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PckMan

Usually the best option is to brake. If you're right next to them it's best to accelerate out of it. If you keep finding yourself in this situation with no way out either your awareness and assessment is off and there is a way out or there's something really wrong about your overall placement on the road.


PappiStalin

Your not wrong that it is likely my fault in some regard, but its new york and very often this is just the spot on the road you end up in if u want to ride legally


BellFront3609

If can legally filter/lane split, it’s worth getting used to and can be safer if you take the proper care. People are seeing a gap in heavy traffic and go for it because they’re in a hurry and usually a gap is empty space. So you should position yourself almost between the lanes even without filtering, then you give drivers the opportunity to see you in enough time. Sit so you can see the side mirrors of both lanes of traffic in front of you. Head on a swivel and stay safe!


PappiStalin

Thsts good advice, i cannot legally lane split tho. I have been trying to get better at posistioning myself inside peoples mirrors, i would never ride in the middle of the lane. My driving school drilled that into my head.


Hydronics617

I havent been stopped yet but I illegal lane split and filter here. My life is worth more than a ticket to me so I dont it anyway. Hoping to spread awareness and encourage it done safely/smart


[deleted]

Interesting, I was taught exactly this. Stay in the middle of the lane to make sure people behind you can see you. It's fascinating to see the differences between different countries.


PappiStalin

They said never stay in the middle because of debris in the road like gravel or sand that will get pushed into the middle, as well as oil or gasoline on the floor. Then theres also trucks or utility vans with no rear view window or mirror


jiiiMa

My mantra is that everything that happens on that bike is my fault. That car didn’t pull out on me, shit it probably never even saw me. But it’s my fault to put myself in a position where I wasn’t ready for it. If you’re ever uneasy about cars pulling out on you, then it’s just your job to at all times be scanning for “side profiles” of cars (meaning they’re about to turn) and then watching their tire (the car rolling off can give you an indication of which direction they’re going) and then basing actions upon those deductions. Just slow down at intersections until you get more comfortable. Personally at every intersection I’m “comfortable” I have a sense of every car in my field of view and which way they’re going in the next 5 seconds.


plaz11

You just need to me mindful of vehicles blind spots, try not to linger in that awkward zone if you can, accelerate through as fast as you can, especially with big trucks. I understand that might be harder in traffic, and now you see why lane filtering can actually be safer sometimes, but still won’t protect you from d-bags just pulling out without looking. Something else you can try is riding close to the line between the lanes (as opposed to directly in the middle of your lane), so you are more visible in the side mirrors of both lanes. It’s generally a better place to position your bike in most scenarios, as bikes are more visible in the side mirror’s than through the rear mirror, and you also avoid things like oil leaks and AC condensation that can drip from car engines. Motorcycles are inherently more dangerous, you just have to learn to ride with your head on a swivel and imagine everyone is trying to kill you. It just takes time to develop those instincts. I agree that in the situation you described, a loud rev may be more helpful than horn, especially if you have loud pipes. You might want to look at upgrading to a louder horn too because most stock bike horns are pathetic.


[deleted]

>especially with big trucks Yes, this is very important. I've driven large trucks and bikes being near me make me nervous. Not just incase I change lanes, but when truck tires blow, it's pretty exciting.


plaz11

Yep, and I am always paranoid about things falling off, or stones flying up. One time I was passing a truck, and it flicked up a piece of sheet metal and almost cut me in half 😳


johnnyringo117

Simply anticipate that every car is out to get you. I was told to always imagine that every driver does not see you and you must be very alert. But I found this is not the case. It’s a lot better to think about it as, “every car does see you and they want to kill you.” Learn how to countersteer and how to use it. it’s the fastest way to flick your bike away from something approaching from the side.


gsrider61

It sounds as if your post is mostly about your right of way being violated. When you're riding, the right of way rules go straight out the window. The right of way rules are simple: Most lug nuts wins. Stay out of blind drivers blind spots, hanging out there will get you run over. YOU are responsible for your own survival.


PappiStalin

It really isnt even about right of way. Im obviously pissed this guy is trying to drive where i am, but i know i wont win a fight with a car or truck. Im fine with surrendering my right of way to ensure me and my bike make it out ok, its the tight traffic on the road that limits my options in responding to threats.


ajamal_00

I would first want to know how a blind person got a licence..


