What’s Up in LA?
Sep 23rd, 2008 by Leo
This city-biker has been a Napa-driver for a week, but rather than change the name of the blog I’m back to biking…but not NY, I’m in L.A. for the rest of this week. While I’m here it seems I’m being schooled in the art of lane splitting. I always thought I was pretty fast in this department (not that speed is the goal here) but here in L.A. I found myself holding up bike traffic as a couple of guys had to go around me. So if you LA bikers see someone lane splitting – perhaps a little over-cautiously on an R6 (rental) – cut me some slack I’m used to having to do this on the sly. On the plus side, LA drivers are just as clueless as NY drivers, maybe more so because everyone is texting at stop lights – but they don’t quite drive as aggressively as NY (from my experience so far). This might be why the local riders are a bit more aggressive around them. Cheers to all the regular citybikerblog readers from LA!
[PS - I'm riding a rental from www.sportbikerental.com that's my friend in the pic dropping me off - I'll try to write a review when I get back - or someone can beat me to the punch and tell us what you think in the comments section]
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I find it odd that lane is not permitted in ny. Not that it stops people from doing it. I am surprised to hear you are holding up traffic. Looking foreward to the review. Written on my wifes iPod touch so sorry so lame.
Lane splitting is definitely an aggressive practice here in California.
I admit it can be aggressive here at times, but I think the vibe varies from region to region and time of day (i.e. west side at rush hour vs. suburbs in the SGV vs. any suburb in eastern LA on the weekend).
Oh, and LA drivers aren’t aggressive as a whole. Stupid, yes. But NY aggressive, nope.
Hey Leo,
Hope you’re having a good time out here on the West coast. Enjoying the good fall weather? That is one awesome advantage, the long riding season (all year).
If you’re ever down in the San Diego area and want to try out a Ducati (848, Hypermotard, or Monster) drop us a line. We love to cut deals for travelers, especially ones who write about their experiences.
Save riding!
Dane
http://www.RentaDucati.com