Lane Splitting

[Oldfishguy]

I would like to get your thoughts on "Lane Splitting" , good? bad?

I have never done it and so I'm curious from those of you who have.  Several states (including Minnesota) have initial legislative proposals to follow California's plan.  The following is the 2015  published abstract of the study CA did that paved the way for legalization.

Thoughts?

Abstract
This document summarizes an analysis of data from the California Enhanced Motorcycle
Collision Data Project. We report the prevalence of lane-splitting among 5,969 motorcyclists
who were involved in traffic collisions from June 2012 through August 2013 and examine how
other characteristics varied by whether the motorcyclist was lane-splitting at the time of their
collision. For lane-splitting riders, we also examined how the likelihood of head, torso, and
extremity injury varied by the manner in which they were lane-splitting.
Of the 5,969 collision-involved motorcyclists we studied, 997 were lane-splitting at the time of
their collision (17%). Motorcyclists who were lane-splitting were notably different from those
that were not lane-splitting. Compared with other motorcyclists, lane-splitting motorcyclists
were more often riding on weekdays and during commute hours, were using better helmets,
and were traveling at lower speeds. Lane-splitting riders were also less likely to have been using
alcohol and less likely to have been carrying a passenger.
Lane-splitting motorcyclists were also injured much less frequently during their collisions. Lanesplitting
riders were less likely to suffer head injury (9% vs 17%), torso injury (19% vs 29%),
extremity injury (60% vs 66%), and fatal injury (1.2% vs 3.0%). Lane-splitting motorcyclists were
equally likely to suffer neck injury, compared with non-lane-splitting motorcyclists.
We also examined how the manner in which riders were lane-splitting affected their likelihood
of being injured for each of the three injury types using multivariate regression methods. We
found that both traffic speed and motorcycle speed differential (the difference between
motorcycle speed and traffic speed) were important in predicting the occurrence of injury.
There was no meaningful increase in injury incidence until traffic speed exceeded roughly 50
MPH. Motorcycle speed differential was a stronger predictor of injury outcomes. Speed
differentials of up to 15 MPH were not associated with changes in injury occurrence; above that
4
point, increases in speed differential were associated with increases in the likelihood of injury
of each type.
Lane-splitting appears to be a relatively safe motorcycle riding strategy if done in traffic moving
at 50 MPH or less and if motorcyclists do not exceed the speed of other vehicles by more than
15 MPH. A significant number of motorcyclists lane-split in fast-moving traffic or at excessive
speed differentials. These riders could lower their risk of injury by restricting the environments
in which they lane-split and by reducing their speed differential when they do choose to lanesplit.

[Oss]

If I were ever to have or done it in the future         it would be only in
a real traffic jam - accident has road totally fubar situation

speed under 5 mph navigating through the mess on the police bike as the Valk is too wide for narrow NYC roads  It may surprise some but lanes on parkways (Saw Mill, Sprain, BRP, Hutchinson, FDR, West Side Highway) built in the 1920-1930 era are nowhere near as wide as on interstates

You can save almost an hour of the commute easily on the cross bronx (95) or Deegan (87) or any 2 lane parkway

There is no way I would do that in flow of normal traffic, but I see crotch rockets daily doing it  My life is worth living YMMV

Gman and I have never ridden the shoulder of 87 from 287 to the TZ bridge right?

[JimC]

I feel the same as OSS.
I would (and have) split the lanes only in a total traffic jam, where the cars are not moving more than 5 mph.

Jim

[cookiedough]

I can see it in big cities with tons of traffic, but never around my area.  It would piss the people in cars and trucks off probably to the point of people in vehicles opening their doors to take out a cyclists.  Only time I do it, but in the gravel shoulder on right side of my lane, is when there is a LONG 50 yard or greater backup at a stoplight and I need to turn right at that stoplight.  

In between vehicles never really have seen it around my area, do not think it is allowed.

[0leman]

I lived in Northern CA for 8 years and do still slip over the boarder to ride there.  Never lane split.  Possibility if I were 40 years younger and road a much smaller bike, would probably do it sometimes.  But the Valkyrie is a huge bike, sort of wide.   Not much room for error.  Maybe on the shoulder???   Oss???

