would this proposal supposedly even benefit traffic? Because I do not see it benefitting the masses, it may the few-the very few- but certainly not the masses.

My vision? Even though the safety benefits are disputed; lane splitting is indisputably advantageous to the conveniences of a motorcyclist.  I think more people would ride in rush hour if it was legal, which means one less car on the road for each rider in rush hour. 
And as they lane split, the road is being used more efficiently... more lanes of traffic without any new construction.  So the motorcycle that was occupying a full car lane would no longer be contributing to the congestion.

You asked for thoughts..............there you go---it is stupid IMO

You are a gem, Lloyd.  ;)
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Jam-Bro on July 22, 2015, 11:38:06 PM
Great idea... I've seen how it works in Europe during rush hour. I will post a filtering video I shot in Paris. Never saw an accident in the 20+ times I've been there. I believe it will make car(drivers) more aware of other bikes sharing the lane. I only see pluses, no minuses. Having less laws is better! Here is hoping the restriction is lifted in MN and the entire US for that manner.
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Elk on July 24, 2015, 10:49:35 AM
I personally don't want to wait for an inattentive driver to rear end me while I sit behind another car (right in the impact zone).
Any time there is an emergency you are well within your legal rights to take whatever evasive action you deem appropriate: lane split, pass on the shoulder, exceed the speed limit, whatever.

(As an aside, people often mention this as a huge risk to motorcycles but at least in Minnesota this is a rare accident.  Motorcycle accidents typically are caused by the rider (failure to negotiate a curve, loss of control, etc.) or a car makes a left turn in front of the bike.)

As you noted, lane splitting is not necessarily any safer.  It is merely different - with its own set of risks.

Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: allonm on July 28, 2015, 06:19:23 AM
Minnesotans are the most obedient people I know when it comes to driving. (Or anything else for that matter) Majority of the drivers go the speed limit +/- 5mph. This is not the case in the east coast west coast or Europe.
You make lane splitting legal and make the driving public aware of it, they will accept it. (Just like non smoking in restaurants was accepted not too long ago)
I do believe lane splitting is advantageous for motorcycling when practiced safely. Some would choose not to do it, others will abuse it, but it should be given as an option for motorcyclist.
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Vander on July 28, 2015, 10:46:16 AM
As you noted, lane splitting is not necessarily any safer.  It is merely different - with its own set of risks.


To clarify (and as you have eluded to) I feel it will take an adjustment period to make the practice a safer option than what is currently available.

The AMA seems to think so too:
http://americanmotorcyclist.com/rights/positionstatements/lanesplitting.aspx (http://americanmotorcyclist.com/rights/positionstatements/lanesplitting.aspx)

How would you feel it the law stated:
At 25 MPH (and only when overtaking another vehicle and/or to travel to the front of the intersection) a motorcycle can lane-split?
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Elk on July 28, 2015, 04:41:51 PM
I do not know what other states/countries have as their laws, nor what works best.  There is probably some great language out there to copy. 

As I wrote earlier: I would not oppose a change in law here, but would happily let others break in Minnesota drivers to the concept.
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Deplorable, thank you! on July 28, 2015, 05:26:46 PM
So is it just driving habits of Minnesotans that makes it stupid? Am I understand that correctly?  And don't bad motorcyclist give us a bad rep anyway?  The "bad" ones lane-split already.

And again... it sounds like a position taken to not ride a motorcycle on the streets of Minnesota... ever.  If people in Minnesota are such bad drivers, wouldn't it make US stupid for driving our vulnerable motorcycle on the streets?

I guess don't see how adding the CHOICE to lane-split or not to lane split will affect how dangerous it is to ride in Minnesota.  It will offer a legal (if changed) option to riders to navigate a safe passage through congested traffic on their own terms.  I personally don't want to wait for an inattentive driver to rear end me while I sit behind another car (right in the impact zone).

Currently, doesn't the MSF teach us to take a lane position in congested traffic to increase visibility?  And isn't that lane position on the EDGE of the lane closer to MOVING traffic?  But maybe I don't have that correct...

And where specifically would this proposal supposedly even benefit traffic? Because I do not see it benefitting the masses, it may the few-the very few- but certainly not the masses.

My vision? Even though the safety benefits are disputed; lane splitting is indisputably advantageous to the conveniences of a motorcyclist.  I think more people would ride in rush hour if it was legal, which means one less car on the road for each rider in rush hour. 
And as they lane split, the road is being used more efficiently... more lanes of traffic without any new construction.  So the motorcycle that was occupying a full car lane would no longer be contributing to the congestion.

