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So, I’ve always sort of had a pet peeve about MOST motorcycle riders. In my opinion for all intents and purposes they pretty much have no place in this world. Many of them drive as if the road belongs to them and all others must bow and succumb to their rule of the road. Not to say that people that drive cars aren’t the same, but it appears to me that the percentage of assholeness is higher for motorcycle riders then it is for cars. Case in point. Yesterday Kelly and I were driving home from her work on the 55 freeway at 5 PM. We were in the carpool lane and the traffic was slowing down in all lanes including the carpool lane. All the sudden about 4 motorcycles come riding along the right side of us in the quadruple yellow island that separates the carpool lane from the freeway lanes. Now I’m not traffic cop but my understanding it is illegal for ANY vehicle (which is what a motorcycle is) to cross/drive/use that area on any public road, but that doesn’t stop these assholes from doing it. In addition I was in MY lane right in the middle as one is supposed to drive and these motorcycle riders have the audacity to expect me to move over in order to support their illegal use of the island. It’s bad enough that California law allows them to split lanes but they then expect other vehicles to move out of their way because they choose to split lanes and if you don’t they still end up driving right by you within inches of hitting your vehicle. Oh did I mention that the 4th motorcycle was so wide that he barely squeezed by me and once he did he flipped me off? I’m sick of these assholes that think the road is theirs and all must move for them. it’s completely unsafe.
Not to mention a question for the crowd, in California the HOV (Carpool Lane) is for “vehicles” with 2 or more people in them, there is then an additional sign that states “motorcycles ok”, now my interpretation of that is that vehicles with 2 or more, including motorcycles that have 2 or more people on them, am I wrong to understand it that way?
And lastly why must most motorcycle riders be such attention whores? Their motorcycles are loud. It’s even worse when you sitting at a stoplight and then split lanes to get to the front and their engine is blasting. I thought there were laws against excessive noise… Oh well.
25 thoughts on “The Post Where I Rant About Motorcycle Riders…”
As a rider and a “cager” (car driver) I can certainly understand your frustration. You have every right to be angry at the riders who use the painted median as a lane, you are correct in your assumption that it is illegal for bikes or any other vehicle to use this as a lane. I am even more annoyed than you about inconsiderate riders; as a rider myself I want to be on good terms with my fellow road users. One moronic rider can sour hundreds of drivers who then take it out on anyone with a motorcycle.
As for lane sharing, California law does not prohibit the practice, in fact the CHP came out against a lane sharing prohibition several times. Part of the draw of a bike is the ability to share the lane. This practice benefits all drivers as motorcycles are essentially out of the freeway traffic pattern, that means there’s more room for your car and you are actually farther ahead than you would have been. Some think this practice is “unfair,” but I disagree. Have you ever seen someone make a right turn past a stopped vehicle at a traffic lights? That’s lane sharing unless you have your own turn lane. Also, there is nothing keeping any driver from getting a bike and taking advantage of the same abilities.
Some drivers choose to take the law into their own hands, either out of spite or ignorance and will attempt to crowd or block a rider who is trying to get by in traffic. While not illegal, it is certainly unsafe and puts the rider’s life in danger. Is it worth maiming or killing another person on their way home from work simply because you don’t like their vehicle? In my book that is aggravated assault or attempted murder. One of the reasons riders share a lane is, ironically, for safety. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to notice, especially when stopped behind a larger vehicle. This puts us at increased risk for being rear-ended and turned into a meat-paste between two bumpers. Some of us call this “the sandwich zone.” To be between the sides of cars at a stop light is actually safer for us than to wait at the back. The same is true of stop-and-go traffic. There are other risks associated with lane-sharing, so it’s up to each rider to weigh them for each situation and make a judgment call.
As for the use of the HOV lane, I’m afraid you are misinformed. Federal law grants all motorcycles, not just those with passengers, the right to use the HOV lane.
Why are we “attention whores?” Why do we equip our bikes with headlight modulators, flashing brake lights, bright colors and modified exhaust? To be noticed. We ride without the protection of a steel cage and every vehicle on the road has the potential to become a 3,000 pound meat-grinder. All we have to protect ourselves is the ability to run away, out-brake, and out maneuver another vehicle. In a crash the only thing between us and the road is some leather and padding. We simply must be noticed in order to live. There are laws governing the amount of noise any vehicle can emit, and police do ticket for violations.
I am sorry that you hold me in such low regard, but that won’t stop me from slowing down and letting you merge, or pointing out a problem with your car (we have a pretty good view) or waving thank-you if you allow me to share your lane. I, and most other bikers, want to be on good terms with you and other road users but we can’t change your mind about us if you won’t let us. There are assholes in this world, to be sure, and some of them ride. On the other hand I’ve had my life put in danger by drivers who are inattentive or malicious – and I have the metal pins and scars to prove it.
