Should lane splitting be legal in all states?

Question

I believe so. What do you riders and drivers think?

Answer 1

I think it should be legal. However, there should be an amendment in all states. Surrounding traffic needs to be at a stop or under a certain MPH (15 MPH?, research should be done). I lived and road a bike in California for years. Now in Illinois I sit in traffic. Lane sharing would be a benefit. I do see lots of accidents though. I am a police officer... I know that traffic laws actually do save lives.

Answer 2

As some of the others have said, it is only tolerated in California. However, I feel obligated to clarify that it is NOT LEGAL to split lanes, there just isn't a law against it (in CA). The California Highway Patrol has lane splitting guidelines (which are not law). Generally, you must split lanes in a safe and prudent manner, not exceed the speed limit, go faster than 10mph than the surrounding traffic. If you're doing it in a reasonable, non-wreckless manner, cops in CA won't care (I've yet to be pulled over). But if you're being a hazard to yourself or others, you'll probably get busted for improper lane change and whatever else the cop can think of. Personally, when I split lanes I have a limit; when traffic is going 40+ on the freeway, I fall back in line.

Answer 3

I'm still gobsmacked!

California is the only state I will be riding in!(and maybe N.Y.- anything goes there I hear!)

What is the point of having a bike and sitting in traffic? If you want to add to the congestion on the road take your car.

Riding is already risky, car drivers are day dreaming nose pickers. Ride defensively!

Answer 4

I think it is kind of a stupid idea, friend of mine busted his shoulder on truck mirror lane splitting.
That said I don't think it should be illegal, assuming laws are made not for revenue but to save peoples lives, well the only person in danger is the rider, and its supposed to be a free country, even free to kill yourself.

Answer 5

Yes, I think it should be legal. I also think there shouldn't be any helmet laws.

I'd still wear mine, I just think it should be the rider's choice if he or she wants to be exposed to more risk.

Back to lane splitting - it makes complete sense at lights. Motorcycles take less time to get moving, so it's not like we're holding up traffic by being in front.

I would also argue that it's safer for the motorcycle because we aren't at risk of being sandwiched between cars and gives us a greater "get-away" option if the proverbial fecal matter should hit the fan behind us.

Answer 6

I wish it were. In particular, I would like to sneak between the cars when traffic is completely stopped. But it would most likely increase the rate of motorcycle accidents. I don't think many politicians want to get behind that agenda.

Answer 7

It is a most senseless and dangerous practice, and should be cause for revocation of licence. I can't tell you how close to death I have seen a couple of lane splitters come. Think of it: you are splitting lanes in a traffic jam, the jam clears, and vehicles on both sides of you accelerate to speed. Where do you go? Most drivers don't even see you because you are riding right into their blind spots, and you are doing it deliberately, too.
If I drive a small car, and I come up behind 2 motorcycles, can I drive in between them? Why not? It's the same stupid thing.

Answer 8

Yup. I don't do it myself very often, but on those occasions where I've needed to, I'm sure glad it's legal. California here.

Generally I don't do it. Saw a guy bash his elbow on the side mirror of a pickup truck. Looked like it hurt.

Answer 9

It would be awesome if it was... but some people who are stuck in traffic sometimes open their doors... it happends a lot and I have seen it happen once, but I think the guy in the car was drunk. =]
But I would be all for it if there was something done about that.

Answer 10

Yes. Very dangerous.