Motorists vs Cyclists.... again (still there)

[Andymann]

On 3/13/2026 at 8:02 PM, Robbie Stewart said:

I was driving to work one dark, rainy morning. I was in the right lane indicating that I was changing lanes. I look in the left side mirror and just see a string of lights. It looks clear so I proceed to change into the left lane. 

Suddenly I see a hand in a glove slapping my left window. I soil my undies and then notice the motorcycle. I wind down the window to apologise to the rider who was lane splitting. He's screaming at me about nearly killing him and how blind I am for not looking. By then we've come to a stop. 

I point at my mirror and ask him to look and point out the motorcycle among the ocean of headlights shining at me in the dark and rainy gloom. 

He looked and rode off.

Years ago I was on a motorbike coming down Jim Fouche when the traffic had stopped for a red light.  I was filtering down between the stationary and on-coming cars on the LHS, when a guy who was stationary did a U-turn in front of me and I t-boned the side of his car.  I was lucky - came away with a fractured ankle, but this was still in the days of De Brolio on 94.7 advertising the Road Accident fund so I decided to claim. Took a while and it went all the way to court, and in the end it was deemed the blame was 20% my fault.  I protested to the Lawyers that filtering is perfectly legal and he said yes it is, but that doesn't mean its safe and in doing so, I had put myself in the dangerous situation in the first place.  Was quite an eye opener for me.  I still ride my bike but I don't filter unless I know there is no chance anyone can swap lanes.

[KieserJ]

Sad sad news. Rest in peace. 😞
Be safe out there guys. 

[milky4130]

3 minutes ago, Andymann said:

Years ago I was on a motorbike coming down Jim Fouche when the traffic had stopped for a red light.  I was filtering down between the stationary and on-coming cars on the LHS, when a guy who was stationary did a U-turn in front of me and I t-boned the side of his car.  I was lucky - came away with a fractured ankle, but this was still in the days of De Brolio on 94.7 advertising the Road Accident fund so I decided to claim. Took a while and it went all the way to court, and in the end it was deemed the blame was 20% my fault.  I protested to the Lawyers that filtering is perfectly legal and he said yes it is, but that doesn't mean its safe and in doing so, I had put myself in the dangerous situation in the first place.  Was quite an eye opener for me.  I still ride my bike but I don't filter unless I know there is no chance anyone can swap lanes.

I agree with that lawyer, I used to ride a motorcycle as well, for me it’s simple if it’s not in the learners license test then it’s not safe & I used to lane split on the N1 into town all the time. Vehicles switch lanes all the time, sometimes very sudden to grab that gap before the next motorists can block their move and if you connect the back or side it can be fatal regardless of the speed.

[WaynejG]

Until they bring back hangings in the town square at noon, this type of behavior will continue and sadly increase.

[ChrisF]

3 hours ago, Andymann said:

Years ago I was on a motorbike coming down Jim Fouche when the traffic had stopped for a red light.  I was filtering down between the stationary and on-coming cars on the LHS, when a guy who was stationary did a U-turn in front of me and I t-boned the side of his car.  I was lucky - came away with a fractured ankle, but this was still in the days of De Brolio on 94.7 advertising the Road Accident fund so I decided to claim. Took a while and it went all the way to court, and in the end it was deemed the blame was 20% my fault.  I protested to the Lawyers that filtering is perfectly legal and he said yes it is, but that doesn't mean its safe and in doing so, I had put myself in the dangerous situation in the first place.  Was quite an eye opener for me.  I still ride my bike but I don't filter unless I know there is no chance anyone can swap lanes.

 

Also paid the "apportionment of blame"  school fees .... it is an eye opener ....