What do you think of riders that ride the yellow line?

Question

We just finished Motorcycle Week here in New Hampshire and we had more deaths this year (9 of them) than in the past 5 years. 90% of them were caused by motorcyclists riding on and over the yellow line.

Before you yell at me...I am a motorcyclist...I know that it is easier to see around the vehicle in front of you but, there is a limit. There is no need to ride over it or even on it.

It's not just about riding the yellow line, it's also about riding just over the yellow. These are the ones that get clipped. They are the ones that refuse to move to oncoming traffic and they think that they own the road.

Yes we did have a pile-up of bikes in Stoddard and it was because one of the bikes crossed the yellow.

yellow/double yellow - same thing

Answer 1

I think it's a balancing act. I never cross the yellow, but I will get within a few feet of it on a straight stretch, because I like having that much more of a margin from the edge. However, actually coming near to crossing it, especially in any twisties, is a hugely bad idea.

Earlier this spring one of the people I rode with a few times was riding near the yellow in a twisty, and a semi came around the corner. Long story short, he was decapitated. It was a fast way to go, but awful. Especially since if he wouldn't have hugged the yellow line like that he would still be here.

I always give it a respectful distance.

Answer 2

First of all, I am also from NH. I didn't go to Laconia this year because of the reasons explained(deaths). And why would I yell at you? What you do with your ride is totally up to you, whether you ride Harley or import. But, the people who ride the yellow line are the ones that are taking their life in their hands. Pure stupidity. When I first saw that pile-up in Stoddard, NH on the news my heart dropped. I said "Here we go again". The only days I even got close to Laconia was when my band played a well known club in Tilton at the beginning weekend of bike week. I'm sure you know the one. I went back there on Monday to pick up my forgotten jacket, and on Tuesday I had a fill-in job at Dakota field. The trouble I think is that when you're riding 3 abreast, somone is bound to cross the yellow line, which is dangerous in itself. Double is bad enough, especially in heavy traffic. Happy riding and be safe.

Answer 3

To intelligently answer the question "why I should not buy a Gold Wing Motorcycle" I would have to know more about you and your motives. Most people here covered the Honda advantages. But if you want to make a big noise and rattle the other drivers' windows then get a Harley Hog with a set of straight pipes, a slightly loose chain, and slightly unadjusted tappets. But if mile after mile you want a smooth, quiet, dependable, easy riding shaft drive bike you'll have to get a Wing or for twice the money a B-mer. By the way. I've recently owned '79 and '78 GL1000 Wings -- and after turning 30 years old they still give a great ride. Gran'pah

Answer 4

The real problem is lack of experience, poor driving by others and perception that motorcyclist is automatically at fault
I'm British and we have had a tiered licensing system since the mid 1960's.
I've been riding since I was 11 yrs old, I'm 49 now. I've probably ridden over 500,000 miles in all weather conditions including a blizzard one time. If you learn to ride a lower powered bike you actually learn to ride (cornering position, road conditions, etc) and read the road ahead. If you jump straight on to a 'entry level' 600cc with 150mph capabilities your just lucky if you don't get hurt, its a point and shoot mentality. I'm nor in favour of legislation but without it the statistics will get so bad the entire industry may get shut down by a future government

Answer 5

I like to ride to the far left of the lane because if a car is coming up behind me without noticing me and could rear end me it gives that person more room to avoid smashing me at the last second. But maybe you're talking about passing with oncoming traffic... very dangerous! It's sad to know that there are fu*kin posers out there calling themselves bikers that think the death of another rider is just "thinning the herd".

Answer 6

Riders that ride the line are idiots. they make things rough for the rest of us. I agree with riding to the far left fo the lane and it is ok in most states to ride double file. But no state allows riding over the line or riding triple file. Some states it is legal to lane split but only on 4 lane roads between lanes of the same direction. As a member of CBA/ABATE of NC I find riders that due really stupid **** appalling and think unless they learn to use their common sense they should have their bikes impounded

Answer 7

Im a little confused. what do you mean by yellow line? Im from cali and we have double yellow lines, if you cross them it is a fat a$$ fine. We also have yellow lines but you can cross them because they are designated as a passing lane.
on freeways the lanes are marked y broken white lines. is your question referring to people that split lanes?
in my opinion, lane splitiing is 50/50. yes it dangerous while in traffic but it also allows you to get ahead of everybody else and now you have a big cushin around you cuz there is n0body around. I have never owned a car in my life, only motorcycles. Riders need to know their limits, plain and simple.

Answer 8

Like was mentioned before, those that push the limits are idiots and make it harder for the rest of us. You will not win a contest against a car with a bike, just takes more for some to realize this fact.

Answer 9

I am a biker also. The guys that do this in moving traffic are already mentally challenged, we call the casualties "thinning the herd".

Answer 10

Its all about being on the edge its part of the thrill
plus you can see better out there
RIDE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT
JOKER