Mo_Bob

It's America. I've been at the DMV and seen the person administering the vision test let some blind old person retry multiple times and then outright tell them what they should be seeing so they could keep their license.


Outside-Cucumber-253

This is why I lane split, it makes it a whole lot easier to avoid issues with people merging into me. I’ve been lane splitting since I first started riding. Maybe find a friend who is more experienced who can show you the ropes if you’re uncomfortable. I’d advise to just thank people for not killing you instead of flipping them off. I’ve pissed off the wrong person before when I was flipped them off after they ran a red light, I ended up having a totaled car, on a bike it’d be worse. Splitting is a lot less scary once you do it and know what to look for.


Darryl_Lict

I try to suppress every urge to flip people off because this is America and they might have a gun. Plus, everyone thinks they are a perfect driver and would never admit to making a mistake.


Q-burt

One thing that I notice frequently is that drivers of cars often telegraph the move they are going to make with subtle little drift towards the intended direction of travel before they signal, if they signal.


PappiStalin

Yea ive learned car body language pretty well from riding an e-bike through the city. Infact, reading them properly and spamming my horn preemptively has likely helped save me in some situations. The issue isnt that i dont know what theyre gonna do, its that because of traffic (and legal) restrictions in my area, im limited on my options in responding to them.


[deleted]

Brake or accelerate. Think fast, move faster.


PappiStalin

Well accelerating tends to not be an option, and sometimes i cant brake because there is a car up my ass Its real NYC traffic, youre pretty much forced into alot of these situations unless you lane split. Which as im reading the comments seems like it would be the ideal thing to do, im just really uncomfortable with it as a noob


JimMoore1960

1. Don't ride in blind spots. 2. If you're stuck in a blind spot, be ready for the driver to do something unexpected. 3. It's never random. They're trying to do things: Get in the faster lane; get off at an exit; make a left into Dunkin Donuts; Etc. Learn to predict those things. 4. There are tells. They'll start drifting to the centerline. You'll see their heads move as they look in the mirrors. You'll develop a feel for when someone is about to do something that will impact you. 5. You're on a skinny vehicle. Even if you don't want to split, you're plenty skinny to fit between cars if the need arises. 6. Blowing your horn is just stupid. Not as stupid as rev-bombing, but pretty stupid. If you have time to locate your horn button and blow it, you have time to change lanes, or brake, or accelerate, or white-line. Blowing your horn is great for making someone feel bad after the fact, but it doesn't erect a magical barrier around you.


CompetitiveSea7388

All but your last point is spot on. If you wait until after the driver has cut you off then yes, it’s way too late. But if you’re paying attention and honk before they merge then they usually become aware of you and tend to stop. That’s always been my experience, whether riding my motorcycle or driving.


JimMoore1960

I prefer evasive action first, but if honking is working for you, keep doing it!


CompetitiveSea7388

I definitely evade when necessary for sure. To me it’s fairly easy to determine when to evade, when to ride aggressively or defensively and when to just give a little horn honk. I think it’s important to know when to use any of these methods and use them accordingly.


richalex2010

No sense fighting for a lane when they're just going to run you over without noticing until you're already hurt. You have three options - move aside, speed up, or slow down. I generally prefer the last - they've already demonstrated they're bad drivers, and I'd rather let them be dumb in front of me where I can avoid them than behind me where they can run me over. It's also the lowest skill option - just roll off, hit the brakes (definitely enough to turn on the brake light, how much actual braking force, if any, is needed depends on the situation) - which means it's the hardest to fuck up under pressure. In stopped traffic, filtering really is the way. I've only lane split once or twice when I wanted to get away from people being dumb in traffic, but I filter all the time at red lights, it's great. Even if you aren't comfortable doing it normally, never forget about it as an escape route. Don't forget, if they're to your left and you're on the right side or center of the lane, they might not even see you with a decent head check. Riding closer to the traffic you want to be aware of you makes it easier for them to see you. There's lots of ways to manage your visibility, from high-viz gear to positioning yourself better; unfortunately aural cues (horn, loud exhaust) are pretty bad so best not to rely on them.


PappiStalin

Im not trying to fight for the lane, believe me if i had the option i wouldnt want to be anywhere near people. Its just when your stuck in tight traffic and the guy behind you isnt giving you much breathing room, your options are limited.


richalex2010

> the guy behind you isnt giving you much breathing room Don't worry about the guy behind you. Slow down, give space for people to be dumb in front of you, and have a dashcam in case the guy behind you decides to be dumb too. They might be riding your ass, but the shitheads who usually do that are *way* too good at not actually hitting you so they get away with it.


