Do you pass illegally? (Crossing double yellow lines)

[Stephen Max]

I see this happen quite a bit with sport riders, and I have to admit I have done it myself. The ease with which a bike is able to accelerate past a car makes it very tempting, and there have been a few times when I just couldn't resist illegally passing a car going below the speed limit on one of my favorite roads.

[Eulogite]

I thought the question was a joke. Since the yellow lines were designed for automobiles, they don't apply to me.

[sharkey]

I won't say I haven't ever done it, but for the most part, I don't. I try not to pass on the right but with slow people in the far left lane, I find myself doing this more and more whether in the cage or on the scooter.

[Stephen Max]

I thought the question was a joke. Since the yellow lines were designed for automobiles, they don't apply to me.

Interesting. I didn't know that.

[CycleCat]

Interesting. I didn't know that.


He's being facetious. They apply to all vehicles... even though they shouldn't apply to motorcycles. :-P

I've done it maybe four times in almost 14 years of riding.

[whoa]

There isn't an option for only when necessary. I'll do it on low traffic roads, but never if there is limited visibility. Don't want to show up on one of those "stupid tricks" videos.

[Stephen Max]

He's being facetious.

I know. I was being facetious, too.

[phuffstatler]

There isn't an option for only when necessary. I'll do it on low traffic roads, but never if there is limited visibility. Don't want to show up on one of those "stupid tricks" videos.


+1 :rider:

.

[bushwhacker]

When you are in a left hand turn and you can look thru the curve and see about a million miles down the road with no traffic in sight it is just too tempting.

And everyone knows that the best way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it!

-

[Chirpy]

Another +1 for Whoa's verbage.

Most of my riding is on FM roads, and if I'm behind a SMV and I can see enough room to pass cleanly, away I go.

If I can see two cars, probably not.

[kocook]

Thanks for posting this thread. I often wondered what those were for. :)

[dukey33]

I wanted to vote Never, but on rare occasion I find the passing zone suprisingly short. Too short for even a motorcycle. Makes me wonder if the road crew was playing a joke or running out of paint.

[Manfred]

Many years ago I was sitting in stop and go traffic on the north LBJ loop in Dallas, near the Galleria - on my 1979 Yamaha XS-750 Triple. August. 112 degrees. Wanting to move. The right hand shoulder was empty.

A biker went flying by on the shoulder, cresting the hill about quarter mile in front of me. And ran smack into a car broken down on the shoulder. The dude went flying over the car as he drew his final breath.

Saw that bike as I crawled by 'bout an hour later. Gave me shivers.

If I ever do pass illegally, it will be because it's required to preserve my butt, not satisfy my desire to go fast.

[Thermalser]

Many years ago I was sitting in stop and go traffic on the north LBJ loop in Dallas, near the Galleria - on my 1979 Yamaha XS-750 Triple. August. 112 degrees. Wanting to move. The right hand shoulder was empty.

A biker went flying by on the shoulder, cresting the hill about quarter mile in front of me. And ran smack into a car broken down on the shoulder. The dude went flying over the car as he drew his final breath.

Saw that bike as I crawled by 'bout an hour later. Gave me shivers.

If I ever do pass illegally, it will be because it's required to preserve my butt, not satisfy my desire to go fast.

Nice story, but a bit off topic.;-)

Yes, I will pass on the double yellow under safe circumstances. Not with frightening regularity, but more then once or twice a year.:zen:

[mhutch]

If you can make the pass safely then make it. Look at yellow warning signs (curve speed limits, et al)- they are suggestions. Yellow lines are the same in my book. I also like to think that I am smart enough to weigh the risks.

Sooo. there should be aother slot in the poll... If it is safe.

[Tracker]

I wonder if the loud pipe haters realize the potential bad will they generate passing somebody in a no-passing zone. Course, the double-whammy is a obnoxiously loud bike passing in a no-passing zone. :rider:

[DFW_Warrior]

Me???? Never!!!!!!, and I've never lane split either. Although I've heard that the Warrior can do it fairly well. But honest....that's just what I heard.:trust:

[rocketbunny]

I voted "with frightening regularity" but I dislike the use of the word "frightening" in the poll option.

