I moved to California from the east coast a little over 11 years ago. During my first trip driving on the highway from the airport, a motorcycle zipped between myself and another car. I thought, “that’s crazy! This has to be illegal!” Well, it’s not illegal in California, but it’s illegal in every other state.
This was my first experience with “lane splitting.”
Also known as lane sharing or white-lining, this is a legal maneuver for bikers in California if done in a safe manner. Lane sharing allows motorcycle riders to drive between two lanes and pass cars in slower traffic on each side.
Motorcycle Lane Sharing Safety Guidelines
The CHP issued general safety guidelines to bikers when lane sharing to help avoid motorcycle accidents and injury. While most of these are common sense and staying within the bounds of traffic laws, it never hurts to stay brushed up on safety to keep your ride safe. The guidelines are:
1. Don’t travel more than 10 mph faster than traffic you’re passing. As your speed increases, you have less time to react to drivers changing lanes.
2. Don’t share lanes when traffic is going more than 30 mph. The chances of a bike crash increase with your speed.
3. It is safest to split lanes #1 and #2. The #1 lane is the farthest lane to the left excluding the carpool lane.
4. Make sure to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. This includes the size of the lanes, vehicles, road conditions, and weather.
5. Drive defensively. Try to anticipate what other drivers will do and be prepared for their movement to be able to avoid them safely.
6. Don’t share lanes until you’ve become an experienced motorcycle rider.
7. If you lane split in a dangerous manner, you can still be ticketed for an unsafe maneuver.
8. It is illegal to lane share between trucks, buses, RV’s and other wide vehicles; around or through curves, and if traffic is moving too fast.
Although lane splitting is legal in California, it is the cause of many serious bike crashes due to drivers not checking or seeing motorcycles coming. It’s extremely important to be alert and aware when riding your bike, especially when sharing lanes.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents
Unlike other autos, bike riders are exposed to different dangers and accident causes. They must always be on a higher alert because of these dangers. Here are some of the main causes of motorcycle accidents:
• Left turn by a car or truck in front of an oncoming rider at an intersection
• A car changes lanes unexpectedly
• Lane splitting by the biker
• Opening of a car door without looking
• Speeding
• Road hazards, including road and weather conditions
• Riding while tired
• Riding while intoxicated
• Car drivers failure to check for oncoming biker
California motorcycle crash attorney
If you were injured in a bike accident while lane splitting, a California bike crash lawyer may be able to help you recover damages for your injuries. Your passengers have rights in California too. This includes fixing your bike, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We will go over your case with you at no cost and help determine your options. Our advice is free and friendly and we will give you an honest assessment of your case.
