Lane splitting is basically mandatory here in South East Asia...cars will actually get pissed if you take up their lane space instead of riding down the line between them, lol.
I'm from the U.S. where lane splitting is illegal but I rode a motorcycle through 10 countries in SE Europe, from Budapest to Istanbul. In Romania, while sitting behind a string of traffic, I noticed the driver in the car in front of me waving at me to ride around the string of stopped traffic. So you're right, in many places car drivers will expect a motorcyclist to lane split. The downside of that culture is that the motorcyclist also doesn't "own his lane". Cage drivers were also using my lane space to pass me when the wanted. In Istanbul I had to have 306 degree situational awareness because cars were in my space, just inches from me.
In Tunisia, North Africa, lane splitting is the normal thing for bikers, and I'm a car driver most times. When I saw how bikers sit behind cars in traffic instead of filtering cuz it's illegal, I was truly shocked.
They don't teach it in all schools and you don't fail your test if you don't. I guess if you live in a congested area where filtering bikes allow more traffic to get through. Filtering can also be dangerous: you have less manoeuvring space if a car moves suddenly sideways. (E.g. swerving something on the road YOU don't see or suddenly realise they are on the wrong lane and need to turn - and they haven't seen you.) And if you lane split on centre and another bike coming from opposite direction has thought the same... I have come across all these in my daily commute but luckily I traffic slow and car drivers are usually super aware of bikes as there are so many, it's a till the de facto transport, and ALL the drivers have learnt to drive a bike "since they were born".
@@TheAegisClaw hmm, I just did my test and they said you can filter but you better be f***ing good with it. it's better you don't to minimise risk to your exam. I didn't filter and I can confirm it's fine.
@@Jash_F it depends on the situation, I did my test right in the middle of evening rush hour and we wouldn't have gone a mile in the alloted time had a not filtered. My instructor told me ahead of time I would be expected to filter in those traffic conditions. Of course this was 20 years ago...
@@TheAegisClaw hmm must have changed because they do tests on specific times now. I do live at Hampshire, maybe different in different parts of the country.
Mathematically speaking, the minuscule amount amount time that a car driver gains by letting a motorcycle split is actually compounded by the number of motorcycles on the street. A similar number of motorcycles would reach their destinations x minutes sooner relieving the number of vehicles on the road. Lane splitting is actually a boon for all motorists. Texas is considering a traffic law to allow filtering if traffic is slower than 20mph and the rider is helmeted.
That is pretty much how it is in Australia, didn't think about the idea that other places might not have a speed limit for filtering. But yeah here you can only lane split on a full license and if traffic is going 30km/h or slower.
Almost every single motorcycle accident video I've watched has involved lane splitting. The problem is that motorcyclists who lane split in legal states go too fast, and while the cars SHOULD be looking for motorcyclists, they usually don't. The combination is cars changing lanes in front of the biker before he/she can react. Do I support lane splitting in principle? Yes, it probably would make riders safer to a certain extent, and help motorcyclists to get through traffic. In practice? It creates more opportunities for careless drivers (both car drivers AND bikers) to create accidents.
It's sucks those types of motorist blame the cars when it's their own fault for being dangerous. Not gonna lie, I'm from Cali and lane split too, but I only drive about 15mph over the car speed when they are moving slow. Say their at a standstill, I'll be riding about 25-30mph between cars. This allows cars to move over when they see me approaching the the mirrors. Squids will be squids tho 💁🏽
There isn't really any data on if lane splitting is safer or not because it is a little too complicated. What we do know is California is just as dangerous/safe which ever way you look at it as Texas despite having nearly 3 times the the motorcycle population. We also know that splitting lane decreases traffic congestion. Just because accidents can occur from the activity doesn't make it inherently something to block out. I mean overtaking causes accidents, it is an avenue for people to get hurt doing it stupidly but it is not illegal. It is kept illegal because there is no data so governments are taking a "better safe than sorry" approach instead of actually diving in to see if it hurts people with research or experiments.
Actually, most drivers actually do look out for motorcycles, at least from what I've seen. It's just hard to see a motorcycle lane splitting like a maniac. I'd say somewhere from 80-90 of people (at least here in California) watch out. That still leave 10-20% of drivers to be a potential threat. Even though it seems like everyone is trying to kill you, it really only takes 1 bad driver to give you a bad day.
Seems to be a mostly US thing with people speeding while lane splitting. Here in the UK people do it fairly slowly so they can get through all the slow and barely moving traffic (which we have a lot of).
Whats the point in having a bike if you can't filter (lane split) through or past traffic? In fact its one of the major reasons for having a bike in Europe. You will hardly ever be held up by traffic. Also it makes you learn very quickly about slow speed bike control and, by necessity, about observing and predicting the actions of car drivers. Jeez if I had to sit behind a queue of cars everywhere I think I wouldn't bother with owning a bike!
I agree, who the hell wants a two wheel car? Yes it’s fun at times but if you are also commuting then I would much rather be sitting in a climate controlled cabin listening to some tunes and not have to wear some crash protective gear. I like riding but not being able to split lanes almost makes it not worth owning a motorcycle, I’m on the fence about it right now. Just this morning I got a ticket for splitting lanes here in WA, and what sucks is I don’t think that’s going to stop me from doing it for very long. Former CA resident here, it’s were I learned to ride.
although i am for lane splitting. those arguments are horrible. we need to come up with something more intellectual. first of, "less pollution" not only are motorcycles scarce, but they do not pollute much to begin with. So the foot print reduction would be next to nothing. secondly, "less congestion" this only apply to places like California where motorcycles are plenty. but pretty much the rest of the U.S. dont have enough motorcycles to make a difference in traffic. i see no more than the fingers in my hand when i ride, and i ride daily. The only argument that is worth something is the issue of being rear ended. Yes lane splitting reduces the chances of being rear ended, it increases the chances of being side swept. so we're back to square one we need to come up with more arguments and have data to back it up if we want to convince anyone
Wow... Its hard to watch a moto going so slowly through traffic... Here in California we all Lane split.. (Its Legal here) and we get around more quickly
I tend to say fuck it most of the time. Me personally, I would be filtering between the traffic and cars parked on the side of the road in Vancouver. The time I save on a daily basis is more than worth it for the odd ticket here and there. I have a daily observations clip which would provide an example of what i'm talking about. IT really pisses me off how bicycles and motorcycles have to follow the same rules, they get their own lane on the side of highways but do you want to know how many use those lanes during rush hour? Next to none.... seriously... I might as well use that space! (And I do...)
I'll split in real heavy traffic (and motor cops don't seem to give two shits anyways heavy traffic or not), and to avoid a rear end collision in any scenario (and nobody's gonna give two shits for that, except maybe the guy next to me who _did_ get rear-ended) but generally not to get to the front of every red light in all conditions. The former will be seen by the more courteous or apathetic cagers as just another guy getting from A to B, the latter will just be interpreted by them as selfish and dickish
Honestly, I could care less if i look selfish and dickish. Cagers aren't looking out for riders. The safest place to be is never in between two things that can kill you. For that reason, I will always filter to the front of the line. Besides, getting from point A to B quickly is the point of owning a motorcycle. What good is all that nimbleness sitting behind a toyota prius owner eating a donut.
Yep I live in Los Angeles. Been riding for about 20 years. I could not imagine not being able to lane split. It would be pointless to have a bike then!
Here in the UK lanesplitting is not only legal, it's a taught component of motorcycle training at most schools. I got taught to safely do it when I first got my compulsory basic training at age 16 and been doing it daily ever since without incident....
You spent 6 minutes talking about NOTHING. You have something going here and I like your videos but please don't start being like the rest of UA-cam and spend half of your video talking about something else than the specified topic....
Maybe he's too smart to compose words well while riding. I have performed the modern major general's song faster than any human being in the history of time but humility has kept me alive.
Let the guy talk, if you can be patient enough to wait for him to talk about what you want to hear, then you’re not patient enough to make right decisions, and if you’re a fellow biker, I don’t want people like that on the road anyway, they cause trouble and give all bikers a bad name.
I've lived in BC most of my life but lived in Montreal for just over a year about 25 years ago. This really brought back lots of memories and made me want to go back. Nice video and I'm glad you brought up the point that often gets overlooked in this discussion, that being that it actually reduces traffic congestion for everyone. Most car drivers miss this point and only focus on their complaint that you are "butting in". Another thing to point out is that you might be "jumping the queue" but what car ever had to wait for a motorcycle once that light turns green again (unless that motorcycle was waiting for the car or truck in front of it)!? Lane splitting should be legal like it is in many countries. It's better for everyone, including the cagers! :)
In the US lane splitting it just dumb. I know California and some states allow it but the risks just totally out weigh the benefits. Liability issues aside it seems to me that being rear ended or being crushed by trucks or falling under them is a no brainer. I'd rather be rear ended. Also, if you are lane splitting the traffic isn't moving all that fast to begin with so a rear end accident is most likely not going to be too horrible. But, falling under the wheels of a slow moving truck, same outcome as if it were going fast. I happily keep my BMW touring bike in my lane and just mosey along. One final note, riding in any city, lane splitting or not, is awful. Country roads take me home...Love your channel.
Hey Fort9, just wanna give you some credit for your efforts. You make quality videos everytime that are worthy of a big studio with many employees, I bet your channel will get very far if you keep this up! -Well, Onwards to the video itself. I know it is illegal to lane split in Canada, but does the majority do it anyways, or are bikers generally sticking to the rules? Here in Denmark it is also illegal in the sense that motorcycles ride under the same set of laws as cars, but each and every biker (including myself during heavy traffic) are lanesplitting regardless and seems like car drivers are generally ok with it. You should go ride in Paris sometime, their lanesplitting is crazy !
Hey Daniel! Motorcyclists in Canada generally *do not* split lanes. The few that do are typically the same hooligans who wheelie down the Trans-Canada Highway at 150km/h. A lot of us will filter through a few cars when traffic comes to an abrupt halt (just to avoid getting rear ended). But that's a rare case, and we typically only filter past one or two cars before resuming our place in line. ~RyanF9
haha those wheelie-bros are such an international stereotype xD But nice to know the general style of riding in Canada, I have some family there so I might come over, rent a bike, and try some Canadian miles someday. Ride safely!