[John Schmidt]

Never. Watched a guy get killed two cars up from me, he wasn't running hard either. Didn't see a truck pulling out of a driveway on the right while the cars were stopped at a light, they had left an opening for the truck to pull out since he was headed the opposite direction. Only twice that I recall have I run down the curbside at a traffic jam due to an accident, the cop on site even waved me through. Regardless of all the paid for good tidings in the write-up, most just don't hold water in the real world. But politicians will dust it up real nice to promote their agenda, this write-up is a good example.

[Jess from VA]

I did it in CA, only in big stopped backups or heavy/slow traffic, and only at 5mph over traffic speed, and only to get to the next exit to get off and go somewhere (anywhere) else.  Even though it has been done in CA for decades, a few trucks and cars were clearly irritated (jealous really), and tried to squeeze me out.  I never went fast, just rolling through.

The quoted study shows less injuries for splitters, which is kind of a no shitter; except for the crazy felonious crotch rocket guys, splitters are very carefully weaving their way through traffic, so if you do have a mishap it's mostly going to be minor.

I think a properly drafted law allowing (careful) splitting is a good idea everywhere.  Mainly a way to allow bikes to get out of big backups.  Just because it's allowed doesn't mean you have to do it.  Riding/driving the breakdown lane in VA gets you a reckless, a huge offense here with mandatory court appearance, so you can't risk it.  

I've been caught in a total stopped (engines off) backup on I-81 North, in pouring rain, for hours, and the next exit was 15 miles down the road.  Please let me roll up between cars and get the hell off this road.  

As goofy as it might look, I add a small collapsible umbrella on trips now.  If I have to sit on my bike for hours in the pouring rain on a backed up freeway, I'm using my umbrella to avoid drowning.  When you are a drowned rat, no one invites you to sit in their car to dry off.

I seriously thought about getting out my traveling half cover and putting it on and getting under it, but I was afraid I'd fall asleep and when traffic did start rolling, I'd be a fat, dumb and happy hazard.

[old2soon]

ONLY when I raced. On the highway? Far too many dumb asskos out there that take personal umbrage to being passed by anything much less a M/C. I've heard of but Never seen reports of doors being opened into the riders path. Have zero idea if that's true. But these days I never really git in a hurry anymore and I avoid rush hour if at all possible. And my I/S duz have a Phatt Ghurl Butt!  RIDE SAFE.

[3fan4life]

Here's what the AMA has to say about it:

https://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/About-The-AMA/lane-splitting-1


In short they are in favor of it with reasonable restrictions.

If it were legal in VA I might do it under certain circumstances.

But I'd probably be as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. 

Personally, I would prefer to be able to ease down the shoulder to the nearest exit.

[Jess from VA]

Here's what the AMA has to say about it:

https://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/About-The-AMA/lane-splitting-1


In short they are in favor of it with reasonable restrictions.

If it were legal in VA I might do it under certain circumstances.

But I'd probably be as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs.  

Personally, I would prefer to be able to ease down the shoulder to the nearest exit.

Me too Mark, but they'll never let us do that. 

[Willow]

This thread is a demonstration that most don't bother to read before replying.  Of those who do read some simply choose to not believe.

It appears that the value of lane splitting continues to be an emotional assessment with no basis in logic or on evidence.

Go, Minnesota.  Lane splitting shortens the lines at stop lights.  Misuse of good judgement in lane splitting does indeed result in accidents at times.

I don't do it.   I would like to have the option .

[Oss]

Carl, I am certain that you did read the last paragraph of the OP as  I did.

When we visited Alana in Rome years ago we saw 5 mc accidents just on the way from airport to the hotel  !
Actually they were all scooters, small burgmans and vespa types
In Rome and Florence at the red lights (which are also ignored by many) all the 2 wheeled vehicles cut around and thru so when the green comes on its grand prix time. Those Romans love to race and the traffic circles are a thing you have to see to believe, I would swear the scooters are WOT as they go in and out between cars and trucks

That said I still rented a 400cc scooter in Florence and Bonnie and I rode around and up into the hills for several hours. The windshield was opaque from scratches and the horn did not deter crazy italians from cutting around and sending my BP soaring.

