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[Phantom309]

Lane splitting nowadays is like playing Russian roulette if you ask me, too many distracted drivers (or I should say phone holders steering down the road) these days. I never agreed with it period, same thing as cutting in line. Remember what happens to the kids that cut the lunch line? I can see why some people open doors and close the gap. I hate traffic just like the next person, but just because I'm on a bike doesn't make me anymore special than other motorists sitting in line waiting their turn. I know air cooled engines don't enjoy bumper to bumper traffic and that's exactly why I avoid it. If I have to go somewhere and can't avoid it no matter what route I take, that's when the bike stays home and what an air conditioned car is for.     

[skratch]

Lane splitting nowadays is like playing Russian roulette if you ask me, too many distracted drivers (or I should say phone holders steering down the road) these days. I never agreed with it period, same thing as cutting in line. Remember what happens to the kids that cut the lunch line? I can see why some people open doors and close the gap. I hate traffic just like the next person, but just because I'm on a bike doesn't make me anymore special than other motorists sitting in line waiting their turn. I know air cooled engines don't enjoy bumper to bumper traffic and that's exactly why I avoid it. If I have to go somewhere and can't avoid it no matter what route I take, that's when the bike stays home and what an air conditioned car is for.   

thats the typical attitude of someone not from california.  most people that live in california are aware of the practice and are used to it.  studies have shown that by allowing bikes to 'filter' that it actually enables all traffic to move at a faster pace.

[2 ROSE]

Also I believe studies have shown that lane splitting it is safer for riders by making collisions from the rear of motorcycles less likely to happen if they are allowed to go to the front on stopped traffic at red lights.

[RAINEY]

When I lived in Southern California I split lanes quite often. When I was on my Road King it was a little more difficult because I had the wider beach bars.  Most if the time you will have a CHP motor cop filter through. I would try to get behind them and ride at a safe distance behind them. It was like parting the red sea. Nobody is going to squeeze them and if they could they opened the gap.

It can be a nerve wracking experience. Another reason to need to keep moving is the valley heat. Sit completely stopped with an air cooled engine and it's not a happy time for you or the motor. A 95 degree day in concrete it ashphalt is hot.

[Lars]

I agree, lane splitting in stop and go traffic is fine.
At speeds above 30 mph, not so much!!

[GregKhougaz]

I agree, lane splitting in stop and go traffic is fine.
At speeds above 30 mph, not so much!!

It appears that various States agree and are now considering the issue.   Oregon Considers SB694 Lane-Splitting Bill

[RAINEY]

What will always elevate the danger is the uneducated cagers that we're sharing the road with.  They're either mad because you're still moving or trying to let you know that you're breaking the law when you're actually not.  They are breaking the law by squeezing you or opening a door.

[Dr.D]

Also I believe studies have shown that lane splitting it is safer for riders by making collisions from the rear of motorcycles less likely to happen if they are allowed to go to the front on stopped traffic at red lights.

Most overused phrase in the news today. Studies show that you want them to show. I don't care if it is deemed safe or not if i want to do it I will and I may also choose not. Studies have shown that every one is going to die from something.

[GregKhougaz]

California could soon legalize motorcycle lane-splitting.      

Motorcycle Lane-Splitting Could Move Beyond California

 

[lowflight]

It would be nice if it was adopted in all states. That won't happen in my lifetime, but it would be nice.

[screaminCVO]

This is going on in BC - Canada right now as well, trying to get it passed.

[Streetglide1]

I read a few LA Times accounts where it appeared drivers intentionally opened doors or cut off the zone when a bike or bikes was coming up the lane just to be mean. I viewed many riders lane-splitting and generally the space was nowhere near as large as the photograph in Greg's initial post indicates. I can see why they allow it though, traffic there is horrific and we'd probably all do it if riding there on a daily basis. It appeared most drivers were polite about this and allowed as much room as they could if they viewed a scoot coming up.

I agree totally...In Germany years ago I seen a bike do this in stalled traffic when the 4 wheeler decided to open his door to stretch his legs...not pretty