Same! Great as the weather is, couldn't live here without lanesplitting. And Hamm's, in truth haven't had one in 40 years. When I lived in Mpls, used to drink beer made in New Ulm, Mn. Old German family brewery. I remember guys used to smuggle vanloads of Coors to Mpls. Like it was flippin treasure.

I am curious - in UK, lane splitting is legal - in Illinois it isn't - which really amazed me - that is partly what bikes are for! Is it illegal in the rest of USA as far as you know ? I first got a bike at 16 and it was partly 'cos of the holiday traffic where I lived and being able to lane split !

Hugs, Maggie x

Maggie,

It's funny that you should ask that, I didn't even know what it was called. When we went to L.A. (stuck in traffic) I was shocked seeing the bikes fly by me. It made me want to open up my car door (not use to traffic that bad). I know it's not allowed in Ohio. My husband travels a lot so I will ask him if he notices it anywhere else.

Oh and since I was sitting in traffic I had time to goole why it was allowed. It seems a university in California said the car emission for the bikers are hazardous.

Jaba

Ok, so I don't know what lane splitting is, either. I know, I must live under a rock, right? I theoretically see the appeal of motorcycles, but they scare the Sh-- out of me!! I am a weenie when it comes to physical risk taking (other than endangering my liver with AL, that is, LOL). Newlife

Ok..way off topic but I can't help but preach a little. In most all of Europe and Asia and in fact most places other than USA, lanesplitting or filtering (motorcycles, scooters going between cars) is logically allowed and even encouraged. It is in fact considered rude and silly for a scooter to take up space in a lane as if it were a full size car. Much like a scooter hogging a parking space made to fit your SUV when you can fit 10 scooters in the same spot. Why does it make sense to hate the 10 bikes that filtered past you? That was 10 less SUV's parked on the freeway in front of you. In most of the world, filtering is seen as a solution...not a problem. THE FRIGGIN SUV is the problem!
Lanesplitting is not specifically legal but in CAL there is no law saying it is Illegal. It is treated generally by CHP as ok if done "safely".
It is considered statistically safer (less injuries from being rear-ended by somnambulant SUV pilots), and healthier (friggin SUV tailpipe in face). Most states outlaw the practice out of sheer stupidity.
So there! Got that out of the way. And yes...motorcycles are dangerous. Life is dangerous. Don't do it. you could die. BUT DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. We motorcyclists imperil ourselves but drunks in SUV are a risk to EVERYONE. Ok...now done. See..when you get me started?
Steve.

what he said. lanesplitting is safe and efficient for EVERYONE when it's part of the culture. California is the only state that allows it, but I think Oregon or somewhere is working on it.

drunks are dangerous on the road, but texters are just as morally messed up. someday we'll look at phone use in a similar way to what we do drunk driving now. lots of people are dying every day because of it. now I'm off MY soapbox!

Oh Steve - do not get me started either on the fact that people do not see Bikes !!! I agree so much on lane splitting - was aghast when I got a bike here and found I couldn't do it !! SO stupid - as you said, most other places do - and Jaba that makes sense about the emissions - but the emissions are in other states too - not just CA - part of the fun of a bike is passing all those stuck in traffic in cars !! And Newlife - I didn't consider a bike to be risk taking ! Apart from those stupid drivers who do not see us !!! I loved my bike - twice had people pull in front of me - broke my foot one time.

And yes texting while driving is stupid - it is illegal now in IL to use ones phone while driving unless it is hands free! Good thing I think but I still often see people talking on their phone - mind you I had a car almost side swipe me the other day - I could not get up close enough to him quickly enough to get his number - but he was drinking - a large can of beer - and going all over the place !!!!

I digress! Lots of different subjects ..... going to get ready for bed - am exhausted - plus had a fall at work today which has left me sore and shaken although unhurt for the most part! Going to go to bed and read .....

Hugs, Maggie x

YES! TEXTERS! Nearly run off the road several times by soccer moms in suv's who are too busy texting or talking to even look! If you give them a rap on their window you get a look like "Don't bother me. Can't you see I'm on the phone!" You have to learn to watch your driving and the driving of every incompetent fug around you who cant be bothered to pay attention. SUV's, soccer moms the WORST! Women for some reason think they are genius at multitasking. NOT if one of the tasks is TALKING! I steer clear.
Got me started again.
Steve.

LOL......well I learned a new word and concept. I hate SUVs too. Here in Florida EVERYONE has one. I've been driving a MiniCooper for about eleven years now (on my second one) and could not be happier. It is illegal to text and drive in FL but I too see it every day. My oldest daughter just got her learner's permit and I know I need to make sure that she never does it, it scares me so much. So stupid and yes no one can seem to put down their phones.

Yes, life is dangerous, certainly getting on the road is probably the most dangerous thing all of us do everyday.

Good night, all. Newlife

What do you ride, Zontar? I just sold three bikes and bought a new Moto Guzzi Norge. First NEW bike ever. Really lovin it.