Lane Splitting Safe

Lane splitting is common in Europe and California and banned pretty much everywhere else. Now California has come out with a study that validates lane splitting.

UC Berkley conducted a study into lane splitting and whether it was safer, less safe, or simply a push. What they found was that when they reviewed all of the accident data lane splitting was no more dangerous than simply riding. With the caveat that when speed increased to more than 10mph above the flow of traffic the accident rate climbed rapidly. Motorcycles were more likely to rear end other vehicles when splitting lanes and during heavy traffic accident rates increased. These stats hold true for all vehicles during those times so hardly an indicator.

The video below shows a rider on a Harley splitting lanes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctmoUnCXboQ

What do you think of lane splitting? There have been other studies that show filtering or lane splitting at traffic stops reduces traffic not just for bikes but also all vehicles. Would you do it if it were legal in your state?

Comment below or in the forums…