Tricks for beating traffic

[Corsara]

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Ya read that and it tells u exactly what I was saying it is not illegal. So I would have no reason to edit my post. And as for the donkey of the day comment lol it is self explantitory, If that is the most cleaver thing u can come up with then u have more problems then someone merging into ur lane.

No evidence in the Driver's manual that it is illegal. I just search through it, you seem to be right.

Today is a beautiful day, not many such left, so again, I traveled the Hamilton--Toronto downtown with my bike instead of hopping in the car or catching the GO express. Before leaving, I made a point to myself that I won't use the acceleration lanes for passing. So far, so good, there was an accident in the HOV lane a bit after Burlington, few fire trucks, EMS, etc.. traffic was slow as ever (this morning I left 45 minutes earlier than usual!!!!).

Here's the twist: I was staying in the right lane somewhere towards Oakville (if I'm not mistaken), slowly crawling forward. I was maintaining my blocking position for the merging traffic from the on-ramp---all of a sudden, I see this damn limo next to me on the left---basically the guy merged into my lane next to me, completely forcing me into the acceleration lane (on-ramp).

Looks like being in the right lane and not using the on-ramp for passing is only calling for accident: it's either some jerk from the middle lane, or somebody from the on-ramp.

My conclusion: either stay in the right and use on-ramp (to pass or at least maintain some blocking position in there), or stay in the far left. No other way. So excuse me very much for finishing up my trip by using about 5-6 on-ramps to pass traffic for the remainder of my trip.

 

[Rob MacLennan]

When in the right lane you block right, because that's the most likely side that danger will come from, but it's not the only one. You still have to remain vigilant

 

[jolomatic]

Here's my "trick": whenever passing/weaving/merging, regardless of which lane I'm going from/to, I only do so, if I can accellerate smoothly into it. This means no one behind me has to hit the brakes, because of my manouver.

Basically anything that keeps traffic rolling, and prevents the need to brake much, IMHO, is courteous. I don't care if that puts me ahead or behind someone. I get zero rage from someone passing me and moving forward.

I get right ticked when someone wedges in and slams on the brakes, though.
Same with people who ride to the left at the same speed as traffic on the right, leaving 100's of meters of empty road ahead of them.

 

[bombshelter13]

We're governed by the same laws as cars, ergo there's nothing you can do legally on a bike to 'beat' traffic that you can't also do in a car.

The thing you overlooks is that BECAUSE we're governed by the same laws as cars we're allowed to legally do some things that wouldn't fly while driving a car.

Many laws in the HTA are written with clauses stating that this or that maneuver is only legally permitted 'if the movement can be made in safety', or 'if sufficient room exists for the movement to be made in safety', etc.

So, the size and acceleration ability of your vehicle does affect what you are legally permitted to do. There are maneuvers that a small, quickly accelerating vehicle can perform safely that would be risky on a large vehicle with poor acceleration.

 

[bombshelter13]

It's also incorrect behaviour as the left lane is for passing, not driving, just as the acceleration lane is for merging, not passing.

Just to be clear, these are merely social conventions, correct? I haven't seen anything in the HTA that gives particular lanes the described purposes.

 

[Ugur Dinch]

Same with people who ride to the left at the same speed as traffic on the right, leaving 100's of meters of empty road ahead of them.

When I'm in my Zipcar, I get as close as a meter behind, and slightly towards the left of the car, so my headlights can flash right into the slow-car's mirrors. When I keep it there for a few seconds, they accelerate and change lanes. Nobody wants 'an idiot' on their tail lol

 

[V-Tom]

Just to be clear, these are merely social conventions, correct? I haven't seen anything in the HTA that gives particular lanes the described purposes.

The only part I'm aware of is:

Slow vehicles to travel on right side
147. (1) Any vehicle travelling upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at that time and place shall, where practicable, be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic or as close as practicable to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 147 (1).

