Er, no, the intention to change lanes is based on whether you want to be in a different lane. The indicator tells all the other cars you want to do this, you're not just being all weird and hesitant because you're insane, you're wanting a gap; if you're indicating, people will often make a gap for you, if you're not, they won't becaues they don't know you want one. Accordingly, it can be entirely reasonable to indicate when there's no gap to change into.
The fundamental rule for being a motorcyclist and not dying also applies to cars: it's best to make sure it's clear to everyone else on the road what you're intending to do. If that's "change lanes", don't slow down and sandbag one lane waiting for a gap without indicating; flick on the indicators, see if there's a gap, if there isn't, keep checking until there's a gap to move into; people won't let you in if they don't know you want in, and people *might* tailgate you in irritation if you're being all hesitant and slow in the lane you *are* in.
Indicators are there to signal intention, not that oh, yes, you do actually know you just started drifting across the lanes.
Sensible motorcyclists will strive to remain easily visible to cars, but it's not always possible to be easily visible to all cars and not all motorcyclists are sensible. The knowledge that the rider who is now decorating your bumper in shades of red and torn metal was a total moron who's a deserving contender for a Darwin award will probably not make you feel any better about having played a part in someone's messy death.
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branchandroot
(no subject)
Date: 2006-01-09 03:25 pm (UTC)The fundamental rule for being a motorcyclist and not dying also applies to cars: it's best to make sure it's clear to everyone else on the road what you're intending to do. If that's "change lanes", don't slow down and sandbag one lane waiting for a gap without indicating; flick on the indicators, see if there's a gap, if there isn't, keep checking until there's a gap to move into; people won't let you in if they don't know you want in, and people *might* tailgate you in irritation if you're being all hesitant and slow in the lane you *are* in.
Indicators are there to signal intention, not that oh, yes, you do actually know you just started drifting across the lanes.
Sensible motorcyclists will strive to remain easily visible to cars, but it's not always possible to be easily visible to all cars and not all motorcyclists are sensible. The knowledge that the rider who is now decorating your bumper in shades of red and torn metal was a total moron who's a deserving contender for a Darwin award will probably not make you feel any better about having played a part in someone's messy death.
By the way, Alex, have fun driving!