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Lane splitting and AMA
- Thread starter Erci
- Start date
Carlos840
Junior Member
That's good!
As a European, where lane splitting is legal pretty much everywhere i really don't understand why it is illegal in most of the USA!
It really makes no sens at all, both congestion wise and safety wise.
It is definitely safer to lane split than not to. So much faster to!
As a European, where lane splitting is legal pretty much everywhere i really don't understand why it is illegal in most of the USA!
It really makes no sens at all, both congestion wise and safety wise.
It is definitely safer to lane split than not to. So much faster to!
pookamatic
Junior Member
Yes! Well articulated stance. I think we as a nation will one day allow it. I just hope it's before I'm 80.
I think there can be issues if the laws are changed, as many road users will not be aware that it's legal, or how to do it safely. I might be a little critical, but given how little training is required in some (all?) US states, I would be concerned about the competency of many riders. That said in the UK it's possible to get on a 125cc bike in the UK with minimal training.
I don't think it's legal in all EU countries, I'm not sure it's legal in Germany or Holland for instance?
I don't think it's legal in all EU countries, I'm not sure it's legal in Germany or Holland for instance?
Carlos840
Junior Member
It is legal in Holland.
Germany is a bit weird when it comes to that, lane filtering is illegal but tolerated, it is legal to overtake stationary traffic.
If you have an accident while lane filtering in Germany it will be your fault because although tolerated it is not legal.
If you have an accident in Belgium while filtering ie car changes lane in front of you, it is the cars fault because they were changing direction, but you were not.
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JayyVee
IT Overlord
I am all for it, even as I move from 'cager' to full 'biker' status this winter/spring..
The big problem isn't the law - it's 'us'. Our society of 'all for one and one for one' - causes everyone to scramble to get to the top, or to attempt to be first in 'every' activity we seem to do regardless of the consequences of such actions.. (Not everyone - but it's the general mindf**k you'll find most in) That includes getting in front of others at lights, cutting people off, crossing multiple lanes at once to 'make a turn' because you just can't be 'inconvenienced' to make a few extra turns, etc etc.. (I'm sure we 'all' have a few tales of this nature..)
I really feel there will need to be a significant 'culture' shift before something like this gets traction by the general populace in the US. Even if it 'did' pass and become law, expect Many to not abide and do their best to 'close ranks' on that dotted white line at every light to stop 'those damn bikers' from getting to 'the front' before 'ME'. *sigh*
It'd be great if we were more like the rest of the civilized world, and will cross my fingers on this, but...
in the uk it's generally tolerated to filter past traffic up to speeds of around 40mph, provided the difference in speed is less than 20mph. Though in London you'll see them cutting between cars at 90mph, when the cars are going 70mph!
See.. the 90 vs 70 is insane to me. Can't imagine how that can be safe (or legal) and from what I hear, this sort of thing can be seen in California too.
I'd be incredibly happy if they made it legal in my state to split at 10 miles over car speed, up to 20mph (meaning traffic is between stand-still and 10mph). That would transform my commute.
Absolutely agree that there will be loads of people getting ticked off.. blocking us off, swerving into us. It'll take time to spread the word and it'll never fix everyone, just like now.
Carlos840
Junior Member
That's pretty much how it is in belgium , you can lanesplit 10mph over car speed, up to 30mph maximum general traffic speed.
It works very well...
As a former Cali resident and rider, lane splitting when done responsibly is a huge advantage to cagers and bikers. I rode my bike just about every day to college and lane splitting saved a ton of time. Regardless, I did get side swiped 3 times by cars. Not one stopped! But over a 20 year period of riding and lane splitting, that’s pretty good odds.
When I return to visit SoCal, most bikers are lane splitting responsibly. There are occasional nut heads flying in between cars at breakneck speeds. They are a disaster waiting to happen. I hope no one gets seriously injured.
Very encouraging article from AMA, thanks for sharing.
When I return to visit SoCal, most bikers are lane splitting responsibly. There are occasional nut heads flying in between cars at breakneck speeds. They are a disaster waiting to happen. I hope no one gets seriously injured.
Very encouraging article from AMA, thanks for sharing.