Ask yourself, what is the worth of a human life? Even if the rider is an inconsiderate asshole, does that mean he deserves to die or live his life with debilitating injuries?
As a rider and a “cager” (car driver) I can certainly understand your frustration. You have every right to be angry at the riders who use the painted median as a lane, you are correct in your assumption that it is illegal for bikes or any other vehicle to use this as a lane. I am even more annoyed than you about inconsiderate riders; as a rider myself I want to be on good terms with my fellow road users. One moronic rider can sour hundreds of drivers who then take it out on anyone with a motorcycle.
As for lane sharing, California law does not prohibit the practice, in fact the CHP came out against a lane sharing prohibition several times. Part of the draw of a bike is the ability to share the lane. This practice benefits all drivers as motorcycles are essentially out of the freeway traffic pattern, that means there’s more room for your car and you are actually farther ahead than you would have been. Some think this practice is “unfair,” but I disagree. Have you ever seen someone make a right turn past a stopped vehicle at a traffic lights? That’s lane sharing unless you have your own turn lane. Also, there is nothing keeping any driver from getting a bike and taking advantage of the same abilities.
Some drivers choose to take the law into their own hands, either out of spite or ignorance and will attempt to crowd or block a rider who is trying to get by in traffic. While not illegal, it is certainly unsafe and puts the rider’s life in danger. Is it worth maiming or killing another person on their way home from work simply because you don’t like their vehicle? In my book that is aggravated assault or attempted murder. One of the reasons riders share a lane is, ironically, for safety. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to notice, especially when stopped behind a larger vehicle. This puts us at increased risk for being rear-ended and turned into a meat-paste between two bumpers. Some of us call this “the sandwich zone.” To be between the sides of cars at a stop light is actually safer for us than to wait at the back. The same is true of stop-and-go traffic. There are other risks associated with lane-sharing, so it’s up to each rider to weigh them for each situation and make a judgment call.
As for the use of the HOV lane, I’m afraid you are misinformed. Federal law grants all motorcycles, not just those with passengers, the right to use the HOV lane.
Why are we “attention whores?” Why do we equip our bikes with headlight modulators, flashing brake lights, bright colors and modified exhaust? To be noticed. We ride without the protection of a steel cage and every vehicle on the road has the potential to become a 3,000 pound meat-grinder. All we have to protect ourselves is the ability to run away, out-brake, and out maneuver another vehicle. In a crash the only thing between us and the road is some leather and padding. We simply must be noticed in order to live. There are laws governing the amount of noise any vehicle can emit, and police do ticket for violations.
I am sorry that you hold me in such low regard, but that won’t stop me from slowing down and letting you merge, or pointing out a problem with your car (we have a pretty good view) or waving thank-you if you allow me to share your lane. I, and most other bikers, want to be on good terms with you and other road users but we can’t change your mind about us if you won’t let us. There are assholes in this world, to be sure, and some of them ride. On the other hand I’ve had my life put in danger by drivers who are inattentive or malicious – and I have the metal pins and scars to prove it.
Ask yourself, what is the worth of a human life? Even if the rider is an inconsiderate asshole, does that mean he deserves to die or live his life with debilitating injuries?
Dave. Thanks for sharing and posting you view. Just to set the record straight, I personally would never harm nor want any ill will towards any motorcycle rider, even those that are assholes. Unfortunately there are a number of people in both bikes and cards that just aren’t considerate to all the other cars on the road.
I knew about the HOV law, but when I read the signs when I’m driving nothing states that and a vehicle is a vehicle which to me should mean a motorcycle should follow the same guidelines, but the US law says they can use them.
As for the attention whore thing, i know there are laws regarding noise but it still happens, just like people that blast their radios. It’s unfortunate but part of life.
I really do appreciate your post, it’s articulate and adds to my discussion. I wish there we more bikers like you on the road, maybe I wouldn’t be so frustrated with motorcycle riders if there were. Just don’t clip car when I can’t see you on the side of me while I’m making a lane change… ;)
Dave. Thanks for sharing and posting you view. Just to set the record straight, I personally would never harm nor want any ill will towards any motorcycle rider, even those that are assholes. Unfortunately there are a number of people in both bikes and cards that just aren’t considerate to all the other cars on the road.
I knew about the HOV law, but when I read the signs when I’m driving nothing states that and a vehicle is a vehicle which to me should mean a motorcycle should follow the same guidelines, but the US law says they can use them.
As for the attention whore thing, i know there are laws regarding noise but it still happens, just like people that blast their radios. It’s unfortunate but part of life.
