I thought that article and the short video that they included with it was quite good. It's the sort of thing we would like the car drivers to read and watch. Thanks for the pointer to it.
It's worth reading this follow-up article too: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-smith-lane-split-20130129,0,3796541.story
I'll agree with the 'hold your position' sentiment. Keep on keeping on 'cause I've planned on you not doing anything sudden. Amazingly, I didn't see any of the usual 'you #$%^$ motorcyclsts!' kind of comments. M
Quite humbling. As a polite biker myself, I try to keep the "feelings" of motorists in mind all the time, I try to be graceful, I try not to blip my FMF right next to a guy with an open windows... I do many things. I just hope the Cape Town style of driver would heed to an article like this, and attempt to understand... the ignorant, 'the world owes me, because i pay tax' types.
California Highway Patrol Guidelines to Lane Splitting http://www.chp.ca.gov/programs/lanesplitguide.html
Messages for Other Vehicle Drivers 1) Lane splitting by motorcycles is not illegal in California when done in a safe and prudent manner. 2) Motorists should not take it upon themselves to discourage motorcyclists from lane splitting. 3) Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal (CVC 22400). 4) Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcycle is illegal (CVC 22517). 5) Never drive while distracted. 6) You can help keep motorcyclists and all road users safe by Checking mirrors and blind spots, especially before changing lanes or turning Signaling your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic Allowing more following distance, three or four seconds, when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency