Lane Splitting
Lane-splitting — most states do not recognize it as legal maneuver. For those unfamiliar with the “strip-riding” maneuver it is riding a motorcycle between lanes and between automobiles in the same direction as traffic.
It is not legal in Oregon or Washington state. It is legal in California.
Recently a couple buddies were on an extended motorcycle ride to L.A. Reluctant at first to try lane-splitting they quickly took up the maneuver after experiencing triple digit heat and traffic-congested freeways. They returned chatting up the positive merits and ability to move at a faster speed than traffic by way of a “motorcycle-only lane.” I think most people recognize that lane-splitting is a way for motorcyclists to save time and that it reduces congestion.
In fact, I’ve experienced my share — surprise — of motorcycles zipping by the rental car window. And yes, I sometimes resent it as I sit in bay area grid lock. My first reaction was it’s dangerous. Automobile drivers in CA., don’t typically use blinkers to signal intent unless it’s a latte stop. They dart from lane to lane distracted on cell phones and I have this visual image of a biker screeching to a concrete halt as part of a lane change collision.
What do you think:
- Legal or not — it’s a NOT a smart move to split-lanes.
- It can be safe and riders take responsibility for the consequences of their own actions.
- I’m a native California and consider myself exempt from OR and WA laws.
- CHP studies indicate it’s safe so I’m on board with anything the LEO’s say.
- It’s so not “fair” to all the other drivers and we all need to stay in our comfort zone.
Photo courtesy of CA State web site.
I find lane splitting far too dangerous for my likes. I have a hard enough time not getting hit by idiots in cages in a normal full size lane.
Most motorcycles are air cooled, so lane-splitting is only common sense. Unsafe? Life is unsafe, get real…
If more people rode, there would be less cages on the roads, therefore less grid-lock.
I believe lane splitting only makes sense. As Slim stated, most motorcycles are air cooled and they need to be moving to prevent overheating, especially in hot weather.
There are the cases where it may not make sense. Recently in California I observed motorcyclists racing by traffic that was already moving at 50MPH+. That seems to me to be insane and very dangerous. The dangers to all in that situation are real and arguable.
However, if traffic is moving along below 25MPH, is “stop and go” and highly congested, yes it should be legal to lane split. That helps the biker take care of their bike and it does help reduce congestion. This could reasonably be policed using Oregon’s Basic Rule. That is to operate your vehical in a safe fashion at speeds reasonable for current conditions.
I’ve seen it here in Florida and cage drivers resent it and even try to block the bikers path, especially if there is alot of stop and go. I watched a biker lane split all the way up to a red light and one of the lead drivers saw him coming and blocked him so he couldnt jump ahead of him….. then he refused to even look at the rider even though he did his best to get the drivers attention. People drive crazy here.
I’m all about lane splitting, when there is reasonable traffic to split. Doesn’t give anyone an excuse to ride like a moron though.
If your lane splitting, then you should know your abilities and the risks associated with it.
I think that Steve said it very well.
At “normal” traffic speeds I would prefer not to lane-split as there is just too much opportunity not to be seen. However, when traffic is barely moving (or not moving at all) I see nothing wrong with allowing motorcycles to “filter” forwards.