Commuting in very heavy traffic: Lane splitting: Comments?

jeepie

I commute home through a very very congested town centre. In the morning congestion isn't as bad, but on the way home it's terrible. What I'm talking about is two lanes (dual carriage) of traffic kerb to central white line trying to go the same way as me. If I'm lucky there is a tiny gap down the middle between the two lanes.

Based on a very irritating commute in such an environment last night I thought it might be a good chance for a chat about it....e.g:

1) Is lane splitting i.e. cycling between the two lanes of stationary traffic OK/legal?
2) Do you think it would help cyclists if this central section could be cleared so that queueing cars would align so that cyclists could get past?
3) If you do lane split as I do, does it annoy you that inevitably there will be a massive 4x4 blocking your way because it is simply too big to fit in a single lane. I know about buses and lorries and all but it's the sheer quantity of 4x4s and the fact they hog the road that annoys me. I need only a bike width to get through but even that is denied me. Last night I was just blocked sitting behind one for several minutes whilst ahead there was a clear lane between the traffic!
4) Any other thoughts/tips about commuting when the traffic volume is maxed? I'm thinking of going clipless but this could be a bad idea in such circumstances.

Cheers

J

hondafanatic

I think I can picture what you're saying.

I go down the middle. If something is blocking me, I wait until it clears, then move on.

AndyManc

I don't 'lane split', I've got 2 big panniers and (during the winter) wide mtb bars, I would be knocking wing mirrors off all over the place.

I get through 'maxed' traffic any way I can , outside , inside .. a mixture of both.

You have to asses each situation and act in your own best interests.

gtvlusso

Yes, it is legal to lane split. Motorcyclists have been doing it for years (i.e. me!) - it is banned in Germany.

Just watch over you shoulder when heading into a "filtering" position - motorcycles will filter and split lanes at speed - especially mopeds as they are light and agile.

Clipless is the way forward for everyone...You get used to it after a week on them. Just more anticipation if you have to stop or things get a bit tight.

Never stop - keep moving forward and make progress through the traffic - keep up your shoulder checks when manouvering - my pet hate for most cyclists is they never look behind them to see what is coming up (faster cyclists, mopeds/motorbikes).

Onan

If traffic is really bad, and I know this will be an unpopular declaration, I ride on the kerb.

Slowly, carefully and politely, and only until I'm clear of traffic.

Better that than knocking somebodies wing mirror off.

hondafanatic

gtvlusso wrote:

it is banned in Germany.

That's my 'learn something new everyday' moment.

AndyManc

Onan wrote:

If traffic is really bad, and I know this will be an unpopular declaration, I ride on the kerb.

I do it all the time, no peds around anyway.

always_tyred

What you do is okay. Its not a reasonable expectation for drivers to keep the middle clear for cyclists and motorbikes, though. A lot of drivers try to make room if they see you anyway, so be patient.

Pity the 4x4 drivers' fuel bills and road tax.

If you can get through, fine, but beware of >1/2 car length gaps and people switching lanes, particularly close to junctions when people realise, possibly because there was no sign beforehand to tell anyone, that they are in the wrong lane.

I don't think you can ever cycle at full speed between lanes - you have to be cautious and ready to stop at any point. Bear in mind that it is really very difficult for drivers to be aware of you when you do this, so assume that they aren't.

pintoo

In motorcycling parlance, it's called "filtering" and is perfectly legal in stationary or very slow moving traffic. Of course, you need to be careful when doing it. One useful tip is to look into the side view mirrors of cars you're planning to pass to see the driver and make sure they're not about to do something stupid (i.e. make a quick turn, open the door, flick a cigarette out...). Filtering puts a greater onus of responsibility on you because motorists are not looking behind then in stationary traffic.

When you see motorbikes doing it on fast moving motorways, that's a no-no.

gtvlusso

Yeah, I would not go like a nutter splitting lanes! And say thank you to vehicles that get out of your way!

Jen J

AndyManc wrote:

Onan wrote:

If traffic is really bad, and I know this will be an unpopular declaration, I ride on the kerb.

I do it all the time, no peds around anyway.

If it's that bad, I walk my bike on the pavement, peds or no peds.

Onan

When I take my carrera subway out on the motorway I always go up the inside of lanes. No way I can be arsed to wait for slowpokes who only want to do 80mph.

And I run 2 inch knobblies on it!

AndyManc

Jen J wrote:

AndyManc wrote:

Onan wrote:

If traffic is really bad, and I know this will be an unpopular declaration, I ride on the kerb.

I do it all the time, no peds around anyway.

If it's that bad, I walk my bike on the pavement, peds or no peds.

And you have every right to exercise that choice , some of us, including me, like to get home before midnight. :roll:

artaxerxes

Just be careful in stationary traffic if there are any turnings to the left, gaps in the traffic or on approaches to roundabouts. Drivers will make sudden left turns without indicating. This happened to me last night, luckily I wasn't going very fast and managed to stop without hitting him.