Lane splitting is inherently always more dangerous than follow the car in front of you in your lane...Just because of the simple fact that most car drivers don't see you coming and swirl left to right to left to gain some time they think..But here in Holland is legal and hell,I do it all the time if I can..Look at Asian Metropolises where 20 scooters lane spit a 2 lane road...Motorcycles/scooters are the answer for clogged up roads anywhere...Weather of course is a factor if people want to convert to a two wheeler on a daily basis..Though, living in Malta for over 14 years, south of Italy with predominantly nice weather, and being one of the most densely countries in Europe, people just stick to their car and enjoy the ever progressing traffic jams...I do understand in a way after getting my European motorcycle license there 2 years ago haha..Ryan and crew..love your work..just wondering how your content would look working for a condom factory;-)
Okay. I drive for a living. 4+ wheels depending on the job. Had two guys lane split at a light on separate occasions. I’m only just getting into motorcycles. I had no idea this was a thing. I just thought these guys were being dicks. From a four wheel perspective, every motor has its spot in a lane. Be it in front of me, or behind me. Coming up beside me, splitting lanes, without knowledge that this is a thing (and to be clear I’ve no idea if this was strictly legal in my smallish southern US town), well, it just felt like a dick move. Better education would have helped.
Technically speaking you’re not saving the person flipping you off any time at all, but you’re saving the people that were behind you time. Paradoxically these car drivers should be in favour of lane splitting unless it’s by someone passing them :)
I'd say you are saving them time. When you are in traffic waiting you are basically waiting in line. The motorcycle rider splitting lanes is not adding to your wait since he ain't in that line.
That is very practical. At that speed or maybe a little higher you have all the benefits without spooking the cars. Lane spitting at 120 km can freak out your Grandma.
@@robertcaldwell2994 It wouldn't spook me, it would just make me angry cause he's breaking the law, if he can lane split, why can't I in my car? Ontario Law basically treats all vehicles on the road the same and that's good. A bike is just a car with 2 less wheels, no roof, and a much higher death rate and they state that bikes can't lane filter, can't ride side by side in a lane, and can't ride like lunatics, which means it's fairer for everyone
@@coastaku1954 You should be able to use the vehicle's characteristics. If I can't filter on my narrow bike, you can't use AC and listen to the radio. That would be treating all vehicles the same.
Pt 2. The reason filtering works in places like London, for example, is because it is taught early on to young and new drivers, both 4 and 2 wheels, that this is the accepted and, in most cases, expected norm. (There are places where if you didn't filter for whatever reason, you would be subject to a level of road rage because it is expected that you are to filter.) It's ingrained in the driving culture over there to share the road and that it's advantageous to all road users. Riders are also taught how to properly and safely filter too, which in turn, decreases the likelihood of an accident, thus making the whole notion of filtering more positive and accepting. Now, am I saying that there are no idiot drivers AND riders in London and other places where filtering is legal and promoted? Absolutely not. I'm not that naive. (Just like there ARE some good drivers and riders in Halifax. They just seem to be increasingly rare as of late.) But because it's taught and accepted at an earlier level as being the normal and expected thing to do, filtering works. Here in Canada, Halifax in particular, it would take a huge and aggressive awareness campaign to start changing the average Halifax driver's mindset. Even then, I think it would take a minimum of maybe 2 generations of continual education and training for young and new drivers to ingrain that same acceptance experienced in filtering legal countries. Of course, this is just my opinion. Please feel free to agree or disagree with me. Either way, if filtering did become legal, I think I'd have to get a new bike. I currently ride a Victory Cross Country and don't think I would get too far trying to filter that big bagger between lines of traffic lol.
This video was absolutely painful to watch. I live in Montreal and filter a lot of the time, I couldn't believe you didn't do it at all in the video. If we all did it it would be legal yesterday. Lets do our part.
Because regular Vehicle motorists DGAF about anything but themselves, and don't pay attention to the road as much as they should. NA drivers aren't as well educated about roads as Europe. Also, in Quebec, there's this feeling: Je M'en Calisse.....
Because the people who care about these rules don't vote and the people who do vote get offended when anyone gets anywhere faster than them and their mini vans.
@@Vikesh7896 I drive to work almost every day I have yet to come across a motorcyclist, and the ones I do see are ones doing 150Km/h and weaving in between traffic
You mentioned potholes. I grew up in Montreal and have lived 29 years in Los Angeles, commuting and sometimes working by motorcycle. L.A. is the only place I have ever seen where the potholes are as bad as in Montreal. Whereas back home, the temperature differentials between Winter and Summer are largely to blame for the cracks and holes (as far as I know), in L.A. it is all the earthquakes, major and minor. Overuse of the roads is also responsible for damage, in both regions. I enjoy your vlogs and have been subscribed to your channel for at least a year. Keep up the good work.
Video's TLDR: *Let's clarify something first: we are talking about lane filtering here. Not splitting lanes at highway speeds, but rather filtering through traffic at low speeds.* The good: 1. Eliminate risk of getting rear ended when stopped or substantially slowed in traffic. 2. Makes a positive impact, however small, on the environment by reducing time spent sitting stationary. 3. Saves everyone on the road time by filling more of the road (think of it as making a lineup shorter) - especially for the rider. 4. Ability to seek shelter from the elements beside larger vehicles. 5. Makes riding in the city WAY more fun. The bad: 1. Danger on the sides when passing cars (e.g., doors opening). 2. Limits or eliminates your escape options if you come to a pothole or similarly dangerous obstacle. 3. High potential to put the rider in an unfavourable legal situation if there is a collision while in between lanes.
Legal in the Netherlands too and I can't imagine it not being. It makes so much sense. Having said that's even though it's legal, it still pisses some people off for some reason, mostly those in traffic. Lastly, since lane splitting is legal, motorists in traffic will often make room for bikes as people are far more aware of having bikes around all the time.
Bit of a slow preamble to get to the subject but hey, I enjoyed the tour. Never been to Montreal (I live in B.C.). Love the history all around you. Reminds me of when I lived in London England. But yeah -- lane splitting -- it should be legalized for all the advantages it offers, and regardless of the disadvantages, as you say, we should have the choice to split or not depending on circumstance. Riding a motorcycle is not like driving a car, so the rules we follow should allow some flexibility. Good stuff :-)
The thing I will never understand is Cyclists are allowed to do it. Hell they are allowed to clog up a road and cause congestion, but a motorcycle will never hold up traffic like a bicycle will. Not to mention they don't even pay insurance. If you have even an inkling of an idea to go to Montreal, do it! It is unlike any city out west. The culture may not be for everyone, but they actually have a culture out there :).
Culture and diversity makes for a great environment to live and thrive in. One day I want to get to Montreal; stay a while and get the 'feel' of it. Cheers :-)
Live in San Diego, CA and lane split everyday. Caution must be exercised but it can be done safely and for the most part no one shouts insults or toots horns like other places where it is not legal and leads to 'outrage'. Events like 4th of july - HUGE time saver! Lane splitting + free motorcycle parking spaces (one car space divided into 6? mc spots) that alone makes mc / scooter and amazing car alternative + almost no rain 3/4 of the year. Finally, a lot of your city streets are very narrow and would make it touch to split.
1st. Thanks for doing what you are doing Ryan! Keep up the good work. The issue is that when I am on a bike I would like other drivers to give me the space they would give a car. It makes me feel very uneasy and unsafe when cars try to squeeze in beside me. I am on a motor vehicle give me space... splitting lanes feels like an invitation to those in cars to crowd all bikes, even those riders who are more comfortable riding with more of a safety buffer around them.
Being from the TO area, I think we need to make it legal at stop lights/signs as a start. Then allow for filtering under 30 KM/H and see how that works out. Drivers here are so used to not having anything squeeze between them and the car beside them and having anything take up that space would just cause them to get distracted and either rear end the car in front and swerve into you or just swerve into you.
Hey man, I like your videos where you rate helmets and gear and such. This is the first motovlog you made that I'm watching. The description says Ryan splits through Montreal's main artery, but, you didn't split once. Makes me feel like an idiot for watching a 16 minute video.
Hey ryan, i really appreciate your channel, youve always got a (mostly) non-biased view of issues to motorcyclists and generally cover most of the views. I havent ridden in close to 15 years (due to kids and being married to a paramedic, I some how convinced her that a VTR250 is ok... next task is a SV1000S or similar...) and I am really appreciating all of the content, views and thoughts that go into your videos (and yammienoob, you guys should do a cameo), keep it up dude (that sounds wrong but im trying to be clean here)
I agree lane splitting should be legal here in Canada. If anyone can create awareness its you and your chanel. If your ever in the Ottawa area riding you should send me a PM and we will show you some great roads.
There is no statute under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act deeming, "lane splitting" to be illegal, therefore, it is perfectly legal, as long as it is done with care and consideration for other motorists.
I live in Mexico City, it is legal here to lane split in your bike, as long as the vehicles are completely stop and once they begin moving you should occupy one full lane as if you were a car, that is what the law tells anyways, and it is the right thing to do cause being stuck in the heavy traffic of this city under the blazing sun and heat is not very comfortable at all, as you can imagine.
UK ere! lane splitting all day long its not illegal but in a case of an accident both partys are responsible 50/50 most of the time car drivers accept lane splitting here most of them anyways and its an everyday part of UK driving. If I could not lane split I would give up bikeing I think.
Another safety advantage of lane splitting is that you can position yourself ahead of traffic instead of being trapped between traffic. As a motorcyclist your more vulnerable, harder to be seen, but out accelerate (almost) any car. Triple the reason why lane splitting is a safer option. I wouldn’t want to be trapped between a truck in front and behind me. That big truck in front of you blocks your sight, and when you cross the intersection you’re basically invisible, also for a car coming from behind on the lane next to you, who might want to jump that open space between the two trucks you’re occupying.
I've never been to Montreal, looks lovely though (I'm from Hamilton). I'm all for lane splitting, mostly for safety to avoid being rear ended at red lights. Also single riders should be legal in the HOV lane!!
One of the things I fear the most about returning to Canada is all the laws. In Korea lane splitting is a second nature. In fact, if there is no space on the road we just jump on the sidewalk. I'd highly recommend you get here to ride one day. It is surely a moto paradise. Lane splitting, mountain and coastal twistys everywhere, and speed limits are not enforced on bikes. Oh! And, if you are brave enough, riding all year long! I'll probably lose my licence in the first week of riding back home lol... Really liked your review of the Africa Twin by the way...