I tend to be a very conservative rider, but I have no qualms about crossing the double yellow to make a safe pass. It probably happens a couple of times every time I go for a day ride. I don't count. I just go when safe.

I look at it as "I'd rather pass one car safely than lose my opportunity to pass at all when he catches up to the line of cars following the lumbering tractor 3 miles ahead."

[Tx Rider]

I do it if it's safe to do so, and if it's neccessary as in if I don't I may have to wait a long time to pass.

The lines are not painted with the thought of vehicles that can pass as quickly as say my FZ-1.

I pass in places I would never pass if I were in my SUV.

I have noticed most folks I tend to ride with are much quicker to disregard the strips than I am usually.

[scratch]

Yes, with reckless abandon. :trust:

Actually, I'm with those who do it when my judgement leads me to believe it's safe to do so - and no po-po are around to see it. ;-)

[NUTT]

If there is enough room to scoot by safely, I'll go. I take into consideration that my bike is fairly slow. That being said, it still accelerates quicker than most cars. It is pretty easy to quickly duck in and out of the opposite lane on a bike.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

I won't say I haven't ever done it, but for the most part, I don't. I try not to pass on the right but with slow people in the far left lane, I find myself doing this more and more whether in the cage or on the scooter.

Same here. I won't say never ... because it's possible I've done it before, and possible that there could be a circumstance where I would do it again, but it's not a common practice for me and certainly not something I do even once a year on average. Bike's might be able to make the pass more easily, but the cagers aren't typically expecting a pass there .. and screaming past them at warp 3 when they think they're in a no passing zone certainly doesn't win any friends.

[budzrex]

I would like to say never, but sure I would be called out for
my stretching the truth a bit :trust: . I do always remind everyone
that I may make a pass but for everyone to access the risk
themselves. I try to make all passes as fast and smooth as
possible to avoid upsetting the smv.

[P-Ratt]

I've done it a handful of times, but it usually involves slow moving farm equipment or something along those lines.

Not involving double yellow, but illegal still:
A couple of years ago, I passed in a neighborhood. The city had recently laid speed humps along Barak and the person in front of me was moving rediculously slow along the whole street. When he moved to the right and got on the brakes really hard (from all of maybe 15mph to start with) I thought he was going to stop in front of a house. I went around on the left and liberally applied the throttle. I checked my mirror and felt immediately embarrassed that the individual had been slowing for the hump and moving to the right to cross a less harsh section of it.

Oops. I have many times since been tempted to do the same again. It worked so well that time. So often people crawl over those bumps and don't bother to accelerate after crossing. They get more fun with more speed when you are on a bike.

[Cagiva 549]

Only when it is a rolling traffic jam of cruisers and I can wheely by while waving and be at a ton or more when I clear them , or any other time I can do so safely . SEYA

[mhutch]

Stumbled on this at Aerostitch. Thought it was fitting.

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n310/mike-hutch/Bikes/product_image.jpg

[donroger1]

Rarely! ;-)

I have when the cager was moving at half the posted speed limit.

It's harder for them to "sightsee" because they have so much to look through. :rofl:

[CycleCat]

When you are in a left hand turn and you can look thru the curve and see about a million miles down the road with no traffic in sight it is just too tempting.


I was on my way to Taos a few months ago and there are about four passing zones in that 30 mile drive. I got caught behind a slow-moving junk truck and 15 cars caught behind it. I was at the tail of the train but no cars felt they could make a safe pass so I pulled out in a legal passing zone and began to pass the whole mess in one swoop. Before I was done, my passing zone expired, but one thing I noticed while I was on the wrong side of the road is .... once you are on the wrong side, you have GREAT visibility down the road for oncoming traffic! So I have decided it may be unsafe to begin a pass in a no passing zone unless your particular position shows you otherwise, but continuing a pass may not really be a big deal once you have established yourself in the oncoming lane.

This only applies on a no passing CURVE. No passing on hills are still best respected. ;-)

[chiricahua]

When I'm by myself = all the time.

