http://cencalbiker.com/Abate-update-0113.html
Bikers love it. Car drivers hate it.
Regardless of your position, there will now be less hair-splitting over lane splitting, also known as lane sharing. The California Highway Patrol recently released guidelines to define safe lane splitting, which allows motorcyclists to pass slowed or stopped vehicles under certain conditions.
Prior to the release of the guidelines, the practice of lane splitting was at best vaguely defined in the state’s vehicle code. Few other states even allow it, and the new guidelines, which can be viewed online at chp.ca.gov/programs/lanesplitguide; more clearly elaborates the CHP’s dos and don’ts on lane splitting.
ABATE is very pleased to see the CHP take this step. The new guidelines discourage lane splitting when traffic is moving 30 mph or faster or moving through stalled traffic at high speeds. Motorcyclists are now encouraged to limit their speed to no more than 10 mph faster than surrounding traffic. The new rules apply to auto and truck drivers as well.
The guidelines remind them that it is illegal to block a lane splitting motorcycle in a way that could cause harm to the rider and warns them not to “take the law into their own hands,” and attempting to discourage motorcyclists from lane splitting. Most automobile operators don’t realize that motorcycles are not designed to idle for long periods of time and can overheat, especially in the heat of summer.
I think if you asked most bikers they would agree with the new guidelines, and generally agree with the “safe and prudent” recommendations. A good rule of thumb also is to not split lanes unless traffic is completely stopped. You never know when a car is going to make a sudden lane change ahead of you, leaving little or no time to react. For more information on lane splitting, visit www.abate.org.
