Which is safer?

[wapam]

Sidestreets or freeways? Sidestreets have all the stop signs/lights and intersections but a slower speed. Freeways don't have all the intersections but higher speeds.

Curious as to what everyone's opinion is.

[mason79]

buy the book total control by lee parks he talks about all of that,

it depends on alot of things, and you have it right about the two, and you are aware and aware is what it's all about.

[randy]

Freeways, hands down.

Of course I grew up riding in NYC, if you survive that, you will survive anything. Didi i just jinx myself ?YIKES!

[BrianB]

Where I am at I have to say side streets. I stay off freeways because people are in too big a hurry and will tailgate you. Trucks thowing dirt, rocks, and other debries. Our freeway speed limit is 65 thru the city but you have to ride at least 80 MPH or faster to keep from getting run down.

[NemisusDM]

wapam,
Neither, it's just as dangerous on a side street as on the freeway. You have to drive defensively no matter where you are cause, there is no such thing as a fender bender on a bike.

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v306596d5bwkRP5?rank=4

PS. The only thing that scares me are soccer moms....

[mason79]

while on the freeway

if you split lanes like i do, that changes things a little and


if you are racing a harley or any other bike, i've actually went at it with a highway patrol ( they like to see if you are good)while splitting lanes in los angeles traffic that too changes things a little.

so again it all depends...

[Tusler]

Giving bikes a bad name

Check this out

http://www.mikeodom.name/2007/02/09/a-compilation-of-some-of-the-worst-motorcycle-crashes-video

This one is very Graphic! - If people are driving like this there is NO safe place to ride!

http://www.truveo.com/Motor-scooter-rider-run-over-by-truck/id/1337325077

[Ivan]

if you split lanes like i do,

What is splitting lanes?

[Montreux_Blue]

I like side streets for the curves, but am always afraid of gravel and sand. Freeway I can typically get away from people, but you have to watch out for them too. So it's 50/50 for me, your screwed either way. But riding is a dangerous sport, you just learn to deal with it.

[bikerphil]

lane splitting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCfxoxs0cCg

[Jerry]

Most accidents (in sheer numbers) happen at intersections. Freeways have fewer intersections per mile, so are considered statistically safer.

My daily commute is 113 miles, about 6 miles is on city streets. I worry more in the 6 miles than the other 107. See more accidents on those 6 miles as well.

Splitting lanes is where you ride between 2 other vehicles, usually on the line that separates the lanes of traffice. You are not in a traffic lane. It is legal in some states, I don't know about all, including California.

However, technically there are restrictions. A few years ago I called the California Highway Patrol to find out more about this. For example, it is illegal to go faster than the car on your left when lane splitting. Generally these restrictions are ignored, but you can get a ticket for lane splitting violations.

Be advised that many cage drivers hate this practice and will not hesitate to swerve into your open space, stick things out windows to upset / distract you, and throw things on you when you pass them. Most drivers will not, but a few won't hesitate to try to make your life miserable. If you are in a state that allows lane splitting, be extra careful when taking advantage of this provision.

[barberad]

Lane splitting was not exactly legal when I was in japan, but you were allowed to move to the front if traffic was stopped. That just made your perception of stopped a little different than everyone else's, even the japanese motorcycle cops did it. But they were always doing some wild sh_t to catch the crazies on hopped up bikes.
Check it.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/373397/japanese_motorcycle_cops_i_ride_and_they_scare_me/

one more

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=_1Vsnw1u5g4

[Montreux_Blue]

Originally posted by barberad
Lane splitting was not exactly legal when I was in japan, but you were allowed to move to the front if traffic was stopped. That just made your perception of stopped a little different than everyone else's, even the japanese motorcycle cops did it. But they were always doing some wild sh_t to catch the crazies on hopped up bikes.
Check it.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/373397/japanese_motorcycle_cops_i_ride_and_they_scare_me/

one more

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=_1Vsnw1u5g4

Their bikes sure are whiny! They sound like an electric motor.

[barberad]

They ride VFR80OP/VFR750P's. I guess the P stands for "Police".
They throw them things around like dirt bikes though.

[Montreux_Blue]

The VFRs are known to be very maneuverable. I'm used to a little more deep and throaty VFR sound.