Onan

here's some footage of my commute:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2VvgFqGifI

wgwarburton

gtvlusso writes:

> Clipless is the way forward for everyone...

No, it isn't.

It may be the way to go for most people, and you might think that everyone ought to give it a try, but it wouldn't hurt to put in an IMHO or similar caveat or qualifier.

Clipless systems are expensive and proprietry. Mixing them with non-clipless gear is a hassle that complicates things still further.
They may well be the best possible solution for the sport cyclist or dedicated commuter but they are definitely not for everyone.

/rant

*sigh* :-)

There, that's better. Sorry about that, I'll get back to my LDAP configuration issue...

Cheers,
W.

Eau Rouge

Jeepie wrote:

I commute home through a very very congested town centre.

Is there another route down other streets that aren't so congested?

Onan wrote:

If traffic is really bad, and I know this will be an unpopular declaration, I ride on the kerb.

Have you considered walking with the bike when on the footpath rather than riding?

hondafanatic

WGWarburton wrote:

I'll get back to my LDAP configuration issue...

oooooo....that sounds interesting

Littigator

Filtering - absolutely fine if you take it easy, watch out for people switching lanes, in clipless it's a good way to practice your slow speed balance and manouvering.

Things to watch out for...filtering up the inside of lorries...don't do it!

Other than that it's a prime way to display to other road users the advantages of cycling. Think how many cars you pass with just one person in them, and imagine if they were cycling instead...something like this probably



aaargghhh, on second thoughts they can stick to their cars!

Onan

Eau Rouge wrote:

Onan wrote:

If traffic is really bad, and I know this will be an unpopular declaration, I ride on the kerb.

Have you considered walking with the bike when on the footpath rather than riding?

Only if there are a lot of people on it. Since I ride slower than I walk when passing anyone on a footpath, and I'm very polite, i really don't see how it can possibly be a problem.

gtvlusso

WGWarburton wrote:

gtvlusso writes:

> Clipless is the way forward for everyone...

No, it isn't.

It may be the way to go for most people, and you might think that everyone ought to give it a try, but it wouldn't hurt to put in an IMHO or similar caveat or qualifier.

Clipless systems are expensive and proprietry. Mixing them with non-clipless gear is a hassle that complicates things still further.
They may well be the best possible solution for the sport cyclist or dedicated commuter but they are definitely not for everyone.

/rant

*sigh* :-)

There, that's better. Sorry about that, I'll get back to my LDAP configuration issue...

Cheers,
W.

MMm...LDAP, we still have DAP boxes, have to run a conversion service for LDAP.....

Recommend everyone has a go on clipless - it really is that good. I would not cycle without it - there are only 2 main systems (there are others!) and most people will go down the SPD route anyway. Just match your acronyms - SPD shoe to SPD pedal....can't be easier. Going up hill, balance and power/foot placement is perfect everytime - Shimano SPD pedals are £13 on ebay, my Diadora SPD shoes were £25. SPD-SL is more expensive (SIdi shoes were £90 and Ultegra pedals were £60.)

Littigator

WGWarburton wrote:

gtvlusso writes:

> Clipless is the way forward for everyone...

No, it isn't.

It may be the way to go for most people, and you might think that everyone ought to give it a try, but it wouldn't hurt to put in an IMHO or similar caveat or qualifier.

Clipless systems are expensive and proprietry. Mixing them with non-clipless gear is a hassle that complicates things still further.
They may well be the best possible solution for the sport cyclist or dedicated commuter but they are definitely not for everyone.

/rant

*sigh* :-)

There, that's better. Sorry about that, I'll get back to my LDAP configuration issue...

Cheers,
W.

Buns, you need to step outside, get some fresh air and go buy yourself a chocamochacappufrothachino bro!

gtvlusso

Onan wrote:

Eau Rouge wrote:

Onan wrote:

If traffic is really bad, and I know this will be an unpopular declaration, I ride on the kerb.

Have you considered walking with the bike when on the footpath rather than riding?

Only if there are a lot of people on it. Since I ride slower than I walk when passing anyone on a footpath, and I'm very polite, i really don't see how it can possibly be a problem.

I despise pavement riding.....There is always a route on the road if you have the confidence to take it. Each to their own though - just be very careful as you could wind up hurting someone, particularly in these dark days.

always_tyred

Clipless - look, you really ought to be able to come to a complete stop and then clip out. Once you are able to do this, you can stop worrying about clipping in and out, which is an unwanted distraction in traffic.

If you can't do this, learn, even if it takes going to a field and falling off a few times.

ansbaradigeidfran

WGWarburton wrote:

There, that's better. Sorry about that, I'll get back to my LDAP configuration issue....

Eurgh, LDAP. I've had fun with that. I pity you...

jeepie

Great tips peeps. It's amazing how just posting makes me relax as I feel I've been able to get something off my chest! I talk to the missus about it and she dont get it.

I think you are right about the fact that it's not a reasonable expectation to assume drivers get out the way... yeah - agree there. Perhaps it is reasonable to assume that a vehicle for domestic use is of a reasonable size???? Or am I just being a lefty?

