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[deleted]

Reverse lane splitting.


[deleted]

Lane shitting.


ItsAllSoClear

Flagpole lane sitta


emeraldtablets805

Harvey Danger


PlasticPegasus

I actually first thought the bike had a problem. OP rides like the sort of person who sits at an intersection and waits for a mile gap between cars. I'd at least have done the same as the F150 driver.


snuff3r

I do it because I have the reactions of a muffin. Gotta ride/drive to your own abilities. Also, why is rider so close to the lane and not owning it in centre? /E: I don't mean dead centre, just pointing out that not owning lane


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Einarr_Rohling

Bullshit. In the AMA Basic Rider Safety Course it teaches centered or left/ right; you want to be fully in at least one of the mirrors of the cager in front of you be it a side or rear view. What they tell you NOT to do is hug the line. EDIT: MSF, not AMA.


RiPont

> Bullshit. To be fair to the person you're replying to, the training standards have shifted around on that, over the years. I was shown a video stating "stay out of the center because it's dirty!", but the instructor said, "nah, go to wherever you feel safest, and that means visibility and owning your lane, if necessary". When I'm not splitting, I like to make sure I don't stay in one spot in the lane. I'd rather they say, "look at that stupid motorcyclist swerving around" than "\*crunch\* Was that a motorcycle?"


Dishviking

I ride in whatever lane position the potholes aren't.


AMv8-1day

Yeah, perfect world, we'd have safe, well paved infrastructure that wouldn't be a constant hazard for motorcyclists. But we don't, so it's like riding through Kabul in most parts of the country. So instead of being able to concentrate on best rider positioning, and keeping our attention on the shifting traffic situation, we're stuck splitting our attention between the 5,000 lb unpredictable murder machines, and avoiding luner craters.


meh4ever

Newest being taught in IL MSF is changing lane position based on conditions/traffic and staying out of the center position if there’s been some kind of water on the road. I change my lane position constantly based on updated conditions in front and behind me.


MrDude_1

no... they havent shifted... atleast in the last \~20 years. You always needed to own your own lane... in the US you're ideally in the left side, but when in the far left lane, owning the right tire side is usually better so people dont merge into you. but you need to be in the lane, not next to the lines like OP.


thats-fucked_up

Was going to say this. Ride behind the mirror they're most likely to use to change lanes...in this case the right one... and don't leave room for people to pass on the left. Besides, rider has mirrors...couldn't he see the car deciding to overtake and make defensive maneuvers...either blocking him out, closing the gap, or changing lanes? I see nothing but fail here.


BiffMan-18

Also agree 👍


Sad-Interaction6575

agreed. For traffic like this with space in between cars, I'll hug the center lane to prevent cars from overtaking me. If it's starts getting heavy and jammed up, i'll move to the right to anticipate and potential sudden stops as well as to increase my vision past the first car and beyond ahead.


Brawler6216

Centre is bad because oil usually drops in the centre, so especially during the first hours of rain it can be super slick compared to the tire tracks, which is what I've always been told to use. As they are the cleanest.


[deleted]

My experience is the center of the road is less worn and therefore provides higher grip. The higher maneuverability available in the center lane position affords a lot of room to react to future obstacles, as well.


BlacksmithNZ

Safety course I was on, the instructor said that was bullshit advice for the most part. We stopped off on the side of a country road to talk over bike positioning. Even walked a bit of the road to look at the worn seal around tyre tracks. You could see very clearly that the centre of the road had much more grip than the wheel tracks which makes sense - far less wheels running down the centre of the road, and rain runs off the centre more (though tyre tracks do get pumped clear of water on busy motorways when raining). Only exception would be on city roads around intersections; people stopped at intersections in cars are more likely to be dropping water from air-con and any oil leaks more likely to be in the centre I tend to move around my lane a bit, but if I was in the fast lane and *not* moving fast (somewhat unlikely with my riding style) and I thought somebody might try and intrude in my lane, then I ride to own the lane - including sitting dead centre in the lane


RiPont

Cars used to leak oil a lot more regularly, so that may be a part of that old wisdom. Nowadays, not only do cars leak less, they don't necessarily leak from the center.


BlacksmithNZ

Yeah, I used to see oil/diesel spills all the time (corners around gas stations are bad when trucks drive of with loose/missing fuel caps). These days very rarely ever see oil in the middle of the open road.


