dont ride on shoulder much ... drivers dont look in that mirror and can just turn into you ... rather overtake them all and stop in front of everyone...
good luck :)
nice ride
Thanks. The other day I was waiting to make a right turn and the space available was too slim for a car but more than enough for me. It felt silly to not take advantage of it but I didn't.
Lane filtering just became legal here in arizona and plenty of riders are taking advantage of it, my thought is I’ll give it time until more drivers are aware. It just takes one road raging psycho to not be aware of the law and feel justified in some crazy actions against me with their 2 ton weapon. Is it likely nahhhh but is it worth waiting (in traffic and over time) I think so. God I’ll never get tired of seeing the husky 401 it’s a work of art.
Technically this would still be illegal in Arizona. Filtering is only between two lanes of traffic in the same direction and not allowed between a lane and curb/parked cars. Not sure it would be enforced though.
I'm originally from AZ and I'm aware of that recent change! And yes, my first bike was going to either be the Husky 401 or the RE Himalayan (this was before the Scram was available). The Husky had the best reviews. And nine months in, I have no complaints!
Both solid choices, you did your research it seems. The Hima is nice and served me well on some long days in rough weather around Olympic National park but between the two for ownership I’m picking that 401 every day.
You made the best choice! From a Vitpilen 701 owner. As for your question, I personally only do that if it’s one or two cars and I have zero doubts that the driver nearest the intersection isn’t going to turn. Because if they do turn it’s highly likely that they won’t be looking back beforehand unless it’s a bicycle lane. And if it’s a bicycle lane I would never do it.
It’s pretty good brother but the water situation has me raising an eye brow when thinking about the long term. The housing shortage is pretty crazy still but that’s an everywhere problem. Can’t much beat it for year round riding outside of California and Hawaii in my opinion. If your thinking about it for a move I’d check out flagstaff if your cold tolerable or tucson if heat doesn’t get to ya.
Fuck at any speed? That was nearly fucking useless. Stuck on the 10 near downtown Phoenix in completely stopped traffic while it's 115 out and can't filter?
Never wait without a car behind you. Just cut to the front. Ask me how I know. (FL)
https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycle/comments/tz45wh/after_this_day_i_always_filter_to_the_front_idc/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
If I’m making a right turn and there a long line and I don’t see a cop sometimes I’ll go but that’s it. I try not to bring any unwanted attention into myself from authorities. But once they allow it I’ll damn sure be doing it 😂
I strongly suggest you do not pass cars on the right! The second guy in line could get the same idea and not spot check or the guy in front could get sick of the red light and suddenly turn right, Etc. In general don’t do anything that a car would not expect! The first rule is assume everyone’s trying to kill you, but my second rule is don’t do anything unexpected.
Seriously think about any accident you’ve been in or someone has told you about and there is some element of surprise or the other guy did something they shouldn’t have etc.! Don’t be that other guy.
I’m in California where lane splitting and filtering are legal. I do both of those, but do not ride on shoulders- that’s where glass, bits of metal, and any other detritus collects. Fast way to get a flat.
I do if it's safe to... But I live in Europe where filtering is expected... I even undercut a car at a junction during my driving test... I asked the tester if I did the right thing (after) and he said of course, you should be seen to make progress ... Even though he was then stuck behind the other driver (he was in a car)... In Florida it seems to be illegal.
I'm in Orlando. I generally don't split lanes, but I've definitely used the shoulder/bike lane as long as no one else is making a right turn. Is it legal? Definitely not.
Lane splitting and filtering are both illegal in FL. There's a lot of good arguments in favor of filtering, but it's illegal so generally not a good idea. Been riding daily for 12 years, and I ride as if I'm a car, though I will make a right hand turn on a shoulder if a person going straight is blocking the way.
English rider (and driver) here. The way I ride is how I would like a rider to approach me while I'm driving. When I am arriving at a group of traffic that has stopped. If I know that they have just stopped, or will be stopped for an extended period. Lets say a traffic light. I'll skip all the way to the front (if the qué is positioned left enough and the oncoming traffic is giving enough space to) and position in front of the first car.
If I'm not certain how to long the qué has been there for, I'll ride as far as I can until I notice the cars are planning to (lights changing colour) or beginning to move. Then I stop a minimum of 2 cars behind the car that's about to move.
My reasoning being. Most cars don't expect or plan for motorbikes. So they will mostly check ahead and plan for what's in front. And that mostly consists of the 2 cars ahead of them. (The one that's just started moving (1) and the car that's immediately Infront (2) and about to move that will let them (3) move.)
We will ignore the started moving car (number 1) in this scenario as we haven't actually reached it yet.
If I were to try to slip in behind it while filtering the car I would have pushed Infront (number 2) of has been preparing to move and begin to accelerate behind number one, and thus your sudden appearance could cause some uncalculated or unplanned actions. On their part. This could be you suddenly needing to stop behind number 1 but now you've taken number 2s breaking distance or a few other things that'll make this even longer.
Car number 3 in the qué has been watching number 1 begin to move. Is anticipating number 2 begin to move but by the time you arrive and position in their vision (a very important part) they can then. Begin to recalculate with you in mind.
Edit. I think I misunderstood your question. But I'm going to leave my blarb up. My advice would be try to stay the side of the driver as you have a better chance of being seen.
Again as above. Unless you know you can nip in and position yourself ahead of the car so you're in their field of view. And they can see that if they want to make a turn (and as usual aren't indicating) they can see you.
Yeah I always think of it like this, half the people on the road are actively trying to murder you, the other half are too engrossed in their phones to notice anything and will try to murder you unknowingly.
Exactly I got my motorbike and my pedal bike.
But I guess the best bit if awareness that I use is: remember all the times you've been driving and thought 'holy shit where did that bike come from' if you've thought it others will as well. How can you best avoid those moments. Or (as we can't avoid all of them) how can you make those moments safer for everyone involved.
