To: The Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

We, the undersigned residents and motorcyclists of British Columbia, respectfully urge the Government of British Columbia to legalize lane filtering for motorcycles and to permit motorcycles to use bus-only lanes, especially during peak traffic hours.

These measures are proven to enhance road safety, reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and generate additional revenue for ICBC and the province. Numerous international jurisdictions have successfully implemented similar policies, and British Columbia now has an opportunity to lead the way in Canada by adopting smart, safe, and sustainable transportation solutions.

What is Lane Filtering?

Lane filtering is the practice where motorcyclists move between lanes of slow-moving or stationary vehicles, typically at traffic signals or in congestion, at low speeds (e.g. under 30 km/h). This is distinct from lane splitting, which involves riding between moving traffic at higher speeds — something we are not advocating for.

Lane filtering has been proven to reduce rear-end collisions, improve traffic flow, and increase rider safety when done in a regulated manner.

Why It Matters

1. Improve Road Safety

Motorcyclists make up just 4% of road users in BC, yet they account for approximately 14% of all traffic fatalities (Source: https://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/newsroom/2025-05-09-motorcycles and https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/birth-adoption-death-marriage-and-divorce/deaths/coroners-service/statistical/motorcyclist_deaths_2012-2021.pdf, according to ICBC statistics. One of the most common types of motorcycle accidents is the rear-end collision — often occurring when motorcycles are stationary in traffic.

Lane filtering allows motorcyclists to move between lanes and reach the front of traffic queues at intersections, reducing their exposure to these types of crashes. This is similar to how many cities have implemented green bike boxes at intersections for cyclists — creating space ahead of traffic to increase visibility and safety. Lane filtering would offer motorcyclists the same safety benefit.

2. Reduce Traffic Congestion for All

Motorcycles occupy significantly less road space than cars. Allowing them to filter through stopped or slow traffic and to use bus lanes during congestion frees up space in regular lanes, improving flow for everyone — including car drivers and buses.

In California, where lane filtering is legal, studies show it helps reduce commute times and traffic density during peak hours. The Australian Motorcycle Council found that increased motorcycle use, combined with filtering, could reduce total congestion by up to 15%.

3. Environmental and Economic Benefits

Motorcycles are more fuel-efficient and emit less CO₂ per kilometer than cars. However, when stuck in traffic, their emissions rise due to extended idling. Allowing filtering reduces idle time, improving fuel efficiency and air quality.

From an economic perspective:

• Many BC riders only use motorcycles during the dry season (April–October), due to the province's frequent rain.
• As a result, most riders retain both car and motorcycle insurance year-round, contributing more premium revenue to ICBC and the provincial government.
• More motorcycles on the road could encourage a modal shift away from single-occupancy vehicles, leading to lower infrastructure strain and less road wear.

4. Encourage Motorcycle Adoption

Studies from motorcycle advocacy groups and traffic experts have shown that clear, supportive policies — like lane filtering — encourage more people to consider motorcycles for commuting. This shift can reduce pressure on road networks, emissions, and parking demand.

As motorcycles become a more practical choice, this could also spur growth in the motorcycle industry, leading to economic activity, employment, and greater provincial revenues through licensing, sales taxes, and insurance.

5. Reduce Strain on Law Enforcement

Currently, many motorcyclists attempt to bypass congestion through shoulder riding or unsafe weaving, especially during high-traffic times. These actions, while often done out of self-preservation, are technically illegal and dangerous.

By legalizing and regulating lane filtering, police resources can be better focused on higher-risk infractions such as reckless driving, impaired driving, and speeding, which contribute more significantly to traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

6. Proven Success in Other Jurisdictions

Many developed jurisdictions have legalized lane filtering or allowed motorcycles to use designated lanes:

• California (USA): Lane filtering is legal and widely practiced; studies show fewer rear-end motorcycle crashes and improved traffic flow.
• New South Wales & Victoria (Australia): Legal  with 15% fewer motorcycle injuries reported.
• France: After legalizing lane filtering , the country saw a 10% drop in motorcycle-related fatalities.
• London (UK): Motorcycles are permitted in bus-only lanes, improving safety and reducing congestion.

These examples demonstrate that, when implemented with proper regulation and public education, these policies work well.

7. Strong Public Support

British Columbia is home to over 100,000 registered motorcycles, and that number continues to grow. A 2020 survey by the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council (MMIC) found that:

• 65% of motorcyclists in BC support lane filtering.
• The vast majority believe it would increase safety, reduce travel time, and encourage more motorcyclists to ride responsibly.

Organizations such as the BC Coalition of Motorcyclists (BCCOM) and the Canadian Motorcycle Association have long advocated for modern, evidence-based policies to support rider safety and mobility.

What We Are Asking For

We respectfully request the Province of British Columbia to:

1. Legalize lane filtering for motorcycles under the following conditions:
   
   1. Filtering allowed only when traffic is stopped or moving under 30 km/h.
   2. Filtering permitted only between the leftmost lanes on multi-lane roads.
   3. Motorcycles must not exceed traffic speed by more than 10 km/h while filtering.
2. Allow motorcycles to use bus-only lanes, especially during rush hours or when traffic is significantly congested.
3. Launch a public education campaign to inform all road users — including motorcyclists and drivers — on the rules, benefits, and safety practices around lane filtering and shared bus-lane use.

Conclusion

Legalizing lane filtering and granting motorcycles access to bus-only lanes will bring tangible safety, environmental, economic, and traffic management benefits to British Columbia.

It is a low-cost, high-impact, and globally proven solution that aligns with BC’s goals around climate action, public safety, and transportation modernization. By making these changes, BC can become a national leader in smart mobility and motorcycle safety.

We urge you to take action.

Annotated Source List – September 2025

✅ Backed by Public Research
Motorcyclist Fatality Risk in B.C.

1. ICBC reports that motorcyclists are only ~3% of insured vehicles but consistently represent 10–13% of road fatalities.
   Sources: ICBC Traffic Collision Statistics, BC Coroners Service (2012-2021).
   California Lane-Splitting Study
2. UC Berkeley / California OTS study (Rice et al., 2015) found lane-splitting riders were significantly less likely to suffer head, torso injuries or die when done at ≤50 mph and ≤15 mph faster than traffic.
   Source: Motorcycle Lane-Splitting and Safety in California, OTS, 2015.
   Australian Experience
3. Transport for NSW trial found lane filtering at low speed improved traffic flow, reduced rear-end collisions, and had no measurable increase in crashes.
   Source: NSW Government – Motorcycle Lane Filtering Trial Report (2023).
   Congestion Reduction Potential
4. Australian Motorcycle Council notes motorcycles use less road space and filtering “improves traffic flow and reduces congestion.”
   Source: AMC – Lane Filtering Benefits page.
   Motorcycles in Bus Lanes – UK
5. Transport for London allows motorcycles in most bus lanes; UK DfT consultation supports wider access nationally.
   Sources: TfL “Buses and Motorcycles” policy page, UK DfT 2022 consultation outcome.