Lane-sharing in double left-turn-only lanes

[ill'n]

I don't want to get into a discussion about whether lane sharing is okay or not; there are other threads for that. I just want to ask the people who do: "Do you lane share to go to the front of a two-lane-left-turn-only section of a stoplighted intersection?"

It gets a bit tricky when it's time to go because of the turn. One would have to pull ahead of the cars in a hurry then execute the turn. Or execute the turn while accelerating, which is even trickier. Also, I'm assuming that whoever does this goes between the two rows of cars instead of to the left or right of the double rows of cars.

I've become very comfortable pulling up to the front of the line in stopped traffic at a stoplight if going straight. And I've even shared lanes sometimes in very congested traffic moving at a slow 5 to 10 mph. But I can't convince myself to share lanes for those two-lane-left-turn-only lanes.

Any thoughts on this?

[intotherain]

I was scared to do it when in the beginning but eventually I got pretty confident at it. The only thing that is tricky is accelerating out of the cars while turning. Being able to do that safely just takes a little practice.

After that, the only thing you need to know is that you're 1/2 a mile ahead of all the cars behind you!

Where are you in CA?

[ill'n]

Sunnyvale. I thought that was in my profile, but I guess not. I'll update it.

[badinfluence63]

ill'n,

I think a part would depend who you are riding with...friend or stranger.
With a friend or group of friends it can be decided prior to the ride so everyone is on the same page. Or long tme riding buddies already have it down to a science. I don't think it matters who does what as long as its not the same thing(although its very possible that both bikes can ride safely side by side in the corners/turns if both are disciplined and experienced riders).

Or are you talking about lane splitting/white lining not lane sharing?

[jstark47]

This is illegal in New Jersey and all surrounding states, so I don't do it. In California, where it's "not illegal" (not quite the same thing as legal ), if you feel safe and comfortable, do it.

The way you worded your remark "execute the turn while accelerating, which is even trickier" convinces me you're not comfortable with it. I'm fine with accelerating and turning (and shifting) simultaneously, do it all the time. But I'm not riding your bike, you are. If you are not feeling comfortable with it, don't do it!

[ill'n]

I won't do it... for now. But it's good to know that one can get comfortable executing that maneuver. Knowing that, I can strive for it.

[Venarius]

Eh, why bother. Its illegal in 49 states, only pisses drivers off (leading to increased road rage), and puts you in danger of being hit by an unaware driver as well.

Unless there is serious traffic, and I'm turning right there (off the road to my destination), I don't even bother risking it.

Just my opinion.

[Nalian]

I won't do it... for now. But it's good to know that one can get comfortable executing that maneuver. Knowing that, I can strive for it.

Give it time and let it come naturally and it will. You'll know when you're comfortable because you won't question yourself.

I really wish we could lane split here. Sigh.

[Brackstone]

Can someone please describe "lane-sharing" to me. I'm sure we're not talking about lane-splitting because that is legal in New Jersey or "Not Referenced" according to the AMA website.

[ill'n]

There is a small movement to rename the behavior from lane-splitting or white-lining to lane-sharing. See http://www.laneshare.com/content/view/29/40/.