San Jose is redesigning roads to curb sideshows
Q At the corner of Flickinger Avenue and Sierra Road around six months ago, the city of San Jose installed yellow markers about 3 feet tall in the center of the roads on the double solid lines, going both directions. What is the explanation for these?
There are left turn lanes in each direction. I can't see there being a problem with people driving on or over the double yellow lines. They are not in the intersection to possibly prevent cars from doing donuts. It seems a waste of money that could be put to better use for road repairs. Is there a specific reason for these? — Charles Stack
A
The yellow dividers are part of a quick-build safety project along Sierra Road. They are there primarily to deter sideshow activities, while calming traffic and improving bicyclist safety. These delineators narrow the roadway and make it a less appealing place for sideshows, without impacting traffic flow through the intersection. This was one of several locations the police department helped the city identify last year to try to help curb sideshow activity. More information is available here: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/News/ News/4408/5104
Q
Having read the comments concerning lane splitting in California, I feel the need to comment. Lane splitting in California is legal, not just technically legal. There is no law that requires that the lane splitter's speed be at or below 30 mph. There is no law that requires the lane-splitting speed to be at or below 10 mph faster than the cars that they are passing.
Using no signal, making unsafe lane changes, and following too close are things that are more often done by motorists than by motorcyclists. I will even say that there are more unlicensed and uninsured motorists on the road today than there are unlicensed and uninsured motorcyclists. Doug of Walnut Creek spoke of people who do not do things by the rules and do not care about others. We see more of that in motorists' actions today, and I agree that the CHP should stop, cite, arrest, and tow lawbreakers more often.
I am a motorcyclist with 60 years of experience. I am a life member of the American Motorcyclist Association. I am an advocate for motorcycle safety and have attended California Motorcycle Safety Program meetings while lane splitting rules were discussed. If every motorist and motorcyclist drove or rode defensively and considered the safety of others, we would all be better off.
A
The Office of Traffic Safety and California Highway Patrol recommended a 30 mph speed limit for lane splitting. You are right, we would all benefit if motorists and motorcyclists drove with everyone's safety in mind.