I want to take my bike on a trip to L.A. and I wonder if lane splitting is safe?
For those of you who actually drive here, do you regularly lane split or see people doing it? Do drivers generally expect motorcycles to come through, or do you still get people suddenly changing lanes or trying to block you?
Would you say lane splitting in LA is reasonably safe or is it just not worth the risk?
Been riding in LA for about 8 years and lane splitting is honestly one of the main reasons I still own a motorcycle next to my car. Sitting in 405 traffic on a bike when you can legally move through it makes absolutely no sense to me.
Just don’t get overconfident and be aware that some people have no common sense.
That's why people ride their bikes in L.A., yes.
One thing to consider is that L.A. traffic is kinda different. Don't speed past cars like your life depends on it, otherwise, you might pay with it. As I said, traffic here is different, you have 5-6 lanes and people merge constantly.
This.
I see people doing it every day. Just do it safely.
Have fun on your trip.
I would only split when traffic is moving slowly or completely stopped. Once traffic starts flowing around 40–50 mph, just take the lane like everyone else.
Saving another five minutes isn’t worth taking the risk.
It's safe, dude.
Did it myself for years. LAPD is totally cool with it.
I know you bikers are built differently, but the 101 or 405 during rush hour will teach you religion. It's probably safe enough if you ride defensively, I just don't have the balls it takes.
I had two people rear-end me during stop-and-go. Not sure if people fall asleep or play games on their phones, whatever it is, it sucks.