HAZARDS

1. Lane-splitting (LS) or not. Almost always, you will have the opportunity to LS through commuter traffic if you live in California. If you can't lane-split in your state or locality, abide by all traffic laws and keep a good following distance between you and the vehicle in front. Always stay in the tire-track lane that affords you a "way out" into the LS lane if the traffic speed suddenly changes on you. If you live in California and want to LS, please read the LS FAQ for more details on how to do this safely.

2. Merging or crossing lanes. When commuting, drivers can be much more irritable. They may not let you merge or change lanes when you want to. If this occurs, scan ahead for another break in the traffic. Always keep checking back and forth between the traffic and front and traffic behind when changing lanes.

3. HOV or carpool (CP) lane. To date, all these lanes allow motorcyclists. Be aware of cars or other vehicles coming up to your position when changing lanes into the HOV or CP lane. Also, be on the look-out for cars trying to get INTO your lane once you're in the HOV/CP lane. they may do so suddenly and without signaling their intention.

4. Luggage. Secure your luggage accordingly so it is closest to the center of the bike. Sidebags will limit your ability to LS.

5. Passengers. Carrying a passenger will affect a bike's handling, usually doubling the braking distance and slowing down the bike's reaction to your control. Be more conservative in your lane changes. A good trick for allowing comfort when carrying passengers is to have them put 1 hand around your waist and the other on the tank. That way, if you suddenly brake, they won't mash you into the tank. Clunking helmets is pretty common with 2-up commuting. Use pre-determined hand-signals or an intercom system when communicating with passengers.

6. Falling Road hazards. Road debris is common on many roadways. Riders have encountered falling refrigerators, 2x4s, shelves, PVC piping. Advice: don't ride behind trucks or construction vehicles!

7. Flying hazards. This includes flattened soda cans (scary!), birds and rocks. Advice: Wear armor! I've been hit by flattened cans and rocks. Being hit by birds is uncommon but a possibility while commuting.

8. Animals. Rare on a commute unless it's a stray household animal or deer. A live animal on the roadway will slow traffic and alert you to the hazard. A dead deer in the middle of the freeway will usually be called in. Typically, a highway patrol car will be dispatched to the scene. If you happen to come upon the carcass behind the patrol car, the officer will weave the car in front of all the lanes preventing traffic from getting ahead. Don't pass the patrol car! The officer will drag the carcass off the side of the road.

PLANNING

1. Switching. If you've been commuting by car and want to switch to riding to work, leave at the same time as you usually do. Once you learn the travel time, you can adjust your departure time accordingly.

2. Departure. Leave about 10 - 15 min. buffer in your travel time for unexpected delays.

3. Equipment. Leave with the appropriate visors/eyewear. The sun may be in your eyes either in the morning or afternoon depending on your commute. Also, during the winter months, you may be traveling while it's dark.

4. Weather. If you insist on riding in the rain or commute during the rainy season, either invest in a waterproof suit (Aerostitch comes to mind - but I'd only wear it when it's raining. You'll get heckled if you ride it on a group ride in the twisties on a nice day!), or carry some duc-tape and a trash-bag under your seat for a make-shift rain-jacket.

- Daffe Duc (webmaster SFBMHA site)