Joined
·
69 Posts
Ladies and gentlemen,
I live near the NYC area. Motorcycle lane splitting is illegal in both New York and New Jersey similarly to most of other states. I understand the very reason behind it. It's Seems dangerous, but is it really? Understandably, different riders vary in riding style (therefore, results may vary) For simplicity's sake, let's explore the advantages and disadvantages of lane splitting.
Reckless Riders (Con)
These people usually have a hard time understanding the difference between track and street riding (possibly due to the lack of common sense). If lane splitting was to become legal, these bad boys would likely cause more harm than good. Lane splitting dangerously close to other vehicles at unbelievable speeds. Not to mention likely cutting off other drivers on the road by quickly switching between lanes in order to find an opening.
Angry Drivers (Con)
Personally happened to a buddy of mine when we were riding in Upstate NY. We were stuck in unbelievable traffic going in the wrong direction and the only way to make a U turn was to continue about a mile down. Frustrated, we decided to take the shoulder at 5-10 MPH and take the left onto a U turn. One of the drivers pissed about traffic decided to not only cut us off but he began to ram my friend off the road. I went into rage. Pulled my bike over and began helping my friend out. Two cruiser riders lane splitting stopped to help us control this maniac. Eventually we got passed. So there is a problem of angry bastards running us off the road.
Congestion of Area (Con)
It is understandable that lane splitting would simply be terrifying in places like Manhattan. People drive however they wish, and due to the shear volume of the cars driving on the roads of Manhattan, Police has a hard time controlling everyone's move.
Congestion Reduction (Pro)
By lane splitting, we take the motorcycle out of traffic congestion which helps reduce traffic. A study has been published in Australia which states that if 10% of car drivers were to switch over to commuting by motorcycle, congestion could be reduced up to 40%. If a source is what you want, I'll post it.
Increased Safety of Riders (Pro)
According to the study mentioned above, the factor responsible for accidents involving motorcycles in traffic is rear ending. Many bikes get rear ended in traffic due to drivers being on phones or doing make up trying to pass the time.
Lane Splitting Laws (Pro)
Most of those issues could be avoided by setting specific standards in which lane splitting is allowed. Speed limit could be set for lane splitting. If traffic is at a stand still, 10 MPH could a be a reasonable speed to lane split at since it gives enough reaction time for possible sudden obstructions. In order to avoid motorcycles crashing into one another, the law could state that a rider must enter the lane get to the other side of it and then safely enter the lane splitting zone after checking for fellow riders. Also, if traffic moves at a slow speed of up to 10 MPH on a highway per say, a rider could be allowed to lane split only if two cars on both lanes are parallel to one another avoiding possible collinsions when cars are switching lanes.
If a petition was started, could it be possible to make lane splitting legal in most states in the US? What's your opinion?
I live near the NYC area. Motorcycle lane splitting is illegal in both New York and New Jersey similarly to most of other states. I understand the very reason behind it. It's Seems dangerous, but is it really? Understandably, different riders vary in riding style (therefore, results may vary) For simplicity's sake, let's explore the advantages and disadvantages of lane splitting.
Reckless Riders (Con)
These people usually have a hard time understanding the difference between track and street riding (possibly due to the lack of common sense). If lane splitting was to become legal, these bad boys would likely cause more harm than good. Lane splitting dangerously close to other vehicles at unbelievable speeds. Not to mention likely cutting off other drivers on the road by quickly switching between lanes in order to find an opening.
Angry Drivers (Con)
Personally happened to a buddy of mine when we were riding in Upstate NY. We were stuck in unbelievable traffic going in the wrong direction and the only way to make a U turn was to continue about a mile down. Frustrated, we decided to take the shoulder at 5-10 MPH and take the left onto a U turn. One of the drivers pissed about traffic decided to not only cut us off but he began to ram my friend off the road. I went into rage. Pulled my bike over and began helping my friend out. Two cruiser riders lane splitting stopped to help us control this maniac. Eventually we got passed. So there is a problem of angry bastards running us off the road.
Congestion of Area (Con)
It is understandable that lane splitting would simply be terrifying in places like Manhattan. People drive however they wish, and due to the shear volume of the cars driving on the roads of Manhattan, Police has a hard time controlling everyone's move.
Congestion Reduction (Pro)
By lane splitting, we take the motorcycle out of traffic congestion which helps reduce traffic. A study has been published in Australia which states that if 10% of car drivers were to switch over to commuting by motorcycle, congestion could be reduced up to 40%. If a source is what you want, I'll post it.
Increased Safety of Riders (Pro)
According to the study mentioned above, the factor responsible for accidents involving motorcycles in traffic is rear ending. Many bikes get rear ended in traffic due to drivers being on phones or doing make up trying to pass the time.
Lane Splitting Laws (Pro)
Most of those issues could be avoided by setting specific standards in which lane splitting is allowed. Speed limit could be set for lane splitting. If traffic is at a stand still, 10 MPH could a be a reasonable speed to lane split at since it gives enough reaction time for possible sudden obstructions. In order to avoid motorcycles crashing into one another, the law could state that a rider must enter the lane get to the other side of it and then safely enter the lane splitting zone after checking for fellow riders. Also, if traffic moves at a slow speed of up to 10 MPH on a highway per say, a rider could be allowed to lane split only if two cars on both lanes are parallel to one another avoiding possible collinsions when cars are switching lanes.
If a petition was started, could it be possible to make lane splitting legal in most states in the US? What's your opinion?