great article, particularly about the HOV lane. having lived in seattle for several years I've seen quite a few things in the HOV lane, and just to the right of it. mostly cagers in SUV's by themselves riding in the HOV lane because where they need to get to is SOOO much more important than us lesser mortals and clearly they deserve the right to use the HOV lane even though they're by themselves, in a huge monstrosity that gets 10mpg highway. I always thought it was awesome that they included motorcyclists in the HOV requirements, even though I wasn't a rider then. but when I drove in busy traffic in the HOV lane (always with the proper number of passengers) I spend about 70% of my focus on the fast non HOV lane, and about 30% give or take on the lane I was in, because I've seen pissed off impatient jackholes (usually without a single passenger) just haul off and turn into the HOV lane at 15mph right into oncoming cars often going 55-70. I was going about 45 down one when some idiot pulled out in front of me from the fast lane into the HOV lane, he was of course by himself in the car, and he gave ME the finger when I had to slam my breaks to avoid ramming him and honked at him. on the other hand I've had a pack of sportsbikes swarm around me in the HOV lane. yes litterally SWARMED AROUND ME from all sides, then cut me off as they closed up right in front of me. several of them doing wheelies as well....when you're in a cage, and you see people on either side of you in your own lane ride past you at exessive speed on one wheel...I gotta tell you, it's hard to feel safe even in that cage. I gues saying that cages will kill you is like saying guns kill people, well, no, they just make it a LOT easier.
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