Straddle the line

Straddle the line

by Debbie
(CA)

I recently moved to CA, why do the motorcycles drive in the middle of two lanes and is this legal?

Comments for
Straddle the line

Apr 02, 2008

Recommend against lane splitting
by: Christine

Straddling the line is called "lane splitting," a practice that I DO NOT recommend, unless you are an extremely experienced rider.

Riding between two lanes of traffic poses danger on many levels - primarily, you are counting on the fact that you are visible to the drivers of two vehicles, in a place where they are not routinely watching. You are maneuvering your motorcycle in a relatively "tight" lane, and you need to be able to gauge the width of your bike with great accuracy.

You are also placing yourself at risk for increased hostility from the drivers that you are passing. You, on a two-wheeled vehicle, are playing outside the "rules," and are leaving them behind in the traffic. Why provoke potential road rage?

Lane splitting is illegal in many states.

Just my opinion. I do try to encourage smart and safe riding on this site. Great question - thanks for asking!

Apr 01, 2008

Lane splitting in Cali
by: Quicklimegirl

It's kind of "quasi legal." It's up to the discretion of any LEO and the gist of the law is you have to be considered "safe." In practical terms, if the car traffic is moving at 5-10 mph, you're probably okay to lane-split or lane-share (as it's called there) at about 5-15 mph above the surrounding traffic.

I used to visit my BF in San Jose before he moved up here with me, and I never felt really comfortable doing it, except when traffic was SO backed up I felt it necessary to avoid my bike overheating. I usually went about 10 mph above the traffic speed. Once while getting out of town in a bad backup, I actually followed a line of bikes lane splitting, and the lead rider was a CHP! I knew I'd be okay with that incident. You have to be practical, don't split @ 50mph when the traffic's going 5; and especially, watch out of pissed-off car drivers who don't like the fact you're moving and they're not...some will intentionally move to block you.

If you decide to go ahead and do so, do it with "baby steps."

Take care,

Judy

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