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California Bill AB 51 Codifying Lane Splitting To Be Introduced To Committee

6K views 31 replies 14 participants last post by  Jon Mayo 
#1 ·


Here at MO, we are strong proponents of lane splitting. Not a day goes by in which we don’t filter between the lines of slower moving or stopped cars. In the process, we’re also easing congestion and protecting ourselves from being rear-ended by distracted drivers. So, naturally, we were excited last year when we heard of California bill AB 51 was making the rounds in an effort to codify the act of lane splitting by giving it a set of clear rules for riders to follow. One of the primary benefits of the rules would be that they would make it possible to educate the driving public about lane splitting.

Unfortunately, the bill was pulled last July at the request of its author, California Assemblyman Bill Quirk, because of fears that it would not pass. Since that time, Quirk has worked on changing the language of the bill to a form that will improve its chance of passing. According to LaneSplittingIsLegal.com, an organization devoted to promoting lane splitting, the wording has changed to a much less specific recipe for legal lane splitting to a more generalized one. The result is a bill that maintains lane splitting’s legality by virtue of not being explicitly illegal while giving the CHP the option of developing and distributing educational guidelines for riders and the driving public to better understand safe lane splitting.

In a mockup of the amended version of AB 51 produced by LaneSplittingIsLegal.com, the specifics of the top speed and the speed differential between the motorcycle and other traffic have been removed. In their place, the mandate for CHP to create guidelines to educate the public is inserted: 'The California Department of Highway Patrol may develop educational guidelines relating to lane splitting in a manner that would ensure the safety of the motorcyclist and the drivers and passengers of the surrounding vehicles.'

Additionally, the agencies that the CHP is to consult in developing the guidelines includes not only the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Transportation, and the Office of Traffic Safety, but it also lists the requirement of consulting with a 'motorcycle organization focused on motorcyclist safety.' So, we assume the organization selected would be either the AMA or the MSF, giving actual motorcyclists an active say in the development of lane splitting guidelines – which is very good news!

These changes were scheduled to be submitted to committee yesterday, May 31, 2016, but at the time of publication, the bill’s page on the California Legislative Information website had not been updated. Interested parties can track the progress of the bill there. California residents who want to contact their representative can search here. Those who want to contact Assemblyman Quirk’s office can visit his web site.
Read more about the California Bill AB 51 Codifying Lane Splitting To Be Introduced To Committee at Motorcycle.com.
 
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#3 ·
Completely against? Sounds very closed minded. Lane splitting is done all over the world, and in California without any drama. I support safe lane splitting for those who wish to do so. Unsafe lane splitting should be an offense just like unsafe driving.

As for your objections as a driver. Why? Safe lane splitting wouldn't affect you. Just like it doesn't affect drivers in California. Unsafe lane splitting would affect drivers, but so does unsafe driving.


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#4 ·
From what I've heard/understand; they want to make it legal so they can control it. Ergo speed limitations and set rules on when and where you can split lanes. So no 80mph splitting but bumper to bumper traffic filtering would be allowable.

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#5 ·
Lane splitting in CA reduces traffic congestion to the Nth degree, but there are A LOT of motorcyclists out there who endanger themselves and the general public with wreckless behavior. Unfortunately, these are the few who enrage "cagers" who have little to no understanding as to the legality of the practice itself.

Something which provides the ability to deliver education about the practice would be A-FLIPPIN-MAZING!!!
 
#7 ·
@GTO Bruin: right off the bat, this becomes an Internet Slugfest. First thing, you assume I'm closed-minded. Thanks. No one's opinion is allowed if it is contrary to your own, and, anyone you dares to speak apart from you MUST be lesser or have something wrong with them, I suppose.

Not that I expected to defend my opinion, but here goes, I will expand upon it.

I agree, one of the most dangerous times is stopped in traffic in your lane, and a distracted driver behind you ruins your day / bike / life. I live it. Going from being behind to threading the needle at speed BETWEEN vehicles is not the answer. I must assume everyone else who rides is fantastically better at balancing and coordinating narrow alleyways like they do in the Bond flicks, etc, because that just makes no sense to me at all - let's go from similar speed differentials to a larger speed differential, and a lane that's less than half as wide. In the words of Dr Evil, "how bout NOOOO".

