There have been a lot of comments posted on this subject while we were away on vacation. They can be read by going to the Pinecam Blog and clicking on the "Comments" link, but I'm posting them here so that they are easier to access (some people haven't figured out how to read or post comments).

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OK this happened to me... When they were working by Aspen Park by the Catholic Church you had to merge. Last summer on a Friday night of course when everyone comes up here. Myself and another local blocked the lane so people couldn't keep passing us while we waiting and trying to get home. Well a cop pulled us over and set us straight. Your are suppose to continue in both lanes and then take turns merging into the lane that is open. So going passed everybody waiting is OK according to this officer. Blocking the lane as we did is illegal..Which I did not know. So there you go.
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Well, that's good to know. I have always wondered about that, and wondered what would happen if I went around a guy trying to block me (if I had the legal right to continue in the left lane). RTD bus drivers do that (drive down the left lane and then merge).
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Right on!! I am so glad to hear that the police agree, use both lanes until they merge. I am one of the ones that stays in the left lane until it is time to merge. I think that everyone stacking up in the right lane is silly. I repeatedly have people try to block me, make obscene gestures out their window, honk etc.
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I used to think that "lining up" prior to the merge was the good thing to do. Not anymore. If the lane is open, I use it. I pay taxes and there's no reason why I can't use that lane. As for those people who prefer to play "traffic cop" and block oncoming traffic; my understanding is that is illegal. So, if you don't like me passing you, follow this advice: lead, follow, or get out of my way!
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Look close next time, it is actually the right lane that ends and must merger left, the sign of course is wrong. Also you didn't mention in your question what kind of vehicle is driven. In my truck I would wait, in my car or motorcycle I was that blur that passed you by.
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I'm glad to hear that those blocking the lane of traffic are committing a driving offense, but that isn't going to stop them if the cops don't start issuing tickets.

In the moring commute between North bound many people will get in the left lane prior to the Richmond Hill merge - and then if you use the right line (which I'm assuming was intended to be used or why would they have built it) the people in the left lane will not let you merge - it is as if they belong to a special club that restricts access to those that don't get in line for a mile or more.

Ditto on lead, follow or get the #@$% out of the way.
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if someone is stopped dead in an open traffic lane I have to assume that they are broken down. I belive it is ok at that point to proceed around the disabled vehicle on the shoulder if this can be be safely
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This all sounds good filling both lanes, but did you ever notice that when everyone got into one lane and proceeded the traffic moved a lot faster. One other thing I don't understand is why law enforcement is not on scene at these trouble spots on Hwy 285???
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I have read with interest the comments posted on this subject. I have tried being courteous, merging early, and waited my turn in the left lane only to have numerous cars "butt in line" because they feel their time is more valuable then anyone elses on the road. I have stayed in the right lane, merged at the last minute, only to have someone purposly rear end me and then say I "cut in front of him". It doesn't matter what you do - people are just rude and inconsiderate, and many of comments made here just support that sentiment. I also find that the rudest ones on the road have the biggest American flags in their windows. The term "Ugly American" alway comes to mind when I drive 285.
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I always use both lanes and only attempt to merge when I'm forced to by the cones. If you spend any amount of time thinking about it, it clearly makes more sense and the law supports it. I don't understand why people think lining up for miles is going to make things faster. You either merge now or later. Take your pick. If you wait in line you are going to sit there while all the thinking people in the world pass you by.
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I,ve driven all over the US and this is the only place that I,ve seen people doing this. If you dont use both lanes someone will. Sometimes your in the opposite lane and there is a car next to you when you suddenly come upon the line and you cant jump over and get in line immediatly so when you do try and merge people will NOT let you in so you may as well drive to the front . Use BOTH lanes!
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If you insist on continuing in a lane that is to end, and that you've been instructed to merge from, then you are an inconsiderate ignoramus. I am the one giving you the finger, you selfish oaf. And I will continue to block your self-centered way, even at the risk of being ticketed.

As for those of you who throw your cigarette butts out the window, you should pray that I'm not driving behind you at the time, because we will have a problem

Pinecam Blogger
posted by Pinecamguy at 10:43 AM