OFF THE WIRE
A bill to allow “Lane Splitting” in Arizona has been unanimously approved by legislative committee.
Also known as white lining, or “filtering” as it is commonly referred to in Europe, motorcycles are allowed to weave between lines of cars in heavy traffic. Such practice is legal in the United States only in California and Washington, D.C., but HB2475 would allow lane splitting through stopped traffic in Maricopa County only to begin with for a one-year trial starting next year.
“The biggest factor on this bill is SAFETY and to try and reduce the number of rear end accidents,” said Mick Degan, lobbyist for the Modified Motorcycle Association (MMA) of Arizona. “DPS is behind and support of this bill along with AAA.”
Also advocating for the measure is former California cop Ted Storck who wrote to the Arizona Republic newspaper; “As an ex-Los Angeles police officer, I support House Bill 2475, which would allow Arizona motorcyclists to split lanes. It is allowed in California and has proven to be safe. I never once investigated an accident where a motorcyclist had an accident due to passing other vehicles in the same lane when the freeways were slow or stopped. However, it did result in more and more people riding motorcycles, cutting down on traffic congestion. Even the head of the California Highway Patrol agrees that this California law should remain in effect. He agrees it cuts traffic congestion and has not resulted in any extra risk to motorcyclists or other vehicles.”
The lane splitting bill, sponsored by Republican Rep. Jerry Weiers of Glendale, has already cleared two committees in the House and faces a floor vote soon before it can be considered in the Senate.