Make a dedicated biker half-lane before you add the problems associated with lane splitting "legally". Just because it's legal doesn't mean it's smart. Out here, we have a great little law on the books that allows passing on the right - intended for those moving in traffic, with a driver slowing to turn left at a T (and you're both in line in moving traffic, not coming to a stop sign). This is supposed to keep the flow of traffic on the through venue moving smoothly.

A) morons stop before the left turn, wave to the stopped at stop sign traffic in an attempt to "be nice", stopped car pulls out, car going around the right collides with them (or almost does very often). Guy who really caused it, goes "oops" and moves along. It sounds great on paper, not so safe in practice.

B) Same rule has now been expanded by the population at large to include the coming to a stop at the stop sign at that T. You're making a left, looking left, look right and oops, the guy that was behind you is now on your right blocking your view. Except, it's not just one guy, it's a line of 10. Now you're moving further into traffic to see past, the guy who couldn't wait moves to because he can't see through you left to make his right turn and you're both in a more dangerous situation and two lanes of traffic are backed up, one half on the sidewalk half the time. Happens every day as I leave work. What's worse is the right side line can't see coming down the sidewalk that someone's turning left across the lane to get into work and the nearly / do hit them. I've had close calls on the bike and in the car, and a coworker got t boned by a line half on the sidewalk about 10 cars back from the T / stop sign turning into our work. Again, good intention, perverted in the name of moving more traffic.

Lane splitting means educating the cagers - and they suck at seeing us as it is in a lane. Why place yourself where they absolutely don't expect you to be? An opening forms I the left lane, the impatient guy in the middle lane who sees "no car" in the lane beside him goes for it as you split the lane. Crunch. Now you're physically crushed, they're emotionally crushed, all for what? You know a cager just doesn't mentally see a bike all the time even where they are expected (studies done & stories posted here for example). Why enhance the risk?

Again, my thoughts, my feelings, without berating or belittling anyone.

Let's debate honorably and ethically without the mudslinging just to "win". Less extreme, more middle & compromise.
 
#9 ·
Define "successfully"? Are motorcycle accident statistics supportive of this claim? Have road rage incidents between cars & bikers dropped? Of course rear end accidents are lower when the bike's not there ("safely" tucked between two cars vs behind them), but have there been studies showing accidents from those who lane split?

One of the things that I am concerned about is comparisons like, "but they do it in SE Asia, where it's densely populated" - is THAT the comparison you really want to make? Watch the free for all in traffic & let me know about that. It's of course going to appeal to those who are impatient and anxious to get there before the other guy - like cruising down the breakdown lane (which they foolishly allow in Massachusetts around Boston, where people are regularly killed when they're broken down in the breakdown lane when another driver decides to do 70 in that lane).

In the end, it is my opinion it's not a worthwhile approach for biker safety nor traffic easing en masse, because it creates as many issues as it potentially resolves, and, creates multiple sets of rules for differing vehicles on the road instead of equal respect and responsibility for any vehicle on the roadway.
 
#10 ·
Define "successfully"? Are motorcycle accident statistics supportive of this claim? Have road rage incidents between cars & bikers dropped? Of course rear end accidents are lower when the bike's not there ("safely" tucked between two cars vs behind them), but have there been studies showing accidents from those who lane split?
.
I am sure the accident data is easily available from the CHP or office of Public Safety. I am sure the CHP has not endorsed this activity blindly.


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One of the things that I am concerned about is comparisons like, "but they do it in SE Asia, where it's densely populated" - is THAT the comparison you really want to make? Watch the free for all in traffic & let me know about that. It's of course going to appeal to those who are impatient and anxious to get there before the other guy - like cruising down the breakdown lane (which they foolishly allow in Massachusetts around Boston, where people are regularly killed when they're broken down in the breakdown lane when another driver decides to do 70 in that lane)..
I am not comparing this to any other country. But now you are doing exactly what you accuse others of doing. You are comparing one activity in California to another in Mass. But let us look at your Mass. Example. Does the Mass. DPS allOw this activity at 70mph or do they only allow it at a safe slow speed? They do not call Mass. Drivers, "M******** for no reason!

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In the end, it is my opinion it's not a worthwhile approach for biker safety nor traffic easing en masse, because it creates as many issues as it potentially resolves, and, creates multiple sets of rules for differing vehicles on the road instead of equal respect and responsibility for any vehicle on the roadway.

Yes it is your opinion but your opinion lacks evidence that I am sure the CHP is not lacking, when they endorsed this activity.
 