You asked for thoughts..............there you go---it is stupid IMO

You are a gem, Lloyd.  ;)

you must somehow believe that if this were legal that what.. .miraculously tens of thousands of people would start riding a motorcycle to and from work and there would be tens of thousands less 4 wheeled vehicles on the road.........because I do not see that happening with our weather and anything short of that won't make enough impact to warrant anyone believing for one ioda that it is benefitting the masses...since you are still looking for opinions..........

this may well benefit the few, very few IMO..but make the cagers commute faster, that is nonsense and lies told just to try and pass the bill IMO
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Deplorable, thank you! on July 28, 2015, 05:29:00 PM
As you noted, lane splitting is not necessarily any safer.  It is merely different - with its own set of risks.


To clarify (and as you have eluded to) I feel it will take an adjustment period to make the practice a safer option than what is currently available.

The AMA seems to think so too:
[url]http://americanmotorcyclist.com/rights/positionstatements/lanesplitting.aspx[/url] ([url]http://americanmotorcyclist.com/rights/positionstatements/lanesplitting.aspx[/url])

How would you feel it the law stated:
At 25 MPH (and only when overtaking another vehicle and/or to travel to the front of the intersection) a motorcycle can lane-split?

 speeds under 25mph---maximum 10mph overtaking speed and no they cannot lane split simply to move to the front of the line at an intersection
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Stinger on July 29, 2015, 09:23:18 AM
Since I just returned from Italy and rented a bike and watched the traffic 'filter' to the front of the row at intersections. It works very well


On the ride in this morning I got caught up in traffic on N494 before 394. When stopped all I seen was a big lane for me to pass all these cars and trucks.
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Elk on July 29, 2015, 04:09:26 PM
. . . and no they cannot lane split simply to move to the front of the line at an intersection
This is hard to justify as anything other than a gift and special treatment for M/Cs, especially as it slows down the trip for those passed.   This would cause a lot of resentment.
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Stinger on July 29, 2015, 04:21:58 PM
How does it cause the trip to be prolonged if you are passed?

If you're the first in line at a intersection on your bike. How many times have you slowed down the guy behind you? Like never.
How many times are you waiting for the guy in front of you to get up to speed? Like always.

Not once did I see a scooter or motorcycle hold up the first car behind all the bikes that filtered forward.

I found the traffic patterns in Italy fascinating, how everything just moved along and how no matter your mode of transportation, walking, bicycle, scooter, motorcycle, car, truck it just seemed like the smaller mode had the right of way.

AND WAS SEEN!
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Elk on July 29, 2015, 05:43:09 PM
How does it cause the trip to be prolonged if you are passed?
Simple.  Each vehicle occupies X feet of space.  If ten vehicles are allowed to pass me, I am 10X feet further from my destination.  It is exactly the same if these same vehicles were able to merge ahead from another lane as I wait.  I am not as far forward as I would be had the vehicles not passed me. 

It is also the reason the bikes like it.  They are now ahead of vehicles which previously occupied X feet of space in front of them.  The bikes will now get to their destination more quickly.  That saved space had to come from somewhere. :)  It is a zero sum game.

It is not a question of acceleration.  Cars catch up very quickly, especially on city streets.  The car is now behind where it would be if the vehicles had not passed.  If the vehicle(s) was not there, he would be that much further ahead.

Many drivers will resent one group getting special treatment.  People would be angry if fast accelerating sports cars were allowed to pass on the shoulder to get in front of more pedestrian cars at intersections.  Consider the uproar when the DOT began to sell HOV access to single drivers.   
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Aprilian on August 11, 2015, 09:41:28 PM
Erich, I don't know if you have actually seen filtering in Europe.   Your math is bass ackwards.

No Filtering -  every vehicle waits at a red light in two rows, and only 20 make it through on the green light (10 from each lane).
vs. Filtering - where 6 bikes queue up between the two lanes, and accelerate ahead of the first cars as they leave the green light in now 3 columns.   26 make it through the light now. 

So if you were vehicles 21-26, filtering actually got you home earlier.

