Lane splitting... - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

nhoel · 08-30-2005, 02:02 AM

I know that every safe motorcyclist should keep a cushion of space. Asking the MSF instructors would give you a reply that "they don't do it." I'll take that with a grain of salt. However, here is the 20 thousand dollar question. Which states out there is it totally illegal to lane split. I know that in California, it's neither legal nor illegal to lane split. Someone from Detroit told me that she was surprised to see motorcycles going in between cars as she explained that it was illegal from where she came from. Just want to know in case I cruise down in other states. (I'm planning to one of these days when the weather kinda cools down a bit.) Cycling in So. California isn't always that fun specially when you get to the desert areas. (My apologies in advance is this has been posted elsewhere before.)

MagnumForce · 08-30-2005, 02:16 AM

To my knowledge, it's illegal to lane split in the other 49 states and is only practiced in California during periods of heavy traffic. The AMA website has a very good database on state laws, so you can start there when you plan your rides on other states.

**inspiron** · 08-30-2005, 02:48 AM

It is also illegal in all of Europe, AFAIK.

As soon as there is traffic on the motorway, bikes do start lane splitting, and most of the time, cars "allow" it, but if you get caught, it can be very expensive.

nevanerviss · 08-30-2005, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhoel

Someone from Detroit told me that she was surprised to...

I currently live in Detroit, and AFAIK is indeed IS illegal to lane split... My ex-husband is a Detroit Police Officer, and he does it, but he's a cop, so he'll NEVER get a ticket for it (

or anything else, for that matter)... I have done it in Downtown Detroit, when cars allow me to, but I don't make a habit of it...

Gixxerdale · 08-30-2005, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhoel

Cycling in So. California isn't always that fun specially when you get to the desert areas. (My apologies in advance is this has been posted elsewhere before.)

Your timing is just off!

I just returned from an awesome weekend of riding, in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park. You just have to slip out of LA under the cover of darkness! I left Simi Valley at 2:15 in the morning, made Fresno by 5:30. Downed some coffee and a bite to eat, then the other riders appeared at 7:00. So you have to get up a little early, but it's well worth the effort!

Dale

BudTheGrey · 08-30-2005, 08:32 PM

Regardless of (il)legality, lane splitting is, IMHO, bad practice. It increases your risk of an accident or injury, and decreases the general public's opinion of motorcycles.

ZukiChaos · 08-30-2005, 09:19 PM

I agree with Bud.

As far as I know it is ILLEGAL in Pennsylvania...but just the other day i saw a crotch rocket jockey do it...dumb!!!!!

ChicsterMG · 08-30-2005, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZukiChaos

I agree with Bud.

As far as I know it is ILLEGAL in Pennsylvania...but just the other day i saw a crotch rocket jockey do it...dumb!!!!!

Definitely illegal here in PA. Definitely not good practice.

simplegame · 08-31-2005, 12:19 AM

I'm fairly certain it is not legal in Oregon. Will have to check with the DMV.

**inspiron** · 08-31-2005, 06:13 AM

Lane splitting in moving traffic is dangerous. However, there is a petition in Switzerland to allow bikers to split lanes when traffic is at a stand-still, with the argument that we are in more danger at the end of a column of cars (being rear-ended because "they didn't see me") than between two cars. In addition, we are at more risk of overheating because of our protective gear and helmet, and having to balance the bike while standing unter the hot sun. And because we don't have a radio to be warned about traffic ahead of us, whereas the cages do.

I doubt that this petition will be accepted (it will certainly never be made into a law), but it does provide some interesting conversations.

Pinhy · 08-31-2005, 08:42 AM

ive done it a couple times when two cars are going same speed and it is wide open in front of them....and only at speeds around 30-40..never at interstate speeds.

ive seen some guys on sportbikes doing it between lots of cars at a time...i dont think i want to push it like that either. one pair of cars every once in a while seems bad enough to me

.

Gixxerdale · 08-31-2005, 08:48 AM

Hmmm...... In LA lane splitting or lane sharing is the norm. Everyone does it. Everyone(cages) expects it. Done with common sense and courtesy, it's no big deal. Ride like a squid, and all bets are off. It's a normal ride for bikers in LA. But I guess we may not be normal to begin with.