#12 ·
For whatever it is worth, since you mention them, the CHP is on record as regretting the decision to post their guidelines, both to the LA Times and in response to Washington State's mulling over lane splitting.

Trust me, I am not suggesting Boston drivers be used as an example of what to do. I survived commuting to Emerson in town in the 80's, and dread riding anywhere near 95/93/128.
 
#13 ·
For whatever it is worth, since you mention them, the CHP is on record as regretting the decision to post their guidelines, both to the LA Times and in response to Washington State's mulling over lane splitting.

.

Regardless of their regret and guidelines, since it is not illegal to lane split in California, the codifying of a proposed statute will do little to change the practice already in place.
 
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#14 · (Edited)
While I do agree driver education is paramount, I still believe lane-splitting can work. The only issue is the time it takes drivers to be educated and what happens until it "soaks in". I was having this conversation with my brother-in-law who is ten years older than me (I'm 41). He rides a trike with my sister a lot on their off days. His argument, although admittedly childish, is one that I believe most of the road rage stems from - "Why should they get to go before me? They should wait in line like everybody else." I tried to explain that filtering (responsibly) not only is safer for the motorcyclist, it actually IMPROVES traffic, depending on the ratio of motorcyclists to cars for that particular zone of traffic. I think this video illustrates that concept quite efficiently:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTBkMmUkWFQ&feature=share

I believe lane filtering works best if traffic is moving less than 20mph and motorcyclists filter at no more than 10-15mph faster, but there's always the possibility of someone changing lanes carelessly, opening their car door, etc. To quote Al Pacino from Heat, "You can get KILLED...walkin' yer DOGGY". I think most of us understand the risk involved with motorcycling and, where legal, those filtering also understand that risk. Here in TX, it's not legal, but even if it were made legal, there would still be that ramp-up time where the uneducated motorists would get butt-hurt and do something stupid to risk motorcyclists' lives just because of concepts like my bro-in-law mentioned. It's dumb, childish and unreasonable, but you WILL lose against a 3500+ vehicle every time, so that has to be weighed. Would I still filter (if made legal) anyway? You bet. But responsibly and assuming, like most of us do and: we're invisible to all drivers, ATGATT and expecting the unexpected as much as can be reasonable to do so.

I respect the opinion of those that ride who say lane filtering can't work, isn't safe, etc. and I don't see any sense in berating someone who's opinion differs from our own. I do sometimes feel like government entities want to try and save us from ourselves by mandating ridiculous laws that really have no positive impact or significance in our lives (e.g. seatbelts+air bags vs 5-point safety harnesses). There have been many instances where some towns have given roundabouts a trial run and figured out how much more efficient they are vs lights. Other towns that have removed lights altogether found a significant reduction in traffic. List goes on. I just think the govt. doesn't give us enough credit to take care of things on our own. End rant.

I guess I'm saying, why not let us mitigate that risk ourselves instead of relying on some law to save our bacon? Shouldn't it be up to us whether we want to or not? I think Ron Paul hit the nail on the head when he said there's just too much government involvement in our lives. All things aside, no one would be riding a motorcycle if everyone lived their lives revolving around statistics.
 
#15 ·
Commenting with authority about the danger of proper lane splitting if you've never done it makes no sense. Expressing concerns about it, sure, but saying it absolutely shouldn't be done while millions of riders do it everyday is presumptuous.

Having lane split for years until I moved out of California, I can say first hand that it can be a safe practice. Is it one hundred percent, no. Nothing is. Are some people reckless? Of course.

Now whether this particular piece of legislation is good or have unintended consequences limiting current practice, that's another matter.


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#16 ·
I have been sharing lanes on California streets and highways for more than ten years. My first experience happened when I was stuck in freeway traffic that was more stop than go and a CHP motor officer pulled into the lane next to me. He asked why I was sitting in traffic and when I explained I was a new rider and had never shared lanes before he said, "Follow me." As we motored along at 10-15 mph I was amazed to see how the cars just parted as the officer approached. As we rode for a couple miles before traffic returned to normal flow, it occurred to me that those drivers likely recognized it was a CHP coming along between lanes and behaved accordingly. The next time I found myself in the same situation, I cautiously entered the space between the #1 and #2 lanes and found, much to my surprise, that the majority of drivers behaved just as they did when the CHP bike appeared in their mirrors...they made room for me to pass safely.