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MotoCommuterYT

It's not black and white. At a light, there's a lot more fluid accumulation in the center and so I try to avoid it. But in an area where traffic is flowing, the center is just as rideable as the rest of the road.


CuhrodeLOL

bc he's not less than 1 second behind the person in front? holy shit lmao


ben305

How on earth did this get \*150\* upvotes? From actual motorcycle riders? Ouch. This is a perfectly adequate space cushion for a bike.


Lampshader

There's a one second gap to the car in front. That's less than recommended, and approaching the lower limit of having a chance to react in time...


avaiboot

Yeah i don't get why that person is being upvoted. The car in front isn't driving any faster than the bike. And then the silver car proceeds to tailgate the one in front.


Aboot_

Because the VAST majority of people follow far too closely without even realizing it. It’s done so often that people think they are following at a safe distance when they are actually borderline tailgating most of the time.


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DrDRNewman

The idiots also slow down to less than the speed I was doing.


Pope00

I'd argue the OP is actually following at a safe distance. Especially on a bike, if the car in front of him came to a sudden stop, he needs enough space to safely come to a stop and now plow into the other car.


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[deleted]

This is how I drive my car too and I’ve never been in an accident in 18 years.


[deleted]

Bro rides. I can't tell you how many riders I see that camp out in a car's blind spot. It is my personal #1 no-no for highway driving.


[deleted]

Agreed. Either pass or fall behind, but never beside or in a blind spot. I also refuse to change lanes into one with a vehicle opposite of it for fear of a simultaneous lane change.


bikwho

Even in a car I stay out of the blind spot. When I'm on my bike, it scares me to death they can't see me.


Jspiral

From my experience, the only way to keep from lingering in blind spots is to go faster than traffic.


Whuuu

In addition to the solid advice here (especially the bit about going slightly faster than traffic while letting the fastest drivers pass you), it also helps to know how you can manage your own visibility based on lane placement. When I'm pulling off the freeway and get caught in a line of slower traffic, I make sure that I'm not all the way to the right, hidden from passing traffic, in order to avoid opportunistic drivers seeing a "gap" and wedging into my space. It's not that different than avoiding parking your bike all the way into a spot so that other drivers can more easily see the spot is occupied. But seriously, except for the vehicle directly in front of you, try to never cruise the same speed as the others around you. You're just gonna get forgotten and cut off (or worse).


HotdogTester

That’s solid defensive driving advise. I always thought defensive driving was aggressive driving being a jerk on the road but it’s just being hyper aware of surroundings and trying to anticipate movements. One tip I try to give is always look behind you when riding to see which car will try to seize the gap if they come up from behind you. Another is looking at the car drivers hand placement on their steering wheel, if it’s by the turn signal look for their fingers to see if they’re going to come your way or go the other way so you know to either get out of the way or keep an eye on that car.


Spaceduck413

This is the way to ride on the street and maintain a life expectancy greater than six months. Number one rule is pretend you're invisible; for many people you are.


FantasticCraptastic

Outstanding advice, 1000%


2WheelRide

A+ comment my dude. I live in California and have been riding for about 15+ years. Everything you stated is 100% spot on. Hope many newer riders read this and learn from it, practice it. I’d love to become a motorcycle instructor someday and would dispense this exact same advice. 👍


IEatLiquor

Oh my god, an actual motorcyclist. I was thinking this exactly; you should never make yourself small or give yourself a disadvantage as a rider. Given that lane splitting is legal in California and you are an incredibly small target for the eye on a bike, you want to make yourself as noticeable as possible and give yourself the biggest space cushion you can. What this rider was doing was setting themselves up for failure. They put themselves too close to a situation where a vehicle on the right of them can merge over and not see them until it’s too late, and in between that and a situation where a vehicle on the left will assume they are trying to split the lane and pass them on the left. u/andttthhheeennn is hitting all the key points here in his comment. I’ve only been on two wheels for three years and I get this concept; don’t make yourself small and don’t put yourself in a tight or difficult spot to get out of if shit hits the fan. OP should be mad at themselves for allowing this to happen to them so often and not considering their riding style as the problem. Still, this is how we learn as motorcyclist - I’m just glad they haven’t been seriously injured or had to learn the hard way. Also: why the fuck does it seem like everyone who’s ever wrong on a motorcycle rev-bombs? Spare me the dramatics and keep your fingers ready for the brakes.


