How do you feel about motorcycles ‘splitting the lanes’?
Does this ever make you nervous; having a motorcycle pass BETWEEN two or more cars? Some of our neighbors chime in.
Hikey Luna No
Val Gomez Yup they should have their own lane
George Francisco Marquez Nope!!
Jacqui Grant If I see a biker “lane-splitting”, I will move over to give them more room to get thru. When I rode, I would only do this IF THE TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED.
Gloria Nuanes Merino Yes, that always scares me, when a bike comes by me, out of nowhere
Jessica Dominguez Nope. Just makes you make sure you stay aware and pay attention on the roads.
Denise Lucia Premenko Sure does!!!
Robyn Milanese Carranza We call these people “organ donors”.
Jo Ann Giroux Not as much as people taking pics while driving on the freeway!! :P:P
Everything South City Not to worry, photo taken by passenger.
Bryan Giroux Doesn’t make me nervous at all…….when I’m driving the bus.
William Berndt It makes me nervous when people don’t understand what is legal and other legal a out lain splitting.
Cannot exceed flow of traffic by more than 15mph
Cannot split lanes at more than 35mph.
Must split between two lanes of traffic moving in same direction.
No splitting between parked cars and traffic.
No splitting between curb and traffic.
That is just the basics, there are more rules to know about splitting.
Bob Petrini And it’s my understanding that it is only allowed in California and no other states. (can anyone confirm that?)
Kenneth Cruz Yambing Nope.
William Berndt People talking on cell phones while driving makes me far more uncomfortable. That fine should be 1500$.
I drive a truck sometimes for work and I have counted up to twelve cars in a row talking on their phones. This law needs some teeth.
Javier Romero Most of the time, I see them spitting lanes in my rear view mirror, don’t you?
Eduardo Ruiz Not really they have the right to be on the road too and this makes you more aware
Eric Beltrame It is NOT legal to do it at speeds over 25mph. Meant for moving in slow to stopped traffic.
Dirk Zander Been riding 25 years, it is not the rider it is the people in the cars that do not pay attention, texting or talking on phones. The riders need to be aware as well not all of us ride smart.
Renee Gomes Yes and texting and talking on the phone!
Justin Pro If lane splitters scare drivers or make them nervous, chances are they aren’t paying attention to the road to begin with. Loud pipes save lives!
Sightsee MC Lane splitters scared the shitty out of me when I first started driving here.
Sightsee MC Back in FL they don’t even have to wear protection for their empty melons.
Alicia Halliday Not at all. I typically scoot over to give them more room.
Janel M Chrestenson Pearson Always.
Adam Harrold Been doing it for a long time. All the texters and soccer moms scare me.
Laura Lee Grimes Only if we are going 50+ mph. Slower, it doesn’t bother me.
Rose Rudometkin Yes..most auto drivers aren’t paying attention or don’t care. I always move over so they have room..
Jose Chavez Yes it makes me nervous. Let’s see, drive in a vehicle with a seatbelt or sit on two wheels and see if I live after trying to squeeze through two vehicles. I choose to live and drive in car. The planet is overpopulated anyway.
Jessica Greeneyez Hembry The only thing scary is there fact that almost all drivers especially in traffic are doing everything but driving. Just on a 1 mile stretch of 101 north there were several drivers TEXTING , TALKING pi n cell phones and one woman in a Mercedes was on an iPad. Me being a passenger on the back of a motorcycle have to always be aware of these drivers because they aren’t paying attention and when on a motorcycle its 100% DEFENSIVE driving. Thank you to the people that move over, and for those that don’t …..well I hope you don’t lose a side mirror from not moving over SHARE THE ROAD ITS THE LAW ITS A RIGHT NOT A REQUEST
Sheryl Lopez-Farragher I agree with Jessica. Please share the road. Put down phones. My husband and I ride on a Harley and now that more people are on phones and it’s more populated it intrudes my enjoyment as we feel the open air. Watch for out for your fellow road travelers because we are all not in cars. Peace.