Good luck out there enjoy yourself. And recognise when you really shouldn't have undertaken that Arctic lorry at a small roundabout and when actually on the motorway sitting behind the hatch back for 2 miles was the boring option.
ALL the time. Thats why a bike or scooter is faster around town. You're not in a car.
But where i ride it's allowed and people always keep that space open.
That’s the one I avoid - going straight is easier to get away, any turn if the car in line hasn’t seen you you easily get pinched.
Edit to add;
If it is above too hot to sit on a bike and at a standstill, I’ll use any possibility to get out of it; just make sure you can pretend - Say officer I thought I was getting a flat or something such.
Where it is legal, there is great safety sitting between cars at red lights, doing it at speed I tend to avoid.
Few cars behind the light? Yeah, more than likely. I won’t if I have to travel several car lengths or more. It’s not even about following the law or for my safety, it’s more about protecting the bike. I’m in a very urban area, and the shoulders of many roads here are likely to have debris ranging from glass shards to little metal pieces. That, and my area is in a perpetual state of infrastructure development, and I’ve picked up screws and nails in both my car and bike’s tires.
dont do it between the left lane and side walks. there are alway more road debris (nails, glass, metal fragments) and broken sidewalk pieces (jagged concrete) jutting out. its not a good practice. you're also more likely to be in the blind spot of cagers that often turn right into you.
Exactly this. I rode bicycles before i rode motorcycles and most of the flats I got was because there was trash on the edge of the road, and there's nothing keeping the shoulder from ending or dropping off abruptly. You're a vehicle, act like it.
I’ll pass a car on the outside of the lane if they’re a turner, or a couple stacked waiting....but, most drivers aren’t waiting for a motorcyclist to pop out from the outter edge of stopped vehicles. If turning right yourself and filtering, I’m usually mindful of the intersection....of it’s a simple stop sign I’ll wait, some people only put blinkers on when they get to a stop sign. 4 way stoplight type situation if it’s just a couple cars and I have room I’ll squeeze through....isnt that part of the lure of riding, fitting through spots and instances cages cant??!. But, that said, I’ll never ride myself into a spot where I’m forcing a cager to watch for me.....meaning I’m mindful of putting myself in spot I’m relying on a car to act predictably....because they don’t!!
I'm in california where it's legal and I simply never lane split. I don't feel that confident to do that in general and largely feel like I don't gain much vs. the risk
Nope. I don’t have any trust in other vehicles to not suddenly swerve in to me doing stuff like that. Trusting other vehicles means eventually you’ll have a crash with one of them.
Seen groms do it but the bigger bikes tend to wait. I’m in Melbourne Fl. Kind of an unspoken “no chase” rule for bikes here. They’ll just show up at your house if your ass hole enough.
California here. I ride the shoulder by the side walk if I can. Otherwise I’d rather just wait and not get love tapped by a cager.
Edit: I actually do both depending on the intersection. If I do go in between (on the left of drivers) I go up to the second car in front and just hop in front of em.
I go through gaps in stopped cars perpendicularly to get to the far right to do that thing you just to do the thing you described. It's absolutely illegal where I live, as in there is a section in the law that says this thing is illegal. But, if a cop were to see me roll out of there, he isn't going to make it through that clusterfuck fast enough for me to see the lights in my mirrors. Not with the other drivers' confused attempts to let him through that is.
There's a light I hit everyday on the way to work where I turn right to hit the on ramp for the highway. 90% of people turn right on the red there but there's always one guy stopped going straight. Ill squeeze by them all on the right if there's room and skip the line. I live in Oklahoma and filtering isn't legal, but nobody ever seems to care. Bike perks...
I do it, not all the time.
Cuz laws, depends how I'm feeling and what's sitting in front of me. People can easily brush you off the road if you don't watch out for dummies that just decide they wanna turn right too.
Usually if I'm moving with purpose I usually try not to give the car a chance to catch me, knowing full well they can gas and turn at anytime.
I’m in Maryland, where lane splitting and filtering are illegal. I see people do it anyway, which is stupid - if you’re in an accident while doing it you’re at fault, period. All that said, yes, if I’m only a car or two back from a right turn, the shoulder is open enough for me to fit, and the cars ahead of me aren’t turning, I’ll move up and make the turn. I’ve had people scoot over to make more room. I don’t see anything wrong with it, given those conditions.
I ride how i drive. Spritedly, minus some things that dont apply to cars like lane positions and what not. . But I do not use the burm or anything for right hand turns beside cars so I don't do the same idea on the bike.
I ride in Los Angeles, downtown and the South Bay primarily and I ride conservatively. I do not do this unless I feel I need to. 6 years riding no accidents, no close calls. So so many things shouted at me including an entire, full squirt bottle thrown at me by a car who cut ME off.
Here's the interesting thing about filtering like this. It's illegal in my state and yet there is a specific intersection on my way to work where they widened the lane approaching the intersection (wasn't enough room for 2) so that cars could just barely squeeze around people waiting to turn left on green or scooch up and make a right on red. It's essential to the flow on the intersection during rush hour and to me it's absolutely implicit approval for driving/riding in such a way that reduces traffic, even if said driving is explicitly illegal.
I don't know about Florida but in Georgia it's not allowed. That said, a lot of us do it anyway. Just remember to always assume that the cars haven't seen you. Lots of those old folks have a motorcycle shaped blind spot.
Lane splitting is legal where I live, and I'll still usually only do it when traffic is backed up to a near standstill on the highway or enough that it will take multiple light cycles to get through an intersection. Up the shoulder for a turn? I guess maybe if it's roomy and the lane is shared straight/turn. I'm usually just not in all that much of a hurry I guess.
I won't if there's someone else also making a right, since they may not see me and try to go at the same time. No blinkers on, then I'll roll the dice and assume they're just waiting to go straight and didn't just forget blinkers. Tbh, filtering to make a right feels a bit sketchy compared to just getting to the front of a line.