Lane filtering and lane splitting are two different actions. Lane filtering is when you filter to the front at a traffic light while cars are stationary. Lane splitting is when you travel at speed in between cars in two different lanes by passing between the two vehicles. The first can be safe for you by preventing being rear-ended and the latter could be fatal.
It's called filtering in the UK. It's the main benefit o riding a bike! Cuts congestion, reduces fuel consumption - it's a no brainer! Just need car drivers to pay attention! (UK riders also generally wave a thank you to drivers who move out of the way)
You go to all that trouble to keep it clean while looking at the skull on the carriage, and then tell us how shitty a job the mob did with the roads. That's also how I handle bad language.
The people who rage against lane splitters represent one of the nastiest aspects of humanity. They can't live with the idea of someone having an advantage, even if that advantage helps them a little bit too.
wouldn't it be a nasty cleanup when an idiot gets gets squeezed like a flat pancake between two vehicles because he/she feels they are too entitled to wait in slow traffic like the rest of humanity?
I love how I always think traffic congestion in my town is horrible. Then I watch a video like this and go: "It's not so bad after all, at least it's better than that."
Climate change. I’ve spent countless hours sitting in LA traffic spewing carbon from my car is the reason I now have 2 motorcycles and lane split. Climate change. I’ve been blessed to visit Europe and see the moped/motorcycle/bicycle -auto coHabitation , along with embracing mass transit. If we are mindful of our part in climate change and see how other parts of the planet are working and talking about change. Traveling recently to the Sierra Nevada mtns near me and seeing all the dead patches of trees from drought that 15 years ago you wouldn’t see is a rude awakening. Climate change conversations. I enjoy FortNine’s thought provoking themes and quality productions! Be the change!
You keep saying the "lane splitting is illegal." I take it you are referring to, illegal in Canada? I looked at the Ministry of Transportation's driving handbook, " www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/handbook/motorcycles/section4-5-13.shtml " in this handbook, it does not state anywhere that "lane splitting" is illegal in Ontario. Basically, the only thing it says is that it is dangerous, ( that is a matter of opinion ) and you should not do it. The Ministry of Transportations rules for the road are not what our courts follow anyways. The Ontario Highway Traffic Act is what one is charged under and ultimately has to abide by. I have read through the Highway Traffic Act and have yet to find anything in it that states, "lane splitting" is illegal. Just because the police tell you that it is illegal or the Ministry of Transportation says you shouldn't do it, does not make it illegal. If you do in fact have a subsection from the Highway Traffic Act which states, "lane splitting" is illegal, I would definitely like to be made aware of it.
Yeah, it's not clearly defined in the highway codes. That's why lane splitters are often handed vague tickets for "racing", "reckless driving" or "illegal passing" in Canada. I think you'd probably have a decent chance of fighting the ticket and winning, but still, you can count on getting the ticket in the first place. ~RyanF9
A horrible lawyer would be able to get anyone off a ticket issued for lane splitting. The HTA states that it is legal to pass a vehicle on it's right side as long as you do not leave the paved roadway, it also states that you can pass a vehicle on it's left side as long as it is done with caution. Over taking of vehicles can be done as long as you do not exceed their speed by more that 20 kph. I do not lane split on the highway or city streets, I do lane split at red lights.
It's a similar issue in Portugal where it is not explicitly illegal, but there are a bunch of other rules that could be interpreted as making it ilegal. Diference is that the police follows common sense in this case and as long as you are not being reckless or a dick they won't fine you.
Lane splitting is one of the few benefits to being a California resident. I save almost 15 minutes in my morning commute, time in which I’m not pumping hydrocarbons into the air, or becoming another source of traffic congestion. We learn it in the basic riding school, though I’ve noticed new riders don’t tend to do it. Only negative is some riders like to go 50 mph over the flow of traffic, maybe not so brilliant. It should be universal.
It's a SPOT Gen 3 satellite beacon (fortnine.ca/en/spot-gen-3). Not that I'd need it in downtown Montreal, haha, but the thing lives on my jacket. ~RyanF9
I'm a fellow motorcyclist from Halifax, Nova Scotia. I am all for lane splitting/filtering and see the benefits of it, (i.e. less overall traffic congestion, eliminates the risk of being rear ended in stop and go traffic, etc.). I also see the inherent risks involved as well because, lets face it, while it is and can be done, threading your bike between rows of traffic is potentially not the safest of manoeuvres. Because of this, I agree with your last statement in that a motorcyclist should be free to choose what is the safest course of action for them. Now, with that being said, here is why filtering wouldn't work in many parts of Canada, Halifax in particular, at least not for a minimum of 10-12 years. Haligonians, (yes, that's what people from Halifax are called. I know, it's stupid) are some of THE WORST drivers in the country. And I know, pretty much everybody says that about their own town/city's drivers but, trust me. Come to Halifax and find out for yourself. THE WORST. A divided road or multi-lane street is nothing more than an invitation to race the other traffic. It makes no difference to most Halifax drivers that you may both end up at the same destination at the exact same time. So long as they are passing you or getting that one car length ahead of you, it's worth the risk. They're the winners and you are the loser in this non-existant fantasy road race they have playing out in their heads. Road signs and traffic laws are mere suggestions. Hell, I've even seen drivers make their own private lane where there isn't any just to get 1 or 2 cars ahead. And here's the kicker, compared to pretty much every other city in Canada, Halifax is tiny. Where this incessant need to get to where you're going, (which 9 times out of 10 ends up being a Tim Horton's drive thru), as fast as humanly possible came from, I have no idea. "Relax Bub. You'll get there." And to the average Halifax driver, if they even think for a second that you are somehow getting some sort of driving advantage over them, (i.e. you just managed to find yourself in a faster lane or what have you), they lose their collective minds. Even though it has zero impact on their existence in this universe, they start raging and doing stupid and risky manoeuvres (speeding, illegal passing, tailgating, etc) just to try and prove to....?....themselves, I guess?? (maybe the ghost of Dale Earnhardt?) that they are the "faster and better" driver. It's this last point in particular that would prevent filtering from effectively working here. It would cause more accidents, (and hence, more traffic snarls as a result), than it would prevent, because people just can't get it into their heads that it is advantageous to EVERYONE on the road, not just the motorcyclist. Legally or not, all they see is some guy on a bike getting ahead of them and they can't have that. They will NOT share the road. I can hear them now: "Why does HE get to go ahead? Isn't he a licensed and registered motor vehicle? Well than he can damn well follow the same rules as the rest of us! Waaaah!" You mean the same rules you don't follow yourself, right? And I know what would happen as a result. These drivers would start taking matters into their own hands and either purposely block the section between lanes to prevent a motorcyclist from filtering and/or they would run them off the road/cause an accident. And we all know who is usually the loser in a motorcycle accident. I've seen it happen here on more than one occasion with bicyclists. These asshat drivers can't even handle having a bicycle pass them in stop and go traffic or heaven forbid, they have to wait a whole 5 seconds for oncoming traffic to clear so that they can go around the cyclist. They're laying on the horn, flipping them off, and in more than one instance, clipping the cyclist and causing serious injury because "...they shouldn't be on the road!"
My findings of lane splitting in L.A. and then NOT splitting in S.L.C. The BIGGEST advantage of lane splitting in L.A. was my reduced commute to a from work. It was a good 10 minutes shorter. Even though lane splitting on the freeway even with stand still traffic is risky, I only got hit once and I didn't go down. Lane splitting is relatively safe if you keep your speed sane. The other advantage from lane splitting I didn't appreciate until I moved to S.L.C. was not being surrounded by cars. You see, when you pull up all the way to the front of a traffic light, and the light turns green, you are gone... leaving all cars behind. Even 150 scooters do this. So now you are riding not surrounded by distracted cagers. Here in S.L.C. I have been almost hit by drivers right after a light turns green a bit too often for comfort. I believe this rise in this kind of incidents comes from the fact that I'm surrounded by cars more often...
Well technically *pushes glasses up his nose*, although the St-Laurent river splits around Montréal, the northern bit is called Rivière des Prairies (Des Prairies river). All right, enough of me being that guy, love your videos.
Actually... The St. Lawrence River runs along the southern shore of Montreal whereas the The Riviere des Prairies is fed on the north side by the Ottawa River. The Ottawa and St. Lawrence rivers meet up at the locks at the western tip of the Island of Montreal (also known as the "West Island") in St. Anne de Bellevue. Riviere des Prairies and the St. Lawrence meet up at the eastern tip of the island in RDP-Pointe Aux Trembles.
You would love Thailand. I'm not going to say 100% you haven't ridden until you have ridden in Asia. But I might say, 95% :) You would LOVE riding in Thailand. Every car/truck/semi driver rode bikes on the highway and around villages since 8 years old. They bring lane splitting to a new level and it just works man. Everything works. I never stop on my bike and if I do it's a WTF moment where the driver apologizes out the window or the light is red and I'm not turning left.
Here in Austria lane splitting is legal for motorcycles "if there is enaugh space and no danger for other traffic participants", so watching you staying in line on a red light makes me a little nervous ;) As far as I know, there are not many accidents due to lane splitting in Austria and if there is any, nobody gets seriously harmed. So I'd say lane splitting should be legal everywhere. Usually car drivers here know about our right to pass them so most of them even move over a little to let motorcycles go by. Only a few times I had somebody try to block me off when I tried to pass them, and that is mostly because of pure envy I think. Anyway, great video!
The thing about legalizing splitting is that it will incentivize more commuters to take their bikes, rather than their pickup trucks to work. Toronto traffic gets worse every year, and no one is doing anything about it. You hardly see anyone on bikes during rush hour on the highways, and I think it’s a shame. We could move more people through our limited space more efficiently, not to mention the extra parking space we’d have (ESPECIALLY street parking). Everyone should be on board with this, reducing congestion benefits all of us. I’ve been tempted many times but I have no idea if the cops will nail me and jack my insurance up
By far my least favorite video of yours. Your other stuff is amazing! I thought the video had looped at some point as you said all the same stuff again.. Thought this must have been one of your early videos but it's from 2018. Keep making great stuff dude! Not this stuff though!
