Local News Comments

I'm undecided if this is such a good idea. I've been in stopped traffic and had a bike split past me and take part of my side mirror out. Before I could open my door the biker was 20 cars down the road and not stopping. Hit and run.

You can ride a motorcycle in between two 3000lb vehicles with mirrors sticking out and inches to spare with no protection. But don't dare talk on the phone. There is a reason 1 in 1500 registered motorcycles ends in a fatality. I can't believe the nanny states double standards.Even states that don't require helmets don't allow lane splitting. The last freedom you have in this state! Bikers slit those lanes!!! The last California freedom!!!!!

Thank you chp, a lot of drivers think splitting lanes is wrong. I get a lot of "looks" as I split to get to the front at red lights.

Warmer weather brings out more motorcyclists so please watch for them.

I don't have a motorcycle, but thank you for posting this. It's mind boggling how many people drive yet don't know the rules of the road.

Lane splitting actually reduces traffic by allowing the smaller vehicles to keep moving, rather than take up another space in line. It is commonplace in most of Europe, but I think California is the only state that allows it in the US.

This isn't a big issue here in the Motherlode because we don't have much multi-lane traffic jams, and drivers are pretty respectful of each other. In other parts of the state, however, drivers sometimes use their vehicles to actively block motorcycles, which can be quite dangerous if it happens unexpectedly. I'm glad the CHP addressed this issue.

Great information! Maybe repost it in the spring when the motorcycle riders are back on the road.

The common sense rules I have been using for many years. While splitting on a jammed freeway was allowed to prevent air -cooled bikes from overheating, I always thought going to the head of the line at lights was rude. I have had CHP Sac PD recommend splitting at red lights, to avoid being crushed by the distracted driver who fails to stop. Those few "highway vigilantes" who have intentionally tried to block me using their "deadly weapon" have usually been repaid for their ignorant attempts to harm me. I watched a few leave in handcuffs.

I had a ladyfriend die on coronado island by lane splitting. 19 1/2 in the navy and she had six months to go to retirement. She left behind a 14 year old daughter and a 12 year old son. Guy opened a car door on a stalled lane and she smashed right into it. Killing the man who opened it and her also.
I see NO need to be weaving between lanes.
Wait your * turn!
I miss her a lot sometimes.

cheers leaperman621...

All you speed demons on rice rockets (sorry, not PC) SLOW DOWN! Bikes are dangerous and it isn't all the motorists responsibility for your safety.

@leaperman621
Weaving between lanes is illegal and reckless. So is opening your door to block a motorcycle, if done on purpose. It isn't about who's turn it is. Its about reducing traffic by filling all the gaps. If everyone rode motorcycles, traffic jams would be cut in half.

Most of the time, I don't lane split in our area, partially because the lights aren't long enough. The last thing I want to do is find myself between two long lines of cars that are accelerating.

Bert

Fine line..as for the man who opened his door? He had been stalled for a while...in the traffic...
His kids in the car said he needed to get OUT...air..
Ever live in a city in gridlock?
Illegal? do you think he was playing wack the biker?
NO.
Tragedy on both sides.
Stupidity.
Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
By the way.
I Ride.
H
Has since I was six.
I do not LIKE loud, obnoxious bikers..
that think that noise ..stupid behavior equates to COOL.
Donorcycles.

I have been riding a motorcycle for 45 years and I don't lane split to get to the head of the pack because its just too dangerous. It might be legal but thats not gonna make me feel any better when i'm splattered all over someones car or truck. BTW I agree that lane splitting at a red light is just plain rude.