[testdummy]

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green, Safety, Driving, Motorcycles


There is a nice discussion going on over at AutoblogGreen regarding the act of lane splitting, which is when a motorcycle rides the dotted line in-between lanes. Lane splitting is a common practice in much of Europe, but here in the States it's only legal in California. Golden State law dictates that a motorcycle is only allowed to split lanes when traffic is moving very slowly or stopped and "must be done in a safe and prudent manner." NBC San Diego ran a little news piece on lane splitting and found that some drivers in California weren't even aware that it was legal, and others dislike the practice.

According to the video, the practice of lane splitting was initially allowed for safety reasons, and while many doubt that the practice is safe, data suggests that lane splitting reduces rear-end collisions involving motorcycles. So, what do you think? Is lane splitting a good idea? If so, should it be made legal in all s
States?

[Source: AutoblogGreen, NBC San Diego]
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[Mr. Win]

In heavy traffic? Hell yea it should be legal. People don't get that a bike stops a lot faster then a car. In fact, if they want to help, put in a bike lane.

 

[FLK]

They don't like it because they're stuck and can't do it themselves.

 

[Kooldino]

They don't like it because they're stuck and can't do it themselves.

Exactly.

I think it SHOULD be legal, but only like the cali law states - in slow traffic situations and only in a safe manner.

The problem is that the squids will do it all of the time.

It would be a nice "selling point" to owning a bike though, esp in cities and such.

I often ride my bike due to traffic maneuverability and ease of parking if it can save me enough time.

 

[soopah]

Tried to do this a few years back in BC when traffic was backed up getting onto a bridge and received a traffic violation ticket!

 

[Kooldino]

Doh.

I did this ONCE on the way to an Atlantic City meet that I had last summer. I was running late and the traffic was bumper to bumper for a 2 mile stretch. I split lanes, did 15mph and still got to my own meet 15 mins late.

Fortunately, everyone was late due to the traffic, so I didn't get crap for being late. And I got away with the lane splitting. :O

 

[MooseX]

yep should be legal. Most of these 'lane splitters' I see cruise nice and easy but it does scare the livin' sh*t out of me when a screaming rice rocket blows by doing some crazy speed between cars in a jam. Personally I'd be scared to do it all the time...someone is gonna' eventually do a quick lane change in front of you and then it's lights' out Jerry's kids
wheel chair time'. I'd be more inclined to ride the shoulder but not sure if that's legal

 

[on2it]

lane splitting should be legal, although a speed limit should be implemented for those lane splitting.