Since then, I have shared lanes for several hundred miles without incident but also have nearly always made a point of following the CHP guidelines for lane sharing. Use only the space between the #1 and #2 lanes; do not travel more that 10mph faster than traffic; do not share lanes if traffic is moving faster than 30 mph. The only time I am fearful when sharing lanes is when another rider decides I am not going fast enough and doesn't have the patience to wait for me to move into a lane so he can pass. Instead, he darts into the space between the #2 and #3 lanes while several car lengths behind me. Now the poor driver in lane 2 doesn't know whether to move to his right to let me past or to move to the left to let the faster bike past. The bottom line is that lane sharing works well here in California and it works best when riders and drivers alike pay attention to guidelines.

Will lane sharing work in other states? I don't know and neither does anyone else until it is tried. Here is an excellent article on a study of lane sharing http://news.berkeley.edu/2015/05/29/motorcycle-lanesplitting-report/ .
 
#17 ·
I have to admit to splitting lanes while in stop and go traffic on DC area highways where it is explicitly illegal. Drivers reacted (or didn't react at all) the same as when I'm in CA.

In stop and go traffic, drivers can't change lanes because there are cars right next to them. They aren't pinching together, and I don't need them to move apart. They just drive like they always do. When there is a gap in traffic where drivers could change lanes, that's when lane-splitting riders are cautious and anticipate a lane change . That's how is done. No drama on anyone's part. Most drivers aren't even aware until they're being past.

California drivers aren't any different than most drivers around the country. I can't speak for Boston, and NYC isn't like anywhere else on the planet. [emoji6] I don't think accommodating lane splitting in other states should take much driver education. More like driver awareness. It's the riders that need to be educated, trained, and held accountable for doing it safely.


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#18 ·
Among the U.C. Berkeley findings:
- Lane-splitting is safe 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

- 69 percent of lane-splitting motorcyclists were exceeding the traffic speed by 15 mph or less speed differentials up to 15 mph were not associated with changes in the frequency of injury

- Compared to riders who were not splitting lanes, lane-splitting motorcyclists were markedly less likely to suffer head injury (9 percent vs. 17 percent), torso injury (19 percent vs. 29 percent) or fatal injury (1.2 percent vs. 3 percent)

- Lane-splitting riders were significantly less likely to be rear-ended than non-lane-splitting riders (2.6 percent vs. 4.6 percent)

- Lane-splitting motorcyclists were more likely to be wearing a full-face helmet than other motorcyclists (81 percent vs. 67 percent)

- Compared to other motorcyclists, lane-splitting riders were more often riding on weekdays and during commuting hours, were using better helmets and were traveling at slower speeds;

- Lane-splitting riders were less likely to have been using alcohol.

"These new findings bolster our position that responsible lane-splitting is a safe and effective riding technique that can be beneficial for riders and motorists alike," Allard said. "Lane splitting eases traffic congestion by taking motorcyclists out of the line of cars and trucks. And the practice increases safety by allowing motorcycle riders to avoid the risk of rear-end collisions in stopped or slow-moving traffic."

Motorcycle lane splitting is a common practice in many countries throughout the world - particularly in the highly urbanized areas of Europe and Asia. Long recognized as a way to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce the risk of crashes, the practice nevertheless remains largely prohibited in the United States, with California currently being the exception.

http://www.cycleworld.com/2015/06/02/ama-study-finds-lane-splitting-increases-rider-saftey
 
#19 ·
Having grown up in CA, and seeing plenty of lane splitting there, and just come from a trip over to Italy where lane splitting (heck, include riding on the shoulder/curb, between, around cars, etc...) is everywhere, I can understand it's value, to an extent. Coming from a state where it is not allowed (but we're getting more and more riders just splitting lanes illegally), I am concerned.

Let's say, your in traffic, cars all around you. Each car (or truck, bus, etc...) fits between the white lines designating their lanes. Some are little to left of the lane, some maybe a little to the right. Everyone's moving, but not as fast as you like. So you split the lane and ride between the rows of cars. Car 'A' swerves for some reason (object in the road, stupidity, texting and driving, etc...), smacks your bike and sends you for a tumble. Who's at fault? The driver of the car? It's their lane all around their car, up to and including the white line. If they swerved for a valid reason, I can not see them being at fault. Your just in a bad place at the wrong time. Obviously, if they were doing something wrong or stupid, it might be a different story, but your going to be footing up a lot of cash to prove that (and getting past the inherent right they have to that lane) in a court of law.

