[Blogs] Today while riding...

[rhema83]

Saw a black BMW 5 series SKE9007R swerving between lanes at high speed (way above 100km/h) on TPE towards PIE at 8:40pm. A lorry was forced to swerve into another lane to avoid a collision when the BMW changed lane abruptly without signalling. Many more cars were forced to brake hard when it cut in front of them. And when I looked, there were passengers in the car (looked like friends and/or family)! Please spare a thought for your passengers, if not other road users, before doing such dangerous stunts on public roads. If you want to do high speed maneuvers so badly, you can always hit the track barely an hour away.

[XxPJYxX]

Saw a black BMW 5 series SKE9007R swerving between lanes at high speed (way above 100km/h) on TPE towards PIE at 8:40pm. A lorry was forced to swerve into another lane to avoid a collision when the BMW changed lane abruptly without signalling. Many more cars were forced to brake hard when it cut in front of them. And when I looked, there were passengers in the car (looked like friends and/or family)! Please spare a thought for your passengers, if not other road users, before doing such dangerous stunts on public roads. If you want to do high speed maneuvers so badly, you can always hit the track barely an hour away.

 

This are the kind of drivers that I use my hid highbeam on...

[rhema83]

This are the kind of drivers that I use my hid highbeam on...

There was no way to high beam him without endangering myself because he always cut so close in front of other vehicles! I didn't want to test my ABS.

 

Anyway, I have always told myself that lane-splitting is a privilege, not an entitlement. Drivers help us lane-split, we help them reduce traffic jams. Win-win. Imagine a Singapore where all bikers don't lane-split and take up one full lane each. It will be a driver's worst nightmare. As I ride through peak hour traffic on CTE daily, I get to see all sorts of drivers with different attitudes towards lane-splitting. Some are very courteous and will move out of the way to let me squeeze pass. (My bike has big side boxes, by the way.) Thumbs up to them!

 

On the other hand, there are those who don't just NOT give way, but can't even drive straight in the middle of the lane. They veer dangerously close to the lane markers and block the path of lane-splitting bikes. Worse, they drive ON the lane markers and even threaten cars in the adjacent lane! I am usually merciless with my high beams and horn to such moronic drivers. It's okay if you don't want to move over to let me pass - I know it's a privilege, not an entitlement - but don't try to cause an accident and make a meat sandwich out of me! This is the time when I am glad my bike comes with ABS.

 

I seriously question the skills and lane discipline of some Singapore drivers (both male and female, no discrimination here). How the hell did they obtain their licenses? The driving course / test should include driving in a narrow lane (similar concept to our narrow plank) with sensors to detect when they veer off track.

Edited April 25, 2013 by rhema83

[ki113r]

I was driving to my destination this morning & while doing a left turn into the car park, a heroric Super 4 cut from my left to overtake me! C'mon, I did signal my intention at least 5 secs earlier, want to die also go further from me la!

[Sunim]

A stranger made me smile. A few hours ago, I started the engine of my phantom to warm up. I rode off in my other bike leaving the phantom engine running. When I realised it a while later, I reached my car park seeing my phantom engine off and the bike keys hanging on the brake lever. How nice.

 

Thanks buddy.

[wait4me]

I was driving to my destination this morning & while doing a left turn into the car park, a heroric Super 4 cut from my left to overtake me! C'mon, I did signal my intention at least 5 secs earlier, want to die also go further from me la!

no need say carpark

u know the road out to turn right , beside H&M at cineleisure..

some bike also like to squeeze on the right and turn out together

[ki113r]

no need say carpark

u know the road out to turn right , beside H&M at cineleisure..

some bike also like to squeeze on the right and turn out together

 

So many heroes out there! Drive also dangerous, ride also dangerous! Take MRT also scared breakdown!

[Heathx]

Agree with you regarding the HID issues.

But I disagree with you to use highbeam during heavy traffic while you're lane splitting.

As a both driver and rider, I always leave a sufficient gap between the cars beside me to let bikes go through while driving. If a bike approaching with highbeam, I won't be able to use the rear view and side mirror to check and adjust the gap and check the bikes approaching from left or right. Therefore, to me, use highbeam in normal driving and uses of HID are same evil.

 

Don't you find your statements are contradicting?

 

Actually not contradicting. Let me explain.

 

The 'tactic' of highbeam in heavy traffic while lanesplitting was suggested to me by my instructor when i went for the army 2b course and we were talking about how to prevent accidents from lanesplitting. Using highbeam IN THE MORNING at around 7.30am onwards is ok, because it already is bright enough.In that morning light, my SP's lowbeam is barely noticeable if motorist glance in mirror. The purpose of the highbeam is not to irritate the drivers, but to provide them ample warning that hey, i'm a lanesplitting bike and i'm approaching, if you want to change lane, signal and i will slowdown, and i will off my highbeam first to let him switch, then once past, i on again.