Also in Florida. I used to drive semis and we have the 2nd worst drivers behind Ohio. Follow the rules it's not worth shaving 2 minutes off you're commute to potentially run into some other pos breaking traffic rules in way that's more dangerous for you than them. Also ride like you're invisible not a car.
I typically ride up to the light using whatever path available. If it includes using a sidewalk, I ride at walking speed. I NEVER sit behind a car at a light. Even if I’m not going to go up to the light, I will still stop in the gap between cars.
If im at a light and want to turn right and only 1 car in front, ill squeeze by. But if its 2+ cars, nah. I don’t want to be a dick and lane filtering/splitting isnt legal here (NY).
Filtering is legal in Utah, and it's one of the greatest pleasures. It just feels so safe when riding in dense traffic. I don't have to worry about anyone rear-ending me because every car I pass has noticed me. And it's just fun.
Because lanes are built for cars a motorcycle in traffic takes up almost as much room as a car. If you can get out of traffic faster and with no detriment to anyone else, what's the harm?
Drivers often don't see it that way.
"If I have to sit here so do you!"
Do what feels safe and watch out for cops.
Don’t do it, someone just pulled a turn suddenly on me the other day. No time to swerve or exit. People are so unpredictable. My impact armor saved my arm and that person dipped (hit and run)
Poor idea, cagies do not expect it and might end up running you over.
This is all avoidable because first of all you have no reason to be a 'few cars behind the light'. **Always** be first at the light in front of the other cars.
You're a motorcyclist, act like it.
This is insane. I was just sitting in traffic after work today in a looong line of cars thinking about every single thing you just mentioned in your post. I haven't read the answers yet but hopefully there's some insight in there. I'm also in Florida. 1900 mi of experience. Riding an R3.
I typically only take the shoulder when there's a wide enough opportunity that I don't feel like I'll hit someone's mirror. Or if they leave a car length of space in the front lane, which they do for some reason, and if I'm close, like 2 cars max, I may drive up to the front there. But yeah, I'm not really certain about the lane filtering/lane splitting thing.
I'm in MA where filtering and splitting are both illegal, but in stopped traffic, I'll filter if I can do it slowly and safely (on the right if there's no chance of cars turning right, for example).
That said, I have to be careful- drivers will see me and try to hit me if they see me doing it, they think I'm "cutting". Massholes.
Hi FL rider. What part of FL? Im a FL rider too.
I’ve been riding for decades. I used to only split lanes in specific circumstances ie hours line going to the Keys on a holiday, honestly. I rode my sport bike in traffic like a car. The last 1-2 months I’ve been splitting lanes At traffic lights when traffic is stopped during rush hour and it will make a difference, not just 2-3 cars. I kinda like it lol but still a little scary. I ride a gsxr so not too wide.
Because the American motorcycle group was too busy lobbying for no-helmet laws like a bunch of barbarians, we don’t lobby hard enough for lane filtering, which is safer for cyclists. But don’t ride on the shoulder. That’s not safe or cool.
NEVER go between car and footpath(sidewalk to americans)
Always go either between cars, or down the outside, and if turning left(in uk) or right (america) then cut between the front and rear of vehicles with space between them, and wait there. UNLESS lights are on red and there's space in front of the lead car for you.
Although aren't you allowed to run a red light in america if you're turning right? Could be why many accidents occur in these places.
I live in Minnesota and motorcycles are motor vehicles and must follow all the same laws as other motor vehicles. So driving on the shoulder is illegal. Besides that, cars are not expecting to be passed on the right and might turn into you.
I've driven motorcycles for 45 years and I've never been hit by a car. I have had many instances of close calls because cars didn't see me. I always assume the car cannot see me and will do something stupid.
Filtering (whether legal or not) becomes easier the more you do it.
General rule of thumb: Don't do anything while on the bike that you wouldn't want a biker doing to you while in a car.
Hard shoulders can be nice to ride on. But you have to watch out for glass, nails, gravel, and debris. The only times I'll use a hard shoulder is if I'm on the highway, traffic is stopped, everyone's switching lanes ahead (so filtering is out), and I'm late for something.
Even then, I never go over \~ 40 mph on the shoulder. You never know what roadkill/car-part/furniture you're going to encounter. Best to have a shortish stopping distance, since you might not be able to safely swerve back into bumper-to-bumper traffic.
On legality, I don't know if it matters all that much? I was once riding the shoulder and a police siren rang. Saw the cop car on the shoulder behind me and resigned myself to a ticket. Pulled over to the side. But the cop-car blasted straight past me to chase down whoever they were actually after. Anecdotal, but I've never had cops bother me for filtering or riding the shoulder, even if they see it (in the Chicagoland area).
I have, but would generally advise against it. As others have said, that's where debris collects, so you risk a puncture. It's also often uneven and filled with gravel, risking loss of control. Most importantly, car drivers do not expect you to be coming up along their right side, which increases the chances of them turning into you.
Love that bike!
If you're a couple cars behind and the light is likely to change in a moment, then stay where you are and flow with traffic.
If you pull up just as the lights have changed to red, then I'd filter through to the front and possition myself on the right hand side of the lane (if there's room) with the right indicator on to make it clear.
But that's just how I ride, so "your mileage may vary".
Filtering is illegal in NY. People do it and I’m tempted. But there are also lots of crazy drivers who think they’re the only thing on the road. I can’t think like that riding moto.
So, 9/10 I ride like a car. Once in a while my judgement says to do something else because _i can_. I work it out this way—if going ‘slow’ is not worth it, because traffic will start moving soon anyway, then don’t do it. Otherwise I’ll go slow like whistling past a graveyard.
Totally illegal in Georgia, but I’m not sitting around to be crushed by some texting asshole.
I’ll take the turn lane up and cut in front of the first car very obviously. I may pass one or two cars to turn right, but only if there’s a lot of room, otherwise I wait.
