OREGON:State looks to allow motorcyclists to ‘lane-split’ in slow traffic

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http://www.katu.com/news/local/108625364.htmlState looks to allow motorcyclists to ‘lane-split’ in slow traffic By Anita Kissée KATU News and KATU.com Staff
It’s against the law in Oregon for motorcyclists to ride between cars during freeway rush-hour traffic but that could change if Oregon follows the lead of other states.
Story Published: Nov 17, 2010 at 1:18 AM PST Story Updated: Nov 17, 2010 at 1:18 AM PST Comments (16)PORTLAND, Ore. - It’s against the law in Oregon for motorcyclists to ride between cars during freeway rush-hour traffic but that could change if Oregon follows the lead of other states.
California and a few other states allow motorcyclists to ride between cars that are slow or stopped and going the same direction. It’s called lane-sharing, lane-splitting or white-lining.
Supporters say such a law could improve congestion and even rider safety.
Arun Sharma has logged thousands of miles on a motorcycle – many in California – and said he likes the prospect of riding through stopped or slowed cars.
“There’s actually, a lot of space between those two vehicles,” he said. “And again, it doesn’t hurt that the awareness of those drivers is present so that as you come (through traffic) you’ll literally see the seas parting.”
Riders say in bumper-to-bumper traffic, it can keep them from getting rear-ended.
But drivers argue it’s startling and say they are afraid motorcyclists won’t have time to react if cars change lanes.
Sharma said he got used to lane-sharing and said drivers will too.
“In the state of Oregon, especially where you have that seasonality, it would be great because driver-awareness of motorcycles could be greatly increased,” he said.
Lane-splitting is not allowed on shoulders or bike lanes, and the California DMV warns of the risks.
The Governor’s Motorcycle Safety Committee will be talking about the issue at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Kaiser Town Hall ballroom, 3704 N. Interstate. ODOT will likely do a survey on the issue as well.