I'm curious about 2 things Ryan: 1. What are your preferred/favorite types of bikes? 2. Could you tell me what type of bike this one I love is because I think it's a cafe racer but I can't be sure and it's actually the bike which made me watch your videos more often as I'm thinking about getting a license. The bike is a Fantic Caballero 250 Scrambler (also available in 125 (2 stroke) and 500)
I lane split/shared/filtered for 20+ years in California. Always prudently, never at large differential speeds, never when traffic was flowing at or near the limit (no need, IMHO), always quietly (no rev bombing). Only very occasionally did I encounter drivers who objected. Many would scootch over a bit, a couple even pulled in trailer mirrors. I did occasionally irritate riders who wanted to speed and couldn't wait a moment for me to duck into an adjoining lane. It was safer for me; never got rear ended, never got lane-changed, never got doored. I wasn't taking up a full lane adding to congestion. It's a shame that Canada and most of the U.S. don't permit it as most other nations do. Yes, some riders scare the crap out of drivers by flying by and some rev bomb people stuck in traffic, but honestly those riders are poor ambassadors in so, so many other ways. California defined splitting by law just a few years ago after a long history of relying on legal and prudent, primarily in response to the few but highly visible irresponsible splitters. The law changed nothing for me. (A short aside: my employer asked me to do presentations about splitting in an effort to bring everybody up to speed as to why it was safer and an overall win for all road users. It was in response to us hiring a fair number of new CA transplants who reflexively disapproved and because for a while many more of our employees took up riding for easier commuting. After the explanations and Q&A I could see the lightbulbs go on and the smiles form.) Thank you for the moto tour, I really enjoyed it!
Where I am in Australia, we differentiate between lane splitting and lane filtering. Lane splitting is illegal, but lane filtering is legal. What is filtering then? We are allowed to pass between stationary or slow moving traffic (we cannot go over 30km/h while filtering). We are not allowed to pass busses or trucks (though many people do it any way), and we are not allowed to pass on the left in a bicycle lane, though we can pass on the left between the traffic stream and parked cars. Lane splitting here is defined as cutting between traffic at or above the speed limit, and that is not legal anywhere around here. You also must have a full license, not a learners or provisional drivers license. The safety of it is we avoid getting rear ended, and because we can take off and move faster, it is better for motor cycles to be ahead at traffic lights and intersections. Though primarily it is at traffic lights, or slow moving congested traffic that we get the opportunity to filter past. While many car drivers still are not a fan, and some even illegally try to block us from filtering, or directly swerving at us, bikes filtering actually do not hinder cars, as we actually give them more space on the road, and prevent adding to traffic buildup and congestion - unfortunately many car drivers just don't realise this.
Sorry to be in a minority of comments here but I don't think lane splitting should be regarded as a fundamental right, but nor should it be banned. The problem is that almost all bikers now lane split everywhere and permanently (where it's allowed) even when they are not in a hurry. Many also take enormous risks, filtering very fast with not a hope of avoiding injury if someone opens a door or crosses lanes suddenly. They also filter outrageously fast through tiny gaps that absolutely rely on drivers tolerating such a tight squeeze. If you were queuing for a ticket or a coffee in a cafe would you automatically barge your way in front? Would you barge past people on a sidewalk or hustle your way to the front of a group of people waiting patiently in line? I assume not. Just because a bike can filter, it doesn't mean you always should. The idea that it is so "normal" that it's your fault if you get shunted from behind if you choose not to filter is preposterous. By all means filter, but safely and not so you annoy or inconvenience others. And this "cager" tribalism is also ridiculous. 90% of bike owners over 35 also own cars. Do you suddenly change species just because you are in a car instead of on a bike? This "us and them" trope is so childish, and utterly counter-productive. All road users have rights, and all of them need to respect other users' rights too, whatever vehicle they use. Bikers need to stop the "cager" mentality and work towards a more civilised patience and tolerance, just as they demand of car drivers.
I think the hardest part of 'legislating' lane splitting is the issue of the rider being responsible to make 'reasonable' decisions -- if there is sufficient space, safe speed differential, etc -- and the 'responsibility' of the drivers to not purposely close you off or other 'stupid moves' ... added to the already 'blind' driving of texters and other distractions. In areas where lane splitting is not already "accepted", MANY drivers think of it as "breaking in line" and recent bikers 'passing them by'... totally unaware of how it can 'compress' traffic and actually SAVE them time from Traffic jams... I even had a Police Officer give me a big long lecture about how terribly dangerous it was for me to move to the front of a line of STOPPED traffic at a RED light..!! There has been a Lot of "talk" about passing 'filtering' here in GA where I live, but it has never gotten to the floor of the Legislature... And quite honestly, it is mainly because of the "squid" riders who are cutting people off on the Interstates at twice the speed limit and no signalling... RUINING "Public Relations" for ALL riders! I am a sport rider myself, so I am not 'an old fuddy-dud' that putters around on a bike that is 4 feet wide and 800 pounds.
Legal in most of europe. If I have to sit in traffic I would take my car. More comfortable (not wet, not cold, not warm) and is a lot safer. So that would leave driving in the weekend for fun. There are rules on doing it in most countries though. Like max until 50 km/h and with a 20 km/h speed difference with the traffic. And it does help reduce traffic. A large car organisation did a study and 20 procent more motorcycles instead of cars would reduce traffic by half.
I didn't understand why it was legal in California until I rode through Los Angeles. If you ride an air cooled bike as I do, then there would be broke down bikes on the freeways. Being that I almost burnt up my engine in the traffic in Houston, I was glad when I could split lanes in L.A., and other towns like Santa Monica.
I've always been a fan of lane splitting, as it theoretically gets all the bikes up to the front of the line, from whence they can zoom off once the lights turn green, clearing out that much additional traffic that us car drivers are still driving in. I say "theoretically", because in the US, it's amazing how many bikes accelerate slower than the cars around them...so letting them filter to the front tends to make _more_ congestion, rather than less.
EU speaking, and yes, one of the major factors of why i even ride a bike is to get through traffic. One point that seems to be missing, or someone might have mentioned in the comments, is health. I hate being stuck behind a line of cars inhaling all the exhaust fumes, or even worse, inhaling the blackish smokepuff older cars emit when they accelerate. So thats one of the biggest pros for me, fresh air at the front of the line. Where I live some cars actually even move over to make more space to let motorcyclists through, biess those ppl :)
Lane splitting is basically mandatory here in South East Asia...cars will actually get pissed if you take up their lane space instead of riding down the line between them, lol.
I'm from the U.S. where lane splitting is illegal but I rode a motorcycle through 10 countries in SE Europe, from Budapest to Istanbul. In Romania, while sitting behind a string of traffic, I noticed the driver in the car in front of me waving at me to ride around the string of stopped traffic. So you're right, in many places car drivers will expect a motorcyclist to lane split. The downside of that culture is that the motorcyclist also doesn't "own his lane". Cage drivers were also using my lane space to pass me when the wanted. In Istanbul I had to have 306 degree situational awareness because cars were in my space, just inches from me.
Rod Burke: It's pretty much the only thing that is legal in California. Filtering away from getting rear ended has been way more secure.
In Tunisia, North Africa, lane splitting is the normal thing for bikers, and I'm a car driver most times. When I saw how bikers sit behind cars in traffic instead of filtering cuz it's illegal, I was truly shocked.
I prefer that. The places I’ve been have a dedicated space at intersections for motorcycles at the front.
Same in Sri Lanka (South Asia). Once i got scolded by a lorry driver for sitting infront of him in the traffic when I first started riding.
*Realizes he looks crazy talking to himself on a bike*
*Throws in crazy hand gestures to add to the effect*
it's legal in the UK, it's called filtering and they teach it at motorcycle schools as well :) guess we're lucky
They don't teach it in all schools and you don't fail your test if you don't. I guess if you live in a congested area where filtering bikes allow more traffic to get through.
Filtering can also be dangerous: you have less manoeuvring space if a car moves suddenly sideways. (E.g. swerving something on the road YOU don't see or suddenly realise they are on the wrong lane and need to turn - and they haven't seen you.) And if you lane split on centre and another bike coming from opposite direction has thought the same... I have come across all these in my daily commute but luckily I traffic slow and car drivers are usually super aware of bikes as there are so many, it's a till the de facto transport, and ALL the drivers have learnt to drive a bike "since they were born".
@@oakstrong1 you could fail your test, it's all about "making progress" the examiners are quite keen on that.
@@TheAegisClaw hmm, I just did my test and they said you can filter but you better be f***ing good with it. it's better you don't to minimise risk to your exam. I didn't filter and I can confirm it's fine.
@@Jash_F it depends on the situation, I did my test right in the middle of evening rush hour and we wouldn't have gone a mile in the alloted time had a not filtered. My instructor told me ahead of time I would be expected to filter in those traffic conditions. Of course this was 20 years ago...
@@TheAegisClaw hmm must have changed because they do tests on specific times now. I do live at Hampshire, maybe different in different parts of the country.
The whole cafe racer part was priceless. Goes on about all the bad then........"it is cool though, shit". Sums it up perfectly lol.
bbqBaconNinja haha I was going to say the same thing... it is cool though.
Mathematically speaking, the minuscule amount amount time that a car driver gains by letting a motorcycle split is actually compounded by the number of motorcycles on the street. A similar number of motorcycles would reach their destinations x minutes sooner relieving the number of vehicles on the road. Lane splitting is actually a boon for all motorists. Texas is considering a traffic law to allow filtering if traffic is slower than 20mph and the rider is helmeted.
I find filtering to actually be easier when traffic is faster than 20 mph. At
This is a great idea, I hope more states follow
That is pretty much how it is in Australia, didn't think about the idea that other places might not have a speed limit for filtering. But yeah here you can only lane split on a full license and if traffic is going 30km/h or slower.
true unless you live in a country where 90% of people ride motor scooters or motorcycles. it actually causes more death more traffic and more rage.
@@steampunknord on the UK there isn't a limit, it's just stated "low speeds" which gives a bit of room for subjectivity.
Here in Pakistan even the lorries lane split 😅
Syed Maaz Bukhari you say that like it’s a good thing....
When I was in Pakistan, I smashed a few hot bitches
@@michaelserrano1355 sure you did
@@Retr0_Blues erm....okay,if that is your main interest
No that’s just BAD ASS! May be a little complicated and unsafe, but doing it in a Semi takes some drivers with giant balls!!
Almost every single motorcycle accident video I've watched has involved lane splitting. The problem is that motorcyclists who lane split in legal states go too fast, and while the cars SHOULD be looking for motorcyclists, they usually don't. The combination is cars changing lanes in front of the biker before he/she can react. Do I support lane splitting in principle? Yes, it probably would make riders safer to a certain extent, and help motorcyclists to get through traffic. In practice? It creates more opportunities for careless drivers (both car drivers AND bikers) to create accidents.
