Lane Splitting vs Lane Filtering and deaths

[Grumpy Goat]

I am one who is waiting for lane filtering to be legalized in Texas. Properly done it is safer for motorcyclists.

However, by my understanding there is a difference between lane filtering and lane splitting, and there are misconceptions among both the legislators and ... wait for it ... motorcyclists themselves. The a$$holes out there (and there are *tons* amongst motorcyclists!) make it bad to everyone, as a result it will likely never get passed here. Check out this sobering video.

[runnerhiker]

I don't think this is a good video, no reflection on you, Wayne.  Essentially, they said motorcycle death went up after the law for lane filtering was enacted.  Then they use many inconclusive words to try to connect the two.  Then they admit they don't know if there is any connection between the two.  And they use an emotional example of something that is not lane filtering.

The number of idiots on motorcycles is huge.  I live in CO, I will never lane filter and it would be ok with me if they don't renew the law when it expires.  I really don't know how lane splitting in CA works as well as it does.

Remember, lane filtering is NOT the same as lane splitting.

[Grumpy Goat]

I don't think this is a good video, no reflection on you, Wayne. 
...

Remember, lane filtering is NOT the same as lane splitting.

I know. I agree also. This is a controversial topic at the best of times and if there ever was a place that it would not get enacted it would be Texas. The largest proportion of trucks per capita in the world (maybe) and maybe the same for guns. But then again maybe because of that motorcyclists would do the right thing and filter instead of split.

While the video is only a snapshot, it is nevertheless reflective of how motorcyclists are seen, and I think that deaths would go up initially before it (maybe) settles down to where the benefits outweigh the risks.

[Ray]

I don't think this is a good video, no reflection on you, Wayne.  Essentially, they said motorcycle death went up after the law for lane filtering was enacted.  Then they use many inconclusive words to try to connect the two.  Then they admit they don't know if there is any connection between the two.  And they use an emotional example of something that is not lane filtering.

The number of idiots on motorcycles is huge.  I live in CO, I will never lane filter and it would be ok with me if they don't renew the law when it expires.  I really don't know how lane splitting in CA works as well as it does.

Remember, lane filtering is NOT the same as lane splitting.

Right. If you need a lot of clicks for advertising as a YouTuber/Podcaster, say stupid stuff; make people mad.

A few weeks ago, did several miles of lane splitting with a few commuters riding north out of a nameless city in the northwest, where a lane splitting bill is in the works. The drivers were already on board with the concept. Saved a lot of time and prevented me from overheating on an 85 deg F day surrounded by internal combustion engines.  (The rest of the group included a cruiser, a sport bike, and a naked bike. And yes, everyone played well together.)

It works in LA because the drivers are used to it, and it's necessary to keep riders (if not bikes) from overheating. (Last LA trip was 2023.)

Not sure I posted this previously on this site, but this is the High Side Low Side interview with one of Darrell's Minnesota neighbors on lane splitting history, philosophy, and legislation. 

I should note, Phil Stalboerger was also interviewed on the MOA podcast, 200 Miles Before Breakfast. Pretty sure it's common knowledge that Phil took an intense interest in lane splitting for safety reasons after he and his wife-on-pillion were injured when he was hit from behind while stuck in traffic. The argument is, one may be somewhat safer when lined up between cars.  Slow speeds, flashers, high-vis are all part of package.

https://youtu.be/YzIqM5bOFII

[Oldrider51]

Lane splitting as allowed in California is entirely different than lane filtering laws that are only allowed in 3 states now and ea C h state defines the lane filtering a little differently as to speed and when it can be done. Until these states beat into the heads of the four wheel drivers that this is allowed and to watch out I am afraid that deaths may and will increase.

[Grumpy Goat]

Lane splitting as allowed in California is entirely different than lane filtering laws that are only allowed in 3 states now and ea C h state defines the lane filtering a little differently as to speed and when it can be done. Until these states beat into the heads of the four wheel drivers that this is allowed and to watch out I am afraid that deaths may and will increase.

Exactly. I am all in support of lane filtering when done at slow / stopped speeds, as in heavy traffic or stopped at a light. Not in favour of riding between cars moving at speed.

[Oldrider51]

Lane splitting as allowed in California is entirely different than lane filtering laws that are only allowed in 3 states now and ea C h state defines the lane filtering a little differently as to speed and when it can be done. Until these states beat into the heads of the four wheel drivers that this is allowed and to watch out I am afraid that deaths may and will increase.

Exactly. I am all in support of lane filtering when done at slow / stopped speeds, as in heavy traffic or stopped at a light. Not in favour of riding between cars moving at speed.

Lane splitting can be done with the correct speed with cars moving as in California as I have done this years ago, but it also takes the cooperation of the 4 wheelers around you. This currently can only happen in California. Motorcycles just are not as prevalent in the other states for drivers to be aware and cooperative.

[Liteitup]

Construction workers in Tennessee are not familiar with filtering.

[Grumpy Goat]

Lane splitting can be done with the correct speed with cars moving as in California as I have done this years ago, but it also takes the cooperation of the 4 wheelers around you. This currently can only happen in California. Motorcycles just are not as prevalent in the other states for drivers to be aware and cooperative.

Absolutely it can be done as you said, and for those reasons, but not here. The mentality is not the same, of riders and cagers.

I have personally seen lane splitting effectively done in other countries (Brazil, Greece, to name two where it is done at speed) and the attitude of drivers is different; they appear to have no ill-will towards motorcycles. AAMOF, they give way when possible. Of course, I have seen videos of people riding in the UK and other places in Europe and there appears to be a general respectful attitude towards motorcyclists there as well.