I'm new to the area so when I'm with other riders I don't unless they do. If I don't know his or her skills then I don't temp anyone.

I'll even go off the pavement if it can be done.:mrgreen:

Now who wants to hooliganize LCR this W/E on tards?:rider:



:eek2: Really, safety of others is paramount when one decides to cross the DY.
Bad things can happen even if you think you have all the angles covered.:doh:

Have fun. But be safe.:clap: :rider:

[Dirtrideroader]

I heard of some guys who got pulled over doing exactly that, on the Talamena Pkwy a couple years ago. Shame on us. I mean them...

[Hairsmith]

The roads I ride most of the time don't have lines of any kind down the middle of them. So when there are no lines you can pass any time right ?:trust:
Living in the sticks has its benefits!:rider:

[DaveC]

What are you folks riding that won't allow you to accelarate around slower vehicles? I ride a old 1200 and it goes from 55 to 80 in about 6 seconds, she is fully loaded. Passing with limited sight distance with out care is reckless, however traffic engineers have the roads set up for th lowest common vehicle. May I suggest you turn in your scooters and fire up the Chevette! Power used properly well save your life. Ever seen a chain reaction from a group of cars on a two lane black top? You don't want to be the ruffage in that sandwich! From my experiance slower vehicles tend to be either [A] sightseers or [B] locals looking to turn in up the road. One doesn't signal because they know they are turning and the other doesn't signal because they just now decided to turn! Best to get on around them both! I got bumped off many years back by trying to pass a tourist, I had waited for the "passing" zone. His dive bomb turn took me out! Pass the moment you get a chance! I also flash my lights to let them know, from that same incident!
Doing the "law abiding" thing well get you injured if not killed, just as being reckless with out fore thought well.

[1TallTXn]

I've been known to do it. Rarely, and even more rarely with riders in tow.

If I think I can get around in time, and I'm VERY cautious about it, I'll go for it. but I have to be able to see around the vehicle very well.

its more then 3-4x/yr and less then frequent.

when I pass, I generally flash the brights once I get the headlight in line with their mirror (no point in flashing their bumper) and accellerate smoothly and get around. I don't go by at ludicrous speed, thats annoying. I'm also very picky at scanning the road for potential turn offs prior to the pass. if it looks like joe cager might turn off, I'm just backing off, not passing.

[prhaussies]

:rider: I wish there was another catagory: When stuck behind a Wanker
ie:a member of the anti-destination league. And, it's true those lines painted on the road are based on the accelaration of a Yugo. DO NOT let that opinon lead you into life threatening behaviour. rh

[pdef]

I love those bumps on Barak! I love the sound of the engine revving up for a second as the rear leaves the ground. :mrgreen:

The ones behind Bryan High School are fun too.


I've done it a handful of times, but it usually involves slow moving farm equipment or something along those lines.

Not involving double yellow, but illegal still:
A couple of years ago, I passed in a neighborhood. The city had recently laid speed humps along Barak and the person in front of me was moving rediculously slow along the whole street. When he moved to the right and got on the brakes really hard (from all of maybe 15mph to start with) I thought he was going to stop in front of a house. I went around on the left and liberally applied the throttle. I checked my mirror and felt immediately embarrassed that the individual had been slowing for the hump and moving to the right to cross a less harsh section of it.

Oops. I have many times since been tempted to do the same again. It worked so well that time. So often people crawl over those bumps and don't bother to accelerate after crossing. They get more fun with more speed when you are on a bike.

[Tracker]

Just thinking out loud here.

I'm not saying never. Never's a bad word, but...

We're "cruising" along at 5 over the limit enjoying the countryside. What would we think of the cager in a pimped out Acura who came up on us at 15 over the limit, flashed his lights, then blew past us on a double-yellow line because he felt he had the sight distance covered? Would we consider that a safe use of power?

[STrider]

Sure, cool by me, as long as he's not riding my fender pre-pass.

I voted "a couple times a year", which is not entirely true. I do it fairly routinely on backroad sport-touring type trips, which happen a couple times a year. I don't do it in town, traffic, or commuting.

