California Lawmaker Withdraws Lane-Splitting Bill
California Lawmaker Withdraws Bill That Would Have Restricted Lane-Splitting by Motorcyclists
The sponsor of a California Senate bill
that would have restricted the current practice of lane-splitting
by motorcyclists will withdraw the bill from consideration, the
American Motorcyclist Association reports.
Lane-splitting by motorcyclists in California is recognized by the
California Highway Patrol and helps ease traffic flow.
An aide to state Sen. Jim Beall (D-San Jose), who sponsored S.B.
350, confirmed in an email to the AMA Tuesday afternoon that the
bill would be withdrawn, pending the results of a University of
California-Berkeley safety study expected later this year. The
bill, introduced Feb. 20, would have allowed lane-splitting only in
certain instances: on divided highways with three or more lanes of
travel in the same direction, only when traffic is congested and
only at "a safe" speed.
Nick Haris, AMA western states representative, noted that
lane-splitting has been an accepted custom and necessary strategy
to ease traffic congestion in California for years. He noted that
Beall's bill proposed a sudden and significant shift in traffic
management strategies in the state with respect to motorcycles,
which could have had a serious impact on traffic flow.
"We are pleased that Sen. Beall's office is withdrawing the bill,
but we remain watchful of any legislative action on lane-splitting
that could penalize motorcyclists," Haris said. "Lane-splitting has
been done safely in California for decades, so there is really no
need to impose new restrictions, especially given the guidelines
just released by the California Highway Patrol that make no mention
of a three-lane minimum."
According to the California Highway Patrol, lane-splitting occurs
when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of stopped or slower-moving
traffic or moves between lanes to the front of stopped traffic. The
convention is recognized as a benefit to urban traffic flow because
it allows motorcycles to make maximum use of roadways when traffic
is stopped or significantly slowed. The controlled flow of
motorcyclists through stopped traffic also permits more space for
other road users.
"Lane-splitting by motorcyclists, when done correctly, helps
improve traffic flow for everyone on the road," Haris said. "That
helps everybody save time, gas and hassles, and promotes safer
roads by mitigating traffic backups. It's important that we work to
preserve lane-splitting for the benefit of everyone on the
road."
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
Source: American Motorcyclist Association