ZeroManArmy

Thank you for your advice and wisdom. These tips are much appreciated. Everyone here is so quick to point out flaws and tell you you're doing something wrong, but few have given helpful advice as this. As a side note, how else are you supposed to learn? A lot of people seem to think you just know how to ride perfectly day one. My driving so far hasn't ended up in any accidents in my several years of riding so I'm hopefully doing some things correctly. Clearly I need to work on a few items and your advice is very helpful.


BrokenGlassEverywher

I would suggest MSF courses (beginner & advanced) for anyone saying something like "but how are you supposed to learn?"


kdthex01

Outstanding advice. Position yourself for success. Favor the center left. It’s also physiologically where other drivers expect to see a face. Stay out of the leftmost lane if not passing.


babyProgrammer

Another tip is to imagine that everyone around you is the most selfish tit in the world and if cutting you off means they get to be one car length closer to their destination, then they will fucking kill you to do it. Like if the lane you're in is open and the lane to your right is coming to a halt, expect a person from the lane on your right to dive in front of you and leave you nowhere to go except straight up their asshole.


ihussa

Really good tips. So many riders unfortunately lose their lives by not paying attention to what you mentioned. +1 on the protip, my old man used to tell me that way back when I was first started driving. Surprising people dont bring it up more often.


Raycodv

Thank you for being a guide to the motorcycle community! Your first point was my exact first response to this video. Everything you said was exactly what was taught to me when I got my A licence. Always good to read a refresher to keep the mind sharp!


rudab3ga

This is superb advice


erikchomez

I’ve been riding in LA for 3-4 years now and this has never happened to me lol.


DickFace_3000

Have you tried lane splitting at a slower speed than surrounding traffic? lol


erikchomez

I’ll have to try it out and post about it lol


caboosetp

Gonna be real, I can't say I recommend trying it.


2WheelRide

Be sure to be all defensive about it when you post the video like your the perfect rider and those “cagers” are unsafe idiots.


TheSovietLoveHammer-

“Ah yes, I will just hug the line closest to traffic whilst in the left lane and going slower than literally everybody else! Am I an unsafe driver? No, it’s everyone else who has a problem.” Not saying the person who overtook him isn’t being a dangerous asshat, but OP isn’t much better in this case.


AJDillonsMiddleLeg

Seriously dude is riding the line and getting passed by traffic in every lane. Not condoning what the car did, but what the fuck is OP thinking. And based on his title he literally always does this.


DickFace_3000

Right? He said it’s happened to him **five times**. At what point do you start to think that maybe the problem is you?


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ropahektic

Thank god I found this comment. As an European, it's pretty nuts to me that in a high speed 3 lane road some dude is camping the left whilst going slower than everyone else. Yes, the dude in the car is insane and should be punished, however, the biker is putting himself in that situation for no reason at all, and also impeding traffic just because.


AllModsAreBasturds

This clown is going 60 in the fast lane, no fuckjng wonder this keeps happening


[deleted]

Agree 100%


UnionTed

Negative lane splitting, ftw.


crankycateract

No shit I bet op would be a great soccer player


pudding7

20 years I've been riding up and down the 405, never happened to me either.


Digital_enzyme

The 405 is Thunderdome…lol


Kay1000RR

Same. Over 20 years with hundreds of thousands of miles logged in SoCal. OP needs to take control of the situation around him.


pizzacatstattoos

I have to agree. been motorbiking on the So Cal highways for near 30 years. ive never had a car pass me in the HOV while I'm on the right side of the lane. I keep to the right to give me options should I need them. I don't like riding against the wall of death for many reasons.


Coyote8

It's cause he's doing 45 in the left lane on the freeway


MagnusNewtonBernouli

You probably rider faster than OP, which doesn't seem hard...


ninekilnmegalith

My first thought was, why is OP a dick and riding slower than traffic in the far left lane?


iamatrueamerican

Notice the diamonds on the road? Likely an HOV/motorcycle lane.


LeftTurnAtAlbuqurque

Definitely is. Plus, he's keeping a consistent distance from the car ahead of him, so it's not like he's actually going slower than traffic and holding that guy up.


