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[GregKhougaz]

Good new for California Riders.      From the Los Angeles Times:

For years, there has been debate about whether the practice of motorcyclists beating slower traffic by driving between lanes is dangerous. A UC Berkeley study released this week provides some possible answers.

What is lane-splitting?

Lane-splitting is the practice of motorcyclists riding between marked lanes, typically to pass slow-moving or stalled traffic.

Is it legal?

California is the only state that allows lane-splitting by motorcyclists, though technically state law neither prohibits nor permits “motorcycles from passing other vehicles proceeding in the same direction within the same lane,” according to the California Highway Patrol.

Why do some drivers think its dangerous?

Many motorists say its difficult to spot lane-splitters who speed between cars, increasing the risk of accidents.

What does the UC Berkeley study reveal?

The study, which reviewed thousands of accident reports from around the state, found that lane-splitting is no more dangerous than riding a motorcycle in a marked lane.

The study did show that lane-splitters who ride at speeds 10 mph faster than the traffic they are passing do stand a greater risk of being in an accident. Researchers also found that lane-splitters are more likely to rear-end another vehicle than vice versa. Moreover, the data showed that the chances of lane-splitters getting into accidents is greatest in the early morning and late afternoon — rush hour.

So lane-splitting is generally safe as long as it’s done at a reasonable speed.

What happens next?

The data from the study is being shared with the CHP, which this year began working on guidelines for lane-splitting. A more in-depth study of the practice is also in the works.

Lane-splitting is safe, but with speed comes danger, study finds   

The full story can be viewed at:
Lane-splitting is safe, but with speed comes danger, study finds

[kiro]

That's interesting Greg, figured that study was long done & debated. I'm not certain I'd be doing a lot of lane splitting if riding my Ultra Classic on the PCH or 10, but certainly viewed plenty of it when I was in the area. Thanks for posting the study results.

[porthole]

After my first day cruising around South London, where they take lane splitting to a new level, I asked my S.I.L why they ride like that - his answer - no reason to have a motorcycle if you couldn't ride the way they do in the congested areas.

[North Georgia Hawg]

The way the idiots drive and shift lanes all the time in Atlanta, you wouldn't live long splitting lanes here. You be taken out by some fool in a Suburban switching lanes without looking, while talking on their cell phone and sipping their latte...

Ken

[kiro]

The way the idiots drive and shift lanes all the time in Atlanta, you wouldn't live long splitting lanes here. You be taken out by some fool in a Suburban switching lanes without looking, while talking on their cell phone and sipping their latte...

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.

[North Georgia Hawg]

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.

Yeah, there are some really twisted people in the world.

It seems to work well for sport bikes, but I could never imagine lane-splitting on a big bagger... They are way too wide and heavy.

Ken

[FlaHeatWave]

'Cut my lane splitting teeth, leaving GK's house on the 405 at 4:20 PM on the SERG. Me being a newbie, I just split the 2-3 slower lanes during stop and go, about 30mph or so, I was impressed how aware and courteous the CA drivers were as a whole, spreading apart when they saw me in their mirrors.

Now, watching the locals split between the left / HOV lanes at 70+ was interesting to say the least

[GregKhougaz]

[SDCVO]

I agree with this story. I do split lanes even though it's certainly not as easy on my bike as some but I usually don't do it over 40mph when traffic is moving ok, just when traffic on the freeways is almost (or is) stopped and then I try and stay around 10 mph over whatever the traffic is moving at. Couple of weeks ago I got rear ended in my car during rush hour and though it did little damage to my car, would have been catastrophic on my bike! That's why I personLly feel it's safer to keep moving by splitting lanes very carefully.

[Wrongway]

 Like Greg, Marty, Andy, and a number others I am a native Californian and grew up watching and practicing splitting. I am very comfortable doing so and hate when I leave this state and get caught in congestion. If you have ever experienced Hwy 101 from Santa Barbara to Ventura on a weekend you will soon learn to love splitting.

[lowflight]

I was surprised when this story actually made CBS morning news this past week! AND I thought it was even presented in a unbiased manner.

[doublerunner]

Is lane splitting safe?

I guess I answer this with another question. Is owning a handgun safe?

It's all in who is handling it

I've been doing 65 on the highway and had bikes lane split between me and another car. But for it's intended purpose I think it is fine, so long as the general public is aware that this is permissible

[phato1]

My only experience with "Lane Sharing" was on a trip to CA the wife and I took. Riding a rental Ultra on the San Francisco area freeways was an enlightening experience. I was reluctant to try lane sharing but after a short time watching other riders do it I asked my wife if she would be comfortable giving it a try.  Well it worked fantastic, the car drivers were aware of us coming up from the side and most made it a point to leave extra space for us to get by and some even waved us by which made us feel better about it since that showed they actually saw us coming up. Traffic itself was stop and go - mostly stop - and we took it easy filtering between the lanes going maybe 5 or 10 MPH faster than the traffic at any given time, and once traffic got going about 30 MPH or so we just maintained our normal lane position and spacing.

 I would love for other states to allow this especially during the morning / evening commute when traffic is at a near standstill. Done in a safe manner it works great. I personally wouldn't do it at anything above 25-30 MPH - to much can happen to quickly at that speed, and there's not much to gain if traffic is moving along at that pace - it might even just Pi** off the other drivers leading to problems.

[srnoyes]

I was stationed in the San Francisco bay area from 1982 to 1986. When the ship wasn't underway my only transportation was my bike so that I could leave the car with my wife and baby. I remember one of the two highways I had to take to the base was 580 but don't remember the other. For some reason I am thinking 17 but now it's 880, things have changed so much out there. Anywho, I wouldn't have gotten anywhere going to and coming from work without lane splitting. Never had any problems with people turning suddenly or opening doors or anything like that. I never tried to split when the traffic was moving at a reasonable speed but always when it was sitting still or barely moving. It would be nice if other states would allow it, especially when at stop lights. I do have to agree with some that have said that doing it on a large bike would be a bit of a challenge now. I was doing it on a 650 Maxim at the time.

[2 ROSE]

Lane splitting, I think is safe as long as traffic is not moving such as at red light where there is less chance of a vehicle changing lanes. But if traffic is continuously moving, regardless of how slow, then it should not be allowed. Just my personal opinion. Basically what this does is allow all motorcycles to go to the front of the line at red lights. Also motorcycles should have the right of way when lane splitting to reenter traffic if the red light changes to green before reaching the front of the line. Lane splitting is not traveling between cars doing 65 mpg...thats called suicide or also known as being an ass.

[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