During my trip home(CA), I did my first lane split at a red light... 2up on a freshly rented BMW R1200RT following Motogiro...I was more nervous than when I took my motorcycle license test! It was a very unique feeling being able to do that...I expressed my excitement to Cliff
lawlberg
Booth Babe
I'll reasonably, safely do it in my non-cali state :spank:
When there's heavy traffic, at stoplights I know I won't get through in a cycle if I don't move forward, and when there's two cars going the same direction at the same (below the speed limit) speed for a significant distance. I am always more alert and attentive when I'm doing it than if I'm just sitting in traffic with the cages (the nerves and knowing that if something happens it's all my fault heightens my focus).
It's nice to see that the AMA has a similar mindset to me, when done safely, it's safe - but what's been said before. American drivers aren't ready for it, yet, and the effort to educate, riders, LEO and everyone else using the road on it is not a small one.
When there's heavy traffic, at stoplights I know I won't get through in a cycle if I don't move forward, and when there's two cars going the same direction at the same (below the speed limit) speed for a significant distance. I am always more alert and attentive when I'm doing it than if I'm just sitting in traffic with the cages (the nerves and knowing that if something happens it's all my fault heightens my focus).
It's nice to see that the AMA has a similar mindset to me, when done safely, it's safe - but what's been said before. American drivers aren't ready for it, yet, and the effort to educate, riders, LEO and everyone else using the road on it is not a small one.
JayyVee
IT Overlord
I sure as heck enjoy watching all the youtube mvloggers doing it reasonably, especially in countries where it's normal and expected (I notice their cagers also seem to expect it - that's the problem we'd run into here tho).
Go AMA!
Go AMA!
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I really hope that you guys get to split, it makes things so much easier.
Here in the Netherlands, and in Belgium splitting is legal, here's the Dutch motoring code of conduct..
In the UK it's totally accepted, but in Germany it's not legal and not always accepted. In my own experience in Germany they will let you through in traffic that's crawling along (walking pace) but tend to give you a strange look if it's anything above 20Km/h. Not sure about France.
tejkowskit
Gold Member
I'm all for it. Although, living in the a$$ backwards screwed up state of Illinois (or should I say state of Chicago), I will probably never see it!
You do get the occasionally k**bber who doesn't like it and will try and stop you, or beep their horn at you
When it comes to motorcycle awareness, California drivers are the best! I honestly believe it's because that lane splitting is allowed. Based from my personal riding experiences, drivers in California are more aware of using the turnouts to let motorcycles pass where other states will less utilize them. And when actual lane splitting situations arise, many actually are aware of the fact and actually create more room by moving over. This is very noticeable when you are finding yourself splitting on the California side near the stateline going into or out of Vegas. Many vehicles with California plates will move over, while other vehicles from other states will not. This is a clear indication to me that California drivers are more aware of what's going on. In other words, they are paying attention!
As far as the reasoning to split, I compare it to parking. It's such a waste for one motorcycle to occupy an entire parking space, when they can park in an area where a normal vehicle cannot. I think every cager can agree to that. Far as I'm concerned, it's the same principle when it comes to splitting.
As far as the reasoning to split, I compare it to parking. It's such a waste for one motorcycle to occupy an entire parking space, when they can park in an area where a normal vehicle cannot. I think every cager can agree to that. Far as I'm concerned, it's the same principle when it comes to splitting.
Jblk9695
Elite Member
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Thanks Kenny, couldn't have said it better myself:thumbup:
In many-many years of riding that has been my observation too.
Jerry
Karate.Snoopy
Junior Member
If you ever travel to a country like Mexico or India, you would notice what I call a traffic dance aka chaos. But given the conditions there are very few accidents, this is because folks aren't driving/riding like automatons.
They are driving in the context and have good situational awareness.
I think that Lane splitting would lead to similar conditions where in people would be on the lookout for riders before maneuvering.
major tom
Junior Member
I lived in CA for many years and had zero problems lane splitting. I admit I did so in a courteous manner, slowed up to allow drivers to know I was there and waved acknowledgement and thanks when I passed. Yes, drivers are more aware of bikes and most move over before you get there, after all they don't want their rear view mirrors hit! Some people are aggressive but they can be avoided. Just be aware of Semi trucks and buses! Way to go AMA!