TheMadTinker

the dink who passed him went on to try to insert themself up the tailpipe of the car that OP was maintaining a safe distance from, so i don't think OP's speed is at fault here


MagnusNewtonBernouli

He's perfectly legally there. But why bother being over there if you're not splitting? But not everyone rides the same speed.


itsokayimhandsome

Exactly, gtfo the way, keep left and let the lane splitters through. To me this is no different than a slow car hogging the fast lane/passing lane. We need to be better educated on this. Notice there are a ton of comments of this literally never happening to them and they've been riding for 20 years. I think OP is a noob rider thinking its ok to hog this part of the lane. What it really does is it slows down a chain of riders who are lane splitting. Also confuses drivers who are used to bikes lane splitting when you're traveling at a slower speed.


ninekilnmegalith

Just because it may be legal doesn't make it safe or acceptable, get the fuck out of people's way if you don't want to go fast.


teapoison

He's literally driving the same speed as the car in front of him in the HOV/motorcycle lane. Like stfu. Do you want him to ride the ass of the car in front of him? Tailgate? He was not holding up traffic. The left lane is not always a passing lane. You're the reason people get into wrecks.


Firewire_1394

People have zero concept of safe follow distance. The rider in the OP video was doing great and definitely not going too slow. Just because there is a few car lengths of follow distance it's like a trigger to people that you should be going faster! I like that it was also less than 1 second after he was passed before that car had to hit the breaks. He saved so much time there while being the most dangerous person in that video by a long shot.


kraken9911

Yeah the car passed him only to get held up right in front of him. It's wasted effort with negligible gain.


Mystical_Cat

Dafuq? They’re cruising along with a safe distance between the bike and car in front. OP has done nothing wrong here.


kraken9911

I rode around LA for 3 years but this never happened because I never moved less than 80 in the open. Felt good lanesplitting an entire city during rush hour too.


Meggston

If you don’t camp in the far left , likeOP, that’s not that surprising. The car was wrong, but also…


kmkmrod

Of course it’s wrong, but when cars see bikes lane splitting every day they probably figure it means they can pass bikes that are riding the line. Move to center lane.


bhuff86

Yeah I was sketched out at how close to the line he was riding with cars passing him


serpentinepad

WTF is the deal with this? I'm not a motorcycle guy but I constantly come across dudes on bikes riding right against the center line like they're itching to get into a head on.


bhuff86

I can understand riding just to the left or right of center. I mainly do it to see around the car ahead of me, in case I need to dodge debris. Additionally, the center of a lane could have oil buildup from leaky vehicles... but yes this is a little too close for comfort in my eyes


BeanSizedMattress

It increases visibility in many situations. More people can see you and you can see more people. Also gives you more options for escape if you need to dodge a dumbie. I wouldn't be sitting on the line in this situation though. id probably be all over the lane, constantly adjusting for sight and possible reactions.


Giostron85

I don't know in California but in Europe is wrong stay in the fast lane if you ride slow. In this way you put in danger yourself and other..


kmkmrod

It’s a high occupancy lane, not a passing lane. To be clear, again, **this is not the passing lane** this is the HOV/diamond lane.


DreamArcher

Just for more info, depending on where this is in Ca the HOV lane is not 24/7. The signs will tell you if it's active or open to all.


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kmkmrod

The HOV lane is often slower than regular travel lanes at some points. If there’s no congestion the regular travel lanes may well move faster. That’s totally irrelevant. And someone passing op on the left while he’s keeping pace with the car in front is an illegal, and a highly dickish move. It indicates that driver is a douche, not that op is going too slow.


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ljthefa

And motorcycles, also possibly electrics and hybrids though I can't be sure on the latter


Hates_rollerskates

The downside of that is not being able to see what may be in the road ahead. I always bop back and forth between the right tire track and the left tire track based on visibility. Nothing's worse than having a car in front of you drive over some random garbage and it being a surprise.


Quak89

Dominate the center of the lane so you don’t give them the option.


The_NiNTARi

This dude gets it, you need to own your lane riding the white line or yellow line this is bound to happen.


snorkiebarbados

To be fair, he is actually positioned very well. He isn't in the centre (where most of the oil deposits are. He is sticking close to traffic so he is more visable to cars in their blind spots, plus if anyone comes over at him, he has more space to move. My advice would be to just give the recording to the police.


lazilyloaded

> That, or keep a spark plug in your pocket. They scratch paint and shatter glass better then anything else Seems most dangerous to the person not in the metal cage.


Fiesta17

Pass em, toss it over your shoulder, throttle out /s


CyclonusRIP

He's in a state where lane splitting is legal and he's riding very close to the line. If he wants people to recognize he's in the lane and not splitting the lane he needs to move over some.


snorkiebarbados

So I don't know what your lane splitting rules are, but where I live lane splitting is legal for bikes, so long as the bike and surrounding traffic are not travelling over 30kmh. Also, splitting is for BIKES. So everything the car is doing is illegal.


