The Pros and Cons of Lane Splitting

A 2015 study by the University of California Berkeley found that lane splitting is reasonably safe under many circumstances. This finding was one of the catalysts that set new motorcycle lane splitting laws into motion a year later in the state.

On August 19th of this year, the state of California legalized lane splitting for motorcyclists. It will likely only be a matter of time until other states follow suit. Some motorcyclists and other vehicle drivers are concerned about legalizing line splitting and some aren’t. Here are some pros and cons to think about.

Lane-Splitting Pros

Convenience

No one can argue that lane splitting will get you to your destination faster when commuting in heavily populated areas. This is the practice’s main virtue around the world. Vehicles can end up in traffic for hours while motorcycles zip past in between traffic that is moving slowly. Some world cities are so dependent on lane splitting that to make it illegal would be unthinkable. It would completely cripple the ability of residents to successfully commute.

In some European countries and Indonesia, for instance, a motorcycle is actually the preferred mode of transportation within city limits. It is far more than a thrill-riding hobby. It’s a near necessity. Those on two wheels are home from work and enjoying life while those stuck on four wheels can only dream of those things. It hardly needs to be mentioned how much these motorists save on gas as well as time.

50 MPH and Similar Speeds

The Berkley study found that lane splitting at speeds of 50 mph and under was reasonably safe. The study also found that lane splitting is safe at higher speeds if there is not a speed difference of 15 mph or greater between the motorcycle and larger motor vehicles.

Safer Practices

It was found that those who did lane split were more likely to travel at safe speeds, wear better helmets, less likely to suffer serious injury and travel on weekdays than those who didn’t participate in this practice. Lane splitters were also less likely to carry a passenger.

Lane-Splitting Cons

Basic Risks

Lane splitting can be dangerous in some situations. Besides the fact that it can be risky when there are too high of speed differentials, there are other concerns.

1. Vehicle doors that open suddenly
2. Sudden lane changes from other vehicles
3. Visibility issues with large trucks
4. Hook collisions with turning vehicles

Untrained Drivers

In a country where lane splitting is legal in a very small portion, this is a significant concern. The reality is that there are two types of lane splitters out there. Some understand how to meet the above risks and some don’t. Those who learn how to counteract potential dangers will do well. The greatest concern is out-of-state drivers who visit California and are not skilled in how to meet safety these challenges. California, no doubt, will assist motorcyclists to better understand lane-splitting safety.

Uncooperative or Untrained Motorists

It’s illegal in California for vehicles to impede the use of lane splitting for motorcyclists that could result in physical harm. More than anywhere in the world, legal lane splitting is new in the US. Drivers who aren’t trained in how to share the road with lane splitters could be a safety concern. So could drivers who are resistant to these changes. In time, this new law will become more commonly understood and accepted.

What’s the Bottom Line?

The reality is that there is risk in everything that we do each day. The challenge is determining whether the risk is worth the benefit. When it comes to lane splitting, the state of California thinks the benefits outweigh the risks. Much of the world thinks so, too. It will be exciting to see if other states, in time, come to the same conclusion.