So, you're at a stoplight...

[Gunslinger]

Hello everyone. Long time listener, first time caller.
If I see someone on a bike at a stoplight that I would like to talk to, what is the best way to approach them? Is it acceptable to pull up next to a biker and basically take up part of their lane, or is it better to use the adjacent lane, assuming of course that it's available? I typically assume that he/she owns that portion of the lane and if I pull up next to them some people might consider that rude. Was just wondering if there's a consensus among some of the more experienced bikers out there. Thanks in advance for the replies.

[Johnj]

Don't pull up next to me. If you want to talk follow me around for a bit and I'll pull over to see what you want. Or not.

[adrielm]

They're in traffic, don't. It'd be like chatting with someone in the car next to yours at a red light. Ok if there's a hot girl involved, weird if there's not. Not to mention that it's hard to talk with a full-face helmet on.

[blues2cruise]

Is it acceptable to pull up next to a biker and basically take up part of their lane, or is it better to use the adjacent lane, assuming of course that it's available?

Better use the adjacent lane. If it's not available at a particular light, there is a good chance it will be available at the next light.

to TMW.

[shane-o]

hmmmm, i dont usually chat to others cause I normally ride with my ipod on. But if I dont ill at least say "g'day" next to them at lights.

The one tip that makes it easyier to chat is grab ya chin guard and reef it down if you want to talk as it can be quite muffled otherwise.

as for lane sharing at the lights, no problems, if i see you behind me working through the traffic ill make sure there is room for you at the front, if you get to me by surprise ill move over and let you share, most will do that here.

outlaw bikers need not apply !!!!

[safety-boy]

...Is it acceptable to pull up next to a biker and basically take up part of their lane...?...

If they leave you part of the lane, they might be expecting you to pull up. If they are in the center, keep back. I will get in stagger position when an unknown biker is behind me, and don't mind if they pull up.

While riding gives all riders something in common, some of us are still @ssholes .

--Dave

[Pittance]

as for lane sharing at the lights, no problems, if i see you behind me working through the traffic ill make sure there is room for you at the front, if you get to me by surprise ill move over and let you share, most will do that here.

Confused about this. If there is a biker at the front of a red light, and a biker 3 cars back. The biker in the back should weave between lanes and cars to get to the front? I didnt think that was legal.

[Johnj]

Check the law in your state.

[Pittance]

Check the law in your state.

I looked around, but couldnt find anything about that. Do you know a good website that explains all of the laws? The only sites I found just gave me a basic rundown on helmet laws and such.

[Brackstone]

Check the law in your state.

I looked around, but couldnt find anything about that. Do you know a good website that explains all of the laws? The only sites I found just gave me a basic rundown on helmet laws and such.

The AMA site lists the laws but for my state it says that "Lane Splitting" is "Not Mentioned in Statutes". But then I've had people tell me I'll get a ticket for it anyway.