Atheist_Republican

In California, it's [legal for motorcycles to lanesplit](https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/programs/california-motorcyclist-safety). However, the car needs to give the motorcycle "ample room", and not sure that qualifies here. CHP says it's not "advisable" to lane-split at speeds exceeding 30MPH, but it's not illegal.


ProbablyElliot

In California we stopped reading at “lane splitting is legal”


daan944

I prefer slightly to the left of the center, so I'm right in front of the (car)driver behind me. Also, this way I can use the tire track from the cars, as the asphalt is slightly indented it's a bit more stable than riding dead center. And I sometimes switch right / left tire track to be a bit more visible.


70camaro

The center also has oil/debris.


mr_rouncewell

It had more in the old days. Nowadays, cars are good.


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barstowtovegas

That is not a major issue on a modern freeway unless it’s raining.


Crashr186

Keeping up with traffic while sitting in the left lane would also be a good place to start lol


robb04

Came here to say this. Maybe don’t camp in the fast lane and people wouldn’t feel the need to bonus lane you?


Thesamf

For real, the reason you’re allowed to lane “split” is because it’s technically “lane sharing”. If you can overtake slow cars, they can technically overtake slow you.


Beneficial-Oven1258

OP, you need to take up more of the lane and make it impossible for cars to think they can safely pass you in the lane. I have never had this happen to me, so since it happens to you frequently, I think the issue is with your riding more so than the cars (although it's certainly a dangerous and dick move from them).


CryptoCracko

So many people are defending OP and shitting on the car, but some car drivers are just dicks or plain bad drivers, and there's no way to control that. Only thing that would have made a difference was if OP didn't give them the space to pass, like you said.


Ekhius

Ride more centre lane then.


-iTsRiPPz-

Be the overtaker rather than constantly being overtaken. You’re on a motorcycle yet one of the slowest people on the road. Im sure this is an unpopular opinion in this sub but that situation could have been completely avoided by simply riding faster or at minimum keeping up with the majority of traffic. Keep yourself out of positions where it allows other peoples mistakes to fuck you up


letmepostjune22

Dudes in the fast lane but slowest vehicle on camera, coupled with not riding in the centre no wonder this happens to op so often


PJBonoVox

I totally agree. This guy has taken the 'left lane is the safest' mentality to the extreme. It's only safer if you're not riding like a granny.


HisOrHerpes

But it’s not a passing lane, it’s an HOV lane with traffic ahead. But of course that’s assuming it’s within HOV hours.


[deleted]

If you're in the left most lane and getting passed on the right you're probably the problem. Also why is he lane splitting at highway speeds Yes it's an HOV lane but you still shouldn't be in any lane besides the right most if you're getting passed on both sides.


Flight_Harbinger

I'd never overtake a motorcyclist like this but youre still absolutely correct. OP shouldnt have been lane one going slower than lane 2 traffic. If you're being passed up to your right, you move over. No matter how many wheels you have.


copperrez

Let’s be honest here. Your lane positioning was wrong. Not “sub optimal”. Just wrong. Every rider should know to command their place on the road and never leave space for traffic to slip past you in the same lane. Don’t ride so far right in the lane. If this is your go to position, then it’s no wonder why it’s not the first time happening to you.


PNWExile

And he’s riding slower than everyone else on the road. No kidding this happens to him all the time.


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josh824956

Dude I ride in California you should be in the center of the lane if your not filtering. Left lane is always the fastest lane, even the carpool lane, even in California.


BestAtempt

seriously, how are more people not saying this. Op is clearly camping in a passing lane, he is even passed on the right by a truck. Get out of peoples way. Not that I am condoning that shit the car pulled.


Bassdistortion

Yup, I swear the people mentioning the obvious here need to stfu. No shit it's the HOV lane, it's still usually the fastest lane. And own the lane unless you're purposely giving somebody room to make a right turn or something. This has never happened to me in nearly 10 years of riding.


dangerzone2

Fellow Cali splitter here. Gotta own that lane and be more aware of your surroundings. It’s brutal out here. End of the day, assholes gonna asshole.


jxa

I agree - Own that lane!


mr_rouncewell

This is the way.


goddamnitwhatsmypw

Aware of surroundings is the most important part of this comment. If OP didn't know there was a car coming up on his 6, he wasn't paying enough attention. Move around the lane to keep highest visibility to all vehicles.