Exactly.
I'm sick of seeing dudes going like, 60 mph whilst lane splitting and then acting surprised when a car doesn't see them.
It's sucks those types of motorist blame the cars when it's their own fault for being dangerous. Not gonna lie, I'm from Cali and lane split too, but I only drive about 15mph over the car speed when they are moving slow. Say their at a standstill, I'll be riding about 25-30mph between cars. This allows cars to move over when they see me approaching the the mirrors. Squids will be squids tho 💁🏽
There isn't really any data on if lane splitting is safer or not because it is a little too complicated. What we do know is California is just as dangerous/safe which ever way you look at it as Texas despite having nearly 3 times the the motorcycle population. We also know that splitting lane decreases traffic congestion. Just because accidents can occur from the activity doesn't make it inherently something to block out. I mean overtaking causes accidents, it is an avenue for people to get hurt doing it stupidly but it is not illegal. It is kept illegal because there is no data so governments are taking a "better safe than sorry" approach instead of actually diving in to see if it hurts people with research or experiments.
Actually, most drivers actually do look out for motorcycles, at least from what I've seen. It's just hard to see a motorcycle lane splitting like a maniac. I'd say somewhere from 80-90 of people (at least here in California) watch out. That still leave 10-20% of drivers to be a potential threat. Even though it seems like everyone is trying to kill you, it really only takes 1 bad driver to give you a bad day.
Seems to be a mostly US thing with people speeding while lane splitting. Here in the UK people do it fairly slowly so they can get through all the slow and barely moving traffic (which we have a lot of).
Watching you sit in traffic like that is painful.
Watch this then: ua-cam.com/video/niHyI3M6nsE/v-deo.html
@@renatoramone5939 Thanks, my anxiety just got a tad bit worse.
How is it painful?
Whats the point in having a bike if you can't filter (lane split) through or past traffic? In fact its one of the major reasons for having a bike in Europe. You will hardly ever be held up by traffic. Also it makes you learn very quickly about slow speed bike control and, by necessity, about observing and predicting the actions of car drivers. Jeez if I had to sit behind a queue of cars everywhere I think I wouldn't bother with owning a bike!
Exactly the same in Argentina!
This is why I can't ever live in another state besides Cali, I like LEGALLY lanesplitting too much.
Is lanesplitting allowed everywhere in europe? Or at least in the netherlands for my sake😂
If the traffic is stopped at a light you can move to the front in Hungary. Makes a 50cc 2stroke Scarabeo the fastest vehicle in the city.
I agree, who the hell wants a two wheel car? Yes it’s fun at times but if you are also commuting then I would much rather be sitting in a climate controlled cabin listening to some tunes and not have to wear some crash protective gear. I like riding but not being able to split lanes almost makes it not worth owning a motorcycle, I’m on the fence about it right now. Just this morning I got a ticket for splitting lanes here in WA, and what sucks is I don’t think that’s going to stop me from doing it for very long. Former CA resident here, it’s were I learned to ride.
Why make it illegal?
Less traffic congestion
Less rear end collisions
Less pollution
Booo, we no like!
+Marcus Östlin, so you like traffic jam, pollution and hope to rear end other vehicle everyday?
Or was I using a tiny bit of sarcasm? I love Lane splitting
The argument against lane splitting is literally "But Mum!!! It's not fair!!!!!! waaaaaaa!!!!!"
although i am for lane splitting. those arguments are horrible. we need to come up with something more intellectual. first of, "less pollution" not only are motorcycles scarce, but they do not pollute much to begin with. So the foot print reduction would be next to nothing. secondly, "less congestion" this only apply to places like California where motorcycles are plenty. but pretty much the rest of the U.S. dont have enough motorcycles to make a difference in traffic. i see no more than the fingers in my hand when i ride, and i ride daily. The only argument that is worth something is the issue of being rear ended. Yes lane splitting reduces the chances of being rear ended, it increases the chances of being side swept. so we're back to square one
we need to come up with more arguments and have data to back it up if we want to convince anyone
nothing against these early vids, but it's amazing how far this channel has come
Wow... Its hard to watch a moto going so slowly through traffic... Here in California we all Lane split.. (Its Legal here) and we get around more quickly
I tend to say fuck it most of the time. Me personally, I would be filtering between the traffic and cars parked on the side of the road in Vancouver. The time I save on a daily basis is more than worth it for the odd ticket here and there. I have a daily observations clip which would provide an example of what i'm talking about. IT really pisses me off how bicycles and motorcycles have to follow the same rules, they get their own lane on the side of highways but do you want to know how many use those lanes during rush hour? Next to none.... seriously... I might as well use that space! (And I do...)
Watching it is one thing but hearing the bike at such low rpm all the time is just painful :D
I'll split in real heavy traffic (and motor cops don't seem to give two shits anyways heavy traffic or not), and to avoid a rear end collision in any scenario (and nobody's gonna give two shits for that, except maybe the guy next to me who _did_ get rear-ended) but generally not to get to the front of every red light in all conditions. The former will be seen by the more courteous or apathetic cagers as just another guy getting from A to B, the latter will just be interpreted by them as selfish and dickish
Honestly, I could care less if i look selfish and dickish. Cagers aren't looking out for riders. The safest place to be is never in between two things that can kill you. For that reason, I will always filter to the front of the line. Besides, getting from point A to B quickly is the point of owning a motorcycle. What good is all that nimbleness sitting behind a toyota prius owner eating a donut.
Yep I live in Los Angeles. Been riding for about 20 years. I could not imagine not being able to lane split. It would be pointless to have a bike then!
Isn't another plus to lane splitting is so that motorcycles don't overheat in stop and go traffic?
Yes! I hear that's why lane splitting originally became legal in California ... too many air-cooled bikes overheating in LA traffic. ~RyanF9
Also in California they were worried about getting heat stroke from sitting with no air flow to cool the riders down
you may as well just walk instead of stopping every 40yards......
Legal in England :) very handy in rush hour traffic
Lane splitting in the UK is legal I get to work in 30min instead of 1hr 20min in my car
Lane splitting means driving through moving cars or stopped cars?
@@jero2955 Both, when traffic is moving then filter around 15mph faster
Here in the UK lanesplitting is not only legal, it's a taught component of motorcycle training at most schools. I got taught to safely do it when I first got my compulsory basic training at age 16 and been doing it daily ever since without incident....
You spent 6 minutes talking about NOTHING. You have something going here and I like your videos but please don't start being like the rest of UA-cam and spend half of your video talking about something else than the specified topic....
before he was half way through, he repeated the same paragraph........3 times.........word for word.........
Pretty much 9:20 before he gets on topic in any usable fashion.
it's called "educating the viewers about Montreal", ya mook. ;)
Maybe he's too smart to compose words well while riding. I have performed the modern major general's song faster than any human being in the history of time but humility has kept me alive.
Let the guy talk, if you can be patient enough to wait for him to talk about what you want to hear, then you’re not patient enough to make right decisions, and if you’re a fellow biker, I don’t want people like that on the road anyway, they cause trouble and give all bikers a bad name.
I've lived in BC most of my life but lived in Montreal for just over a year about 25 years ago. This really brought back lots of memories and made me want to go back.
Nice video and I'm glad you brought up the point that often gets overlooked in this discussion, that being that it actually reduces traffic congestion for everyone. Most car drivers miss this point and only focus on their complaint that you are "butting in". Another thing to point out is that you might be "jumping the queue" but what car ever had to wait for a motorcycle once that light turns green again (unless that motorcycle was waiting for the car or truck in front of it)!?
Lane splitting should be legal like it is in many countries. It's better for everyone, including the cagers! :)
In the US lane splitting it just dumb. I know California and some states allow it but the risks just totally out weigh the benefits. Liability issues aside it seems to me that being rear ended or being crushed by trucks or falling under them is a no brainer. I'd rather be rear ended. Also, if you are lane splitting the traffic isn't moving all that fast to begin with so a rear end accident is most likely not going to be too horrible. But, falling under the wheels of a slow moving truck, same outcome as if it were going fast. I happily keep my BMW touring bike in my lane and just mosey along. One final note, riding in any city, lane splitting or not, is awful. Country roads take me home...Love your channel.
Hey Fort9, just wanna give you some credit for your efforts. You make quality videos everytime that are worthy of a big studio with many employees, I bet your channel will get very far if you keep this up! -Well, Onwards to the video itself. I know it is illegal to lane split in Canada, but does the majority do it anyways, or are bikers generally sticking to the rules? Here in Denmark it is also illegal in the sense that motorcycles ride under the same set of laws as cars, but each and every biker (including myself during heavy traffic) are lanesplitting regardless and seems like car drivers are generally ok with it. You should go ride in Paris sometime, their lanesplitting is crazy !
Hey Daniel! Motorcyclists in Canada generally *do not* split lanes. The few that do are typically the same hooligans who wheelie down the Trans-Canada Highway at 150km/h. A lot of us will filter through a few cars when traffic comes to an abrupt halt (just to avoid getting rear ended). But that's a rare case, and we typically only filter past one or two cars before resuming our place in line. ~RyanF9
haha those wheelie-bros are such an international stereotype xD But nice to know the general style of riding in Canada, I have some family there so I might come over, rent a bike, and try some Canadian miles someday. Ride safely!
Prophecy fulfilled. FortNine did boom
@@jackelynhernaez1876 They did indeed! Can't believe this is 7 years ago lol
Lane split in Canada and you will get hit, nobody would think to look for it, do it at speed and you will likely die.
Lane splitting is inherently always more dangerous than follow the car in front of you in your lane...Just because of the simple fact that most car drivers don't see you coming and swirl left to right to left to gain some time they think..But here in Holland is legal and hell,I do it all the time if I can..Look at Asian Metropolises where 20 scooters lane spit a 2 lane road...Motorcycles/scooters are the answer for clogged up roads anywhere...Weather of course is a factor if people want to convert to a two wheeler on a daily basis..Though, living in Malta for over 14 years, south of Italy with predominantly nice weather, and being one of the most densely countries in Europe, people just stick to their car and enjoy the ever progressing traffic jams...I do understand in a way after getting my European motorcycle license there 2 years ago haha..Ryan and crew..love your work..just wondering how your content would look working for a condom factory;-)
You do deserve a channel size that is at least 10 times bigger!
