Lane splitting

[jsriley]

New rider here and just wondering if this is legal in PA. I was stuck in traffic on my 696 and it got hot. I wanted to split the lane to beat the traffic, but there was a cop on the side and didn't want a ticket.

Does anyone know that law regarding this?

[jsriley]

I just answered my own question. I seems that only state that this is legal in is CA. That sucks.

[spike_africa]

Yeah I know what you mean. I sit in traffic when there is an accident some times, and just think why is it legal in CA yet I'm stuck sitting here when I could easily cruise down to my exit. Can't say I haven't done it a few times.

[morningstar919]

I too would be interested in some Philly centric feedback/etiquette on the lanesplitting issue. I spent 45 min on the Schuylkill on sunday at a speed which wouldn't register on my speedometer. In the time I spent developing a Schwarzennegarian hand grip and pawing off every 5 feet, I saw three packs of bikes roar up the shoulder making me feel like a sap. While I can't say I wasn't tempted to follow, I couldn't bring myself to do it since I didn't need to jump only an exit, I had to go the entire length. Clearly the law is no lane split, but it would seem local etiquette is otherwise. Any feedback out there on Philly etiquette / experiences with the local PD? Caught in the same situation again, I can't say I'd do the same, walking the Schuylkill once is enouth to last a lifetime.

[vtwinryder]

Originally Posted by spike_africa

Yeah I know what you mean. I sit in traffic when there is an accident some times, and just think why is it legal in CA yet I'm stuck sitting here when I could easily cruise down to my exit. Can't say I haven't done it a few times.

Lane splitting in CA was legalized to help facilitate the CHP to get through traffic. Also, motorcycles can ride in the carpool (diamond) lanes which also helps get through traffic quicker.

[lardawge]

Thought I would add this since I see this topic brought up a bunch and live in Los Angeles. I can actually say I would not ride anywhere near LA if citations were handed out for lane sharing. People drive like idiots in the city and I actually feel safer moving between cars. If done in a safe and cautious manner it can save your life.

http://www.laneshare.org/ca.htm

[philb]

Originally Posted by lardawge

Thought I would add this since I see this topic brought up a bunch and live in Los Angeles. I can actually say I would not ride anywhere near LA if citations were handed out for lane sharing. People drive like idiots in the city and I actually feel safer moving between cars. If done in a safe and cautious manner it can save your life.

http://www.laneshare.org/ca.htm

+1. Exactly.

PhilB

[MonsterHooligan]

FYI- riding on the right shoulder is illegal in CA too,
lanesplitting is to the left of the car being passed...

in Italy you can lanesplit between oncoming traffic.
and both cars will move over to give you space (instead of purposely closing it like some people do here)

[philb]

Originally Posted by MonsterHooligan

FYI- riding on the right shoulder is illegal in CA too,
lanesplitting is to the left of the car being passed...

in Italy you can lanesplit between oncoming traffic.
and both cars will move over to give you space (instead of purposely closing it like some people do here)

You may laneshare to the right of the car being passed, as long as you are in the lane and not on the shoulder. Indeed, you most often will be to the right of the car being passed if you are lanesharing on a multiple lane road, between lanes 1 and 2 as generally advised; you will more often be in lane 1 on the right of the cars also in your lane, and sometimes in lane 2 on the left of the cars also in that lane with you.

Even if people are being cooperative and I'm in a country where it is legal and accepted, I would still not be inclined to split on the left of lane 1, between that and the oncoming cars. Sure they might be OK with that, but still if anyone makes a mistake, that's a head-on collision instead of a sideswipe in the same direction. Even though I'm very good at lanesharing, and have done over 40K miles of it, I'll leave that one to others more daring than I.

PhilB

[Nubeaddict]

Not legal where I am (other side of world to u guys). Accidentally did it Yesterday and saw a cop car as went forward between 2 other cars. They moved forward 1 meter but were stuck and I kept going and tried no to notice them. Sirens didn't come on so expect all good. Phew. I lane split every morning to work in city. If not would have to wake up earlier. 20000 km over last yr and no ticket yet