John Kevranian http://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2013/02/12/30486/new-rules-for-motorcycle-lane-splitting/
Muriel Pleasic Peninger yes all the time. it should be illegal!!!!!!!!!it’s very distracting to us drivers also!!!!!!! let’s put this in the ballot!
Albert Rios Nope! I do it all the time. I just wish drivers would pay more attention to their surroundings, rather than texting, talking on the phone, reading or doing makeup… And then there are those who try to squeeze us into tighter spaces!
Brian DeCosta Not at all.
Carey Wykoff I get a little nervous just because I don’t want to hit them. But I always try to move over a little for them. I would much rather them be able to do this than not though. I appreciate that they are on the bikes and lane splitting rather than just having that many more cars clogging traffic.
Anita Porpoise Gee car drivers are unsafely driving and ruining it for bikers. The majority of lane splitting bikers drive recklessly. So let’s see, who should worry most…not me.
Camila De Melo yes very….
Omar Avelar True that not all splitters abide by the law, but it is legal and motorcycles do have the same right to the road as cars. If it is that distracting for you, you may either need to pay better attention when driving or maybe shouldn’t be driving. A car is only as safe as its driver.
Bobbi Damonte Read page 59 of CA Driver Handbook….
Melissa Triunfo Hate motorcycles for this very reason.
Donna Petersen Darling Hate that “splitting the lane” stuff!\
Melanie Kreitz It only brothers me when they are very quiet and/or they go too fast. I scootch over when I see them but if they’re going too fast I can’t see them in time…
Melanie Kreitz I’m pretty sure they can split when traffic is stopped
Tiffany Razo yes
Daniel C Giants What make me nervous is you taking a picture and other people like u that r on their phones and not paying attention to anything but that dam phone !!!!!! GET OFF THE PHONE WAIT UNTIL U GET WHERE YOUR GOING and u know what else those signs that say SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT !!!! How much do those cost because we can stop making those and save money r spell them in a diff language !!!!! SO MOVE OUT THE *#%=+@ way please !!!!!!
Everything South City: Not to worry Daniel, photo was taken by passenger.
Albert Rios Anita Porpoise, that’s the attitude that kills people on bikes. Do you always use a turn signal? Do you speed (more than 5-10mph over the limit) do you know who’s around you and what they might do next! Oh, yeah… I forgot. Don’t you have a cage around you to keep you safe when you get into an accident? Just pay attention and look out for us, do your part to help us arrive at our destination safely. that’s all we ask. And those idiots that think they are at the race track? Well, just be happy it isn’t you that causes them to achieve their Darwin Award.
Randy Wright Lets see I scare you ? Your in a steel box, the worst that can happen to you is a scratch or dent. I think most of you who don’t like it or get scared are really just jealous because you’re stuck in traffic and we’re not. I know the risks involved in riding, I accept those risks. Do not be so quick to give away others rights. The problem on CA roads is not motorcycles, it’s incompetent & distracted drivers HANG UP AND DRIVE ! I get 50 + MPG, that’s better than your Prius.
Justin Pro Give me a set of cage crackers and kiss your mirrors good bye! Lol
Debi HdzHorny Don’t let it bother me, I have 4 men in the house and their all driving Harleys+ Have nothing but respect for these (so many) guys on their bikes. It’s their road too….. and with gas seems there the smarter ones! SHARE THE ROAD!
Kamala Silva Wolfe What makes me nervous – seeing a bike split lanes after I’ve witnessed vehicles ahead of me weaving or changing lanes w/o signals. I sure don’t want to hit the rider after they’ve been hit by a car in front of me. (former rider, non-electronic device driver) Some of these bikes seem to come out of nowhere at times.
Tom Arens can’t hear that damn sewing machine
Allen Braun Only legal if traffic is 30 mph or slower.
Theresa Monterosso I thought it was 10 mph?