10 times bigger? more like 100 times bigger at least!
he should be on par with walterific
This channel is gaining speed REALLY fast. It was so much smaller when i subbed. Can't wait to see what happens in the future.
a motovlogger that is a lot more than just rambling about nothing or being a dick on a bike... absolutely agree with the more subs point
great, relevant content. Love this channel.
Excellent video. Thanks taking the time to film and edit it and of course for positing it for our benefit. Keep up the good work! -Migs
Okay. I drive for a living. 4+ wheels depending on the job. Had two guys lane split at a light on separate occasions. I’m only just getting into motorcycles. I had no idea this was a thing. I just thought these guys were being dicks. From a four wheel perspective, every motor has its spot in a lane. Be it in front of me, or behind me. Coming up beside me, splitting lanes, without knowledge that this is a thing (and to be clear I’ve no idea if this was strictly legal in my smallish southern US town), well, it just felt like a dick move. Better education would have helped.
Technically speaking you’re not saving the person flipping you off any time at all, but you’re saving the people that were behind you time. Paradoxically these car drivers should be in favour of lane splitting unless it’s by someone passing them :)
I'd say you are saving them time. When you are in traffic waiting you are basically waiting in line. The motorcycle rider splitting lanes is not adding to your wait since he ain't in that line.
In Norway lane splitting is legal if the traffic moves at 15km/h or less, I think that is a really good system
i think 30 would be more reasonable, at least be able to get into second gear
@@iduncareanimore It's 30km/h in Sydney, but of course riders still filter at 80!
That is very practical. At that speed or maybe a little higher you have all the benefits without spooking the cars. Lane spitting at 120 km can freak out your Grandma.
@@robertcaldwell2994 It wouldn't spook me, it would just make me angry cause he's breaking the law, if he can lane split, why can't I in my car? Ontario Law basically treats all vehicles on the road the same and that's good. A bike is just a car with 2 less wheels, no roof, and a much higher death rate and they state that bikes can't lane filter, can't ride side by side in a lane, and can't ride like lunatics, which means it's fairer for everyone
@@coastaku1954 You should be able to use the vehicle's characteristics. If I can't filter on my narrow bike, you can't use AC and listen to the radio. That would be treating all vehicles the same.
Pt 2. The reason filtering works in places like London, for example, is because it is taught early on to young and new drivers, both 4 and 2 wheels, that this is the accepted and, in most cases, expected norm. (There are places where if you didn't filter for whatever reason, you would be subject to a level of road rage because it is expected that you are to filter.) It's ingrained in the driving culture over there to share the road and that it's advantageous to all road users. Riders are also taught how to properly and safely filter too, which in turn, decreases the likelihood of an accident, thus making the whole notion of filtering more positive and accepting. Now, am I saying that there are no idiot drivers AND riders in London and other places where filtering is legal and promoted? Absolutely not. I'm not that naive. (Just like there ARE some good drivers and riders in Halifax. They just seem to be increasingly rare as of late.) But because it's taught and accepted at an earlier level as being the normal and expected thing to do, filtering works. Here in Canada, Halifax in particular, it would take a huge and aggressive awareness campaign to start changing the average Halifax driver's mindset. Even then, I think it would take a minimum of maybe 2 generations of continual education and training for young and new drivers to ingrain that same acceptance experienced in filtering legal countries. Of course, this is just my opinion. Please feel free to agree or disagree with me.
Either way, if filtering did become legal, I think I'd have to get a new bike. I currently ride a Victory Cross Country and don't think I would get too far trying to filter that big bagger between lines of traffic lol.
This video was absolutely painful to watch. I live in Montreal and filter a lot of the time, I couldn't believe you didn't do it at all in the video. If we all did it it would be legal yesterday. Lets do our part.
sorry for being 2 years late lmao, do you still filter ? I get honked a lot in the 13 highway I have never been caught as of yet, but did you ?
That has been the best constructive criticism on the topic of lane splitting I have seen. Thank you for the video
lane splitting or "filtering" as we call it here in the UK is perfectly legal, i don't understand why it's illegal in so many places in North America
Because regular Vehicle motorists DGAF about anything but themselves, and don't pay attention to the road as much as they should. NA drivers aren't as well educated about roads as Europe. Also, in Quebec, there's this feeling: Je M'en Calisse.....
its the ratio of cars to bikes on the road behind if the rules favour bikers or not
Because the people who care about these rules don't vote and the people who do vote get offended when anyone gets anywhere faster than them and their mini vans.
@@Vikesh7896 I drive to work almost every day I have yet to come across a motorcyclist, and the ones I do see are ones doing 150Km/h and weaving in between traffic
You mentioned potholes. I grew up in Montreal and have lived 29 years in Los Angeles, commuting and sometimes working by motorcycle.
L.A. is the only place I have ever seen where the potholes are as bad as in Montreal. Whereas back home, the temperature differentials between Winter and Summer are largely to blame for the cracks and holes (as far as I know), in L.A. it is all the earthquakes, major and minor. Overuse of the roads is also responsible for damage, in both regions.
I enjoy your vlogs and have been subscribed to your channel for at least a year. Keep up the good work.
RoyalJordanian King of lane splitting
Yes! And LOVE that Husky Nuda 900R!!! 😲🙏🤗🥳💥
Video's TLDR:
*Let's clarify something first: we are talking about lane filtering here. Not splitting lanes at highway speeds, but rather filtering through traffic at low speeds.*
The good: 1. Eliminate risk of getting rear ended when stopped or substantially slowed in traffic. 2. Makes a positive impact, however small, on the environment by reducing time spent sitting stationary. 3. Saves everyone on the road time by filling more of the road (think of it as making a lineup shorter) - especially for the rider. 4. Ability to seek shelter from the elements beside larger vehicles. 5. Makes riding in the city WAY more fun.
The bad: 1. Danger on the sides when passing cars (e.g., doors opening). 2. Limits or eliminates your escape options if you come to a pothole or similarly dangerous obstacle. 3. High potential to put the rider in an unfavourable legal situation if there is a collision while in between lanes.
8:41 flick the cigarette
"flEEk á seeGArrettt"
Legal in the Netherlands too and I can't imagine it not being. It makes so much sense. Having said that's even though it's legal, it still pisses some people off for some reason, mostly those in traffic. Lastly, since lane splitting is legal, motorists in traffic will often make room for bikes as people are far more aware of having bikes around all the time.
Bit of a slow preamble to get to the subject but hey, I enjoyed the tour. Never been to Montreal (I live in B.C.). Love the history all around you. Reminds me of when I lived in London England.
But yeah -- lane splitting -- it should be legalized for all the advantages it offers, and regardless of the disadvantages, as you say, we should have the choice to split or not depending on circumstance. Riding a motorcycle is not like driving a car, so the rules we follow should allow some flexibility. Good stuff :-)
The thing I will never understand is Cyclists are allowed to do it. Hell they are allowed to clog up a road and cause congestion, but a motorcycle will never hold up traffic like a bicycle will. Not to mention they don't even pay insurance.
If you have even an inkling of an idea to go to Montreal, do it! It is unlike any city out west. The culture may not be for everyone, but they actually have a culture out there :).
Culture and diversity makes for a great environment to live and thrive in. One day I want to get to Montreal; stay a while and get the 'feel' of it. Cheers :-)
*****
haha you were taking my comment way to seriously
*****
You are on point though :)
F9 Ryan sounds so unrefined
No wise ass jokes, no inYouEndos 😁, no witty banter
Thank Goodness he evolved
"getting seen is half the battle", but wears Earth color camouflage jacket..
F9 is legit great he sees the bad and good in situations where we only want to see good
4:23 makes casual jab at a mafia. This is Canada’s pint size John Wick
Love that I can do it in the UK you never need worry about traffic
"...I look like a craaaaazy person." You're on a motorcycle. Most people already think you're crazy. Talking to yourself can't make it any worse. >:)
Just watching you ride around that city makes me glad I live in the country.
"Thank you madam, I like your pink." lol
Live in San Diego, CA and lane split everyday. Caution must be exercised but it can be done safely and for the most part no one shouts insults or toots horns like other places where it is not legal and leads to 'outrage'. Events like 4th of july - HUGE time saver! Lane splitting + free motorcycle parking spaces (one car space divided into 6? mc spots) that alone makes mc / scooter and amazing car alternative + almost no rain 3/4 of the year. Finally, a lot of your city streets are very narrow and would make it touch to split.
1st. Thanks for doing what you are doing Ryan! Keep up the good work.
The issue is that when I am on a bike I would like other drivers to give me the space they would give a car. It makes me feel very uneasy and unsafe when cars try to squeeze in beside me. I am on a motor vehicle give me space... splitting lanes feels like an invitation to those in cars to crowd all bikes, even those riders who are more comfortable riding with more of a safety buffer around them.
Being from the TO area, I think we need to make it legal at stop lights/signs as a start. Then allow for filtering under 30 KM/H and see how that works out. Drivers here are so used to not having anything squeeze between them and the car beside them and having anything take up that space would just cause them to get distracted and either rear end the car in front and swerve into you or just swerve into you.
Hey man,
I like your videos where you rate helmets and gear and such. This is the first motovlog you made that I'm watching. The description says Ryan splits through Montreal's main artery, but, you didn't split once. Makes me feel like an idiot for watching a 16 minute video.
You know what, you're right. Check out the new description :-)
That's more like it
+FortNine you've earned my respect lmao 😂😂😂😂
Actually I've come to find he has great videos
OK Rider
Hey ryan, i really appreciate your channel, youve always got a (mostly) non-biased view of issues to motorcyclists and generally cover most of the views. I havent ridden in close to 15 years (due to kids and being married to a paramedic, I some how convinced her that a VTR250 is ok... next task is a SV1000S or similar...) and I am really appreciating all of the content, views and thoughts that go into your videos (and yammienoob, you guys should do a cameo), keep it up dude (that sounds wrong but im trying to be clean here)
makes me appreciate how we are allowed to split in the uk.
You Canadians are just too nice. It would take me three to four times more to commute to work without lane splitting.
In Canada, people will be angry at you if you do this, lol !
Glad to see you getting more into a less arty motovloging, keep them flowing
Don't take me wrong, I love those videos but this will mean more content, which is also Great
Filtering at an intersection is now legal where I'm at in Utah! It's been SO NICE!!
I agree lane splitting should be legal here in Canada. If anyone can create awareness its you and your chanel. If your ever in the Ottawa area riding you should send me a PM and we will show you some great roads.