 

The desired effect is to give advanced warning. For those drivers who sudden change lane without signal, a sudden flash in their mirror as they turn their steering wheel will let them know that something is approaching as well and thus make them think twice, which can be life or death for the motorcyclist. In any case, my SP's lights are stock, and not very bright.

 

For night time, i will never use this tactic. Only in daytime. I agree that people will have different feeling about this.

 

Having said that, i only on the highbeam if i had 2 near misses in the process of lanesplitting on that particular journey. Cos scared lah. Usually i don't on.

Edited April 25, 2013 by Heathx

[Heathx]

double post

Edited April 25, 2013 by Heathx

[CSV]

Actually not contradicting. Let me explain.

 

The 'tactic' of highbeam in heavy traffic while lanesplitting was suggested to me by my instructor when i went for the army 2b course and we were talking about how to prevent accidents from lanesplitting. Using highbeam IN THE MORNING at around 7.30am onwards is ok, because it already is bright enough.In that morning light, my SP's lowbeam is barely noticeable if motorist glance in mirror. The purpose of the highbeam is not to irritate the drivers, but to provide them ample warning that hey, i'm a lanesplitting bike and i'm approaching, if you want to change lane, signal and i will slowdown, and i will off my highbeam first to let him switch, then once past, i on again.

 

The desired effect is to give advanced warning. For those drivers who sudden change lane without signal, a sudden flash in their mirror as they turn their steering wheel will let them know that something is approaching as well and thus make them think twice, which can be life or death for the motorcyclist. In any case, my SP's lights are stock, and not very bright.

 

For night time, i will never use this tactic. Only in daytime. I agree that people will have different feeling about this.

 

Having said that, i only on the highbeam if i had 2 near misses in the process of lanesplitting on that particular journey. Cos scared lah. Usually i don't on.

 

I agree. I do this as well. It is not blinding when used in the morning as the ambient light makes it not glaring. Try it yourself for 1 or 2 days and see if it works for you.

[duo]

There was no way to high beam him without endangering myself because he always cut so close in front of other vehicles! I didn't want to test my ABS.

 

Anyway, I have always told myself that lane-splitting is a privilege, not an entitlement. Drivers help us lane-split, we help them reduce traffic jams. Win-win. Imagine a Singapore where all bikers don't lane-split and take up one full lane each. It will be a driver's worst nightmare. As I ride through peak hour traffic on CTE daily, I get to see all sorts of drivers with different attitudes towards lane-splitting. Some are very courteous and will move out of the way to let me squeeze pass. (My bike has big side boxes, by the way.) Thumbs up to them!

 

On the other hand, there are those who don't just NOT give way, but can't even drive straight in the middle of the lane. They veer dangerously close to the lane markers and block the path of lane-splitting bikes. Worse, they drive ON the lane markers and even threaten cars in the adjacent lane! I am usually merciless with my high beams and horn to such moronic drivers. It's okay if you don't want to move over to let me pass - I know it's a privilege, not an entitlement - but don't try to cause an accident and make a meat sandwich out of me! This is the time when I am glad my bike comes with ABS.

 

I seriously question the skills and lane discipline of some Singapore drivers (both male and female, no discrimination here). How the hell did they obtain their licenses? The driving course / test should include driving in a narrow lane (similar concept to our narrow plank) with sensors to detect when they veer off track.

It seems I too have been wondering about this for a long time.

 

 

Actually not contradicting. Let me explain.

 

The 'tactic' of highbeam in heavy traffic while lanesplitting was suggested to me by my instructor when i went for the army 2b course and we were talking about how to prevent accidents from lanesplitting. Using highbeam IN THE MORNING at around 7.30am onwards is ok, because it already is bright enough.In that morning light, my SP's lowbeam is barely noticeable if motorist glance in mirror. The purpose of the highbeam is not to irritate the drivers, but to provide them ample warning that hey, i'm a lanesplitting bike and i'm approaching, if you want to change lane, signal and i will slowdown, and i will off my highbeam first to let him switch, then once past, i on again.

 

The desired effect is to give advanced warning. For those drivers who sudden change lane without signal, a sudden flash in their mirror as they turn their steering wheel will let them know that something is approaching as well and thus make them think twice, which can be life or death for the motorcyclist. In any case, my SP's lights are stock, and not very bright.

 

For night time, i will never use this tactic. Only in daytime. I agree that people will have different feeling about this.