Like · Reply · 22 hours ago
Margie Richmond Mott With all the distracted drivers on the road, and when commute is bad and everyone’s behaving badly, I’ve been buzzed several times by bikers that I never saw coming. If I see them, I try to make room, but I have a hard time looking forward, backward, and side-to-side at the same time. Bikers shouldn’t assume that everyone knows they’re there. And I don’t like being squeezed by anyone who’s driving like a jerk. Bikers included.
Sylvia Wright Yes I think its crazy stupid
Charles Esqueda I hate to see bikes go in-between car it freaky.. gives me the chills.
B Ann Loray In Los Angeles area its a daily regular thing. LOUD pipes save lives! I’m just sayin’.
Kimmy Hightower I was thinking about this post the other day. I have cut corners and almost hit a bike before. HONESTLY if we drive properly, we would be checking our review constantly, same with side view mirrors. WE WOULD ALSO BE LOOKING OVER OUR SHOULDERS, to see if a car or bike was in the lane we want to move to. I really think the only time its scary is when the Car driver is being unsafe. Just my opinion, but of course I think I’m right. lol
From California Department of Motor Vehicles
The term lane splitting, sometimes known as lane sharing, filtering, or white-lining refers to the process of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of stopped or slower-moving traffic or moving between lanes to the front of traffic stopped at a traffic light.
Lane splitting should not be performed by inexperienced riders. When choosing to lane split, skilled motorcycle riders should consider the following:
- Traffic flow – Travel at a speed that is no more than 10 mph faster than other traffic; danger increases at higher speed differentials. Lane splitting is not advised when traffic flow is at 30 mph or faster; danger increases as overall speed increases.
- Traffic lanes – Lane splitting is encouraged to be done between the #1 and #2 lanes; typically, it is safer to lane split in these lanes than between other lanes.
- Environment – The total environment should be considered, including the width of the lanes, size of surrounding vehicles, the roadway, weather, and lighting conditions.
- Hazards – Riders should anticipate possible movements by other road users and be alert at all times.
NOTE:These general guidelines assume a high level of riding competency and experience and do not guarantee to keep you safe. Every rider has the ultimate responsibility for his or her own decision making and safety. Riders must be conscious of reducing crash risk at all times.
From California Highway Patrol
Lane Splitting General Guidelines
Lane splitting in a safe and prudent manner is not illegal in the state of California.
The term lane splitting, sometimes known as lane sharing, filtering or white-lining, refers to the process of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of stopped or slower moving traffic or moving between lanes to the front of traffic stopped at a traffic light.
Motorcyclists who are competent enough riders to lane split, should follow these general guidelines if choosing to lane split:
1) Travel at a speed that is no more than 10 MPH faster than other traffic – danger increases at higher speed differentials.
– A speed differential of 10 miles per hour or less allows an alert, competent rider enough time to identify and react to most dangerous situations that can occur.
– The greater the speed differential, the less time a rider has to identify and react to a hazard.
2) It is not advisable to lane split when traffic flow is at 30 mph or faster — danger increases as overall speed increases.
– At just 20 mph, in the 1 or 2 seconds it takes a rider to identify a hazard, that rider will travel approximately 30 to 60 feet before even starting to take evasive action. Actual reaction (braking or swerving) will take additional time and distance.
– Braking and stopping distance varies greatly based on a multitude of factors (rider, machine and environment).
– As speed increases, crash severity increases.
3) Typically, it is safer to split between the #1 and #2 lanes than between other lanes.
– Other road users are more accustomed to motorcycles splitting between the #1 and #2 (furthest left) lanes.
– Avoid splitting in lanes near freeway on-ramps and exits.
– Avoid splitting lanes when another motorcycle rider is splitting between other nearby lanes as cars may make additional room for one rider and accidentally reduce space for another.
4) Consider the total environment in which you are splitting, including the width of the lanes, size of surrounding vehicles, as well as roadway, weather, and lighting conditions.