There is no statute under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act deeming, "lane splitting" to be illegal, therefore, it is perfectly legal, as long as it is done with care and consideration for other motorists.
I live in Mexico City, it is legal here to lane split in your bike, as long as the vehicles are completely stop and once they begin moving you should occupy one full lane as if you were a car, that is what the law tells anyways, and it is the right thing to do cause being stuck in the heavy traffic of this city under the blazing sun and heat is not very comfortable at all, as you can imagine.
UK ere! lane splitting all day long its not illegal but in a case of an accident both partys are responsible 50/50 most of the time car drivers accept lane splitting here most of them anyways and its an everyday part of UK driving. If I could not lane split I would give up bikeing I think.
Another safety advantage of lane splitting is that you can position yourself ahead of traffic instead of being trapped between traffic. As a motorcyclist your more vulnerable, harder to be seen, but out accelerate (almost) any car. Triple the reason why lane splitting is a safer option. I wouldn’t want to be trapped between a truck in front and behind me. That big truck in front of you blocks your sight, and when you cross the intersection you’re basically invisible, also for a car coming from behind on the lane next to you, who might want to jump that open space between the two trucks you’re occupying.
I've never been to Montreal, looks lovely though (I'm from Hamilton). I'm all for lane splitting, mostly for safety to avoid being rear ended at red lights. Also single riders should be legal in the HOV lane!!
Hello from Hamilton as well
Hey neighbour :)
+Apple Jax hello from hamilton as well :) i agree with ur hov lane comment
HOV?
Exile N Subjugate high occupancy vehicle lanes (carpool lanes)
Ryan, that Vstom sounds fantastic, no overheating older bikes...
One of the things I fear the most about returning to Canada is all the laws. In Korea lane splitting is a second nature. In fact, if there is no space on the road we just jump on the sidewalk. I'd highly recommend you get here to ride one day. It is surely a moto paradise. Lane splitting, mountain and coastal twistys everywhere, and speed limits are not enforced on bikes. Oh! And, if you are brave enough, riding all year long!
I'll probably lose my licence in the first week of riding back home lol...
Really liked your review of the Africa Twin by the way...
Lane filtering and lane splitting are two different actions. Lane filtering is when you filter to the front at a traffic light while cars are stationary. Lane splitting is when you travel at speed in between cars in two different lanes by passing between the two vehicles. The first can be safe for you by preventing being rear-ended and the latter could be fatal.
Thanks for explaining the difference. I agree
I've been watching for 7 minutes & I keep waiting for him to split. I would have been splitting the whole time.
take a look here, well explaned : ua-cam.com/video/tStfBZs4_X4/v-deo.html
It's called filtering in the UK. It's the main benefit o riding a bike! Cuts congestion, reduces fuel consumption - it's a no brainer! Just need car drivers to pay attention!
(UK riders also generally wave a thank you to drivers who move out of the way)
Oh sweet child of summer..
Wait untill you see the roads in India.. 😂 " if there is no lane, we ll create a lane"
+FortNine what is your motovlogging setup? how do you get such clean sound?
I use a Zoom H4n (in my jacket pocket) and run a lav mic from that into the chin bar of my helmet. After that it's just a couple GoPros. ~RyanF9
Do you have a wind screen on the mic?
You go to all that trouble to keep it clean while looking at the skull on the carriage, and then tell us how shitty a job the mob did with the roads.
That's also how I handle bad language.
I lived in Montreal 2.5 years 38 years ago and have the fondest memories of that city.
The people who rage against lane splitters represent one of the nastiest aspects of humanity. They can't live with the idea of someone having an advantage, even if that advantage helps them a little bit too.
wouldn't it be a nasty cleanup when an idiot gets gets squeezed like a flat pancake between two vehicles because he/she feels they are too entitled to wait in slow traffic like the rest of humanity?
@@Myfyrbyrd1 See?
I love how I always think traffic congestion in my town is horrible. Then I watch a video like this and go: "It's not so bad after all, at least it's better than that."
At the risk of sounding silly, what's a chocolatine?
Kinda like a chocolate croissant, but better :) ~RyanF9
Thanks man! Guess I'll have to visit some time to try one :)
Climate change. I’ve spent countless hours sitting in LA traffic spewing carbon from my car is the reason I now have 2 motorcycles and lane split. Climate change. I’ve been blessed to visit Europe and see the moped/motorcycle/bicycle -auto coHabitation , along with embracing mass transit. If we are mindful of our part in climate change and see how other parts of the planet are working and talking about change. Traveling recently to the Sierra Nevada mtns near me and seeing all the dead patches of trees from drought that 15 years ago you wouldn’t see is a rude awakening. Climate change conversations. I enjoy FortNine’s thought provoking themes and quality productions! Be the change!
You keep saying the "lane splitting is illegal." I take it you are referring to, illegal in Canada? I looked at the Ministry of Transportation's driving handbook, " www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/handbook/motorcycles/section4-5-13.shtml " in this handbook, it does not state anywhere that "lane splitting" is illegal in Ontario. Basically, the only thing it says is that it is dangerous, ( that is a matter of opinion ) and you should not do it. The Ministry of Transportations rules for the road are not what our courts follow anyways. The Ontario Highway Traffic Act is what one is charged under and ultimately has to abide by. I have read through the Highway Traffic Act and have yet to find anything in it that states, "lane splitting" is illegal. Just because the police tell you that it is illegal or the Ministry of Transportation says you shouldn't do it, does not make it illegal.
If you do in fact have a subsection from the Highway Traffic Act which states, "lane splitting" is illegal, I would definitely like to be made aware of it.
Yeah, it's not clearly defined in the highway codes. That's why lane splitters are often handed vague tickets for "racing", "reckless driving" or "illegal passing" in Canada. I think you'd probably have a decent chance of fighting the ticket and winning, but still, you can count on getting the ticket in the first place. ~RyanF9
A horrible lawyer would be able to get anyone off a ticket issued for lane splitting. The HTA states that it is legal to pass a vehicle on it's right side as long as you do not leave the paved roadway, it also states that you can pass a vehicle on it's left side as long as it is done with caution. Over taking of vehicles can be done as long as you do not exceed their speed by more that 20 kph.
I do not lane split on the highway or city streets, I do lane split at red lights.
It's a similar issue in Portugal where it is not explicitly illegal, but there are a bunch of other rules that could be interpreted as making it ilegal. Diference is that the police follows common sense in this case and as long as you are not being reckless or a dick they won't fine you.
They usually refer to it as 'lane sharing', or other parts of the Act that state only one vehicle can occupy one lane at any single time.
What is the statute deeming, "lane sharing," lane splitting," "filtering," "white lining..." to be, "illegal" in Ontario?
10:10 drove by Montréal pool room. 13:40 drove by Shartz Smoked Meat. The two best places in Montréal that everyone has to go to!!
I gotta question, does the hells angels still exist in Montreal
Yes they do. ~RyanF9
Barely.
Ever since their bunker in Sorel was demolished and
Mom was busted, you hardly hear of them anymore.
They might make a comeback, though.
Lane splitting is one of the few benefits to being a California resident. I save almost 15 minutes in my morning commute, time in which I’m not pumping hydrocarbons into the air, or becoming another source of traffic congestion. We learn it in the basic riding school, though I’ve noticed new riders don’t tend to do it. Only negative is some riders like to go 50 mph over the flow of traffic, maybe not so brilliant. It should be universal.
Whats that thing on your shoulder?
It's a SPOT Gen 3 satellite beacon (fortnine.ca/en/spot-gen-3). Not that I'd need it in downtown Montreal, haha, but the thing lives on my jacket. ~RyanF9
I'm a fellow motorcyclist from Halifax, Nova Scotia. I am all for lane splitting/filtering and see the benefits of it, (i.e. less overall traffic congestion, eliminates the risk of being rear ended in stop and go traffic, etc.). I also see the inherent risks involved as well because, lets face it, while it is and can be done, threading your bike between rows of traffic is potentially not the safest of manoeuvres. Because of this, I agree with your last statement in that a motorcyclist should be free to choose what is the safest course of action for them.
Now, with that being said, here is why filtering wouldn't work in many parts of Canada, Halifax in particular, at least not for a minimum of 10-12 years. Haligonians, (yes, that's what people from Halifax are called. I know, it's stupid) are some of THE WORST drivers in the country. And I know, pretty much everybody says that about their own town/city's drivers but, trust me. Come to Halifax and find out for yourself. THE WORST. A divided road or multi-lane street is nothing more than an invitation to race the other traffic. It makes no difference to most Halifax drivers that you may both end up at the same destination at the exact same time. So long as they are passing you or getting that one car length ahead of you, it's worth the risk. They're the winners and you are the loser in this non-existant fantasy road race they have playing out in their heads. Road signs and traffic laws are mere suggestions. Hell, I've even seen drivers make their own private lane where there isn't any just to get 1 or 2 cars ahead. And here's the kicker, compared to pretty much every other city in Canada, Halifax is tiny. Where this incessant need to get to where you're going, (which 9 times out of 10 ends up being a Tim Horton's drive thru), as fast as humanly possible came from, I have no idea. "Relax Bub. You'll get there." And to the average Halifax driver, if they even think for a second that you are somehow getting some sort of driving advantage over them, (i.e. you just managed to find yourself in a faster lane or what have you), they lose their collective minds. Even though it has zero impact on their existence in this universe, they start raging and doing stupid and risky manoeuvres (speeding, illegal passing, tailgating, etc) just to try and prove to....?....themselves, I guess?? (maybe the ghost of Dale Earnhardt?) that they are the "faster and better" driver. It's this last point in particular that would prevent filtering from effectively working here. It would cause more accidents, (and hence, more traffic snarls as a result), than it would prevent, because people just can't get it into their heads that it is advantageous to EVERYONE on the road, not just the motorcyclist. Legally or not, all they see is some guy on a bike getting ahead of them and they can't have that. They will NOT share the road. I can hear them now: "Why does HE get to go ahead? Isn't he a licensed and registered motor vehicle? Well than he can damn well follow the same rules as the rest of us! Waaaah!" You mean the same rules you don't follow yourself, right?