Dale (only sandwiched once, and it was intentional)

QuacktheDuck · 08-31-2005, 09:28 AM

Only do it on occasion if traffic is really stopped or less than 15 mph (traffic jams) and I'll split a couple cars at a time between the carpool lane and fastlane. I dunno how guys split the whole way home...personally I'm pretty tense when I'm riding the middle like that, even for a short period of time.

SuzukiGirl1 · 08-31-2005, 09:44 AM

It's illegal in Minnesota, and I'd probably be too nervous to do it even if it was legal...unless traffic was completely stopped...

DaWood · 08-31-2005, 11:28 AM

There was a bill here in Texas to allow it in congested conditions, but it aparently died in committee. Personally, I'd never do it 'cause the caged idiots here in Houston can not drive. Houston has the highest accident rate in Texas, and Texas is already above the national average...

Dave2122 · 08-31-2005, 03:44 PM

It isnt allowed in New Jersey....Come to think about it, Nothing is allowed in NJ

ChicsterMG · 08-31-2005, 06:24 PM

You're not even allowed to leave NJ without paying!

Mfidget · 08-31-2005, 08:21 PM

I do it every morning on the way to work. Dangerous if done wrong (too fast, not looking 10 cages ahead, etc.) Done right, it's risky, but with So Cal traffic what it is, it literally saves hours.

----Mfidget

ZukiChaos · 08-31-2005, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChicsterMG

You're not even allowed to leave NJ without paying!

LOL You got that right!

Pinhy · 08-31-2005, 09:39 PM

thats cause no other states want NJ ppl there! (Im an ex NY-er).

.

08-30-2005, 02:02 AM	#1 (permalink)
nhoel Wants Better Weather Joined: Aug 2005 Bike: 2005 C50T Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 662	Lane splitting... I know that every safe motorcyclist should keep a cushion of space. Asking the MSF instructors would give you a reply that "they don't do it." I'll take that with a grain of salt. However, here is the 20 thousand dollar question. Which states out there is it totally illegal to lane split. I know that in California, it's neither legal nor illegal to lane split. Someone from Detroit told me that she was surprised to see motorcycles going in between cars as she explained that it was illegal from where she came from. Just want to know in case I cruise down in other states. (I'm planning to one of these days when the weather kinda cools down a bit.) Cycling in So. California isn't always that fun specially when you get to the desert areas. (My apologies in advance is this has been posted elsewhere before.) __________________ Cash Only!!!

08-30-2005, 02:16 AM	#2 (permalink)
MagnumForce Throttle Jockey Joined: May 2005 Bike: 05 M50, 06 CBR600F4i Location: Sitting on the can... duh! Posts: 3,160	To my knowledge, it's illegal to lane split in the other 49 states and is only practiced in California during periods of heavy traffic. The AMA website has a very good database on state laws, so you can start there when you plan your rides on other states. __________________ "I love the smell of toner in the morning… it's the smell of victory!" MAJ M, Staff Officer

08-30-2005, 02:48 AM	#3 (permalink)
inspiron Muscle Biker Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Blue Suzuki GSX 1400 (2003) Location: Canton Basel-Land, Switzerland (47.4493, 7.76536) Posts: 12,073	It is also illegal in all of Europe, AFAIK. As soon as there is traffic on the motorway, bikes do start lane splitting, and most of the time, cars "allow" it, but if you get caught, it can be very expensive. __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400

08-30-2005, 08:32 PM	#6 (permalink)
BudTheGrey Third gear and cruising Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: 2005 Suzuki C50 LE Location: Keeseville NY Posts: 486	Regardless of (il)legality, lane splitting is, IMHO, bad practice. It increases your risk of an accident or injury, and decreases the general public's opinion of motorcycles. __________________ If you can't stand behind our folks in the military, feel free to stand in front of them

08-31-2005, 12:19 AM	#9 (permalink)
simplegame In Training Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 137	Oregon I'm fairly certain it is not legal in Oregon. Will have to check with the DMV. __________________

08-30-2005, 09:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
ZukiChaos Kickstand Operator Joined: Aug 2005 Bike: '05 BlacknBlue C50 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 284	I agree with Bud. As far as I know it is ILLEGAL in Pennsylvania...but just the other day i saw a crotch rocket jockey do it...dumb!!!!!

