Calif. Motorcycle Lane-Splitting Bill Tabled

Despite approval from the California Assembly, a state bill formally legalizing motorcycle lane splitting has been tabled for the year, the Sacramento Bee reported.

The bill, facing a July 17 deadline to pass its first California Senate policy committee, has failed to gain solid support from motorcycle groups. They object to the bill’s restrictions on a motorcycle’s speed while splitting lanes – no more than 50 mph and no more than 15 mph faster than the surrounding flow of traffic.

Moreover, many car and truck drivers object to motorcycle lane splitting in general, arguing that the practice is dangerous. But supporters of lane splitting nationwide point to research suggesting that the practice can help reduce crash frequency and injury severity among motorcyclists.

California law currently doesn’t address motorcycle lane splitting; it’s neither expressly permitted nor prohibited. But the practice is commonly seen on streets and freeways in the state.

The state Assembly passed the lane-splitting bill on May 28.

Assemblyman Bill Quirk (D-Hayward), through a representative, informed the Sacramento Bee he will continue to work with stakeholders and revive the legislation in 2016.

_________________________________________________________________________

Related: Video: Calif. Considers Motorcycle Lane-Splitting Bill

_________________________________________________________________________