And I know what would happen as a result. These drivers would start taking matters into their own hands and either purposely block the section between lanes to prevent a motorcyclist from filtering and/or they would run them off the road/cause an accident. And we all know who is usually the loser in a motorcycle accident. I've seen it happen here on more than one occasion with bicyclists. These asshat drivers can't even handle having a bicycle pass them in stop and go traffic or heaven forbid, they have to wait a whole 5 seconds for oncoming traffic to clear so that they can go around the cyclist. They're laying on the horn, flipping them off, and in more than one instance, clipping the cyclist and causing serious injury because "...they shouldn't be on the road!"
You are so deliciously nerdy. Never change :)
Shanna Trenholm dude, she calls you delicious, and you say NOTHING?
My findings of lane splitting in L.A. and then NOT splitting in S.L.C.
The BIGGEST advantage of lane splitting in L.A. was my reduced commute to a from work. It was a good 10 minutes shorter.
Even though lane splitting on the freeway even with stand still traffic is risky, I only got hit once and I didn't go down. Lane splitting is relatively safe if you keep your speed sane.
The other advantage from lane splitting I didn't appreciate until I moved to S.L.C. was not being surrounded by cars. You see, when you pull up all the way to the front of a traffic light, and the light turns green, you are gone... leaving all cars behind. Even 150 scooters do this. So now you are riding not surrounded by distracted cagers. Here in S.L.C. I have been almost hit by drivers right after a light turns green a bit too often for comfort. I believe this rise in this kind of incidents comes from the fact that I'm surrounded by cars more often...
Well technically *pushes glasses up his nose*, although the St-Laurent river splits around Montréal, the northern bit is called Rivière des Prairies (Des Prairies river). All right, enough of me being that guy, love your videos.
Actually...
The St. Lawrence River runs along the southern shore of Montreal whereas the The Riviere des Prairies is fed on the north side by the Ottawa River. The Ottawa and St. Lawrence rivers meet up at the locks at the western tip of the Island of Montreal (also known as the "West Island") in St. Anne de Bellevue. Riviere des Prairies and the St. Lawrence meet up at the eastern tip of the island in RDP-Pointe Aux Trembles.
You would love Thailand. I'm not going to say 100% you haven't ridden until you have ridden in Asia. But I might say, 95% :)
You would LOVE riding in Thailand. Every car/truck/semi driver rode bikes on the highway and around villages since 8 years old. They bring lane splitting to a new level and it just works man. Everything works. I never stop on my bike and if I do it's a WTF moment where the driver apologizes out the window or the light is red and I'm not turning left.
omg...that poor engine. city riding on a bike hurts my soul
Jordan Truppner what about the clutch!
Meh, water cooled engine, and motorcycle clutches are designed for that.
Here in Austria lane splitting is legal for motorcycles "if there is enaugh space and no danger for other traffic participants", so watching you staying in line on a red light makes me a little nervous ;) As far as I know, there are not many accidents due to lane splitting in Austria and if there is any, nobody gets seriously harmed. So I'd say lane splitting should be legal everywhere. Usually car drivers here know about our right to pass them so most of them even move over a little to let motorcycles go by. Only a few times I had somebody try to block me off when I tried to pass them, and that is mostly because of pure envy I think. Anyway, great video!
Keeps bikes from overheating
The thing about legalizing splitting is that it will incentivize more commuters to take their bikes, rather than their pickup trucks to work. Toronto traffic gets worse every year, and no one is doing anything about it. You hardly see anyone on bikes during rush hour on the highways, and I think it’s a shame. We could move more people through our limited space more efficiently, not to mention the extra parking space we’d have (ESPECIALLY street parking). Everyone should be on board with this, reducing congestion benefits all of us. I’ve been tempted many times but I have no idea if the cops will nail me and jack my insurance up
By far my least favorite video of yours. Your other stuff is amazing! I thought the video had looped at some point as you said all the same stuff again.. Thought this must have been one of your early videos but it's from 2018. Keep making great stuff dude! Not this stuff though!
I'm curious about 2 things Ryan:
1. What are your preferred/favorite types of bikes?
2. Could you tell me what type of bike this one I love is because I think it's a cafe racer but I can't be sure and it's actually the bike which made me watch your videos more often as I'm thinking about getting a license.
The bike is a Fantic Caballero 250 Scrambler (also available in 125 (2 stroke) and 500)
7 damn minutes talking about nonsenses to get started with the video's topic, not the best way to make a vlog
Very nice vid. Reason I'm really getting back to biking is to absorb the world around me... And this video just verified how beautiful it is...
I lane split/shared/filtered for 20+ years in California. Always prudently, never at large differential speeds, never when traffic was flowing at or near the limit (no need, IMHO), always quietly (no rev bombing).
Only very occasionally did I encounter drivers who objected. Many would scootch over a bit, a couple even pulled in trailer mirrors. I did occasionally irritate riders who wanted to speed and couldn't wait a moment for me to duck into an adjoining lane.
It was safer for me; never got rear ended, never got lane-changed, never got doored. I wasn't taking up a full lane adding to congestion.
It's a shame that Canada and most of the U.S. don't permit it as most other nations do. Yes, some riders scare the crap out of drivers by flying by and some rev bomb people stuck in traffic, but honestly those riders are poor ambassadors in so, so many other ways.
California defined splitting by law just a few years ago after a long history of relying on legal and prudent, primarily in response to the few but highly visible irresponsible splitters. The law changed nothing for me.
(A short aside: my employer asked me to do presentations about splitting in an effort to bring everybody up to speed as to why it was safer and an overall win for all road users. It was in response to us hiring a fair number of new CA transplants who reflexively disapproved and because for a while many more of our employees took up riding for easier commuting. After the explanations and Q&A I could see the lightbulbs go on and the smiles form.)
Thank you for the moto tour, I really enjoyed it!
Lanesplitting is a must around these here parts.
Where I am in Australia, we differentiate between lane splitting and lane filtering. Lane splitting is illegal, but lane filtering is legal. What is filtering then? We are allowed to pass between stationary or slow moving traffic (we cannot go over 30km/h while filtering). We are not allowed to pass busses or trucks (though many people do it any way), and we are not allowed to pass on the left in a bicycle lane, though we can pass on the left between the traffic stream and parked cars. Lane splitting here is defined as cutting between traffic at or above the speed limit, and that is not legal anywhere around here. You also must have a full license, not a learners or provisional drivers license.
The safety of it is we avoid getting rear ended, and because we can take off and move faster, it is better for motor cycles to be ahead at traffic lights and intersections. Though primarily it is at traffic lights, or slow moving congested traffic that we get the opportunity to filter past. While many car drivers still are not a fan, and some even illegally try to block us from filtering, or directly swerving at us, bikes filtering actually do not hinder cars, as we actually give them more space on the road, and prevent adding to traffic buildup and congestion - unfortunately many car drivers just don't realise this.
Great Audio quality.. makes the videos easy to watch. Good job man.
Sorry to be in a minority of comments here but I don't think lane splitting should be regarded as a fundamental right, but nor should it be banned. The problem is that almost all bikers now lane split everywhere and permanently (where it's allowed) even when they are not in a hurry. Many also take enormous risks, filtering very fast with not a hope of avoiding injury if someone opens a door or crosses lanes suddenly. They also filter outrageously fast through tiny gaps that absolutely rely on drivers tolerating such a tight squeeze. If you were queuing for a ticket or a coffee in a cafe would you automatically barge your way in front? Would you barge past people on a sidewalk or hustle your way to the front of a group of people waiting patiently in line? I assume not.
Just because a bike can filter, it doesn't mean you always should. The idea that it is so "normal" that it's your fault if you get shunted from behind if you choose not to filter is preposterous. By all means filter, but safely and not so you annoy or inconvenience others. And this "cager" tribalism is also ridiculous. 90% of bike owners over 35 also own cars. Do you suddenly change species just because you are in a car instead of on a bike? This "us and them" trope is so childish, and utterly counter-productive. All road users have rights, and all of them need to respect other users' rights too, whatever vehicle they use. Bikers need to stop the "cager" mentality and work towards a more civilised patience and tolerance, just as they demand of car drivers.
I think the hardest part of 'legislating' lane splitting is the issue of the rider being responsible to make 'reasonable' decisions -- if there is sufficient space, safe speed differential, etc -- and the 'responsibility' of the drivers to not purposely close you off or other 'stupid moves' ... added to the already 'blind' driving of texters and other distractions.
In areas where lane splitting is not already "accepted", MANY drivers think of it as "breaking in line" and recent bikers 'passing them by'... totally unaware of how it can 'compress' traffic and actually SAVE them time from Traffic jams...
I even had a Police Officer give me a big long lecture about how terribly dangerous it was for me to move to the front of a line of STOPPED traffic at a RED light..!!
There has been a Lot of "talk" about passing 'filtering' here in GA where I live, but it has never gotten to the floor of the Legislature...
And quite honestly, it is mainly because of the "squid" riders who are cutting people off on the Interstates at twice the speed limit and no signalling... RUINING "Public Relations" for ALL riders! I am a sport rider myself, so I am not 'an old fuddy-dud' that putters around on a bike that is 4 feet wide and 800 pounds.
Legal in most of europe. If I have to sit in traffic I would take my car. More comfortable (not wet, not cold, not warm) and is a lot safer. So that would leave driving in the weekend for fun.
There are rules on doing it in most countries though. Like max until 50 km/h and with a 20 km/h speed difference with the traffic.
And it does help reduce traffic. A large car organisation did a study and 20 procent more motorcycles instead of cars would reduce traffic by half.
I didn't understand why it was legal in California until I rode through Los Angeles. If you ride an air cooled bike as I do, then there would be broke down bikes on the freeways. Being that I almost burnt up my engine in the traffic in Houston, I was glad when I could split lanes in L.A., and other towns like Santa Monica.
I've always been a fan of lane splitting, as it theoretically gets all the bikes up to the front of the line, from whence they can zoom off once the lights turn green, clearing out that much additional traffic that us car drivers are still driving in.
I say "theoretically", because in the US, it's amazing how many bikes accelerate slower than the cars around them...so letting them filter to the front tends to make _more_ congestion, rather than less.
EU speaking, and yes, one of the major factors of why i even ride a bike is to get through traffic. One point that seems to be missing, or someone might have mentioned in the comments, is health. I hate being stuck behind a line of cars inhaling all the exhaust fumes, or even worse, inhaling the blackish smokepuff older cars emit when they accelerate. So thats one of the biggest pros for me, fresh air at the front of the line. Where I live some cars actually even move over to make more space to let motorcyclists through, biess those ppl :)