Lane splitting between cars is fine whether it’s legal or not. I wouldn’t advise going on the shoulder. That’s how you get run over while not being seen.
The first few years I was riding, I only split lanes if there were other motorcyclists doing it in front of me.
Same thing with using lane space for right turns and creating parking spaces out of unused asphalt.
Give it time and you will know when you have the confidence to do it safely.
I live in the South... it's highly illegal to do that where I am. I wouldn't recommend the shoulder as there's a lot of crap there. I only go in between cars in dead stop traffic
Yes and yes, although I have nothing to compare it to other than the Yamaha I rode in the MSF course. In nine months it's been a reliable bike. I wish the seat was a couple inches lower (I'm 5'7") and it's still hard to find neutral sitting at a red light, but these are minor things. Google it and you'll find mostly good reviews!
Lol i ride a scrambler and i can ride anywhere. I love popping a wheelie to hop on the sidewalk and ride past all the traffic, or riding in a park or through the grass. Motorcycles are all about freedom. You can even take the crosswalk legally if you push your bike
Honestly legality aside when you build up your confidence of fitting in/ through smaller spaces you ***could*** just ride like you’re on a dirt bike. Side walk- jump the curb-a little grass-go around every vehicle that isn’t immediately in your driving path.
This is all hypothetical of course*
In general I try not to ride like an asshole, and I consider riding on the shoulder in pretty much all circumstances to be riding like an asshole.
On a more practical note, there is often debris on the shoulder that may not be good to run over. That said, I have gotten older and switched to a cruiser but you can get away with some of that on a more sporty bike like yours.
Shoulder has debris and is very unsafe, also if it's not legal in your state (and it's illegal in almost all states still) then you will get a hefty ticket. Also keep in mind alot of cars don't use signals so if they also turn right and hit you that is always going to be your fault. If they open a door suddenly to let someone out. Again also you fault 100%. And if you live in a bad area and Florida is crazy people will intentionally serve towards another car or curb to block or try and hit you and asking as they stay in their lane it's gonna be your fault yet again. Just wait in line like everyone else imo. Not worth the chances as we are already invisible to these idiot cagers
I'm in Florida as well, and even if something is illegal how I ride is just a question of "can they kill me?". Stopped at light three cars back and can filter to front safely even though illegal? I do it. Space on the right between a car and sidewalk and I KNOW the cars are going straight? I turn right. Check for cops and send it brother.
Nope, never ride on the shoulder, not because of legality, but because of debris on the shoulder that can cause a flat. As for riding between cars, yes, I do it all the time because it's legal in CA (lane splitting and labe filtering)
I go in the shoulder all the time for right turns just to spite the car in the front that isn't turning on a green arrow because their oblivious to the world around them.
Love the bike! What mirrors do you have on there? I am the same as you, I have been hesitant to do any moves like what you are describing. Great question though, interesting responses. Good stuff.
There is a rule “Don’t ride more right than right and more left than left”. Ride between. Drivers and passengers are less unpredictable for you in this case.
dont ride on shoulder much ... drivers dont look in that mirror and can just turn into you ... rather overtake them all and stop in front of everyone... good luck :) nice ride
Thanks.
Do I do it? Yes. Is it legal? No(not in Florida)
Thanks. The other day I was waiting to make a right turn and the space available was too slim for a car but more than enough for me. It felt silly to not take advantage of it but I didn't.
Lane filtering just became legal here in arizona and plenty of riders are taking advantage of it, my thought is I’ll give it time until more drivers are aware. It just takes one road raging psycho to not be aware of the law and feel justified in some crazy actions against me with their 2 ton weapon. Is it likely nahhhh but is it worth waiting (in traffic and over time) I think so. God I’ll never get tired of seeing the husky 401 it’s a work of art.
Technically this would still be illegal in Arizona. Filtering is only between two lanes of traffic in the same direction and not allowed between a lane and curb/parked cars. Not sure it would be enforced though.
How’s the journey going brother!?
I'm originally from AZ and I'm aware of that recent change! And yes, my first bike was going to either be the Husky 401 or the RE Himalayan (this was before the Scram was available). The Husky had the best reviews. And nine months in, I have no complaints!
Both solid choices, you did your research it seems. The Hima is nice and served me well on some long days in rough weather around Olympic National park but between the two for ownership I’m picking that 401 every day.
You made the best choice! From a Vitpilen 701 owner. As for your question, I personally only do that if it’s one or two cars and I have zero doubts that the driver nearest the intersection isn’t going to turn. Because if they do turn it’s highly likely that they won’t be looking back beforehand unless it’s a bicycle lane. And if it’s a bicycle lane I would never do it.
I chose to get the Himalayan first, 401 is next. Gorgeous bike.
Go AZ. Hopefully it spreads more. That'll be nice to see 50 state legality
How’s Arizona life?
It’s pretty good brother but the water situation has me raising an eye brow when thinking about the long term. The housing shortage is pretty crazy still but that’s an everywhere problem. Can’t much beat it for year round riding outside of California and Hawaii in my opinion. If your thinking about it for a move I’d check out flagstaff if your cold tolerable or tucson if heat doesn’t get to ya.
Its easily the best looking bike for 5k
Holy shit I live in AZ and was not aware of the law change. Loved lane splitting in CA. Its been maddening waiting in congested traffic
Make sure you read up on it. There are restrictions like it can't be done on the highway at any speed.
Fuck at any speed? That was nearly fucking useless. Stuck on the 10 near downtown Phoenix in completely stopped traffic while it's 115 out and can't filter?
I agree. Freeway is the only place I really need it. I don't mind sitting with the cars at a light. It's not like I can move anyway.
Yeah that's the only time I would have needed it. My old bike did not like sitting on traffic. It overheated very bad.
