As an active member of Ontario's vibrant motorcycling community, I have witnessed the dangers and risks our riders face on the roads. A significant issue is the alarming number of rear-end collisions involving motorcycles and distracted drivers. It's high time we address this concern and demand changes for the sense of safety and life quality of motorcyclists.

Lane filtering, the practice of motorcycles moving between vehicles in stationary or slow-moving traffic, has been shown to reduce rear-end collisions. Initial studies in countries that have legalized lane filtering, like France and Australia, indicate a reduction in motorcycle accidents by up to 41% (Source: French Motorcyclists' Federation, 2015). A study conducted by the University of California Berkeley showed that lane filtering can reduce the risk of rear-end collisions for motorcyclists by 30% (Source: Berkeley RSF https://news.berkeley.edu/2015/05/29/motorcycle-lanesplitting-report/ ). This same study also found that motorcyclists engaged in lane filtering were significantly less likely to suffer head injury (9% vs 17%), torso injury (19% vs 29%), or fatal injury (1.2% vs 3%) than riders not filtering. In addition, a comprehensive report from Australia's Victoria Transport Policy Institute found that legalized lane filtering led to a significant decrease in traffic congestion (Source: Victoria TPI).

In Ontario, there is no clear legislation regarding lane filtering, leaving the motorcycling community in a vulnerable position. The ambiguity of our laws leave riders unprotected and, often, unfairly penalized. Considering these findings, it is crucial that we petition for the legalization and protection of lane filtering in Ontario, thereby ensuring safer roads for motorcyclists. This action will prevent unnecessary accidents, decrease traffic congestion, and enhance the overall safety for all road users.

Legalizing and protecting lane filtering will provide more safety for Ontario's motorcyclist community and enhance the flow of traffic overall. It is a measure backed by evidence, and it's high time we brought that to our roads. It's personal, it's paramount, and it's a measure that motorcycle enthusiasts like myself are determined to see reflected in our legislation. Please, sign this petition and help protect motorcyclists from unnecessary dangers while promoting efficient transportation in Ontario. Stand with us, and let's make our roads safer for those who choose two wheels over four.