Lane-splitting allows motorcyclists to weave between vehicles in slower moving traffic, and is neither legal nor illegal.
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A California bill that would define and facilitate regulations for motorcycle lane-splitting has moved one step closer to becoming law.
Assembly Bill 51 passed the Assembly on a 69-0 vote on Thursday.
The bill still needs to be signed by Gov.
“We are extremely pleased that this bill received such overwhelming support in the Assembly”, said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations.
The bill also requires the California Highway Patrol to consult with other agencies and organizations with an interest in road safety and motorcyclist behavior in developing the guidelines for responsible lane splitting.
According to the LA Times, this bill is a response to the public outcry against CHiP’s prior attempt to set lane-splitting guidelines. “Lane-splitting is a practice that should be legalized formally in California and eventually every state in the USA, especially if we continue to raise awareness about motorcycling with this new law”. On the floor, Quirk said the proposed law had many positives, including reducing traffic congestion and promoting safety. Fatigue is often a contributing factor in motorcycle crashes. The bill’s original wording would’ve allowed the practice only if a motorcycle was going less than 50mph and not more than 15mph faster than traffic, but the specifics were later removed before passage.
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I will also say that splitting lanes isn’t for everyone. Particularly in the highly urbanized areas of Europe and Asia, motorcycle and scooter operators are expected to pass between conventional vehicles and advance to the front of the group.
