Riders of LA, how aware are drivers here?
Hey everyone, I'm considering picking up motorcycle riding here in LA and wanted to hear from local riders before I commit.
For context, I rode in Paris for over 10 years. Paris is a pretty wild city for two wheels, dense traffic, narrow streets... Definitely wild concrete jungle feeling lol. Intense, but there, drivers are mostly aware of their surroundings.
Then I spent 2 years in Nashville, TN. What struck me there was the complete lack of awareness drivers had for motorcyclists. People never used turn signals, never checked mirrors before merging, it really felt like bikes just didn't register on their radar. Honestly very frustrating.
Now I just moved to LA and trying to figure out what to expect. Are drivers here generally aware of motorcyclists? Is lane splitting actually understood and accepted in practice, or just legal on paper? Any specific freeways or areas you'd avoid as a rider?
For context, I'm not one of those reckless riders splitting at 80 between cars. I ride carefully, always have. Never had an accident in over a decade.
One more question while I'm here: how does motorcycle parking work in LA? Are there designated zones, or do you just use any free curb space, sidewalks? Trying to figure out if it's a non issue or a daily headache.
Thanks, y'all!