Lane Splitting

[raya]

I think I have the right term for this, but can you let me know if it is legal or not in your part of the world to ride in the middle space in between 2 lanes (heading in the same direction)

In London its done all the time regardless if the traffic is moving or not. In Australia its done but Im not sure if its legal. In Italy, well anything goes!

Whats the story in your country?

Cheers

Ray
Brisbane

[snowprick]

In the philippines, we lane split. It's against the law, but then, there's no law, so who cares.

[riceburner]

I used to work in London... rode everyday...

[towerworker]

Laws vary somewhat in the USA from state to state but at least here in Virginia it is not permitted. It's done I know but I don't see alot of it here.

[bikermeow]

Do it all the time, sometimes if you hit a mirror, wave in apology. - Singapore.

Cheers

cat

[mogu83]

In the states each state has it's own unique motor vehicle laws (100+ years ago we fought a war about states rights and I'm still not sure who won) so it's a little confusing. Lane splitting is illegal in most states, ignored in many and in some like New Jersey where I live it will really upset the local law enforcement people. I still do it on occasion, but I know if I get caught it won't be a happy situation.

[boxermania]

mogu83

+ 1....I did it now and again in Louisiana, but very few times.

In California it is forbidden, but is done all the time and the cops pay no mind, especially on the highways as they are parking lots during peak hours!!!!!

[Canyon Runner]

Interesting snippet from the CHP (California Highway Patrol) FAQ website:


Can motorcycle riders "split" lanes and ride between other vehicles?

Lane splitting by motorcycles is permissible but must be done in a safe and prudent manner.


So, I guess it is actually legal to do so there, but it is subject to the interpretations of law enforcement as to whether you are operating in a "safe and prudent" manner.

I was not able to find a corresponding statement in the Arizona books, but all the vague references I found seemed to indicate that the practice is not legal in Arizona. I don't see it out here nearly as much as I did in California (used to live outside LA), but I am also no longer a commuter (I now walk to work).

Also found an interesting site that indicated that the leading motorcycle accident cause in California was left turn in front of a motorcycle that was lane sharing. That was on a bit more of an unsubstantiated website, so I am unsure of the truth of that statistic, but in any case, BE CAREFUL OUT THERE. In terms of making it a survey, I don't lane split (but, as I said, I am also no longer a commuter that has to deal with bumper to bumper very often).

[pneuby]

In California it is forbidden, but is done all the time

Actually, it is quite legal there. However, I've talked to at least a few Commie-fornia bikers who are loathe to do so due to the dangers. Doors being opened into your 'path', cigs, food, and drinks being tossed from windows, etc.

Here in AZ, it's not permitted...

28-903. Operation of motorcycle on laned roadway; exceptions

A. All motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a lane. A person shall not drive a motor vehicle in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This subsection does not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane.

B. The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.

C. A person shall not operate a motorcycle between the lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles.

D. A person shall not operate a motorcycle more than two abreast in a single lane.

E. Subsections B and C do not apply to peace officers in the performance of their official duties.

[geothepencil]

In the State of Illinois........Not legal


geo

[Eddiem]

Aloha

Lived in California and I belive that it is legal there, did it all the time or where it was safe.

In Hawaii however is ilegal and it can cost you big time, not allowed and you will get a stiff fine if caught.

Aloha!

EM

[NoRRmad]

I believe it's illegal in every state but California.

[cbesey]

It is legal in California but the vehicle code is vague enough to give a lot of latitude in potential ticketing. Most LEOs I've read on other forums say it's ok if traffic is under 25mph and if the bike is not travelling more than 10mph faster than traffic. Cars generally expect it and give way in stalled traffic (up here around San Francisco, it's what makes motorcycle commuting hands down the fastest option).

I've heard from various parts, don't know if it's true, that it was originally put into the vehicle code at the behest of the Cal Hwy Patrol, since their Harleys kept overheating when stuck in Los Angeles traffic.

[Airman]

Here in Washington state, lane splitting is not permitted. I think it's a common belief here that lane splitting is a bad idea due to the angry frustrated cagers. I think they would try to cut off a lane spitter. When I took the MSF course they said lane splitting is simply not addressed in law in California. The CHP could write you up for many other infractions if you appear to be riding in an unsafe manner. Bikers can use the carpool (HOV) lanes here though. That allows me to pass thousands of cars a day on the way to work. I use the verges sometimes approaching intersections, but well away from any cages. I don't think that would be considered lane sharing.

[gunga din]

Riding mainly in South Australia and Victoria I've never been booked for doing it, but then again the R is not the narrowest bike made, consequently tight spaces can be somewhat problematic.

When riding in India the question that should be asked is, "what's a lane?"

gunga

[DJ Downunder]

This was in the local news paper here today.. http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/ ... 62,00.html

Motorcyclist, 73, crushed by truck

A 73-YEAR-old motorcyclist was slowly weaving between traffic when he slipped and was fatally crushed by a truck on Monash Freeway yesterday.

[laughingdawg]

http://www.amadirectlink.com/legisltn/laws.asp

just go here and you can see the law, or lack of one, on lane splitting in each US state. Remember, the US legal system is a restrictive one, not a permissive one. In general, laws exist to tell you what you can't do. You'll rarely see a law saying you can lane split. You just have to identify that there isn't a law saying that you can't.

[Hawk]

Here in Az with our large retired population, including Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles who, before his demise, possessed Az driving licenses (grin), I should think lane splitting akin to Russian roulette. Not to mention many folks get incensed to see a bike get down the road whilst they are stuck in the "parking lot".

[dgates]

Lane splitting comes up every year here in Washington State. It never gets enough support to make it out of the transportation commitee, but seems to be gaining momentum every year.
There are statistic that do suggest that lane is not 'unsafe' and to the contrary, suggest it is safer than not to lane split.
These stats/arguements can be found with an internet search if any is interested.
It is suggested that it is safer to split lanes/share a lane rather than sit at the rear of a long line of stopped traffic with the potenial of being struck from behind. I believe they use California's 'motorcycle fatality from rear end collisons' compared to other states that make it illegal to split lanes.
Other arguements for lane spliting is to ease traffic congestion, promote motorcycle commuting etc...
I believe (but not sure) that lane splitting is taught in Europe (perhaps someone else can touch on this).
One last thing...
Lane splitting is not for everyone. If it is "not illegal" to lane split it is not required to do so. There are many people who argue that lane splitting would be unsafe (even though there is no data to support their arguement) and therefore should not be allowed.
I can go all day on this...
Doug

[Airman]

Lane splitting comes up every year here in Washington State. It never gets enough support to make it out of the transportation commitee, but seems to be gaining momentum every year.
There are statistic that do suggest that lane is not 'unsafe' and to the contrary, suggest it is safer than not to lane split.
These stats/arguements can be found with an internet search if any is interested.
It is suggested that it is safer to split lanes/share a lane rather than sit at the rear of a long line of stopped traffic with the potenial of being struck from behind. I believe they use California's 'motorcycle fatality from rear end collisons' compared to other states that make it illegal to split lanes.
Other arguements for lane spliting is to ease traffic congestion, promote motorcycle commuting etc...
I believe (but not sure) that lane splitting is taught in Europe (perhaps someone else can touch on this)..
One last thing...
Lane splitting is not for everyone. If it is "not illegal" to lane split it is not required to do so. There are many people who argue that lane splitting would be unsafe (even though there is no data to support their arguement) and therefore should not be allowed.
I can go all day on this...
Doug

I would lane split some if it was legal in Washington. My concern here is that the drivers would try to stop you. I think it would take a law the explicitly legalized it. Encouraged it.