 

Having said that, i only on the highbeam if i had 2 near misses in the process of lanesplitting on that particular journey. Cos scared lah. Usually i don't on.

Explained well. I too use my highbeam the same way in the day.

[xue ling]

There was no way to high beam him without endangering myself because he always cut so close in front of other vehicles! I didn't want to test my ABS.

 

Anyway, I have always told myself that lane-splitting is a privilege, not an entitlement. Drivers help us lane-split, we help them reduce traffic jams. Win-win. Imagine a Singapore where all bikers don't lane-split and take up one full lane each. It will be a driver's worst nightmare. As I ride through peak hour traffic on CTE daily, I get to see all sorts of drivers with different attitudes towards lane-splitting. Some are very courteous and will move out of the way to let me squeeze pass. (My bike has big side boxes, by the way.) Thumbs up to them!

 

On the other hand, there are those who don't just NOT give way, but can't even drive straight in the middle of the lane. They veer dangerously close to the lane markers and block the path of lane-splitting bikes. Worse, they drive ON the lane markers and even threaten cars in the adjacent lane! I am usually merciless with my high beams and horn to such moronic drivers. It's okay if you don't want to move over to let me pass - I know it's a privilege, not an entitlement - but don't try to cause an accident and make a meat sandwich out of me! This is the time when I am glad my bike comes with ABS.

 

I seriously question the skills and lane discipline of some Singapore drivers (both male and female, no discrimination here). How the hell did they obtain their licenses? The driving course / test should include driving in a narrow lane (similar concept to our narrow plank) with sensors to detect when they veer off track.

 

well said! lane-splitting is a privilege, not an entitlement. i've seen some riders horning at drivers to move their vehicles if there is not enough space to lane-split through

I was driving to my destination this morning & while doing a left turn into the car park, a heroric Super 4 cut from my left to overtake me! C'mon, I did signal my intention at least 5 secs earlier, want to die also go further from me la!

 

i encountered a similar situation few days ago. it was a two way road and a car tailgated me when i already signalled my intention (at least 3 secs in advance) of turning left into a minor road up ahead. as expected, the driver had to brake quite hard and i was praying that the car will not rear-end my bike

 

Actually not contradicting. Let me explain.

 

The 'tactic' of highbeam in heavy traffic while lanesplitting was suggested to me by my instructor when i went for the army 2b course and we were talking about how to prevent accidents from lanesplitting. Using highbeam IN THE MORNING at around 7.30am onwards is ok, because it already is bright enough.In that morning light, my SP's lowbeam is barely noticeable if motorist glance in mirror. The purpose of the highbeam is not to irritate the drivers, but to provide them ample warning that hey, i'm a lanesplitting bike and i'm approaching, if you want to change lane, signal and i will slowdown, and i will off my highbeam first to let him switch, then once past, i on again.

 

The desired effect is to give advanced warning. For those drivers who sudden change lane without signal, a sudden flash in their mirror as they turn their steering wheel will let them know that something is approaching as well and thus make them think twice, which can be life or death for the motorcyclist. In any case, my SP's lights are stock, and not very bright.

 

For night time, i will never use this tactic. Only in daytime. I agree that people will have different feeling about this.

 

Having said that, i only on the highbeam if i had 2 near misses in the process of lanesplitting on that particular journey. Cos scared lah. Usually i don't on.

 

my fren suggested to turn on the hazard light while lane-splitting during night time. he said that this method works for him but i've yet to try.

the reason being our headlights will blend in with, or rather being covered by, the headlights of the surrounding vehicles.

with the hazard light turn on, at least there is a difference in the colour/light which will make it easier for drivers to notice our presence.

[duo]

well said! lane-splitting is a privilege, not an entitlement. i've seen some riders horning at drivers to move their vehicles if there is not enough space to lane-split through

 

 

i encountered a similar situation few days ago. it was a two way road and a car tailgated me when i already signalled my intention (at least 3 secs in advance) of turning left into a minor road up ahead. as expected, the driver had to brake quite hard and i was praying that the car will not rear-end my bike

 

 

 

my fren suggested to turn on the hazard light while lane-splitting during night time. he said that this method works for him but i've yet to try.

the reason being our headlights will blend in with, or rather being covered by, the headlights of the surrounding vehicles.

with the hazard light turn on, at least there is a difference in the colour/light which will make it easier for drivers to notice our presence.

Do keep in mind that not every bike comes with the hazard light function. Also that would be like misusing the hazard light like how taxi drivers are using them. As said in your sentence that even after you signalled 3secs before. A car still tailgated you and had to do hard braking to avoid colliding into you. That just goes to show the driver could care less what signals we display.