I like your comment about selling HOV lane passes.  Yes, it caused uproar, but today its no big farkling deal.   I'd pay to lane split!!!  Perhaps if we proposed it as a revenue enhancement tool, we'd get it passed quickly.  Different color license plates would confirm you had paid for the privilege.
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: vince on August 12, 2015, 06:17:35 PM
Oh those HOV lanes. What a waste of our tax dollar. Just a few weeks back I got on 35W South from Lake street. The HOV lane is full of cars. Oh wait there is a cop in the lane and another on the right shoulder. Traffic is coming to a stand still now. All and I mean all cars and trucks are trying to get out of the lane before they get to the cop. It takes me 20 minutes to get to crosstown 62 and I am in the left lane. In that time the only thing that passed me was a city bus and one motorcycle.
I get to crosstown and the lane fills up again. I go around the curve and leave the crosstown and I am in the left lane. Guess what. Another cop on the side of the highway right at the end of the entrance ramp from the crosstown.  An another mad fight to get out of the HOV lane before they get to the cop. It takes me another 20+ minutes to get to county road 13 in Burnsville. How many anything passed me on the way there. Not one, nothing.
So when you see a car or truck in that lane. He is stealing and should not be there. The only thing that should be in that lane is a motorcycle.
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Deplorable, thank you! on August 13, 2015, 09:36:33 AM
Erich, I don't know if you have actually seen filtering in Europe.   Your math is bass ackwards.

No Filtering -  every vehicle waits at a red light in two rows, and only 20 make it through on the green light (10 from each lane).
vs. Filtering - where 6 bikes queue up between the two lanes, and accelerate ahead of the first cars as they leave the green light in now 3 columns.   26 make it through the light now. 

So if you were vehicles 21-26, filtering actually got you home earlier.

I like your comment about selling HOV lane passes.  Yes, it caused uproar, but today its no big farkling deal.   I'd pay to lane split!!!  Perhaps if we proposed it as a revenue enhancement tool, we'd get it passed quickly.  Different color license plates would confirm you had paid for the privilege.

This logic only works if those 6 bikes were already in front of you. if they were behind you and passed you to move forward you lost out !
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: Elk on August 13, 2015, 05:18:36 PM
Exactly.

It works in Italy because the scooters and bikes continually lane split.  They do not filter and then zip to get in front of cars when the light turns green.  Filtering and then getting in front of cars slows the cars down.  It is quicker for bikes however. :)

Instead, in Italy, instead of two lanes of traffic in one direction, there is now three.  The third is the "lane" between the normal two, now continually occupied by scooters.  The cars are not slowed down by the practice as the scooters are never in the car's lane, nor vice versa.  It is delicious, semi-organized chaos. 

This is very different than filtering as we are discussing here.

To add to the fun, the scooters and bikes also run on sidewalks to get around stopped traffic, will enter a lane going in the opposite direction to get around a stopped car or bus, etc.  It is quite a spectacle.  But it seems to work in their culture.
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: VFJayR on August 23, 2015, 04:17:49 PM
I am a huge fan of lane splitting and particularly the filter, but I tend to agree with some of the comments  already posted about how it will not work here.

1- Minnesota drivers are bad.  they are not good or particularly well trained or enforced.and leo.  Yesterday i saw (and almost crashed with) 6 cars diving into my lane.  South Minneapolis, downtown and northeast
2- Motorcyclists here have a declining reputation (cars hate us) and there are probably a lot of reasons for that with varying degrees of legitimacy
3- it would only really effective during the riding season, see #1
4- on the plus side:  The new age bicyclists now have a ton of dedicated bike lanes, and from what I have observed, a complete disregard for all commonly accepted traffic laws.  cagers are slowly getting used to random fly by's and lane filtering in town.

I have done both in CA and have to say that filtering and splitting at low speeds is genius and generally really easy to do without creating issues for the other motorists.  I would support it here as long as the state and safety offices/officers fully promoted the program.

Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: pkpk on August 23, 2015, 07:00:14 PM
Off topic but.....Hi Jay!  Long time, how are you doing?!
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: VFJayR on September 11, 2015, 06:03:49 PM
PKPK?!? 

I am doing well!  Busty but Well.  And you?
Title: Re: Thoughts on Lane Splitting?
Post by: pkpk on September 14, 2015, 08:14:39 PM
PKPK?!? 

I am doing well!  Busty but Well.  And you?

Doing well, thanks.  Haven't been able to do much group riding the last few years.  First it's the young daughter growing up, now it's the old parents getting too old.  Still like to lurk here though.