08-31-2005, 06:13 AM	#10 (permalink)
inspiron Muscle Biker Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Blue Suzuki GSX 1400 (2003) Location: Canton Basel-Land, Switzerland (47.4493, 7.76536) Posts: 12,073	Lane splitting in moving traffic is dangerous. However, there is a petition in Switzerland to allow bikers to split lanes when traffic is at a stand-still, with the argument that we are in more danger at the end of a column of cars (being rear-ended because "they didn't see me") than between two cars. In addition, we are at more risk of overheating because of our protective gear and helmet, and having to balance the bike while standing unter the hot sun. And because we don't have a radio to be warned about traffic ahead of us, whereas the cages do. I doubt that this petition will be accepted (it will certainly never be made into a law), but it does provide some interesting conversations. __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400

08-31-2005, 08:42 AM	#11 (permalink)
Pinhy Doesn't think you're funny Joined: Dec 2004 Bike: 05 Boulevard M50 Black Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 5,210	ive done it a couple times when two cars are going same speed and it is wide open in front of them....and only at speeds around 30-40..never at interstate speeds. ive seen some guys on sportbikes doing it between lots of cars at a time...i dont think i want to push it like that either. one pair of cars every once in a while seems bad enough to me .

08-31-2005, 08:48 AM	#12 (permalink)
Gixxerdale Forensic Bug Splatter Analyst. Joined: Mar 2004 Bike: 02 GSXR 1k Location: The warm and twisty roads of SoCal Posts: 3,028	Hmmm...... In LA lane splitting or lane sharing is the norm. Everyone does it. Everyone(cages) expects it. Done with common sense and courtesy, it's no big deal. Ride like a squid, and all bets are off. It's a normal ride for bikers in LA. But I guess we may not be normal to begin with. Dale (only sandwiched once, and it was intentional) __________________ Proud Father of a U S Army Soldier... The key to life is to die young...at a very old age... Ride like you own the road...and...someday the road will own you.. My Favorite Ride? Tomorrows!

08-31-2005, 09:28 AM	#13 (permalink)
QuacktheDuck Sprocket Pilot Joined: May 2005 Bike: 2004 FZ6 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 858	Only do it on occasion if traffic is really stopped or less than 15 mph (traffic jams) and I'll split a couple cars at a time between the carpool lane and fastlane. I dunno how guys split the whole way home...personally I'm pretty tense when I'm riding the middle like that, even for a short period of time.

08-31-2005, 09:44 AM	#14 (permalink)
SuzukiGirl1 Moderatrix Joined: Mar 2004 Bike: 2004 SV650S Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 2,700	It's illegal in Minnesota, and I'd probably be too nervous to do it even if it was legal...unless traffic was completely stopped... __________________ SuzukiGirl '04 SV650S, Yellow...lovely!!

08-31-2005, 11:28 AM	#15 (permalink)
DaWood Newbie Joined: May 2005 Bike: 1997 Honda Magna Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 24	There was a bill here in Texas to allow it in congested conditions, but it aparently died in committee. Personally, I'd never do it 'cause the caged idiots here in Houston can not drive. Houston has the highest accident rate in Texas, and Texas is already above the national average...

08-31-2005, 03:44 PM	#16 (permalink)
Dave2122 Sprocket Pilot Joined: Sep 2004 Bike: Which one of the 9? Location: USA Posts: 887	It isnt allowed in New Jersey....Come to think about it, Nothing is allowed in NJ

08-31-2005, 06:24 PM	#17 (permalink)
ChicsterMG Refrigerator Magnet Test Engineer Joined: May 2005 Bike: Boulevard C50 Location: Afghanistan Posts: 3,508	You're not even allowed to leave NJ without paying! __________________ Sometimes you need to ask yourself, "WWGD?"...Just be awesome, that's all! GUT-CUT 2007: 177 LBS. 160 LBS.

08-31-2005, 08:21 PM	#18 (permalink)
Mfidget Seat Tester Joined: Jun 2004 Bike: '03 VS 800 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 52	I do it every morning on the way to work. Dangerous if done wrong (too fast, not looking 10 cages ahead, etc.) Done right, it's risky, but with So Cal traffic what it is, it literally saves hours. ----Mfidget __________________ A ship in the harbor is safe; but that's not what ships were meant for.

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08-31-2005, 09:39 PM	#20 (permalink)
Pinhy Doesn't think you're funny Joined: Dec 2004 Bike: 05 Boulevard M50 Black Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 5,210	thats cause no other states want NJ ppl there! (Im an ex NY-er). .

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