So, not saying it can't be done. It is fine in countries were motorcycles are more prevalent, yes, but also where they are respected as transportation and not weekend playthings. That is what my motorcycle is to me ... the way I was raised and the way I use it to this day, where I ride daily to get to where I need to be to do whatever.

[Grumpy Goat]

Construction workers in Tennessee are not familiar with filtering.

Hehehe ... knowing you there must be a story behind that one ...   We might have to save that for later.

[maxredline]

Can't play the video. It says "This video is private"

[Ray]

Lane splitting at it's best - check out the 90 minute Fortnine video in which our protagonists set the Guinness motorcycle circumnavigation record in 17 days and take a look at how they handle Indian traffic.... Right - not for everyone.

[Motorhead1977]

Lane splitting/filtering where it's common practice and motor bikes are commonly part of the traffic works well. Where it is not the norm it can be a very dangerous proposition. Of course, YMMV.

[Grumpy Goat]

Can't play the video. It says "This video is private"

 Must have changed the status for some reason. It was playable when posted. Oh well ... 

[Ray]

Can't play the video. It says "This video is private"

Works for me....

Not clear what happened. 

I reposted above as both a link and the video. One or both might work. ADDENDUM: Realize you are talking about the initial post and not the Phil Stalboerger interview. Yeah, I think that one was taken down.

The Highside/Lowside boys also recently interviewed Ryan Kluftinger about the round-the-world ride and how Fortnine made the video.  The interview about the 90-minute video took over 2 hours - 30 min more than it took the video to circumnavigate the planet.

[Marcopolo]

je n'arrive pas à lire la vidéo ,mais quand je travaillais je faisais tous les jours le tour du périphérique de Paris . Toujours embouteillé et donc inter file en continue ;la règle principale c'est d'attendre un tarmo (autre moto qui roule vite) le laisser passer et suivre le rythme,mais surtout ne pas perdre contact  .les automobiliste en voyant passer le motard sont plus attentifs . Mais le mieux c'est de rouler en quatrième position  ou cinquième  . ça été interdit puis autorisé  maintenant je ne sais plus mais la vitesse est réglementé avec pas mal de radar mais nous savons ou ils sont . Jamais je ne ferais de la moto pour rester derrière  une auto mal réglée pour respirer son échappement .


I can't read the video, but when I worked I was going around the Paris ring road every day. Always bottled and therefore inter line continuously; the main rule is to wait for a tarmo (another motorcycle that drives fast) let it pass and follow the rhythm, but especially not to lose contact .the motorists seeing the biker pass are more attentive. But the best is to ride in fourth or fifth position. it was banned and allowed now I don't know anymore but the speed is regulated with a lot of radar but we know where they are. I would never ride a motorcycle to stay behind a poorly regulated car to breathe in its escapement.

[maxredline]

Here in the land of fortnine both splitting and filtering is illegal. Cagers get right pissed when you go to the front of the line on a traffic stop or filter never mind split traffic. When I was still working I would use the hwy shoulder regularly to filter and only caught a screw in the tire once. I've had cagers honk, through stuff and acutally got bumped by a truck once. Yes on purpose. Oh I wish I had my green avenger squirt gun loaded with brake fluid at the time but probably good I didn't. Cagers can be savage ragers.

[Motorhead1977]

"Cagers can be savage ragers." Bad behavior by drivers isn't unique to automobile drivers. In my 55 years of auto/truck (heavy trucks) driving and MC riding I've seen a good bit of outrageous behavior by bikers too. Patience and tolerance has mostly disappeared from our "1st World" society. So very sad.

[Ray]

Here in the land of fortnine both splitting and filtering is illegal. Cagers get right pissed when you go to the front of the line on a traffic stop or filter never mind split traffic. When I was still working I would use the hwy shoulder regularly to filter and only caught a screw in the tire once. I've had cagers honk, through stuff and acutally got bumped by a truck once. Yes on purpose. Oh I wish I had my green avenger squirt gun loaded with  brake fluid at the time but probably good I didn't. Cagers can be savage ragers.

Wait. What? I thought rage in general was illegal in the Great White North.... Must be you've let too many of those hot headed southerners in....

On the other hand - you might be right.  "Cagers can be savage ragers." Maybe it's the universal frustration of being stuck inside a car while you're out there enjoying the view and freedom (and mobility) they've given up for a little heat and air conditioning.  (Or the name of one of the old Minneapolis bike shop-cafes - "Cars-R- Coffins.")

[Grumpy Goat]

"Cagers can be savage ragers." Bad behavior by drivers isn't unique to automobile drivers. In my 55 years of auto/truck (heavy trucks) driving and MC riding I've seen a good bit of outrageous behavior by bikers too. ...

Absolutely. I can honestly say that from what I see, a large portion of motorcyclists are total a$$holes on the road and make me very annoyed even while riding my motorcycle and moreso when in my 4-wheeled vehicle. I do clearly have the perspective of a motorcycle rider having ridden for 50 years in my old country as well as here in the US (never had a bike while I was in Canada). 

Much of their dumb actions have nothing to do with safety and/or defensive riding, but with immature bravado and sense of invincibility. And as I get older, loud motorcycles irritate me more and more, and that includes their sound system and POS music ....

BUT, most of the bad behaviour does come from automobile and truck drivers, and that largely is due to there being more of them on the road. Similarly, they also have a sense of invincibility when it comes to the smaller and more vulnerable motorcycles who they feel they can bully around.

Perhaps the problem boils down to testosterone, ignorance and lack of empathy ...