[Andre]

Actually not contradicting. Let me explain.

 

The 'tactic' of highbeam in heavy traffic while lanesplitting was suggested to me by my instructor when i went for the army 2b course and we were talking about how to prevent accidents from lanesplitting. Using highbeam IN THE MORNING at around 7.30am onwards is ok, because it already is bright enough.In that morning light, my SP's lowbeam is barely noticeable if motorist glance in mirror. The purpose of the highbeam is not to irritate the drivers, but to provide them ample warning that hey, i'm a lanesplitting bike and i'm approaching, if you want to change lane, signal and i will slowdown, and i will off my highbeam first to let him switch, then once past, i on again.

 

The desired effect is to give advanced warning. For those drivers who sudden change lane without signal, a sudden flash in their mirror as they turn their steering wheel will let them know that something is approaching as well and thus make them think twice, which can be life or death for the motorcyclist. In any case, my SP's lights are stock, and not very bright.

 

For night time, i will never use this tactic. Only in daytime. I agree that people will have different feeling about this.

 

Having said that, i only on the highbeam if i had 2 near misses in the process of lanesplitting on that particular journey. Cos scared lah. Usually i don't on.

 

Suggested by your instructor in army? Probably he was referring to those army bikes with miserable headlight and basically the "low beam" is equivalent to parking light, "high beam" equivalent to normal low beam.

So if your bike's headlight is in these condition, it doesn't matter to use high beam..

So I think this tactic is not applicable to all bikes.

As for me, I deliberately set my headlight to low level when in Singapore, and only set it back to high level when touring north.

 

Lane splitting is always dangerous. Motorway in Europe strictly ban bike for doing so.

But. I enjoy riding bike to work because I can do lane splitting..lol

Edited April 25, 2013 by Andre

[Andre]

Turn on hazard light while driving or riding is dumb idea even in heavy rain condition. It is very miss leading and might cause confusion to other road users. And also how are you going to show other for changing direction?

Edited April 25, 2013 by Andre

[fufu]

Turn on hazard light while driving or riding is dumb idea even in heavy rain condition. It is very miss leading and might cause confusion to other road users. And also how are you going to show other for changing direction?

 

have u ride in super heavy rain where u cant see past 20metres ? hazard lights is necessary so that ppl can see the bright orange lights in those super heavy rains. especially for bikes which is so small in size.

 

its either u stop by the road shoulder n wait for cars to bang u or u ride with hazard lights to a safer place. either way is smarter than not turning on ur hazard lights when u encounter very very heavy rain.

[XxPJYxX]

There was no way to high beam him without endangering myself because he always cut so close in front of other vehicles! I didn't want to test my ABS.

 

Anyway, I have always told myself that lane-splitting is a privilege, not an entitlement. Drivers help us lane-split, we help them reduce traffic jams. Win-win. Imagine a Singapore where all bikers don't lane-split and take up one full lane each. It will be a driver's worst nightmare. As I ride through peak hour traffic on CTE daily, I get to see all sorts of drivers with different attitudes towards lane-splitting. Some are very courteous and will move out of the way to let me squeeze pass. (My bike has big side boxes, by the way.) Thumbs up to them!

 

On the other hand, there are those who don't just NOT give way, but can't even drive straight in the middle of the lane. They veer dangerously close to the lane markers and block the path of lane-splitting bikes. Worse, they drive ON the lane markers and even threaten cars in the adjacent lane! I am usually merciless with my high beams and horn to such moronic drivers. It's okay if you don't want to move over to let me pass - I know it's a privilege, not an entitlement - but don't try to cause an accident and make a meat sandwich out of me! This is the time when I am glad my bike comes with ABS.

 

I seriously question the skills and lane discipline of some Singapore drivers (both male and female, no discrimination here). How the hell did they obtain their licenses? The driving course / test should include driving in a narrow lane (similar concept to our narrow plank) with sensors to detect when they veer off track.

 

I've been asking that question since 2008 when I met my near fatal accident... How the hell did they get their licenses? I was going straight at a junction, and this oncoming car saw me approaching but he still turned right into the small road anyway. I hit him head-on with my pillion... Luckily my pillion only suffered a slight fracture in her right elbow and was discharged after 2-3 days in the hospital... Me on the other hand, I was not so lucky. Bottom jaw fractured in 2 places, left wrist broken one bone and another bone was fractured, Loss 2 teeth on impact, fractured another few teeth in my gums, right lung contusion and collapsed, brain hemorrhage with a blood clot... Warded 8 days total, 2 days ICU, 2 days High Dependency Ward both with life support, and 4 days general ward...

