Comments on: Double White Lines - Why Take The Risk?

By: Sanx

Sanx — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 05:15:05 +0000

It always disappoint me when I see people who blindly equate legality and safety. Just ‘cos it’s illegal does not mean it’s unsafe. And the reverse applies; just ‘cos it’s legal does not mean it’s safe. Anyone who claims that legality and safety are synonymous really shouldn’t be allowed out in public without an escort and a muzzle.

More and more roads have overtaking opportunities restricted on them. Even on roads that are straight, flat and without potential hazards, it is very common to see solid white lines painted along their length.

Overtaking when there is oncoming traffic is (obviously) dangerous and stupid, no matter if there’s a solid white line there or not. But equally, when there’s no oncoming traffic, clear visibility and plenty of room in which to complete the manoeuvre, it’s generally safe. If there’s a double white line, it would be illegal, but would still be safe.

By: Paul W

Paul W — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:16:51 +0000

Chrissie , welcome to the real world of Motorcycling..yes many of our own do seem to want to go out of their way to make us all look bad…
Sportsbike riders do have an element of egotisticals who will not sit behind anyone…being in front is how they get their false belief they are at the racetrack..ha ha
And some of the Harley crowd believe that overtaking in such areas and breaking Laws everywhere gives them the street cred needed for the Harley bad boy image they have purchased….
On return from Beaudesert earlier in the year I was overtaken by 2 sportsbikes one either side of me..as they past us the left hand came off the handlebar and onto the hip which seems to be some symbol of dominance they use to say hey I’m faster than you and so skilled I ride with one hand..
It actually means their bike is so uncomfortable crouched over with all the weight on their wrists they need to let the feeling get back into their fingers..lol !
Don’t take it personally ..ride your own speed in your own comfort zone ..you are doing the right thing and show maturity and restraint..
Enjoy your riding !

By: chrissie

chrissie — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:13:06 +0000

Forgive me Stevec but I thought it was illegal to overtake on double white lines for any reason unless directed to by police or was I given the wrong information??

By: Stevec

Stevec — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 06:10:16 +0000

While I don’t condone the practise, I can understand why some riders do it. Especially if the traffic is slow moving behind a caravan, the motorbike can overtake and zip back into its lane very quickly, much quicker than a car can. There are many stretches of road with double white lines, yet have ample visibility for a m’bike to overtake. Where there isn’t enough visibility and on blind corners I agree it’s just daft to be on the wrong side of the road hoping nothing is coming the other way.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:07:43 +0000

It seems to happen frequently
riders who don’t seem to not only value their own lives,but put others in danger because they want to ride
faster and take blatant silly risks.

If you want to ride,and go as fast as you can, cross the lines, overtake on blind bends etc etc.
you are devaluing your own life,but you are also putting us at risk.

Simply

just don’t.

You want to ride fast as possible?, go do a track day.

You want to put my life or others as risk by riding
like a goose,
again l say,

just don’t

Please riders, take a moment, think about it.
Will it kill you just to overtake
on a bend,crossing double lines,speeding?

you might make it 9times out of 10, you might not either.
you might push another lesser experienced rider
off their path so to speak and they might not make it.

Its pretty simple really.

Respect yourself, Respect others
we all love our bikes and love riding
just be mindful of each other and take a few seconds to
think about it and care for each other.
So then we can all just keep on riding!!

By: fizzergirl

fizzergirl — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:01:42 +0000

I agree with you and see this all the time..And i have also had motorbike riders fly up to me outta nowhere and are pretty much beside me…Its dangerous and I am like you and wait until a very open moment to overtake…Its not worth the risk but i think refresher training should be a must for all bike riders..:) Great ride there…