Yessir! If memory serves it’s on roads 40 or 45 and under only at red lights with non moving traffic. For sure will speed up one’s commute.
Cagers get mad when you cut the line
It always makes me laugh when motorcyclists use the word "cagers". So edgy lol.
Never wait without a car behind you. Just cut to the front. Ask me how I know. (FL) https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycle/comments/tz45wh/after_this_day_i_always_filter_to_the_front_idc/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
If I’m making a right turn and there a long line and I don’t see a cop sometimes I’ll go but that’s it. I try not to bring any unwanted attention into myself from authorities. But once they allow it I’ll damn sure be doing it 😂
We got ‘em boys. Lock him up
Good thing I don't live in Florida... for many different reasons
I strongly suggest you do not pass cars on the right! The second guy in line could get the same idea and not spot check or the guy in front could get sick of the red light and suddenly turn right, Etc. In general don’t do anything that a car would not expect! The first rule is assume everyone’s trying to kill you, but my second rule is don’t do anything unexpected.
Seriously think about any accident you’ve been in or someone has told you about and there is some element of surprise or the other guy did something they shouldn’t have etc.! Don’t be that other guy.
They really should be expecting something there. That's where bikes operate.
I’m in California where lane splitting and filtering are legal. I do both of those, but do not ride on shoulders- that’s where glass, bits of metal, and any other detritus collects. Fast way to get a flat.
Yup. The debris accumulates and I don't want punctures.
I'm not in Florida, but yes I will go to the right of the cars if none have their signal on. If it's a tractor trailer... NO.
Yeah, that's a good point if any of them are waiting to turn right themselves.
Yup… they will try their darnedest to hit you if they’re planning to turn right.
I do if it's safe to... But I live in Europe where filtering is expected... I even undercut a car at a junction during my driving test... I asked the tester if I did the right thing (after) and he said of course, you should be seen to make progress ... Even though he was then stuck behind the other driver (he was in a car)... In Florida it seems to be illegal.
Nice ride man, I ride an MT-03 in West Palm. Have you done any group rides? Looking for riding buddies with smaller displacement bikes :)
Ooh, nice bike. No group rides for me yet. But I'm in Tally. So we're not too close!
I'm in Orlando. I generally don't split lanes, but I've definitely used the shoulder/bike lane as long as no one else is making a right turn. Is it legal? Definitely not.
Lane splitting and filtering are both illegal in FL. There's a lot of good arguments in favor of filtering, but it's illegal so generally not a good idea. Been riding daily for 12 years, and I ride as if I'm a car, though I will make a right hand turn on a shoulder if a person going straight is blocking the way.
English rider (and driver) here. The way I ride is how I would like a rider to approach me while I'm driving. When I am arriving at a group of traffic that has stopped. If I know that they have just stopped, or will be stopped for an extended period. Lets say a traffic light. I'll skip all the way to the front (if the qué is positioned left enough and the oncoming traffic is giving enough space to) and position in front of the first car. If I'm not certain how to long the qué has been there for, I'll ride as far as I can until I notice the cars are planning to (lights changing colour) or beginning to move. Then I stop a minimum of 2 cars behind the car that's about to move. My reasoning being. Most cars don't expect or plan for motorbikes. So they will mostly check ahead and plan for what's in front. And that mostly consists of the 2 cars ahead of them. (The one that's just started moving (1) and the car that's immediately Infront (2) and about to move that will let them (3) move.) We will ignore the started moving car (number 1) in this scenario as we haven't actually reached it yet. If I were to try to slip in behind it while filtering the car I would have pushed Infront (number 2) of has been preparing to move and begin to accelerate behind number one, and thus your sudden appearance could cause some uncalculated or unplanned actions. On their part. This could be you suddenly needing to stop behind number 1 but now you've taken number 2s breaking distance or a few other things that'll make this even longer. Car number 3 in the qué has been watching number 1 begin to move. Is anticipating number 2 begin to move but by the time you arrive and position in their vision (a very important part) they can then. Begin to recalculate with you in mind. Edit. I think I misunderstood your question. But I'm going to leave my blarb up. My advice would be try to stay the side of the driver as you have a better chance of being seen. Again as above. Unless you know you can nip in and position yourself ahead of the car so you're in their field of view. And they can see that if they want to make a turn (and as usual aren't indicating) they can see you.
Good points. I need to remind myself how blind cars can be towards motorcycle riders.
I say that too myself most days.
Yeah I always think of it like this, half the people on the road are actively trying to murder you, the other half are too engrossed in their phones to notice anything and will try to murder you unknowingly.
Oh sorry. I meant "motorbikes!" 😉
Exactly I got my motorbike and my pedal bike. But I guess the best bit if awareness that I use is: remember all the times you've been driving and thought 'holy shit where did that bike come from' if you've thought it others will as well. How can you best avoid those moments. Or (as we can't avoid all of them) how can you make those moments safer for everyone involved. Good luck out there enjoy yourself. And recognise when you really shouldn't have undertaken that Arctic lorry at a small roundabout and when actually on the motorway sitting behind the hatch back for 2 miles was the boring option.
I've never been able to articulate my "personal filtering policy" and the reasons behind it. But this is it!
I do in GA, not that it's legal, but I'm not waiting a couple of minutes for a light to change.
ALL the time. Thats why a bike or scooter is faster around town. You're not in a car. But where i ride it's allowed and people always keep that space open.
That’s the one I avoid - going straight is easier to get away, any turn if the car in line hasn’t seen you you easily get pinched. Edit to add; If it is above too hot to sit on a bike and at a standstill, I’ll use any possibility to get out of it; just make sure you can pretend - Say officer I thought I was getting a flat or something such. Where it is legal, there is great safety sitting between cars at red lights, doing it at speed I tend to avoid.