[XxPJYxX]

have u ride in super heavy rain where u cant see past 20metres ? hazard lights is necessary so that ppl can see the bright orange lights in those super heavy rains. especially for bikes which is so small in size.

 

its either u stop by the road shoulder n wait for cars to bang u or u ride with hazard lights to a safer place. either way is smarter than not turning on ur hazard lights when u encounter very very heavy rain.

 

I don't have hazard light, the most I use left signal only... Travel on the extreme most left lane in a comfortable pace to suit your reaction tiiming and distance u can see... That's all..

[and1slacker]

Today while walking opposite park view square, noticed a Vespa with P-plate and a lady rider with no helmet on. I stared at her for awhile to make sure that she's not a Sikh and I shouted to her and motioned that her helmet wasn't on... She looked surprised and stopped by the side to put her helmet on... Think she forgot to put it on... Lol

si bei epic sia.

[and1slacker]

Either u havent wake up or what. Where got lady sikh wear turban?!!!!!!!

 

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

got. i've seen before. haha.

[and1slacker]

your post doesnt make send

 

u wan others to have ataste of your hid high beam, then u say your low beam not as bright as car, then u say u hign beam on tailgaters?

so who bully who ??

 

and cars got more models with legal installation of HID then bikes..

 

then u talk abt banning ppl with night blindness.. might as well say ban all those without perfect eyesight better ?

this makes sense. cos its like contradicting yourself sia.

[and1slacker]

I lanesplit with highbeam sometimes, especially in the morning heavy traffic. It's not to inconvenience car drivers, but it's to give advance notice that i am coming in between the lanes in case they wanna change lane suddenly without warning. Cos the highbeam will reflect into them at a further distance.

 

But HID is a different thing altogether. I was travelling on lane 1 at 100kmph with a car in front of me going same speed at around 11pm. This civic came up behind me so close his HID light rendered my mirrors useless. Worse still, the light was reflected into my eyes. Even i want to check blindspot to switch lane also difficult cos when i tilt my head i kena blinded. In the end, i made sure i went past the vehicle at lane 2 at a faster speed, then just signal left for few seconds in advance in case got motor LSing, then slip into the space in lane 2 without checking mirror or blindspot. Curse these people with HID. It's overkill. If you talk about malaysia roads, i agree, lighting there is **** and HID has a use, but in singapore, really?! needed?! Pui arh... HID users are a pest on Singapore roads.

we got the same thinking. hahah.

[and1slacker]

Saw a black BMW 5 series SKE9007R swerving between lanes at high speed (way above 100km/h) on TPE towards PIE at 8:40pm. A lorry was forced to swerve into another lane to avoid a collision when the BMW changed lane abruptly without signalling. Many more cars were forced to brake hard when it cut in front of them. And when I looked, there were passengers in the car (looked like friends and/or family)! Please spare a thought for your passengers, if not other road users, before doing such dangerous stunts on public roads. If you want to do high speed maneuvers so badly, you can always hit the track barely an hour away.

there's nothing we can do except to be more vigilant.

[and1slacker]

I was driving to my destination this morning & while doing a left turn into the car park, a heroric Super 4 cut from my left to overtake me! C'mon, I did signal my intention at least 5 secs earlier, want to die also go further from me la!

he trying to "chi" with you mah. S4 also mah. haha.

[and1slacker]

Actually not contradicting. Let me explain.

 

The 'tactic' of highbeam in heavy traffic while lanesplitting was suggested to me by my instructor when i went for the army 2b course and we were talking about how to prevent accidents from lanesplitting. Using highbeam IN THE MORNING at around 7.30am onwards is ok, because it already is bright enough.In that morning light, my SP's lowbeam is barely noticeable if motorist glance in mirror. The purpose of the highbeam is not to irritate the drivers, but to provide them ample warning that hey, i'm a lanesplitting bike and i'm approaching, if you want to change lane, signal and i will slowdown, and i will off my highbeam first to let him switch, then once past, i on again.

 

The desired effect is to give advanced warning. For those drivers who sudden change lane without signal, a sudden flash in their mirror as they turn their steering wheel will let them know that something is approaching as well and thus make them think twice, which can be life or death for the motorcyclist. In any case, my SP's lights are stock, and not very bright.

 

For night time, i will never use this tactic. Only in daytime. I agree that people will have different feeling about this.

 

Having said that, i only on the highbeam if i had 2 near misses in the process of lanesplitting on that particular journey. Cos scared lah. Usually i don't on.

in the past i also dun turn on lights. now turn on lights to let drivers noe that there is a bike.