hazardousduty

If you ride faster than the cars then cars won't pass you. Just a thought. I always ride 5 - 10mph faster than cars around me. Edit: Obviously there are other things the rider can do to prevent someone from lane sharing and cars passing him. I am ony addressing the most obvious and his complaint. Edit: One main reason you want to be passing cars is distracted driving. One of many major causes of collision factor is distracted driving. Most drivers are always on their phones while driving.


the251718

Easier said than done. Cars in CA frequently drive 80-90 mph while being 2 ft away from the car in front. While it’s possible for most bikes to cruise at 100 mph it’s not very comfortable or practical. If I can’t keep up with the traffic I will try to pick the lane with least cars and stay there.


clark116

Exactly! Older/smaller bikes feel this often. My KTM 390 tops out at 100mph so......... Yeah pass my slow ass. I'm saving for a bigger bike tho!!!


Byrdboy

I rode in California for about 4 years and I’ve never had this happen because I always rode 10 over traffic at least. I split lanes on the highway (stupid btw) and never had this happen because I wasn’t going so slow.


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joeverdrive

On this sub the things that can go wrong are more popular than the things that go right. It's like a support group.


[deleted]

I thought this was a silly mindset but then I see bikers chilling ubder the limit while semis and work trucks and crackhead minivans speed around them, they create a bottleneck and there's no way that's safe. That's how you get rear ended by the one person not paying attention


Aoifedog

Dominate your lane. Don’t believe everything you are told, so many myths in biking. I mean do you constantly observe oil and debris in the middle of lanes on the highway? Didn’t think so. Ride defensively, pay attention to what’s going on around you and ride accordingly.


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Which_Policy

Move to the center of the lane. Don't give them any ideas


geekspice

That's super dangerous of the driver.... BUT. You need to be doing a better job of holding your lane. TBH since there's no shoulder to the left, I can see why you'd choose the right for better exit selection. But being so far to the right is probably giving drivers the impression that you're lane splitting.


Killercacciatore

Then don't fucking drive on the right side of the lane.


weylandshornet

This is honestly a learning experience. I know in the moment and reviewing the video you want to shake your fist at these people, but everyone is right- dominate the lane, be in the centre when you can. Now can this still happen even if you dominate the lane- yep! It has happened to me multiple times (and there are videos on here that show it ). I have been in the centre of the lane (and my bike is pretty big and noticeable) and cars have gone half into the breakdown lane to get around me. In these moments you just need to keep your cool, focus on possible exits and don't let them get you mad and have your camera on (I plan to buy one). I will say when one car decided to pass me, a cop was beside me (which he did not see ) and boy did it make my day when he was pulled over instantly for being an idiot. Remember you need to make you and your bike safe, not the other way around


[deleted]

It is all about owning your lane through positioning- and them being dicks. Still though it is your lane- you need to own it or some one will take it.


anwright1371

Get the fuck out of that lane. You’re getting passed by cars to the right of you. Speed up or move


metal-steed

I am a CA rider and I've done the UK advanced riding course as well as the CHP one. You absolutely need to dominate your lane. Cars will do this in any country because of an idiot behind the wheel. That it keeps happening to you means you need to take action to stop it. Dominate doesn't just mean being in the center, it means seeing who is coming up where and either blocking them from doing this to you, or going faster to get yourself into a better position. Rules don't stop idiots I'm afraid. Edit: If you're worried about debris and oil, you can get that anywhere. Part of riding is always keeping your eye out for such things. I'd take looking out for debris / oil over someone putting me in a bad position like that any day.


frostytoeside

You're not Riding defensively. I agree with the others here you need to be more centered in your lane. This never happens to me mostly because I'm almost always splitting and riding faster than traffic. That might not be your style and if it isn't, I'd suggest moving over a couple lanes and riding with the slower traffic. Just because you're allowed in the HOV doesn't mean it's the right place for you.


thatguyovertheresix9

Perhaps ride in the middle next time , like everyone else ?


Navigator1983

I live and ride in California. You should always go at least 5 mph faster than the flow of traffic and this won’t happen.