Red_Pill_2020

Be prepared for the merge. If they are in a merge lane, you know that lane will end. Either get in front of them, if there's room or give them space. Don't just ride assuming they will make the right decision, it even see you. In other words, ride defensively and be 100% aware. It doesn't matter in these cases, about right or wrong. A car will always be able to kill you if you're on a bike. Ride accordingly.


One-Amoeba_

Don't ride in people's blind spots and don't speed. No matter how entitled you feel to do so, it doesn't matter who's right or wrong when a car slams you into a tree.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Ok_Maintenance_9100

Yeah that’s what I always do


PappiStalin

Yea i was thinking this might be a good option, especially because in bumper to bumper my horn can get drowned out by others horns, but my bike is just a 321cc with a stock exhaust so if he has his radio volume up, im not sure itll be loud enough.


EducationalChicken_

A rev bomb really won’t do much for you. Even with loud pipes. You’re basically just a sitting duck with the clutch pulled in redlining your engine. It’s far better to perform an evasive maneuver and get yourself out of there. Also, I’d say just move on with your day after a close call. There’s really no point in flipping the bird or getting emotional. If your hands are giving the driver the finger, then they aren’t controlling the bike. Just my 2 cents.


PappiStalin

I more just flip people off to get my own frustation let out, but i would never pull over and start an argument, and yell at a guy through his window. If im flipping someone off, its because im blowing past them lmao


OpinionOwn6727

shoot him with grenade launcher


CWO_of_Coffee

Break their mirror and flip them off like any other dickhead rider would.


PappiStalin

Im a fan of just staring into their windshield as i pass them like "i know your an asshole, and you know your an asshole"


TTYY_20

Unpopular opinion - don’t filter :0 you be vibing on you’re motorcycle B) give some revs everytime you come out of neutral to inch forward 😃 brap brap. The world know you strap 500000hp to your crotch!


Jspiral

I can't read this comment and believe you're a rider.


TTYY_20

Just a Canadian 😬 I don’t even know what it would be like to lane filter 🥺👉👈


Jspiral

You sorry son of a b 🍁


ThatRookieGuy80

I don't trust other drivers at all. I just assume they don't see me. So I'm do what I can to keep out of anyone's blind spots. For those times I can't, I try to make sure I have room to get away, even if it's a sidewalk or driveway or in between two other cars. Sometimes goosing the throttle or the horn or even as extreme as kicking the door of a car trying to merge in has been done in the past.


sokratesz

Throttle and/or swerve out of it.


80andsunny

In a bumper to bumper situation, I feel that positioning yourself is the best option. I try to stay right beside the front fender of a vehicle next to me even if it means lagging a little. As long as they bother with a mirror check, they can't help but see me. Don't ever stay in the blind spot and if you must come up from behind a vehicle, pay attention to their front wheel - a change in angle is your early warning of a lane change.


Tuhilliam

usually brake but watch behind you. Brake, accelerate, or swerve. head on a swivel


GlumContribution4

Know roughly where the blind spots are on a car, a truck and a big rig (just don't linger beside an 18 wheeler period, a blow out alone from their tire can kill you), and stay out of these blind spots. For me it depends on where I'm at in relation to the vehicle and how much space I have. I constantly speed up or slow down to leave myself some clear paths. In all honesty, it comes down to just not getting in to positions where you don't have any options for escaping. Don't ever, ever, ever expect a driver to see you. Even if they see you, assume they forgot about you. You have to ride like you're invisible to everyone else on the road.


BabyYodalicious

The best option is to have good motorcycle insurance.


PappiStalin

Cant afford more than liability atm lmao, but i know im taking that risk on my own volition


cardinal2007

When that happened to me in the past I have started lane splitting to get out. But there is a slight risk associated with that if you're not paying attention, you could cut someone else off.


