Tuesday, February 1, 2005
A Lane Splitting Primer
I don't consider myself an expert, but freely admit to having significant experience in the skill of lane splitting - specifically, in Southern California lane splitting. In California, it's legal for motorcycles to ride between lanes of traffic, but in many parts of the U.S., lane splitting is not allowed.
Lane splitting in Southern California is not easy. Traffic in general is horrendous. Drivers are pre-occupied with cell phones, car stereos, and blaring kids. To improve overall traffic flow, an extra lane has been added to many freeways by relining existing lanes and shoulders. This results in lanes that are quite skinny, reducing the space that motorcyclists can use for lane splitting. A lot of freeway traffic consists of large trucks and SUVs that occupy almost all of the lane from side-to-side. During rush-hour, its not uncommon to find big rigs in the number two lane.
In this environment, you must ask the question: can lane splitting be done safely. The answer is: usually, but only if you have the proper skills, patience, and knowledge to make it work.
Lane splitting requires two skill sets: a) intimate knowledge of your bikes handling, braking, and acceleration; and b) the unconscience knowledge of the overall traffic situation around you.
Lane splitting must be done only in carpool lanes; if the freeway doesn't have carpool lanes, then only between lanes 1 and 2.
Carpool lanes are preferred. The best lane splitting situation is the carpool lane on the I-10 between East Los Angeles and El Monte. The carpool lane itself is separated from the main traffic lanes by a six-foot wide buffer lane, reducing the chances of an incursion, and there are only a couple of entry points in each direction. In addition, there's a solid white line that marks off a three-foot section on the right side of the carpool lane. It's almost like a separate motorcycle lane, and it gets well used by commuting cyclists.
Most other carpool lanes are separated from the main traffic lanes by only a set of double yellow lines. Cars are allowed to enter and leave the carpool lane only at merge points, which occur every one to three miles.
Rules:
- Only in carpool lanes; if no carpool lane, only between lanes 1 and 2.
- Never more than 10-15 mph over the speed of the slowest lane involved.
- Do not signal lane changes that consist only of moving from one side of the lane divider to the other side.
- Watch for faster cyclists behind you, and move to the left side of the left lane to let them pass.