Regarding a less congested route - yeah - I can and do go the less congested way most of the time, but sometimes I just love the effortlessness of pedalling on tarmac as the other route is filthy and rough.....

Have clipless on my road bike. Look pedals which are awesome but one-side and also very smooth on the non-clip-in-side, so I quite often try to clip into the wrong side and lose my balance....not a good idea when there are mm to spare! Thinking about getting SPDs for commuting....just pondering this....

Onan

gtvlusso wrote:

Onan wrote:

Eau Rouge wrote:

Onan wrote:

If traffic is really bad, and I know this will be an unpopular declaration, I ride on the kerb.

Have you considered walking with the bike when on the footpath rather than riding?

Only if there are a lot of people on it. Since I ride slower than I walk when passing anyone on a footpath, and I'm very polite, i really don't see how it can possibly be a problem.

I despise pavement riding.....There is always a route on the road if you have the confidence to take it. Each to their own though - just be very careful as you could wind up hurting someone, particularly in these dark days.

I'll stop riding on the pavement as soon as I hit somebody, which will never happen. Might happen on the road though. I have scary moments almost every day there. I've been commuting for a year, and drivers have tried to kill me several times. In my short stints on the pavement, I've never even come close to touching somebody.

Onan

I'm not advocating pavement riding all round by the way. For a start, I'd never get anywhere fast.

I just think that for short times, if you do it sensibly, or if the alternative is dangerous, , say because you're not a good enough or confident enough rider, there's nothing wrong with it.

I see people riding to work on the pavement all the time around here. they are for the most part, people who can't afford cars. I'm sure they'd never pop up on a proper cycling forum like this. They are the type of cyclists who ride 100 quid halfords specials, in woolly hats and overalls. I can completely understand why these people ride on the pavement. Cycling to work is not a lifestyle choice for them, it's a necessity. they are often unfit, and poor cyclists, on shitty slow bikes. Why should they risk the idiocy of road riding every day?

I do it, because I'm fast enough, and stupid enough.

gtvlusso

Onan wrote:

gtvlusso wrote:

Onan wrote:

Eau Rouge wrote:

Onan wrote:

If traffic is really bad, and I know this will be an unpopular declaration, I ride on the kerb.

Have you considered walking with the bike when on the footpath rather than riding?

Only if there are a lot of people on it. Since I ride slower than I walk when passing anyone on a footpath, and I'm very polite, i really don't see how it can possibly be a problem.

I despise pavement riding.....There is always a route on the road if you have the confidence to take it. Each to their own though - just be very careful as you could wind up hurting someone, particularly in these dark days.

I'll stop riding on the pavement as soon as I hit somebody, which will never happen. Might happen on the road though. I have scary moments almost every day there. I've been commuting for a year, and drivers have tried to kill me several times. In my short stints on the pavement, I've never even come close to touching somebody.

Each to their own - I'll stick with roads and continue the good fight!

chuckcork

I argue for SPD's on the grounds that whn commuting and at the lights, you are less likely to slip off the pedals.

A major point if you have a lot of cars behind you!

greg66_tri_v2.0

Jeepie wrote:

1) Is lane splitting i.e. cycling between the two lanes of stationary traffic OK/legal?

Yep, it's fine. Just remember the cardinal rule: the closer you are to the ambient speed of the traffic, the safer you are. And watch out for nobs switching lanes without indicating, esp when the traffic starts to move and gaps open up.

Jeepie wrote:

2) Do you think it would help cyclists if this central section could be cleared so that queueing cars would align so that cyclists could get past?

Not really, cos the drivers would ignore it. The more obvious place to put it would be by the kerb. but if there's not enough space for two lanes of traffic & a bike lane, that's that.

Jeepie wrote:

3) If you do lane split as I do, does it annoy you that inevitably there will be a massive 4x4 blocking your way because it is simply too big to fit in a single lane. I know about buses and lorries and all but it's the sheer quantity of 4x4s and the fact they hog the road that annoys me. I need only a bike width to get through but even that is denied me. Last night I was just blocked sitting behind one for several minutes whilst ahead there was a clear lane between the traffic!

Nope. It annoys me that there are dobbers who can't queue in a straight line. What they drive is immaterial. And scooter riders who nip past then block a gap that they can't fit through but I can annoy me a lot more.

Jeepie wrote:

4) Any other thoughts/tips about commuting when the traffic volume is maxed? I'm thinking of going clipless but this could be a bad idea in such circumstances.

See the cardinal rule above. Learn to "read" traffic by how it's moving and how the driver is positioned on the road (eg a slow moving car tending to the left, with a left turn ahead usually means he's lost/unsure but is going to pull a left turn without indicating. Don't get alongside.

And avoid being on the left of a long vehicle. Behind is good, ahead is good. Alongside is very, very bad.

It's OK clipless, but practice unclipping whilst being distracted. That's the tricky bit. My clipless "incidents" have usually been at points where I have had to come to a stop, but too many things have been going on around me for me to remember to unclip.