I really do appreciate your post, it’s articulate and adds to my discussion. I wish there we more bikers like you on the road, maybe I wouldn’t be so frustrated with motorcycle riders if there were. Just don’t clip car when I can’t see you on the side of me while I’m making a lane change… ;)
…or maybe you are just a whiny little impotent bitch that likes to blog about shit he can’t do anything about
Woohoo, tough guy in the house. Fortunately it’s my website I can talk about what you want. Just like you can choose what you want to read. Thanks for wasting your time checking out my site.
Woohoo, tough guy in the house. Fortunately it’s my website I can talk about what you want. Just like you can choose what you want to read. Thanks for wasting your time checking out my site.
you’re a douche.
you’re a douche.
Wow are you all coming out in the woodwork? Why do you people resort to name calling? I love constructive criticism as you can tell from the mature Dave that posted and I replied to, but come on guys, grow up.
Wow are you all coming out in the woodwork? Why do you people resort to name calling? I love constructive criticism as you can tell from the mature Dave that posted and I replied to, but come on guys, grow up.
“In my opinion for all intents and purposes they pretty much have no place in this world. ” That’s a pretty bold statement given that you don’t even understand how the carpool lane works.
People with your PoV are the people who make us assholes. We do what we do on the streets in order to put ourselves in the least possible danger. Sure you see us weaving through traffic, well I’m trying to get away from the crowd. You see us zooming by in the Carpool yellow lane…hey guess what…now I don’t have a car behind me with the potential to rear end me AND you now have less cars holding up traffic.
You are more than entitled to your opinion, but its an ignorant one judging from your comments up there.
“In my opinion for all intents and purposes they pretty much have no place in this world. ” That’s a pretty bold statement given that you don’t even understand how the carpool lane works.
People with your PoV are the people who make us assholes. We do what we do on the streets in order to put ourselves in the least possible danger. Sure you see us weaving through traffic, well I’m trying to get away from the crowd. You see us zooming by in the Carpool yellow lane…hey guess what…now I don’t have a car behind me with the potential to rear end me AND you now have less cars holding up traffic.
You are more than entitled to your opinion, but its an ignorant one judging from your comments up there.
Thank you for maturing up. I realize my statement was bold, but I also stated MOST riders, not all.
You don’t need to weave through traffic. You can drive in the middle of a lane, just like all other vehicles. I’ve ran across numerous occasions that a rider has gotten within inches of my car, that isn’t good and it makes drivers nervous when someone rides that close. As for the zooming in the yellow “lane” it’s illegal, no vehicle can cross into that area.
Unfortunately there are a number of riders that take things to extreme and they give you guys a bad rap, I had a very bad experience the day prior that I wrote this post, which is why it may come off a little ignorant, but I don’t ride. But I’m willing to listen and change my point of view, with constructive comments. I do appreciate the explanation.
Thank you for maturing up. I realize my statement was bold, but I also stated MOST riders, not all.
You don’t need to weave through traffic. You can drive in the middle of a lane, just like all other vehicles. I’ve ran across numerous occasions that a rider has gotten within inches of my car, that isn’t good and it makes drivers nervous when someone rides that close. As for the zooming in the yellow “lane” it’s illegal, no vehicle can cross into that area.
Unfortunately there are a number of riders that take things to extreme and they give you guys a bad rap, I had a very bad experience the day prior that I wrote this post, which is why it may come off a little ignorant, but I don’t ride. But I’m willing to listen and change my point of view, with constructive comments. I do appreciate the explanation.
First thing’s first. I feel I should bring to your attention WHY motorcycles are allowed to lane SHARE. Lane share is the proper term for that, fyi.
Now, the reasons we are ALLOWED to do that. 1. We take up less space on the freeway and for each motorcycle you see, that’s 1 less car on the road holding you back. 2. Motorcycles are either air cooled or have a limited water cooling capability. We simply CANNOT sit in traffic like a car does or our engines will overheat and likely cause more congestion rather than relieving it. 3. Does your car get 50+ mpg?
I’m not going to argue the point of the loud exhaust but if people in cars would pay more attention and use their signals before changing lanes, many riders wouldn’t feel the need to have loud exhausts on their machines simply to be heard instead of run over from an inattentive driver talking on a cell phone, feeding their face, putting on make-up or even reading.
There’s an old saying that you can’t know someone unless you walk a mile in their shoes. Before you get on a soap box and preach negative about something you don’t like. Try it yourself. I complain above about inattentive drivers from a motorcyclist’s aspect, but I’ve also BEEN in a car so I know both sides of the story so I have the facts. In your rant you only have half of it and sadly, that makes many of your statement misleading or flat out erroneous.
First thing’s first. I feel I should bring to your attention WHY motorcycles are allowed to lane SHARE. Lane share is the proper term for that, fyi.