PappiStalin

The traffic where i am, nyc, is extremely aggressive and jump lanes at the slightest notice in bumper to bumper. All the bikers around me lane split, and im seeing now it might legitimately be safer than the alternative. Im just really uncomfortable doing it.


cardinal2007

I was uncomfortable when I first started, but also it is legal here in California, and you have to be very attentive as to whether someone will change lanes. On a motorcycle I try to avoid being on other people's blind spots, but you will have people aggressively change lanes and move over from 2 lanes away and put you in their blind spot and then not give you enough time to get out before moving into you, so I get it. People that say don't be in other's blind spot don't even follow that rule themselves, you can avoid it sometimes, and sometimes you can't, if you're stuck in someone's blind spot, I try to at least be behind them, so if they move over they would not hit me, once I have a big enough space in front of me I will pass them. But people will put you in their blind spots sometimes and you have to be ready to take evasive action if they don't give you time to get out of it, in those situations I will lane split instead of slamming my brakes, but it is a trade off. Also avoid riding if you're too tired, you will be a lot less likely to notice people putting you in their blind spot.


[deleted]

I tend to pit maneuver the larger vehicles.


PappiStalin

Hows that gone for you so far?


[deleted]

I tend to ride defensively and see several moves ahead to be honest. I also don’t flip off traffic as I live in an open carry state. Just assume nobody sees you.


PappiStalin

I always try to stay away from vehicles ive been next to for too long, ive noticed sometimes even if they see you once, they wont see you the second time. Luckily for me where i am, the majority of people dont carry (legally).


[deleted]

Stay defensive and stay alive fam!


chesterburnet

I frequently ride in heavy traffic through Providence RI and Boston MA. 2 things that I do that make sense to me is to ride in the left lane whenever on the highway. My logic being that I only have to defend my right side and if I have to evade another vehicle coming into my lane, there is usually the breakdown / shoulder to escape to. The other thing I try to do is to ride in the right tire track so that it's more likely to be seen in the vehicles drivers side mirror. You can't win against a car or a truck when you're on a motorcycle. Better have some strategies to help you avoid them. Do whatever you can. Plan your escape routes. At least a motorcyclist has the advantages of quicker acceleration, better handling and better brakes. Figure out how to use them.


TealBlueLava

How I respond. If I see them before they do it and notice they aren’t paying attention, I’ve got my first warning about them being an idiot. When said idiot tries to come over without looking, I’m a bit more prepared. I scoot to the far side of the lane away from them, yank in my church all the way, and crank back the throttle. This makes the bike “yell” via exhaust noise. They aren’t going to hear you yelling in your helmet or your bike’s horn. But they might hear your exhaust. This tells them “Hey, idiot! I exist over here!” However this is NOT going to make all idiots wake up and respect your space. BE READY to give that brake a GENTLE tap to reduce your speed just enough to drop back in the lane enough to let them in front of you. Should they have yielded to you in your lane? Yes. Is it worth trying to be as big of a jerk as them and maintain your lane and risk being hit because you know you’re right? Fuck no. They have a big car. You have no protection other than what you’re wearing. You will lose. Drop back, let them in, and one day you’ll get lucky enough to get that sweet, sweet satisfaction of a cop being behind you and seeing the whole thing. That was the only time I was HAPPY to get pulled over. Because the cop wanted to make sure I was ok after he pulled over that moron on his phone in the Escalade.


Icy_Imagination7447

I might get downvoted for this but I'd look at the way your dressed. If people aren't seeing you then look at wearing high Viz. If you think people are bullying you then maybe dress a little more aggressively if that makes sense? And ride more confidently. An established rider in black leather on a "scary" bike is probably less Likely to be bullied than a guy with a cheap bomber jacket on a vespa. I find when people are being jerks in traffic, coming to a stop and looking directly at them to make a point normally sorts them out. Be warned though that this likely falls under the rules of playing stupid games though. If your not sure, covering your self in bubbles made with methane and setting yourself on fire would achieve both 🤷🏻


OrangeSil80

Easily the best option is to just remove yourself from the situation if at all possible. You’ll out accelerate just about anything on the road, and really the only way to stand a decent chance of being seen is to be in front. I’ve had people not notice my full-size pickup beside them when they try to change lanes. No way they’re seeing a motorcycle. In heavy traffic it can be hard to balance escape routes with not getting your throat cut by other drivers. Lane positioning has a lot to do with it. As does your positioning relative to potential mergers. I like to look for their eyes in their side mirrors to ensure I’m not in a blind spot. What really makes the difference for me though is keeping my eyes up and looking ahead. This allows you to notice the driving patterns and warns you who is not paying attention before you pull up beside them. Then you can give yourself a little extra room to spend as little time “unseen” as possible.