Even Though It Can Be Legal, Should Lane Splitting Be Allowed?

In major metropolitan areas, motorcycles appeal to some commuters for their ability to split lanes, thereby squeezing between slow-moving cars, as well as to save fuel and be easier to park. However, a new survey by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) shows that drivers have mixed feelings about this practice, and more significantly, it highlights the dangers.

Released to support Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the survey explored issues of perceived legality and risk. It found among the 733 licensed car drivers surveyed that only 53 percent knew that lane splitting is legal in California. Further, 63 percent either somewhat or strongly disapprove of it. An OTS spokesman told us that California is the only state in which there is no law concerning lane splitting.

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AlleVier - 5/7/2012 2:50:49 PM

+3 Boost

This is such a tough question. On the one hand, it make little ecological and traffic-flow sense for a motorcyclist to have to wait if he can proceed safely. On the other hand, is it every really safe? If I'm not mistaken, when you're in a car, it is not illegal to be more toward one side of your lane than another--as long as you're within the lines--nor to stick your hand out the window. Yet either of these can result in havoc when there's a lane-splitter going past.

If two cars unintentionally narrow the gap between each other and a motorcyclist makes contact, who's at fault? If someone decided to stick their arm out the window for a little stretch and a motorcyclist hits it, is he at fault?

My feeling is that if cars and trucks are expected to be diligent about their position within the lane, then it's probably not a good idea, especially not just to save somebody a little time.

PUGPROUD - 5/7/2012 8:16:33 PM

+1 Boost

Its plain dumb and dangerous. Why should a motorcycle have a right to put themselves and others in danger to save some time...stay in line
and obey the laws.

atc98092 - 5/7/2012 8:47:00 PM

+1 Boost

As an out of state driver, I encountered my first lane splitter several years ago while heading for the airport to go home. He completely surprised me, and at the speed he was traveling I had visions of a bad accident. I was under the impression that in CA they could only do it at speeds below 25MPH. I was doing 45-50, and he must have been over 60.

MorePower - 5/7/2012 9:34:10 PM

+2 Boost

Channel 4, NBC in Los Angeles, maybe upset that you are "borrowing" their story.

If people have a problem with motorcycles, they should not ride one. As for people that purposefully try to to block or hit a motorcyclist with their car, you go to jail!