Now, the reasons we are ALLOWED to do that. 1. We take up less space on the freeway and for each motorcycle you see, that’s 1 less car on the road holding you back. 2. Motorcycles are either air cooled or have a limited water cooling capability. We simply CANNOT sit in traffic like a car does or our engines will overheat and likely cause more congestion rather than relieving it. 3. Does your car get 50+ mpg?
I’m not going to argue the point of the loud exhaust but if people in cars would pay more attention and use their signals before changing lanes, many riders wouldn’t feel the need to have loud exhausts on their machines simply to be heard instead of run over from an inattentive driver talking on a cell phone, feeding their face, putting on make-up or even reading.
There’s an old saying that you can’t know someone unless you walk a mile in their shoes. Before you get on a soap box and preach negative about something you don’t like. Try it yourself. I complain above about inattentive drivers from a motorcyclist’s aspect, but I’ve also BEEN in a car so I know both sides of the story so I have the facts. In your rant you only have half of it and sadly, that makes many of your statement misleading or flat out erroneous.
See I didn’t know all that. It makes sense, but at the same time still frustrating at times. I’m sure you being someone that both rides and drives can understand my frustration.
Those inattentive drivers are just as bad as bad riders, and I think we can both agree on that.
Anyway, I do appreciate you sharing your view. Not sure how you found my post, but thanks for constructively comments.
See I didn’t know all that. It makes sense, but at the same time still frustrating at times. I’m sure you being someone that both rides and drives can understand my frustration.
Those inattentive drivers are just as bad as bad riders, and I think we can both agree on that.
Anyway, I do appreciate you sharing your view. Not sure how you found my post, but thanks for constructively comments.
We actually can’t ride in the middle of the lane. The middle of the lane tends to contain the buildup of all the leaking cars on the road, which can potentially lead to traction issues for bikes.
The other reason we don’t stay in the middle of the lane is that we are constantly positioning ourselves in order to be the most visible to surrounding traffic, and have the easiest routes of escape in a bad situation. Most drivers check their mirrors and don’t signal, they tend to not check their blind spot. We are generally unseen by the masses until we’re zooming by you.
We actually can’t ride in the middle of the lane. The middle of the lane tends to contain the buildup of all the leaking cars on the road, which can potentially lead to traction issues for bikes.
The other reason we don’t stay in the middle of the lane is that we are constantly positioning ourselves in order to be the most visible to surrounding traffic, and have the easiest routes of escape in a bad situation. Most drivers check their mirrors and don’t signal, they tend to not check their blind spot. We are generally unseen by the masses until we’re zooming by you.
And that makes sense as well.
Thanks again. I’m done with my motorcycle rant.
And that makes sense as well.
Thanks again. I’m done with my motorcycle rant.
DanGarion, I’m a rider and a cager, like most of the motorcyclists who replied to this post. I can definitely appreciate your frustration. I also occasionally commute on my bicycle (12 miles each way), and interestingly enough the same issues come up. Drivers (and motorcyclists!) will often complain about how bicycles ride two abreast, “pretend to be cars” in the left turn lane, etc., and cyclists in turn accuse drivers of being too lazy or inept to handle their vehicles to the point of endangering bicycles, such as near misses due to cell phones / lattes.
All that said, I think the points you raise are totally fair. There exist total jackasses on bikes out there, and their assholery is more visible than the average cager’s, because the bike is a more manueverable, exposed, and thus more expressive form of transportation.
But just as we strive to avoid any kind of prejudicial profiling in other contexts, it’s important to remember that rants such as these can be perceived as a generalized attack. Much as I’d hate to be judged as an American by the degenerate monkey (no offense to primates, there’s just a striking resemblence), I hope to judge each car, driver, rider, whatever — by their own merits, and not fall victim to unfair generalizations.
DanGarion, I’m a rider and a cager, like most of the motorcyclists who replied to this post. I can definitely appreciate your frustration. I also occasionally commute on my bicycle (12 miles each way), and interestingly enough the same issues come up. Drivers (and motorcyclists!) will often complain about how bicycles ride two abreast, “pretend to be cars” in the left turn lane, etc., and cyclists in turn accuse drivers of being too lazy or inept to handle their vehicles to the point of endangering bicycles, such as near misses due to cell phones / lattes.
All that said, I think the points you raise are totally fair. There exist total jackasses on bikes out there, and their assholery is more visible than the average cager’s, because the bike is a more manueverable, exposed, and thus more expressive form of transportation.
But just as we strive to avoid any kind of prejudicial profiling in other contexts, it’s important to remember that rants such as these can be perceived as a generalized attack. Much as I’d hate to be judged as an American by the degenerate monkey (no offense to primates, there’s just a striking resemblence), I hope to judge each car, driver, rider, whatever — by their own merits, and not fall victim to unfair generalizations.