It was a fun scary day that we survived.  My opinion on lane splitting  becoming solidly in favor after watching how another country does it

[LandElephant]

I wish on this subject the OP would do a search of past post concerning lane splitting.  The bottom line is that the rider has the choice to split lanes and it is not mandatory. If all riders in California followed the suggested way to lane split the safety data would be much smaller.  Read the rules.

And for those who think the V A Lk is to big to lane split that is YOUR choice.  You are NOT allowed to ride down the medians (pardon the spelling) because that is for breakdowns and emergency vehicles. If caught in CA you will be ticketed and the fine is hefty.

Lane splitting is a culitural thing.  It has taken years for drivers to recognize that in slow moving traffic where it is allowed that many drivers will actually move over to allow you to pass.  You are not suppose to shift lanes and when traffic speeds up to have to go back to your travel lane.

Are there asshats that abuse the abilityto lane split, yes. Even law enforcement violate the spirit of lane splitting. But if you don't like or don't want to do itthen sit in ths hot bumper tobumper traffic of CALIFORNIA and be happy.

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

[Robert]

I have done it here in Florida and agree with Oss but here in Florida its easier in some places that have a HOV lane. There is a 2.5 foot separation with white lines separating the HOV lane from the other lanes. Its plenty wide for my 1800 Valk. If I didn't have that I dont know if I would but with that its really easy and you have plenty of clearance. Has saved me many times of waiting in traffic even when the traffic was nothing but looking at an accident that is not blocking any lanes.

[scooperhsd]

When I was living in the DC Metro area - motorcycles were allowed on the HOV lanes - MUCH better !!!

[msb]

MC's are allowed in all HOV lanes in BC.   IF I had to for work or some other reason, or if for some reason I lost my mind and decided to ride in or towards the city, I don't think I would lane split if it were legal. I've survived over 42 years of riding without accident...lane splitting just seems to me to be a sure fire way of lowering my odds of keeping that record in tact.

[BF]

I'm not a fan....besides, it's not legal here in the Sunshine State of Florida. 

All it would take is for one jackazz to open his car  door on me that thinks he needs to teach me a leason on what he thinks the rules of the highway should be....and splat.....no more BF.

[oldsmokey]

Nope.
 As a commercial driver with occasional wide and heavy loads any stupid thing that someone else may do will follow the CDL holder regardless of fault. Seen it, fortunately not involved.  Not even legal in the Northeast but its done. Even cutting at red lights is aggravating.

[Oldfishguy]

Thank you for your thoughts.

I left the question open ended and unbiased because I wanted a free wheeling raw response.  For the last couple of years I've sat on the Minnesota Task Force on Motorcycle Safety; about 20 of us, half government types (non riders) and the other half riders of various backgrounds like me. It is an appointed position and volunteer activity for me; I have a safety background in another field.  We meet every two months and try to devise strategies to lower motorcycle accidents and deaths in particular, ie, training programs, licensure requirements, marketing programs, etc.  And now the lane splitting concept has been handed to us for an opinion.  

Here is the meat of the original Minnesota Bill that will be part of the next legislative session:

 (e) No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of moving or stationary vehicles
2.2 headed in the same direction, nor shall any person drive a motorcycle abreast of or overtake
2.3 or pass another vehicle within the same traffic lane, unless the operator of the motorcycle
2.4 is traveling at not more than 40 miles per hour and no more than 15 miles per hour over the
2.5 speed of traffic. Motorcycles may, with the consent of both drivers, be operated not more
2.6 than two abreast in a single traffic lane if the vehicles fit safely within the designated space
2.7 of the lane. An operator of a motor vehicle that intentionally impedes or attempts to prevent
2.8 any operator of a motorcycle from operating a motorcycle as permitted under this paragraph
2.9 is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.


Unsuccessful legislative attempts on lane splitting have been made in Oregon, Nevada, and Texas. A bill
was passed in Arizona but the governor vetoed the Bill.