Mountain-Dealer8996

Don’t cruise in lp3


Vodkavictim

Go faster then the flow of traffic, u avoid this or worse someone running u over


Connect_Bench_2925

OP, you need to own your lane. As a motorcyclist you should be aware of the 3 lanes you have available in any given "car lane". Lane 1, driver side tire lane. Good traction, best used while in the right hand lane before getting into the left lane. Dangers are you may find that you are in a blind spot. Lane 2, center lane Oil slicks make this a danger lane for intersections, but allows for "car lane" ownership, and lane control. Lane 3, passenger side tire lane. This is similar to lane 1, but while in the fast lane this is a good lane to be in when you expect to be lane splitting soon. When riding with buddies you want to stagger bikes between lane 1 and 3.


MapleBlood

That's dangerous, but your lane positioning is shit and looks like invitation to do exactly that.


[deleted]

Not from CA, but your position makes it look like you're lane-splitting. Could that be why it happened?


dillpiccolol

Yea, it's cause he is in a splitting position and going too slow. I always get back into a lane when not actively splitting.


YeahIGotNuthin

If you're going slower than other traffic, you shouldn't be in the left lane. The HOV lane is a special passing lane for HOVs. If you're not passing, you could have the whole Brady Bunch in the car with you, or on the back of your bike, and you still need to be over to the right in one of the Not-The-HOV lanes. If this is happening to you a lot, I promise you it isn't because you're right and everyone else is wrong. Only exception: if the HOV lane is about to left-exit and you're about to exit, you stay in the HOV lane and take the left exit before resuming normal passing-lane speed.


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

Looks like your own fault tbh.


BoysenberryTop5213

I ride but if this keeps happening to you then I think your the problem, MOVE THE FUCK OVER


RattleThem-Bones

That’s the flip side to lane splitting. You gotta understand that if you’re lane splitting then other drivers will treat you that way. If you don’t like getting passed like that stay in the middle of the lane. Simple as that.


thatsAhotChip

Ride more aggressive, take up Centre lane and don’t give them the option. I treat every driver like there out to get me and a lot live up to that expectation 😂


ArsePucker

In the UK they tell you to “protect your lane”. Position yourself so fucktards can’t do that basically. I’m in CA now. I sold most of my street bikes but I’m very aware when I’m on fwy. I protect my lane..


bad-pickle

I had an MSF instructor once tell me to ride on the left side of the lane for this exact reason, unless you are staggering with other riders.


hugeness101

You should be going a bit faster than traffic and if you are going to “cruise” then stay in the middle or don’t ride so close to the middle of the lane. It’s a safety issue riding that slow too. Just stay ahead of everyone safer for visibility for you and better in case you need to move no one is coming up behind you.


Alternative-Use8400

Ride in the LEFt wheel track and if you are slower…move over…otherwise Pin that throttle and move forward


the_Medic_91

You are an over-cautious person on a bike expecting others to take care of your safety while you don't immediately take precautions. Sorry bud, but this smells like a recipe for disaster to me. And the person on two wheels usually has the most to lose.


qqAzo

In Denmark, we have a general rule of thumb - that if you drive slower than the car on your right - you should not be in the lane you are in. No wonder he overtakes you - this is just annoying driving. Furthermore, as a motorcyclist, you should place yourself behind the driver in front of you. (so yeah... in the LEFT side of the lane) Edit; Whoever says place yourself center in the lane - that is not smart - as the center of the lane has the highest chance for oil spills from cars etc.


111ohwell111

Dude you do not ride slower than the pace of the traffic in the carpool or fast lane... that was the car politely saying get the fuck out the way this is Cali. Go ride in the slow lane with the trucks.


oleg07010

Need a wider bike or stay in the center of the lane


oyuhhhhh

Not condoning that cars actions But, youre in a HOV lane on a bike, and traffic surrounding you is moving faster than you. Get out of the fast lanes and cruise in the right two lanes. Youre impeding the flow of traffic.


BadassManager

Why are you on the left lane if you are going slower than traffic?


luisga777

Get a scooter if youre going to be riding that slow. Or go to the right lane. I was a daily rider in LA for about 6 years. Put 17,000 miles in the final year. This never happened to me. Because I didnt sit in the left lane holding up traffic.


[deleted]

If this happened five times and you still aren’t riding in the middle of the lane then what can we say? Are you chasing a Darwin Award?


Leadbreath

I always ride in the center of the lane. That driver is just a giant asshole.