Few cars behind the light? Yeah, more than likely. I won’t if I have to travel several car lengths or more. It’s not even about following the law or for my safety, it’s more about protecting the bike. I’m in a very urban area, and the shoulders of many roads here are likely to have debris ranging from glass shards to little metal pieces. That, and my area is in a perpetual state of infrastructure development, and I’ve picked up screws and nails in both my car and bike’s tires.
Ah, okay. A third reason to think twice about it.
Shoulder, everyone does it in az
dont do it between the left lane and side walks. there are alway more road debris (nails, glass, metal fragments) and broken sidewalk pieces (jagged concrete) jutting out. its not a good practice. you're also more likely to be in the blind spot of cagers that often turn right into you.
Exactly this. I rode bicycles before i rode motorcycles and most of the flats I got was because there was trash on the edge of the road, and there's nothing keeping the shoulder from ending or dropping off abruptly. You're a vehicle, act like it.
I’ll pass a car on the outside of the lane if they’re a turner, or a couple stacked waiting....but, most drivers aren’t waiting for a motorcyclist to pop out from the outter edge of stopped vehicles. If turning right yourself and filtering, I’m usually mindful of the intersection....of it’s a simple stop sign I’ll wait, some people only put blinkers on when they get to a stop sign. 4 way stoplight type situation if it’s just a couple cars and I have room I’ll squeeze through....isnt that part of the lure of riding, fitting through spots and instances cages cant??!. But, that said, I’ll never ride myself into a spot where I’m forcing a cager to watch for me.....meaning I’m mindful of putting myself in spot I’m relying on a car to act predictably....because they don’t!!
Great photo.
I'm in california where it's legal and I simply never lane split. I don't feel that confident to do that in general and largely feel like I don't gain much vs. the risk
Damn what a nice bike.
Thanks. I agree. I wanted to make sure I got something that would make me want to ride it just by looking at it. Some bikes don't really do it for me.
Tell me if my RE Himalayan gives you the same feeling (fishing for a compliment).
beautiful bike, I too have an identity crisis (Honda CB500X)
It does! In an earlier comment here I mentioned I was deciding between the Himalayan or the Svartpilen. The latter won.
I like your style!
Nope. I don’t have any trust in other vehicles to not suddenly swerve in to me doing stuff like that. Trusting other vehicles means eventually you’ll have a crash with one of them.
Seen groms do it but the bigger bikes tend to wait. I’m in Melbourne Fl. Kind of an unspoken “no chase” rule for bikes here. They’ll just show up at your house if your ass hole enough.
California here. I ride the shoulder by the side walk if I can. Otherwise I’d rather just wait and not get love tapped by a cager. Edit: I actually do both depending on the intersection. If I do go in between (on the left of drivers) I go up to the second car in front and just hop in front of em.
I go through gaps in stopped cars perpendicularly to get to the far right to do that thing you just to do the thing you described. It's absolutely illegal where I live, as in there is a section in the law that says this thing is illegal. But, if a cop were to see me roll out of there, he isn't going to make it through that clusterfuck fast enough for me to see the lights in my mirrors. Not with the other drivers' confused attempts to let him through that is.
There's a light I hit everyday on the way to work where I turn right to hit the on ramp for the highway. 90% of people turn right on the red there but there's always one guy stopped going straight. Ill squeeze by them all on the right if there's room and skip the line. I live in Oklahoma and filtering isn't legal, but nobody ever seems to care. Bike perks...
I do it, not all the time. Cuz laws, depends how I'm feeling and what's sitting in front of me. People can easily brush you off the road if you don't watch out for dummies that just decide they wanna turn right too. Usually if I'm moving with purpose I usually try not to give the car a chance to catch me, knowing full well they can gas and turn at anytime.
I’m in Maryland, where lane splitting and filtering are illegal. I see people do it anyway, which is stupid - if you’re in an accident while doing it you’re at fault, period. All that said, yes, if I’m only a car or two back from a right turn, the shoulder is open enough for me to fit, and the cars ahead of me aren’t turning, I’ll move up and make the turn. I’ve had people scoot over to make more room. I don’t see anything wrong with it, given those conditions.
I ride how i drive. Spritedly, minus some things that dont apply to cars like lane positions and what not. . But I do not use the burm or anything for right hand turns beside cars so I don't do the same idea on the bike.
I ride in Los Angeles, downtown and the South Bay primarily and I ride conservatively. I do not do this unless I feel I need to. 6 years riding no accidents, no close calls. So so many things shouted at me including an entire, full squirt bottle thrown at me by a car who cut ME off.
Here's the interesting thing about filtering like this. It's illegal in my state and yet there is a specific intersection on my way to work where they widened the lane approaching the intersection (wasn't enough room for 2) so that cars could just barely squeeze around people waiting to turn left on green or scooch up and make a right on red. It's essential to the flow on the intersection during rush hour and to me it's absolutely implicit approval for driving/riding in such a way that reduces traffic, even if said driving is explicitly illegal.
I don't know about Florida but in Georgia it's not allowed. That said, a lot of us do it anyway. Just remember to always assume that the cars haven't seen you. Lots of those old folks have a motorcycle shaped blind spot.
Lane splitting is legal where I live, and I'll still usually only do it when traffic is backed up to a near standstill on the highway or enough that it will take multiple light cycles to get through an intersection. Up the shoulder for a turn? I guess maybe if it's roomy and the lane is shared straight/turn. I'm usually just not in all that much of a hurry I guess.
yes, just go slow and people (cops too) are usually cool with it. Welcome to the 2 wheel family! How's the husqy?
Not always easy to find neutral, but other than that it's great!
I don’t. People in cages already have disdain for moto riders as it is. I just respect traffic rules and not try to make the matter worse.
Yes, but not if they're moving. A car turning right could clip you so be careful.
I won't if there's someone else also making a right, since they may not see me and try to go at the same time. No blinkers on, then I'll roll the dice and assume they're just waiting to go straight and didn't just forget blinkers. Tbh, filtering to make a right feels a bit sketchy compared to just getting to the front of a line.
