Lane splitting (sharing) interview

[EarsOnWheels_imp]

Looking forward reading/watching it.

Larger vehicles must wait for large vehicles to get out of the way before there is room to continue. If you are on the motorcycle, bicycle, moped, roller skates, shoes, unicycle, the way is already clear. No need to wait.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/trip...heir-lead/

[the Ferret]

Wow just read all the comments following the article posted by Earsonwheels. Certainly a hot and divided topic among posters with those for, and those opposing, demonstrating equal vigor in their position.

[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.

[Lunatic Fringe_imp]

Being born and raised in California lane splitting to me is part of the riding experience. Can't imagine not being able to split lanes in heavy traffic on city streets or the freeway. I am 100% in agreement with lane splitting,filtering or whatever people are comfortable calling it.

As long as a rider is confident in their skills at riding in close quarters splitting can be a safe and enjoyable practice. The key is to remember no vehicle is responsible for getting out of your way when splitting. When done correctly the cars or motorcycles for that matter don't need to do anything, it's all up to the rider doing the splitting. Been riding for 35 years and while I can't say I've never been down, none of my pavement surfing was related to lane splitting.

[mattmcuomo@yahoo.com]

Being born and raised in California lane splitting to me is part of the riding experience. Can't imagine not being able to split lanes in heavy traffic on city streets or the freeway. I am 100% in agreement with lane splitting,filtering or whatever people are comfortable calling it.

As long as a rider is confident in their skills at riding in close quarters splitting can be a safe and enjoyable practice. The key is to remember no vehicle is responsible for getting out of your way when splitting. When done correctly the cars or motorcycles for that matter don't need to do anything, it's all up to the rider doing the splitting. Been riding for 35 years and while I can't say I've never been down, none of my pavement surfing was related to lane splitting.

+1

Sent from me......

[Pterodactyl_imp]

LongRanger, I believe both terms have the same meaning.

Btw, my younger Brother lives in Evergreen too. Nice place to live. 8,000 feet above sea level, right?

Not so in OZ. Different meaning altogether.

Cheers

[Retsel_imp]

Being born and raised in California lane splitting to me is part of the riding experience. Can't imagine not being able to split lanes in heavy traffic on city streets or the freeway. I am 100% in agreement with lane splitting,filtering or whatever people are comfortable calling it.

As long as a rider is confident in their skills at riding in close quarters splitting can be a safe and enjoyable practice. The key is to remember no vehicle is responsible for getting out of your way when splitting. When done correctly the cars or motorcycles for that matter don't need to do anything, it's all up to the rider doing the splitting. Been riding for 35 years and while I can't say I've never been down, none of my pavement surfing was related to lane splitting.

Agree with LF. What I always do is watch the front tire of every car I am passing. They can't get to me without turning the wheel my way. That said, you have to be going slow enough to watch the wheels. 45mph is my limit. If traffic is faster than that I don't need to split anyway. I've seen some bad results and have to say they have have always been caused by a biker either not paying attention or just going way to fast for the situation. I always assume the car drivers do not see me and it is on me to stay out of their way. I do have much more to loose than the car driver.

Sent from my SM-T710 using Tapatalk

[Pete Erickson_imp]

I live the Portland, Oregon area and Allstate insurance just rated it as having some of the worst drivers in the nation. Portland was rated 181 out of 200. Having ridden bicycles and motorcycles since 1964 I kind of knew that already.

So if lane splitting is made legal here, I will not do it. I am already taking a big risk just by riding. See no reason to push it.

Whenever traffic slows significantly below normal speeds, I always try to turn on my flashers whether I am on the bike or in the car and leave them on until I am sure the car behind me has stopped or slowed. I have also used the emergency lane when traffic has stopped or slowed to less than about 10 mph.

On the plus side Portland ranking did improve. Last year it was 183.

[jerrycon_imp]

As a general rule, I split lanes only when traffic is stopped or nearly stopped. I do it slowly (app. 16 kph / 10 mph) as do the Harleys.

I regret that the younger guys on sport bikes do it at high speeds even when traffic is moving briskly. Nothing good can come of that.

The rules in Queensland are strict and you can travel at no more than 30 kph when filtering. That means the traffic has to be stationary or nearly so. That seems to me to be reasonable as it has to be an activity that's safe for both parties. Notwithstanding, people still do it at crazy speeds.

[r870621345s_imp]

If drivers signal before lane changes, and the motorcyclist is traveling at a speed that allows them to stop if needed, then splitting lanes can be done safely. However, that's sort of a best case scenario. One could argue that if drivers are attentive and don't tailgate, then there would be no danger of a motorcyclist being rear ended. I'm not really sure which is safer, but I feel that splitting lanes puts me in control, and I trust myself more than other drivers.