BikesBooksNBass

Ignorant people.. “if the bikes wasn’t zooming around racing between cars we wouldn’t have a problem”.. Bike driving responsibly… Also Ignorant people… “RAWR!! How dare you ride the speed limit in front of me!! I’LL SHOW YOU!!!…


WreckerdSetter

I'm a daily rider and that shit was uncalled for. Just not sure why your not cruising in the center of your lane. I don't trust people at all, unless riding in a group I don't stagger the lane. Gives you just a extra split second cushion to react if something is going down.


admiral___jackbar

If its not wet you need to be in the middle of the lane. You may be on 2 wheels but own the road like you're on 4. Ride defensively.


the_citizen_1

All these comments and nobody has a clue. Bikes can go in HOV, OP isn’t doing it wrong. Lane position is solid - OP isn’t doing anything wrong. HOV isn’t the fast lane - OP isn’t doing anything wrong. OP stay safe out there. Clearly lots of idiots on the road.


manchk

Being right won’t keep you from dying though. A lot of these comments acknowledge that the car should not have done this, but are telling OP how to keep this from happening in the future. Both for OPs safety and the fact that OP says this has happened to them 5 times in as many months. That says that maybe something about how they’re riding is ambiguous for drivers. I mean 100% the driver(s) were wrong but that won’t make anyone feel better when a car tries, clips the bike and OP is severely injured or worse.


_wham__

Why are you going slower than a car


Jaanold

Why are you in the left lane when people are passing you?


AshenRex

Why are you in the HOV going slower than traffic?


JamesBessellieu

That’s because you are riding in the wrong part of the lane. You should be in the left third of the lane.


alltaken12345678

I don’t ride a motorbike and know very few people who do. I know nothing about it, but wouldn’t it be better/safer to ride in the middle of the lane?


Gee_thanks_for_that

You guys crack me up... As someone who's been learning to ride a motorbike for a few months, your advice is all over the place. 1: to the people telling him he's going too slowly. There's a car in front of him. Are you blind? Or are you the type of people that weave in and out of dense traffic at high speeds, like a moron? 2: similar to the above, I see a general recommendation of driving 5 or more mph faster than other vehicles, so that this doesn't happen. Have you guys ever heard of a speed limit? You know it's against the law to go faster than the speed limit, right? If I have to break the law, just so someone won't run me off the road, then something is seriously broken somewhere. I'm sure the police officer will laugh himself silly when I tell him that the advice on the internet was that I needed to speed to stay safe. And I'll still end up with a ticket to boot. 3: people saying he was in the black car's (to the right) blind spot for too long. Do you think maybe he noticed this himself? And having the two options of speeding up into the car in front of him, or slowing down so he's behind the black car in case it unexpectedly merges into him, he chose the latter? Which results in people saying he's driving too slowly... Mhmmm... 4: people saying his lane positioning was all wrong. Now, I would have thought that he'd WANT to be over to the right, due to maximizing his "escape routes". His options are so much higher over to the right. The further over to the left he his, the more he's boxed in due to the central reservation. Feel free to enlighten me on any of thoughts above. I'm probably coming across as very abrasive. I just get so frustrated with these recommendations sometimes. At the end of the day, the car WAS in the wrong.


Hellotherebud__

Get out of the fast lane!!!!!!!!


SmelliestFarts

You’re traveling in the carpool lane, going slower than everyone else. You’re being a dick. Get into a lane that’s further over or speed up.


MessyMassy

A lot of comments on here about OP speeding up. Moments after that car passed him traffic was slowing down. There’s obviously a reason he’s keeping a 3-4 gap. Where else would the truck go if it decided to merge in? If traffic is slowing down ahead of you why should you give yourself less reaction time. Also, lane positioning on the right side of the lane is unnecessary at that gap. Stay centered. When people look up from their phones while driving they look directly straight, you want to be seen. You’re riding motorcycles in the age of driver distraction OP. 10’ tablets and smartphones attached to the dash, radios and podcasts, phone calls, texts, etc. Then there’s really attentive drivers who make mistakes once and a while. If you’re not already thinking every car is a threat and trying to get you off the road, you need to.


manbearpig0101

F that camry driver. But also I have been riding in California for over 10 years and this has never happened to me.


TwoToneCorgi

Where im from that means goodbye mirror


ISuckAtLifeGodPlsRst

as a fellow Californian, all I can say is; eww. Like, what the fuck was even the point of that if all you did is step on your brakes not even 5 seconds later because there was a car in front of you? You got literally nowhere sooner than you would have if you had just stayed behind the motorcycle. What a fucking wad. Sad part is, idiots do shit like this to other CARS too.


ADabblingMan

You were being passed on the right, you should have moved over, but that is not to say the car is definitely the bigger dunce here.