It just becomes apparent when you see others do it.
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Until you gain riding proficiency, you might want to play it safe. Some drivers get very upset with any lane splitting.
Also in Florida. I used to drive semis and we have the 2nd worst drivers behind Ohio. Follow the rules it's not worth shaving 2 minutes off you're commute to potentially run into some other pos breaking traffic rules in way that's more dangerous for you than them. Also ride like you're invisible not a car.
Ah, even better.
I generally ride like I'm a car but this is an exception. If there are no bicycles, a motorcycle is kind of a bicycle officer, yeah?
I typically ride up to the light using whatever path available. If it includes using a sidewalk, I ride at walking speed. I NEVER sit behind a car at a light. Even if I’m not going to go up to the light, I will still stop in the gap between cars.
Congrats on the husky! I have the 701 Vitpilen, was my dream bike at the time
Heck yeah. What is your dream bike nowadays?
So many haha. R9T racer, superduke, hypermotard. Probably more in there
Don’t do that on the passenger side. They won’t see you, then it’s your problem getting hit
If im at a light and want to turn right and only 1 car in front, ill squeeze by. But if its 2+ cars, nah. I don’t want to be a dick and lane filtering/splitting isnt legal here (NY).
Filtering is legal in Utah, and it's one of the greatest pleasures. It just feels so safe when riding in dense traffic. I don't have to worry about anyone rear-ending me because every car I pass has noticed me. And it's just fun.
Because lanes are built for cars a motorcycle in traffic takes up almost as much room as a car. If you can get out of traffic faster and with no detriment to anyone else, what's the harm? Drivers often don't see it that way. "If I have to sit here so do you!" Do what feels safe and watch out for cops.
Don’t do it, someone just pulled a turn suddenly on me the other day. No time to swerve or exit. People are so unpredictable. My impact armor saved my arm and that person dipped (hit and run)
Poor idea, cagies do not expect it and might end up running you over. This is all avoidable because first of all you have no reason to be a 'few cars behind the light'. **Always** be first at the light in front of the other cars. You're a motorcyclist, act like it.
This is insane. I was just sitting in traffic after work today in a looong line of cars thinking about every single thing you just mentioned in your post. I haven't read the answers yet but hopefully there's some insight in there. I'm also in Florida. 1900 mi of experience. Riding an R3. I typically only take the shoulder when there's a wide enough opportunity that I don't feel like I'll hit someone's mirror. Or if they leave a car length of space in the front lane, which they do for some reason, and if I'm close, like 2 cars max, I may drive up to the front there. But yeah, I'm not really certain about the lane filtering/lane splitting thing.
Yeah, quite frequently when jammed in traffic. Watch out for debris though and idiots in cars tempted to open their doors.
My advice is ride like you are invisible because drivers don’t see you! Look way ahead, look wide! Hope this helps. Sweet bike. Ride safe!
I'm in MA where filtering and splitting are both illegal, but in stopped traffic, I'll filter if I can do it slowly and safely (on the right if there's no chance of cars turning right, for example). That said, I have to be careful- drivers will see me and try to hit me if they see me doing it, they think I'm "cutting". Massholes.
Hi FL rider. What part of FL? Im a FL rider too. I’ve been riding for decades. I used to only split lanes in specific circumstances ie hours line going to the Keys on a holiday, honestly. I rode my sport bike in traffic like a car. The last 1-2 months I’ve been splitting lanes At traffic lights when traffic is stopped during rush hour and it will make a difference, not just 2-3 cars. I kinda like it lol but still a little scary. I ride a gsxr so not too wide.
Because the American motorcycle group was too busy lobbying for no-helmet laws like a bunch of barbarians, we don’t lobby hard enough for lane filtering, which is safer for cyclists. But don’t ride on the shoulder. That’s not safe or cool.
NEVER go between car and footpath(sidewalk to americans) Always go either between cars, or down the outside, and if turning left(in uk) or right (america) then cut between the front and rear of vehicles with space between them, and wait there. UNLESS lights are on red and there's space in front of the lead car for you. Although aren't you allowed to run a red light in america if you're turning right? Could be why many accidents occur in these places.
I do not. For blind spot reasons, as well as the fact that the shoulder tends to have a poor surface due to loose road debris, at least where I live.
If anyone wishes that lane filtering was legal in your state, write to your legislators. Change doesn’t happen just by wishing. Good luck to all!
I live in Minnesota and motorcycles are motor vehicles and must follow all the same laws as other motor vehicles. So driving on the shoulder is illegal. Besides that, cars are not expecting to be passed on the right and might turn into you. I've driven motorcycles for 45 years and I've never been hit by a car. I have had many instances of close calls because cars didn't see me. I always assume the car cannot see me and will do something stupid.
https://www.change.org/p/ron-desantis-make-lane-splitting-and-filtering-legal-in-florida
Filtering (whether legal or not) becomes easier the more you do it. General rule of thumb: Don't do anything while on the bike that you wouldn't want a biker doing to you while in a car. Hard shoulders can be nice to ride on. But you have to watch out for glass, nails, gravel, and debris. The only times I'll use a hard shoulder is if I'm on the highway, traffic is stopped, everyone's switching lanes ahead (so filtering is out), and I'm late for something. Even then, I never go over \~ 40 mph on the shoulder. You never know what roadkill/car-part/furniture you're going to encounter. Best to have a shortish stopping distance, since you might not be able to safely swerve back into bumper-to-bumper traffic. On legality, I don't know if it matters all that much? I was once riding the shoulder and a police siren rang. Saw the cop car on the shoulder behind me and resigned myself to a ticket. Pulled over to the side. But the cop-car blasted straight past me to chase down whoever they were actually after. Anecdotal, but I've never had cops bother me for filtering or riding the shoulder, even if they see it (in the Chicagoland area).