– Some lanes are narrower than others, leaving little room to pass safely. If you can’t fit, don’t split.
– Some vehicles are wider than others — it is not advisable to split near wide trucks. If you can’t fit, don’t split.
– Know the limitations of your motorcycle — wide bars, fairing and bags require more space between vehicles. If you can’t fit, don’t split.
– Avoid splitting on unfamiliar roads to avoid surprises such as poor road surfaces.
– Seams in the pavement or concrete between lanes can be hazardous if they are wide or uneven.
– Poor visibility, due to darkness or weather conditions, makes it difficult for riders to see road hazards and makes it more difficult for drivers to see you.
– Help drivers see you by wearing brightly colored protective gear and using high beams during daylight.
5) Be alert and anticipate possible movements by other road users.
– Be very aware of what the cars around you are doing. If a space, or gap, opens up next to your lane, be prepared react accordingly.
– Always be prepared to take evasive action if a vehicle changes lanes.
– Account for inattentive or distracted drivers.
– Riders should not weave back and forth between lanes or ride on top of the line.
– Riders should avoid lingering in blind spots.
– Never ride while impaired by drugs, alcohol or fatigue.
– Constantly scan for changing conditions.
The Four R’s or “Be-Attitudes” of Lane Splitting:
Be Reasonable, be Responsible, be Respectful, be aware of all Roadway and traffic conditions.
– Be Reasonable means not more than 10 MPH faster than traffic flow and not over 39 MPH.
– Be Responsible for your own safety and decisions.
- Don’t put yourself in dangerous positions.
- If you can’t fit, don’t split.
– Be Respectful — sharing the road goes both ways.
- Don’t rely on loud pipes to keep you safe, loud pipes often startle people and poison the attitude of car drivers toward motorcyclists.
- Other vehicles are not required to make space for motorcycles to lane split.
– Be aware Roadways and traffic can be hazardous.
- uneven pavement
- wide trucks
- distracted drivers
- weather conditions
- curves
- etc.
Disclaimers:
These general guidelines are not guaranteed to keep you safe.
Lane splitting should not be performed by inexperienced riders. These guidelines assume a high level of riding competency and experience.
The recommendations contained here are only general guidelines and cannot cover all possible combinations of situations and variables.
Personal Safety: Every rider has ultimate responsibility for his or her own decision making and safety. Riders must be conscious of reducing crash risk at all times. California law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers wear a helmet that complies with the DOT FMVSS 218 standard.
Risk of getting a ticket: Motorcyclists who lane split are not relieved of the responsibility to obey all existing traffic laws. With respect to possible law enforcement action, keep in mind that it will be up to the discretion of the Law Enforcement Officer to determine if riding behavior while lane splitting is or was safe and prudent.
When is it NOT OK to split?
You should NOT lane split:
– If you can’t fit.
– At a toll booth.
– If traffic is moving too fast or unpredictably.
– If dangerous road conditions exist — examples include water or grit on the road, slippery road markings, road construction, uneven pavement, metal grates, etc.
– If you cannot clearly see a way out of the space you’re going into (for example, if a van or SUV is blocking your view).
– Between trucks, buses, RVs, and other wide vehicles.
– Around or through curves.
– If you are not fully alert and aware of your surroundings.
– If you are unable to react to changing conditions instantaneously.
– If you don’t feel comfortable with the situation.
Messages for Other Vehicle Drivers
1) Lane splitting by motorcycles is not illegal in California when done in a safe and prudent manner.
2) Motorists should not take it upon themselves to discourage motorcyclists from lane splitting.
3) Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal (CVC 22400).
4) Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcycle is illegal (CVC 22517).
5) Never drive while distracted.
6) You can help keep motorcyclists and all road users safe by
- Checking mirrors and blind spots, especially before changing lanes or turning
- Signaling your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic
- Allowing more following distance, three or four seconds, when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency