Lane splitting (sharing) interview

[Randy B]

The new lane splitting law before the CA legislature for enactment was drafted by the CHP. It limits the motorcyclist's speed, while lane splitting, to 30 mph. I hope they enforce that speed limit. To go any faster is inherently dangerous. However, the law falls short in other respects for safety sake.

I think the most dangerous thing about lane splitting as commonly practiced today, is when passing another rider that is NOT lane splitting. "If" the latter is not watching his RVM(s) intently - inherently dangerous in itself - and fails to notice (or hear) the other rider approaching from behind, but then suddenly starts lane splitting himself, that's an accident waiting to happen!!!

Imho, this is the #1 reason to have a LOUD exhaust! Which also warns cagers to "yield" the corridor between lanes of traffic to motorcycles approaching from the rear.

That's not the case. There are a few people working with the legislature to help get this passed, and they have been working with them on it for a few years. As of right now the bill was passed by the CA assembly with no dissenting votes.
There are no provisions in the bill for any speed restrictions as written.
Quote:An act to add Section 21658.1 to the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

AB 51, as amended, Quirk. Vehicles: motorcycles: lane splitting.

(1)Existing

Existing law requires, whenever a roadway has been divided into 2 or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, that a vehicle be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and not be moved from the lane until the movement can be made with reasonable safety. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime.

This bill would define “lane splitting” as driving a motorcycle, that has 2 wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, as specified. The bill would authorize the Department of the California Highway Patrol to develop educational guidelines relating to lane splitting in a manner that would ensure the safety of the motorcyclist, drivers, and passengers, as specified. The bill would require the department, in developing these guidelines, to consult with specified agencies and organizations with an interest in road safety and motorcyclist behavior.

Bill Text

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 21658.1 is added to the Vehicle Code, to read:

21658.1. (a) For the purposes of this section, “lane splitting” means driving a motorcycle, as defined in Section 400, that has two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways.

(b) The Department of the California Highway Patrol may develop educational guidelines relating to lane splitting in a manner that would ensure the safety of the motorcyclist and the drivers and passengers of the surrounding vehicles.

© In developing guidelines pursuant to this section, the department shall consult with agencies and organizations with an interest in road safety and motorcyclist behavior, including, but not limited to, all of the following:

(1) The Department of Motor Vehicles.

(2) The Department of Transportation.

(3) The Office of Traffic Safety.

(4) A motorcycle organization focused on motorcyclist safety.

The new lane splitting law before the CA legislature for enactment was drafted by the CHP. It limits the motorcyclist's speed, while lane splitting, to 30 mph. I hope they enforce that speed limit. To go any faster is inherently dangerous. However, the law falls short in other respects for safety sake.

I think the most dangerous thing about lane splitting as commonly practiced today, is when passing another rider that is NOT lane splitting. "If" the latter is not watching his RVM(s) intently - inherently dangerous in itself - and fails to notice (or hear) the other rider approaching from behind, but then suddenly starts lane splitting himself, that's an accident waiting to happen!!!

Imho, this is the #1 reason to have a LOUD exhaust! Which also warns cagers to "yield" the corridor between lanes of traffic to motorcycles approaching from the rear.

This is the exact same thing as when someone in a car changes lanes without checking their mirrors and blind spot. It's dangerous and irresponsible to do so.

The new lane splitting law before the CA legislature for enactment was drafted by the CHP. It limits the motorcyclist's speed, while lane splitting, to 30 mph. I hope they enforce that speed limit. To go any faster is inherently dangerous. However, the law falls short in other respects for safety sake.

I think the most dangerous thing about lane splitting as commonly practiced today, is when passing another rider that is NOT lane splitting. "If" the latter is not watching his RVM(s) intently - inherently dangerous in itself - and fails to notice (or hear) the other rider approaching from behind, but then suddenly starts lane splitting himself, that's an accident waiting to happen!!!

Imho, this is the #1 reason to have a LOUD exhaust! Which also warns cagers to "yield" the corridor between lanes of traffic to motorcycles approaching from the rear.

By this reasoning you still wouldn't hear the rider approaching due to the noise coming from your own exhaust.
And don't get me started on ear plugs and earphones in your helmet.