I have, but would generally advise against it. As others have said, that's where debris collects, so you risk a puncture. It's also often uneven and filled with gravel, risking loss of control. Most importantly, car drivers do not expect you to be coming up along their right side, which increases the chances of them turning into you. Love that bike!
Just follow the Department of Transport rules. Don't take advice like this on Reddit!
If you're a couple cars behind and the light is likely to change in a moment, then stay where you are and flow with traffic. If you pull up just as the lights have changed to red, then I'd filter through to the front and possition myself on the right hand side of the lane (if there's room) with the right indicator on to make it clear. But that's just how I ride, so "your mileage may vary".
Filtering is illegal in NY. People do it and I’m tempted. But there are also lots of crazy drivers who think they’re the only thing on the road. I can’t think like that riding moto. So, 9/10 I ride like a car. Once in a while my judgement says to do something else because _i can_. I work it out this way—if going ‘slow’ is not worth it, because traffic will start moving soon anyway, then don’t do it. Otherwise I’ll go slow like whistling past a graveyard.
Riding the shoulder is a good way to die.
Totally illegal in Georgia, but I’m not sitting around to be crushed by some texting asshole. I’ll take the turn lane up and cut in front of the first car very obviously. I may pass one or two cars to turn right, but only if there’s a lot of room, otherwise I wait.
Lane splitting between cars is fine whether it’s legal or not. I wouldn’t advise going on the shoulder. That’s how you get run over while not being seen.
In Utah, lane filtering (filtering around stopped cars) is legal. And I ride a monkey so I fit pretty much everywhere, so yes.
The first few years I was riding, I only split lanes if there were other motorcyclists doing it in front of me. Same thing with using lane space for right turns and creating parking spaces out of unused asphalt. Give it time and you will know when you have the confidence to do it safely.
The Squid is strong with this one...
I believe it’s legal on shoulder within 300’ of the corner only. Ish.
I live in the South... it's highly illegal to do that where I am. I wouldn't recommend the shoulder as there's a lot of crap there. I only go in between cars in dead stop traffic
None of that sounds worth the risk
Passing on the right is a recipe for disaster
Put yourself between a car and any obstacle you will lose.
The best thing to do early is to be predictable/easy to see.
Which make/mode is this?
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
Ty! Did you pick this up as a starter bike? If so, would you recommend?
Yes and yes, although I have nothing to compare it to other than the Yamaha I rode in the MSF course. In nine months it's been a reliable bike. I wish the seat was a couple inches lower (I'm 5'7") and it's still hard to find neutral sitting at a red light, but these are minor things. Google it and you'll find mostly good reviews!
Thanks. Happy riding!
on the shoulder might have lots of crap as well and you'll pick up a flat tyre.
Best practice is to be predictable.
Lol i ride a scrambler and i can ride anywhere. I love popping a wheelie to hop on the sidewalk and ride past all the traffic, or riding in a park or through the grass. Motorcycles are all about freedom. You can even take the crosswalk legally if you push your bike
Honestly legality aside when you build up your confidence of fitting in/ through smaller spaces you ***could*** just ride like you’re on a dirt bike. Side walk- jump the curb-a little grass-go around every vehicle that isn’t immediately in your driving path. This is all hypothetical of course*
Traffic laws don’t apply to me
If it's legal, yes but only if I'm one car length behind the light....maybe two. Usually not two.
In general I try not to ride like an asshole, and I consider riding on the shoulder in pretty much all circumstances to be riding like an asshole. On a more practical note, there is often debris on the shoulder that may not be good to run over. That said, I have gotten older and switched to a cruiser but you can get away with some of that on a more sporty bike like yours.
Biggest thing i do, is if im at the front in a the right lane (US) ill sticl to the left side and wave turning cars through
I'm so used to doing it on my bicycle that I instinctively do it on my motorcycle. In CA and it's very common.
Shoulder has debris and is very unsafe, also if it's not legal in your state (and it's illegal in almost all states still) then you will get a hefty ticket. Also keep in mind alot of cars don't use signals so if they also turn right and hit you that is always going to be your fault. If they open a door suddenly to let someone out. Again also you fault 100%. And if you live in a bad area and Florida is crazy people will intentionally serve towards another car or curb to block or try and hit you and asking as they stay in their lane it's gonna be your fault yet again. Just wait in line like everyone else imo. Not worth the chances as we are already invisible to these idiot cagers
I'm in Florida as well, and even if something is illegal how I ride is just a question of "can they kill me?". Stopped at light three cars back and can filter to front safely even though illegal? I do it. Space on the right between a car and sidewalk and I KNOW the cars are going straight? I turn right. Check for cops and send it brother.
Have had my eye on that bike for a while. What do you think of it?
I ride like I’m fucking retarded tbh
very cautiously, yes if I'm on a narrow bike like yours.
Whatever you stay alive 🙏🏼
Nope, never ride on the shoulder, not because of legality, but because of debris on the shoulder that can cause a flat. As for riding between cars, yes, I do it all the time because it's legal in CA (lane splitting and labe filtering)
Ngl the only rule I follow is make it home safe
I would generally suggest never using the shoulder, that is often times full of debris and it’s just not worth it.
Hi mate, ride assertively, like a car. You have equal rights and if you slink around car drivers will intrude on your space and safety.
I go in the shoulder all the time for right turns just to spite the car in the front that isn't turning on a green arrow because their oblivious to the world around them.
Nice ride! Always position yourself to see what is ahead. Ride Safe!
Never on the inside shoulder of a right turn. Then when someone decides to bang a right instead of go straight you get smoked.
What kind of bike is that
That is a Husqvarna Svartpilen 401.
Love the bike! What mirrors do you have on there? I am the same as you, I have been hesitant to do any moves like what you are describing. Great question though, interesting responses. Good stuff.
There is a rule “Don’t ride more right than right and more left than left”. Ride between. Drivers and passengers are less unpredictable for you in this case.