Where I live, we have a lot of drivers who for what ever reason are totally un-aware's of a bike's presence around them. I understand the logic of not wanting to get tail-ended sitting at a light, but I think statistically, I'm better off sitting and waiting my turn. While I watch for tell tale signs of what the driver(s) in front of me are going to do, I can't read their minds. Giving them a little distance between them and me seem's wiser then getting up close and personal outside their passenger window.

I'm not perfect, normally my first line of defense is to go faster and put some distance between me and them (hence the points on my driving record). But inevitably, I end up with Joe Cool in mom's grocery getter riding right up, or passing, so as to prove some long lost point? I'll keep my lane, sharing the road. I find I have plenty of chances to pass when I'm on my bike(s). To me, it just seems like a bad idea, and one that only further pisses off the average driver I have to share the road with. Just my 2c.
 
#20 ·
(Re: lanes / responsibility) It's their lane all around their car, up to and including the white line. If they swerved for a valid reason, I can not see them being at fault. Your just in a bad place at the wrong time.

(Re: the drivers around you) I can't read their minds
Very good points. In a no-fault state, both driver(s) and rider get dinged. You wreck, hit two cars on either side, 3 people have their insurance go up. 2 car drivers who did nothing wrong are going to be pissed about that and next time block a lane intentionally perhaps. In an at-fault state, both rider and driver(s) might be moving forward at the time and be held partially responsible anyway despite being in their lane and not hitting the guy in front of them - same ticked off driver(s). I had a guy pass me on the right on the sidewalk and was held partially responsible when we collided because I was moving forward as well in my single lane approaching a stop sign. Lots of anger there.

Make the rules simpler, not more convoluted. It's a lane, it's yours all around you.

With modern cars coming with accident avoidance / collision warning / emergency braking now, it's a matter of time before the lane splitter becomes a huge liability for everyone vs a normal vehicle in the lane ahead.

Dedicated lane.
Better visibility for biker.
Self-exploding cell phones when used in traffic. :)
 
#21 ·
A little south of where I live now is the baltimore/dc area and that has some of the worst traffic I've ever seen. Its that slow kind that is infinitely frustrating on a bike to be in. I would love it if they allowed lane splitting in these situations. Having moved here from Oregon, I can say people drive a lot crazier here than what I'm used to so I'm really not sure how much more dangerous it would be? I feel its much more likely i get in an accident out here than out west where I was previously. Additionally, I do suspect you'd get a lot of people in this region that would be angry that motorcyclists get to move on through and would actively try to stop or hurt us, which is not cool, but definitely on par with the culture out here. Alternatively, I'd prefer a separate motorcycle lane, but that is definitely not going to happen.
 
#23 ·
slappingrabbits,

Hence the environment I ride in, NoVa and DC. I'm not against lane splitting, but I think loadedthread and GTO Bruin's followup stated it best. While lane splitting was far more exercised in Italy then what I've seen here, at the same time, their drivers don't seem to mind. Maybe because they all drive/ride crazy, but they do it without getting their panties in a wad. They just go. Seems as long as you keep going, your free to do so at your will. No attitudes, no posturing. Wish we could get to that state of cooperation here.

A little south of where I live now is the baltimore/dc area and that has some of the worst traffic I've ever seen..
 
#24 ·
Los Angeles has the worst traffic I've ever driven in, and some of the worst drivers as well.

I had no problem lane sharing while there, on my Gold Wing no less, and observed many others doing the same.

San Francisco Bay Area, where I live, traffic is a bit better, but the drivers may even be worse. I've occasionally had someone move to cut me off from passing, but never had anyone move once I was next to them, except to make more room.

I once thought I would never do it, but had a state trooper wave me in behind him one time in stopped traffic, and have happily done so ever since.:doublethumb

The Berkeley study shows how its actually safer to share than to stay stuck in traffic.
 
#26 ·
Is it me or are the lanes very wide in California compared to the Eastern US? Maybe lane splitting is more practical on big nicely paved highways than on narrow crumbling roads.

When I visited my family in Michigan recently, I found out that helmets are now optional, but lane splitting is still illegal. I'd laugh if there weren't so many fatalities there.
 
#27 ·
I'd guesstimate the road width is due to actual planning on the west coast. Whereas the east coast has roads paved over old horse/wagon trails that turned to roads. So the houses were built closer to the trails then they made that trail into a 4 lane highway. You can notice when you go from old developed areas to newly developed areas on the east coast.

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