Use of signal by the driver doesn't relieve the him of the responsibility of a safe lane-change...especially where lane-splitting/sharing is legal. I.e. the signal doesn't nullify the responsibility of safety. Lane-splitting/sharing isn't the sole responsibility of the motorcycle rider.

We've all seen where a driver makes an abrupt move w/a signal - endangering others. Use of a signal might make it "legal" but it certainly doesn't make it safe or unaccountable.

 

I am not an expert on lane splitting as it is illegal here as well as fairly dangerous with drivers these days and 99% of people don't look for bikes driving wherever they want on a road.

The biker should have seen the blinker and acted defensively. If I was ever lane splitting I would watching for every signal and not expect people to yield to me while I'm not even in a lane.
The truck driver was focused on if he had clearance on the Big Rig and was not on someone not driving in a lane flying by him in stopped traffic.

But once again, It is illegal to lane split here as well as if it was legal I still don't know if I would do it.

 

I saw the turn signal, and that is the way most NY'ers change lanes in the city. (Not sure where it is, though. just sayin) I have ridden my bike from PA to Long Island a few times. I have seen people abruptly change lanes very similar to this. I even had one lady, shoot into my lane next to me with a lane change like that. I was on the left hand side of my lane, thank God, so she had room to "share" my lane with me, but still.

I think the driver may have looked, didn't see the bike there at first, and tried to change lanes paying more attention to the truck as he squeezed in. We all know 90% of cagers don't see us anyway. Not taking either side here, just my thoughts.

 

It's not intentionally...people don't wake up one day and feel like doing this. Especially a work truck which for sure have insurance & liability...splitting lanes is dangerous, especially at high speed...giving no time to make any last minute decisions...I've split lanes on the freeway and never at higher speed...just a bit faster than the stall traffic. This is when a loud pipes also comes into play...loud pipes saves lives..

People driving in traffic are very irritated...sometimes is kinda like stealing a lane, when the other driver leaves a cushion of space.

It's scary but accident happens when splitting lanes.

In Cali. Law says motorcycles can split lanes only in an event as such to avoid hazards or accidents...

Meaning if you see a pot hole, you can split lane to avoid.

 

^ No such statement in CA DMV code can be found.

Lane-splitting in CA is legal.

Per the CA CHP website... "Lane splitting by motorcycles is permissible but must be done in a safe and prudent manner." CHP-Frequently Asked Questions of the Highway Patrol & again here...Motorized Vehicles.

Per CA DMV website... "Motorcycles may travel faster than traffic during congested road conditions and can legally travel in the unused space between two lines of moving or stationary vehicles; this is commonly called "lane splitting."

Everyone agrees that the level of safety of lane splitting/sharing is questionable & comes w/ its own particular challenges & dangers. Its a personal choice as if a CA rider will utilize the practice. However, lane-splitting/sharing is legal in CA.

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On a personal note... I've lane-split many miles in CA traffic. So, I can speak w/ high degree of experience on the subject. Drivers DO intentionally maneuver their vehicles to impede legal lane-splitting by motorcyclists. While legally & safely lane-splitting, I've had drivers intentionally swerve at me & let me know it, I've had drivers yell at me, throw things at me, & spit at me. Regardless of a driver's illegitimate irritation at a motorcyclist passing them by lane-splitting, it is legal in CA. Driver's have no right to assault, attempt to assault, or intimidate a motorcyclist, who is legally lane-splitting in CA.

 

Great find Gotcbr...I've always thought splitting lanes was prohibited...unless motorcyclist splits lane to avoid hazards...therefore I seldom split lane...time to renew my license...Lol...

 

Found this on the DMV website:

1. Motorcycles may travel faster than traffic during congested road conditions and can legally travel in the unused space between two lines of moving or stationary vehicles; this is commonly called "lane splitting."

2.Remember that road conditions, which are minor annoyances to you, pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement can cause motorcyclists to change speed or direction suddenly. If you are aware of the effect of these conditions and drive with care and attention, you can help reduce motorcyclist injuries and fatalities. For more information regarding motorcycle safety, contact the California Motorcyclist Safety Program at 1-877-RIDE-411 or California Motorcyclist Safety Program.

I guess #2 was more imprint into my memory...because of hazardous conditions, we can split lane...not that we only can in such conditions....my error...feeling stupid..

 

truck driver looks like he puts on signal and immediately turns. that's just bad driving. when you signal, you have to give others a chance to see it and react before you make the move.

however, cars don't expect someone to be in between lanes (probably even places where lane-splitting is allowed) and if you're lane-splitting you're taking a risk. can't complain too much if you get hit by accident. different story if they are trying to play junior cop or intentionally trying to cause injury/damage.

the video in link below is clearly on purpose.
Bus Driver Hits Cyclist: Caught on Tape - Yahoo!

 

lesson of video above is lane split 1 car at a time...

lane splitting is illegal here, so I would assign blame to the motorcyclist. I tend to get more pissed off at people who signal way to long before merging, than the ones who signal and immediately get over. sometimes you just have to get over.

also in scenarios like that if the truck had properly signalled he probably would never had a chance to get over.

the truck driver really only had a second or two to see the bike coming up, which probably just looked like the side of the semi, or a roof rack, if he even saw the rider. next time you change lanes, see if you actually do more or as much at this truck, even when you *think* there is no one around.

 

I guess if I have to pass fault, I'm putting it on the bike. He almost got tagged by the jeep and then he pushes his luck gassing it by and gets tagged by the truck. From what I can see in the video, that whole line was cramped and precarious. Lane split at "your own risk" is what I see there, not a smart choice.

I agree the truck move was stupid but if your going to survive on a bike for any period of time, you have to assume everyone around you will do something stupid. Otherwise you lose, regardless of fault, 99.9% of the time.

Bike survival 101