[DaveC]

Way back when, 'fur all you young uns was just a twinkle in your Daddies eye. I was at Commanche Trail waiting to turn left. RR620 was just a two lane black top, had a lot more curves and less traffic. I hear the sound of a two stroke, she is wound out, just screaming. Now back in those days you could see the church over looking the lake but the hill was blind until you got to the slope. You realy could not see down slope from the intersection. Cars traveling both directions, lots of it too. Well between two cars going in opposite directions come the source of the sound, this guy was running a good 90 MPH wheels between the double yellow lines. The only reason I did not pull out was the sound, he was carrying a passenger. Limited sight distance rules apparently did not apply to him. Blasting his way back to Austin. I never heard of a bike accident that day, seems the passengers guardian angle was keeping up and let me not pull out.

[dukey33]

.... The only reason I did not pull out was the sound, ....

Lives saved by a loud pipe! :duck:

[DANNYROTH]

I will only do it if following a slow vehicle and having good vision of the upcoming road/traffic. Then, only after thoroughly checking traffic in front of and behind me, particularly for LEOs.

[whatinvoice]

I was following a car once that had no left brake light. He was pumping his brakes which looked like a right turn signal. As I was passing him on the left, he turned left and took me with him.

These are the rules I follow when I pass on double lines: Always make eye contact with the driver and let him know what you are about to do by flashing your headlight and signaling and never pass on the outside of a curve.

[Ghost Rider]

We're "cruising" along at 5 over the limit enjoying the countryside. What would we think of the cager in a pimped out Acura who came up on us at 15 over the limit, flashed his lights, then blew past us on a double-yellow line because he felt he had the sight distance covered? Would we consider that a safe use of power?

That's crazy talk, who gets passed by an Acura? Remember kids... anyone who drives slower than you is a moron... anyone who drives faster than you is a maniac.

[loki]

Is this a trick question? I'll point out that I ride a Hayabusa. In other words...I always obey the double yellow line. ;-)

[Eulogite]

If you can make the pass safely then make it. Look at yellow warning signs (curve speed limits, et al)- they are suggestions. Yellow lines are the same in my book. I also like to think that I am smart enough to weigh the risks.

Sooo. there should be aother slot in the poll... If it is safe.

That's the same thing as "what yellow lines". You pass a slow-moving vehicle when you can see around it that it can be done safely, REGARDLESS of the stripes. I do that on FMs nearly every time out. A slight twist of the wrist and Farmer Brown doing 40 in a 55 is behind me in a few seconds. Safely.

[Eulogite]

I wonder if the loud pipe haters realize the potential bad will they generate passing somebody in a no-passing zone. Course, the double-whammy is a obnoxiously loud bike passing in a no-passing zone. :rider:

I always wave a thank you, like they let me do it.

[Cagiva 549]

When you have the right bike everybody lets you . SEYA

[DFW_Warrior]

That's crazy talk, who gets passed by an Acura? Remember kids... anyone who drives slower than you is a moron... anyone who drives faster than you is a maniac.

ROTFL!!!!!!!:rofl:

[Eulogite]

Just thinking out loud here.

I'm not saying never. Never's a bad word, but...

We're "cruising" along at 5 over the limit enjoying the countryside. What would we think of the cager in a pimped out Acura who came up on us at 15 over the limit, flashed his lights, then blew past us on a double-yellow line because he felt he had the sight distance covered? Would we consider that a safe use of power?

Gary, Gary, Gary...you've got a hooligan bike,now, and you're going to have to start acting like it!

I think the big difference in the poll is due to urban traffic vs rural. In urban or any heavy traffic, I concentrate on visibility and blind spots. In the country, I'm free to make sure one slow vehicle doesn't ruin that upcoming "S" curve.

[loki]

This obviously happened because the dude is riding a bike with ~50hp. :rofl: I'm more bothered by the open-face helmet. ;-)


Stumbled on this at Aerostitch. Thought it was fitting.

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n310/mike-hutch/Bikes/product_image.jpg

[whoa]

That's crazy talk, who gets passed by an Acura?
That was probably my wife in her RSX-Type S.