Glad nobody ran a red light...

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCXHp-rKEm4[/youtube]

The view point of the car doesn't take into account the view of the rider. I've come into a situation like that, slowing down and sliding up between the cars when the light turns green. I have an up right seating position and I can see over the cars. In reality how fast do you think the rider was going when he was between the cars? 15 mph seems fast at that proximity from the cars view. Plus - as a rider you want to get out from between the cars as quickly as posible so punching it to get to clear roadway is a good idea. The rider didn't enter the intersection first - the cars were already rolling so he had to punch it to get clear.
I'd hate to see what you'd say about me when I do something like that... Hahaha

I've got plenty of you from this last ride that would freak people out..

That's what I'm saying - BUT - at no time did I/we take any chances or do anything un-safe.
If you see it out of context then it looks like we're being unsafe. The camera angle distorts the distances and speed perception of the viewer making it seem faster and closer.

I know I know... Nothing Un-Safe but a lot of people ride like grandmothers.They just wouldn't understand.

I've learned over the years it's better to get out of traffic and get a clearer view of the road and therefore - be seen easier - drivers just don't register bikes like cars.
So - from the cagers view I"m a knuckle head taking chances - but from my view point - I've already scanned the intersection - deemed the traffic stopped or stopping, both ways and decided to go ahead and get out of traffic quickly.
I"m notorious for using cars as blockers - here's how I goat them into running a little harder.

On our last ride, on the video you got a kick out of me riding that little red car in front of me - you thought I was pissed -but- I was just getting him to go a little faster -or- maybe get out of our way...
He had been tailgating the bikes in front of us but then started to slow down after they pulled off - I was just reminding him we were enjoying the ride at the rate we were going. The thing is - if they won't pull off but they will speed up - we now have a "blocker" vehicle. If some one coming crosses over the line - the blocker will most likely take the hit instead of us. By staying in close proximity - usually just enough space to react - you ride a little safer. You have to be aware of any hazards because of limited visibility. I usually try to look way ahead and around my blockers to give myself the most reaction time.

Ideally - you want to be able to get to the intersection while traffic is stopped and be able to position your bike in front of the front cars. I do this to make sure the cars see me and cant start without me moving first. This gives me the safest lane split. When riding with others, this gives them the chance to get clear of the cars by leaving the lane open to them.