I've had a bit of time to think on this and I struggle with it.  Part of me says it is like the helmet issue: If a rider chooses to wear a helmet that is their choice (and my current theory).  But then I look at a motorcycle passengers rights of expecting safe travel.  If the motorcycle passenger wants a helmet they can chose not to ride at the onset.  With lane splitting it will be up to the rider in control of the machine and change at a moment's notice, with little or no input of the passenger.   It is this thought that tells me we need to control this lane splitting to a great extent on onset.  It is a weak theory full of holes but one I will go with.  I think the Minnesota Bill of 40mph and a 15mph overtake is too aggressive, especially at onset.  My recommendation will be to allow lane splitting but at greatly reduced speeds; 20mph and 5mph overtake, maximum. The complete research project that you only saw the abstract to showed a steady almost linear rate of injury severity as speeds increased.  

The thing with government boards like this is nothing happens fast.  It is a slow laboring process to get anything changed or updated, frustrating at times.  We will probably be dealing with this concept for some time and I believe it will eventually spread across the country if initiated appropriately.

Thanks again for your responses and thoughts and I look forward to seeing what else you have to say.

David

[Woton]

I would like to get your thoughts on "Lane Splitting" , good? bad?

That was the question...here's my answer.

BikerGirl and I have only done this once - on the LA Freeway.  Traffic was stopped, I mean STOPPED.  We chose to lane split between the far left lane and the HOV lane (which was also stopped) because we had the most room to perform the maneuver.

We remain convinced that we would STILL be on that freeway if we had not lane split.

It was a butt-puckering experience nonetheless.  Even though we were puttering one poorly timed car door opening would have done one or both of us in.  Watching the sport bikes (expected) but also the big Ultras do this in the middle lanes at speeds much faster than we attempted it was...something to behold.

Not sure it would work in NC.  People are used to it in California, and we agree with some posters that folks there will in some cases try to give you the maximum room possible as you lane split.  We've seen too many jerk drivers in NC to feel certain that someone wouldn't open a car door on purpose.

While NC allows motorcycles to travel in the HOV lanes and that is much appreciated I too would like the option to lane split.  The situation would dictate whether or not I would choose to do so.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thank you for your thoughts.

I left the question open ended and unbiased because I wanted a free wheeling raw response.  For the last couple of years I've sat on the Minnesota Task Force on Motorcycle Safety; about 20 of us, half government types (non riders) and the other half riders of various backgrounds like me. It is an appointed position and volunteer activity for me; I have a safety background in another field.  We meet every two months and try to devise strategies to lower motorcycle accidents and deaths in particular, ie, training programs, licensure requirements, marketing programs, etc.  And now the lane splitting concept has been handed to us for an opinion.  

Here is the meat of the original Minnesota Bill that will be part of the next legislative session:

 (e) No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of moving or stationary vehicles
2.2 headed in the same direction, nor shall any person drive a motorcycle abreast of or overtake
2.3 or pass another vehicle within the same traffic lane, unless the operator of the motorcycle
2.4 is traveling at not more than 40 miles per hour and no more than 15 miles per hour over the
2.5 speed of traffic. Motorcycles may, with the consent of both drivers, be operated not more
2.6 than two abreast in a single traffic lane if the vehicles fit safely within the designated space
2.7 of the lane. An operator of a motor vehicle that intentionally impedes or attempts to prevent
2.8 any operator of a motorcycle from operating a motorcycle as permitted under this paragraph
2.9 is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.


Unsuccessful legislative attempts on lane splitting have been made in Oregon, Nevada, and Texas. A bill
was passed in Arizona but the governor vetoed the Bill.

I've had a bit of time to think on this and I struggle with it.  Part of me says it is like the helmet issue: If a rider chooses to wear a helmet that is their choice (and my current theory).  But then I look at a motorcycle passengers rights of expecting safe travel.  If the motorcycle passenger wants a helmet they can chose not to ride at the onset.  With lane splitting it will be up to the rider in control of the machine and change at a moment's notice, with little or no input of the passenger.   It is this thought that tells me we need to control this lane splitting to a great extent on onset.  It is a weak theory full of holes but one I will go with.  I think the Minnesota Bill of 40mph and a 15mph overtake is too aggressive, especially at onset.  My recommendation will be to allow lane splitting but at greatly reduced speeds; 20mph and 5mph overtake, maximum. The complete research project that you only saw the abstract to showed a steady almost linear rate of injury severity as speeds increased.  

