To Lane Split or Not to Lane Split

[PosterFZ6]

I kind of stopped lane splitting.

I got a 2 points for splitting lanes in NYC getting off the Lincoln tunnel.
Luckily I moved to NJ and points don't carry over when you transfer driving license from NY to NJ.

I still have to pay the fine.

Another negative is that in NJ, for lane splitting it's a 4 point offence.

I am not risking that.

Besides I stopped commuting to work on my bike.

Now if I jump on bike it's to get out of town and hit the twisties upstate with no traffic congestion of the nature that is in NYC.

By the time I come back home rush hour traffic is gone and there's no need to split lanes.

 

[bike10]

My 2 cents;
I started riding in 1981 here in So Cal. A lot has changed. I commute for work and ride a minimum of 500 miles a week. I have done this for at least 25 years. I lane split everyday and anytime I need it. I feel there is some safety in it. I noticed that if traffic is good, especially at night, and I am doing traffic speed, I have people tailgate me or change lanes on top of me. This is my theory…..if they think the lane is empty, they will move over. If they see another car in the lane they won’t. I have done this experiment for several decades now. If I ride between two cars at any speed, even high speed, I won’t be tailgated and people won’t change lanes on top of me. My years of experience makes me feel safer between cars! It sounds weird, but I would not be here to type this if it did not work for me. Now I don’t hang out between cars, I ride aprox 20 mph more than the cars and found that I have less conflict with them. For the non-believers, do the math on how many miles I’ve ridden. I’ve worn out nine other motorcycles prior to the FZ6, I now have 40,000 miles on this bike and will most likely ride it till I need a new bike. Now I agree with some of the comments primarily the comment to not split till skill level is equal to the requirements of splitting. I agree, if you don’t feel your skill level is up to splitting, don’t do it. I agree that you have to spend your time watching the drivers you are coming up on to determine if it is safe. There are a lot of crazy people who go to lengths to stop you. I like what I hear about just moving on feeling gratified that you will be cracking a cold one at home while they are still stuck in traffic.

 

[kenh]

My 2 cents;
I started riding in 1981 here in So Cal. A lot has changed. I commute for work and ride a minimum of 500 miles a week. I have done this for at least 25 years. I lane split everyday and anytime I need it. I feel there is some safety in it. I noticed that if traffic is good, especially at night, and I am doing traffic speed, I have people tailgate me or change lanes on top of me. This is my theory…..if they think the lane is empty, they will move over. If they see another car in the lane they won’t. I have done this experiment for several decades now. If I ride between two cars at any speed, even high speed, I won’t be tailgated and people won’t change lanes on top of me. My years of experience makes me feel safer between cars! It sounds weird, but I would not be here to type this if it did not work for me. Now I don’t hang out between cars, I ride aprox 20 mph more than the cars and found that I have less conflict with them. For the non-believers, do the math on how many miles I’ve ridden. I’ve worn out nine other motorcycles prior to the FZ6, I now have 40,000 miles on this bike and will most likely ride it till I need a new bike. Now I agree with some of the comments primarily the comment to not split till skill level is equal to the requirements of splitting. I agree, if you don’t feel your skill level is up to splitting, don’t do it. I agree that you have to spend your time watching the drivers you are coming up on to determine if it is safe. There are a lot of crazy people who go to lengths to stop you. I like what I hear about just moving on feeling gratified that you will be cracking a cold one at home while they are still stuck in traffic.

:iconbeer: I agree, but in all of those splitting miles you must have come across some CHP. What is their take? Do they look the other way, or
are you just the luckiest person during your commuting time.

 

[TheSandman13]

:iconbeer: I agree, but in all of those splitting miles you must have come across some CHP. What is their take? Do they look the other way, or
are you just the luckiest person during your commuting time.

I lived in Los Angeles for 3 years in the early 90's and I lane splitted every day if I needed to. I was never aware of whether it was officially legal or not, but there are so many motorcyclists in California, and a large majority lane splitted. It was the norm. If you're sitting in a traffic jam on a freeway in Los Angeles you'll have a constant flow of motorcycles splitting lanes.

I think as of last year, the state acknowledged that it's officially legal to lane split in California, as long as it's done in a safe manner. The CHP website actually has a section dedicated to it spelling out the guidelines and answering questions. The key word there is "safe".

I don't think about lane splitting in Houston, but I do lane filter at times. I'm tempted at times to lane split. Nothing worse than sitting in a traffic jam on the freeway breathing in all the exhaust fumes and having that space between the cars mock you as you sit there.

 

[bike10]

I hang out mostly in the carpool lane which usually is wide enough to pass cars no problem. Most CHP are fine and concerned with speeding more than anything. I have been pulled over many times and since I’m an old guy they just verify I have a license to ride. They really are looking for speeding and unlicensed riders(usually younger riders).

 

[bike10]

This is what the CHP have on their website:

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