..Tom

 

[sunny_pines]

When I see people that can obviously notice that there is a traffic jam rush up to the front of the line, I do my best to NOT let them in

To this, and everyone else who feels the same: go ahead, just don't hurt yourself in the process.

Aggressively blocking someone from merging is selfish and dangerous, so get off your high horse.

As to traffic tricks, one thing I find that is fairly reliable and safe is timing. If your job allows it, arrange for slightly different hours, I find that leaving an hour or two earlier than the standard 5pm the experience is much less stressful. Of course, there are situations where timing is beyond your control, but if you have the flexibility, it's the single most effective strategy.

 

[Acadian1974]

No evidence in the Driver's manual that it is illegal. I just search through it, you seem to be right.

Once again, any creative cop will find someway to nail you. There's plenty of things not covered in the Driver's manual, it's not meant to be a reference guide to the HTA. In any event, if you were to pull that stunt in front of me during an M2X road exam (and I've had students do just that), I'd end your test right there for posing a hazard to traffic around you. As has been noted several times in this thread, riding a motorcycle has several advantages, taking advantage of "any" opportunity to get ahead to the detriment of the safety of other road users is not one of them.

 

[Corsara]

Once again, any creative cop will find someway to nail you. There's plenty of things not covered in the Driver's manual, it's not meant to be a reference guide to the HTA. In any event, if you were to pull that stunt in front of me during an M2X road exam (and I've had students do just that), I'd end your test right there for posing a hazard to traffic around you. As has been noted several times in this thread, riding a motorcycle has several advantages, taking advantage of "any" opportunity to get ahead to the detriment of the safety of other road users is not one of them.

I seriously don't get it why you would say that properly signalling and merging into the acceleration lane when safe, then properly signalling and merging back into the right lane of the highway when there is a gap can be "detrimental to the safety of other road users". Could you please explain? Because, my experience today showed me how important it is for MY OWN SAFETY to keep a proper blocking position, and the only way to actually do that on the right side of the highway is to actually go into the furthest right lane, even if it is an acceleration lane.

 

[Corsara]

And also---this by no means can be called a "stunt", sorry to burst your bubble

 

[jolomatic]

And also---this by no means can be called a "stunt", sorry to burst your bubble

No, but it could be called 'racing'.

Highway Traffic Act
ONTARIO REGULATION 455/07
RACES, CONTESTS AND STUNTS
Consolidation Period: From July 26, 2011 to the e-Laws currency date.
Last amendment: O. Reg. 360/11.
This is the English version of a bilingual regulation.
1. Revoked: O. Reg. 406/08, s. 1.
Definition, “race” and “contest”
2. (1) For the purposes of section 172 of the Act, “race” and “contest” include any activity where one or more persons engage in any of the following driving behaviours:
1. Driving two or more motor vehicles at a rate of speed that is a marked departure from the lawful rate of speed and in a manner that indicates the drivers of the motor vehicles are engaged in a competition.
2. Driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to chase another motor vehicle.
3. Driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention, without reasonable consideration for other persons using the highway or in a manner that may endanger any person by,
i. driving a motor vehicle at a rate of speed that is a marked departure from the lawful rate of speed,
ii. outdistancing or attempting to outdistance one or more other motor vehicles while driving at a rate of speed that is a marked departure from the lawful rate of speed, or
iii. repeatedly changing lanes in close proximity to other vehicles so as to advance through the ordinary flow of traffic while driving at a rate of speed that is a marked departure from the lawful rate of speed. O. Reg. 455/07, s. 2 (1).

 

[Baggsy]

No evidence in the Driver's manual that it is illegal. I just search through it, you seem to be right.

http://www.passthewheel.com/practic...s_drivers_license_video.asp?roadTestV ideo=2

[video=youtube;bHp6gRsmhQw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHp6gRsmhQw&feature=player_embedded[/video]

 

[Corsara]

No, but it could be called 'racing'.

iii. repeatedly changing lanes in close proximity to other vehicles so as to advance through the ordinary flow of traffic while driving at a rate of speed that is a marked departure from the lawful rate of speed. O. Reg. 455/07, s. 2 (1).