The thing with government boards like this is nothing happens fast.  It is a slow laboring process to get anything changed or updated, frustrating at times.  We will probably be dealing with this concept for some time and I believe it will eventually spread across the country if initiated appropriately.

Thanks again for your responses and thoughts and I look forward to seeing what else you have to say.

David

Thanks for volunteering on the board. 

[BobB]

I personally am not in favor of Lane Splitting in Minnesota.  Quite frankly I don't think the public  (drivers) will understand such new actions on the part of motorcyclists.  I have been living, driving and riding in Minnesota for 49 years and for the most part find drivers to be overly courteous to another.  But on the other hand, they do not like others taking advantage.   I think of the instructions we get regarding merging before a construction zone.  Minnesota drivers tend to merge a quarter mile before required and line up, while some drivers zip by and merge just before the construction zone.  Those actions are not appreciated by most drivers.  It's all about what we call "Minnesota Nice". 

You no doubt understand the safety statistics much better than myself.  I know part of it is to avoid rear end collusions at stops.  But I can imagine the issues with marginal visibility, riding in a space between all those vans and SUVs.  It's just not for me...

[Moonshot_1]

It seems to me that the purpose of lane splitting is to relieve, as much as can be achieved, the congestion in major urban traffic areas. This is where the lane splitting should be limited to. On specific, well marked areas or "zones" with signs that say "Lane splitting for Motorcycles begins here" so Drivers know about it and signage that continues throughout the lane splitting zone(s) to update drivers.

There is a trade off here. To balance safety with efficiency. Lane splitting is a dangerous thing. That is self evident. To allow it anywhere is just asking for trouble. Side streets with significant cross traffic would be an example of where not to allow it. But to have specific traffic zones and conditions to allow for it to reduce the congestion and allow for a better traffic flow in major traffic zones is desireable, like freeways. It is not needed everywhere just as you don't have carpool lanes everywhere.

[Atl-Jerry]

As Ralph would say, "unsafe at any speed".  As Clint would say "Right Turn Clyde".

[Rams]

I have no desire to "split lanes".   It's not that I don't think I have the ability, it's that I don't trust cagers...........   Simple fact, they don't like being passed by us while they sit in traffic jams.  

Of those who do read some simply choose to not believe.

Pretty sure I fall into this group.   

[Leathel]

I dont travel in traffic much but I did get caught out on main roads Saturday, splitting saved a group of us at least 30 minutes for a short stretch of road.... Not often the Harley's are the skinny bikes in the group

Its a grey area over in NZ, technically legal if done on the outside of the lane and you stay in that lane its lane sharing which is legal, the moment you move to the other side of the line you are in another lane and you are undertaking (passing on the inside) and that's not legal....Needs some clear splitting rules here too.

I hate sitting in stop go traffic as people get a little despondent and being rear ended is on the cards, Not a fan of splitting at pace though....if that goes wrong it will go really really wrong!

[Savago]

The first time I rode my Valkyrie I/S in California was in a weekend where I rode to the mountains and had to return through Monterey.

The traffic was pretty much stopped and when I decided to lane split, drivers were moving out of my way. I felt like Jim Carrey character in 'Bruce Almighty', but dividing the sea of cars instead of the tomato soup:
https://media.giphy.com/media/kfQRyUQnE63PG/giphy.gif

Not sure about other states, but in California you can lane split just fine. Most of the time, drivers will try to make room for you. Of course there may be a few clueless drivers but that what the air horns were made for.
:-)

I was once rear ended a few years ago, and I got say that I feel *much* more safer lane splitting than stopped as a sitting duck waiting to be hammered by a texting teenager (and research shows that is indeed safer).

If you follow the guidelines suggested by AMA and CMSP (California Motorcyclist Safety Program: https://www.ridetowork.org/files/docs/lanesplitting_guidelines.pdf) to *when* to lane split, you will be safe and will also save time (specially us who commute using a motorcycle).

Of course, that assumes the proper skill level to do it (and yes, the Valkyrie can be used to lane split just fine, if you know how to ride).

I would say having a law in place is a good thing and let it up to each one to decide whether to lane split or not.

