In the past two weeks, I've witnessed a tragic toll on our roads: 12 motorcycle accidents and, heartbreakingly, three fatalities, all occurring at intersections. These intersections represent critical danger zones for motorcyclists, and the current laws in New York State are inadequate in providing the necessary safety measures.

In contrast, California's law permitting lane splitting or filtering—where motorcyclists can navigate between traffic lanes during congestion—has shown promising results in reducing accidents at such high-risk areas. By enabling motorcyclists to position themselves at the front of traffic signals, lane splitting diminishes the likelihood of rear-end collisions, which are prevalent while stationary at intersections.

A study by the University of California Berkeley found that lane splitting, at speeds up to 50 mph, with a maximum speed differential of 15 mph, significantly decreases the chances of being struck from behind, reducing serious injury incidents by as much as 16%. Furthermore, this practice also facilitates traffic flow, decreases congestion, and even reduces greenhouse gas emissions by shortening idle times.

New York State has a chance to transform its roads into a safer environment by adopting a proactive and proven approach. Such a legal change would reflect a deep understanding of traffic dynamics and would align the state with others that prioritize both safety and traffic efficiency.

Let us urge New York State lawmakers to reevaluate and amend their stance on lane splitting to match California's policy. Enhancing motorcyclist safety should be of utmost priority, and this change is a significant step forward in reducing fatalities and injuries.

Sign this petition to support safer roads for all New Yorkers, and to urge lawmakers to make this crucial change.