Let me make sure I understand what you mean:

In a stop-and-go traffic, I properly signal and when it is safe I go into acceleration lane of the on-ramp. I go about 20-30 kph faster than the other traffic, which is going with 0-5 kph. A cop stops me and charges me with "racing"? What exactly do you think the judge in court will say about that? :lmao:35 kph =?= departure from the lawful rate of speed? yeah, dream on buddy

 

[jolomatic]

yeah, dream on buddy

I'm not your buddy, pal.

Since what I quoted is from HTA 172 1 - there doesn't need to be a judge involved for you to lose your bike. Only a cop that didn't like your little "trick" to beat traffic.

I really don't care what you do.
I'm just pointing out what others have already said - it's not quite as legal as you seem to think.
But by all means, do as you will, and deal with the consequences.

 

[Baggsy]

Let me make sure I understand what you mean:

In a stop-and-go traffic, I properly signal and when it is safe I go into acceleration lane of the on-ramp. I go about 20-30 kph faster than the other traffic, which is going with 0-5 kph. A cop stops me and charges me with "racing"? What exactly do you think the judge in court will say about that? :lmao:35 kph =?= departure from the lawful rate of speed? yeah, dream on buddy

Umm, you could probably argue all day whether or not the lawful rate of speed has anything to do with a posted maximum speed limit.

Most likely this one as you try to cut back in: iii. driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to drive, without justification, as close as possible to another vehicle, pedestrian or fixed object on or near the highway, or

Forgive me if I'm a little short on this subject, but I've have the front right side of my car redone, by someone who did this and it just doesn't run the same way afterwards.

 

[Corsara]

I'm not your buddy, pal.

Since what I quoted is from HTA 172 1 - there doesn't need to be a judge involved for you to lose your bike. Only a cop that didn't like your little "trick" to beat traffic.

I really don't care what you do.
I'm just pointing out what others have already said - it's not quite as legal as you seem to think.
But by all means, do as you will, and deal with the consequences.

Isn't "pal" pretty much the same as "buddy", pal

Anyway, I appreciate the input! Cheers

 

[Corsara]

Umm, you could probably argue all day whether or not the lawful rate of speed has anything to do with a posted maximum speed limit.

Most likely this one as you try to cut back in: iii. driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to drive, without justification, as close as possible to another vehicle, pedestrian or fixed object on or near the highway, or

Forgive me if I'm a little short on this subject, but I've have the front right side of my car redone, by someone who did this and it just doesn't run the same way afterwards.

You are primarily referring to the act of merging back in traffic from the acceleration lane. Well, once I am in the acceleration lane, I'm no different than people who genuinely use the on-ramp for entering the highway, so I don't see how is your comment relevant.

As for the fact that you had to have your front right side of your car redone, maybe next time you should just let that "somebody" merge into the lane instead of breaking the law by intentionally blocking them (as you've mentioned you usually like to do at the beginning of this thread).

 

[jolomatic]

Isn't "pal" pretty much the same as "buddy", pal

And therein lies the humour.

 

[unL33T]

Here's my "trick": whenever passing/weaving/merging, regardless of which lane I'm going from/to, I only do so, if I can accellerate smoothly into it. This means no one behind me has to hit the brakes, because of my manouver.

This is a "trick"? I thought that was just proper and courteous driving.

Same with people who ride to the left at the same speed as traffic on the right, leaving 100's of meters of empty road ahead of them.

Yes. This is completely idiotic. Half the time I end up just driving/riding in the right lane because it's moving faster than everything else or is actually completely empty. And, IMO, if someone is passing you on the right, you're in the wrong lane. Which, to me, means that 90% of the traffic on the highway is in the wrong lane most of the time (since I am flying past everyone).

Also, what's with the people, usually during rush hour, just cruising along at like 80 kph when there's hardly any traffic around them? Maybe if they sped up a little it wouldn't be so congested.

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