[BigBod]

It's how we ride here in the UK. Been lane splitting for 36 years. I guess that because we can, car drivers know we will and the majority do look out for bikes. It's no more dangerous than a lot of other things I do on my bike.

Our roads are so congested that lane splitting is one of the perks of riding a bike, I find it easy on the Valk  as I often do the same on my 1500 Wing.

No one is forced to do it but I feel perfectly comfortable doing it and there are unwritten rules as to which lanes you split depending on how many lanes there are.

[..]

It's how we ride here in the UK. Been lane splitting for 36 years. I guess that because we can, car drivers know we will and the majority do look out for bikes. It's no more dangerous than a lot of other things I do on my bike.

Our roads are so congested that lane splitting is one of the perks of riding a bike, I find it easy on the Valk  as I often do the same on my 1500 Wing.

No one is forced to do it but I feel perfectly comfortable doing it and there are unwritten rules as to which lanes you split depending on how many lanes there are.

 

[Oldfishguy]

It's how we ride here in the UK. Been lane splitting for 36 years. I guess that because we can, car drivers know we will and the majority do look out for bikes. It's no more dangerous than a lot of other things I do on my bike.

Our roads are so congested that lane splitting is one of the perks of riding a bike, I find it easy on the Valk  as I often do the same on my 1500 Wing.

No one is forced to do it but I feel perfectly comfortable doing it and there are unwritten rules as to which lanes you split depending on how many lanes there are.

I'm curious, what are the unwritten rules?

David

[..]

An experience from years ago as a messenger in London.

"Riding down Hanger Lane on a CB200 splitting lanes between a van and flat bed 18 wheeler. Van moves over and I end up with my right handlebar and mirror under the flat bed with about to squash me fing dead wheels in front and behind me. That taught me a lesson."

[Willow]

I'm curious, what are the unwritten rules? 

LOL!  Now if someone typed them out they would no longer be unwritten, would they?   

[Gryphon Rider]

I'm curious, what are the unwritten rules? 

LOL!  Now if someone typed them out they would no longer be unwritten, would they?   

Well, we could be directed to a YouTube video, ya know.  Isn't that how we learn pretty much everything these days?

[czuch]

Where the 405 joins the 5 in La Jolla CALIFORNIA.
23 years old with a bunch of equally stupid friends, and a 67 Sporty that had 18' straight pipes.
Split the 1 and 2 lanes, try to, "Touch the buck". That's 100 mph.
Did it several times, wake up sweaty and shaking when I think of it now.
My Guardian Angel has an assistant and a drinking problem.
BTW, opening the door, will lose you a door.

[BigBod]

It's how we ride here in the UK. Been lane splitting for 36 years. I guess that because we can, car drivers know we will and the majority do look out for bikes. It's no more dangerous than a lot of other things I do on my bike.

Our roads are so congested that lane splitting is one of the perks of riding a bike, I find it easy on the Valk  as I often do the same on my 1500 Wing.

No one is forced to do it but I feel perfectly comfortable doing it and there are unwritten rules as to which lanes you split depending on how many lanes there are.

I'm curious, what are the unwritten rules?

David

Dead simple common sense really, on a 3 lane highway you wouldn't generally split lane 1 and 2, just 2 and 3. You wouldn't normally go down the outside of lane 3 and nor would you go down the inside of lane 1. None of this is written or law, you just kind of know....

[Serk]

a 67 Sporty that had 18' straight pipes.

Man, a Sporty with 18 foot long straight pipes? That musta been a sight to see! 

(Sorry, it made me laugh, I couldn't just let it go... )

[Ramie]

I'm mainly with Bob on this, I ride to work in Downtown Mpls when ever I can and get to use the Sane lane.  Going home I often see Motorcycles sitting on 394 heading into downtown and it must be frustrating but I don't see how lane splitting would help, the traffic is backed up for miles.  I think a better option would be to allow bikes to use the shoulder like buses get to do.

[rdi_caveman]

I take the interstate downtown to Chicago once a week.  I would lane split if it were allowed, but only in stop and go traffic.   I do see bikes shoulder riding or lane splitting occasionally, but I have only ridden the shoulder to get to an underpass to put rain gear on.

Lanes splitting could shorten my morning commute by 30+ minutes on a bad day.