Riding a motorcycle in Wisconsin, I've often found myself stuck in heavy traffic, exposed to sweltering heat or the anger of impatient drivers, with no way to maneuver out of harm's way. It's not just an inconvenience; it's a safety issue. When motorcycles are forced to sit in congested traffic, the risk of rear-end collisions increases, often with serious consequences for the rider. That's why I'm advocating for the legalization of lane splitting and lane filtering in Wisconsin.

Lane splitting and lane filtering allow motorcyclists to safely navigate through slow-moving or stopped traffic, reducing the risk of collisions and making roads safer for everyone. Numerous studies from other states and countries where these practices are legal show significant safety benefits. According to a study conducted by the University of California Berkeley, lane splitting reduces the risk of a motorcyclist being rear-ended by other vehicles by a significant margin.

Until recently, California has been the only state in the U.S. where lane splitting was explicitly legal. However, several other states have been considering similar legislation due to its proven benefits. For example, Utah, Colorado, Montana, Arizona, and Minnesota have recently implemented a law allowing lane filtering with very positive results, leading to fewer accidents involving motorcyclists. In fact, most of the world currently allows this practice and have been reaping the benefits for years.

Implementing lane splitting and filtering laws in Wisconsin would not only improve safety but also help ease traffic congestion and reduce emissions by allowing motorcycles to move more freely. It can lead to improved traffic flow and make commuting less stressful for everyone on the road. We can look at guidelines set by places like California to ensure that these practices are carried out safely and responsibly.

Wisconsin is a home to truly American motorcycle manufacturers such as Harley Davidson and Indian, and we should not only join, but lead this initiative amongst our nation’s states.

I urge the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and state legislators to consider the benefits and support the proposal to legalize lane splitting and lane filtering. This change is not just about convenience for motorcyclists like me; it's about creating a safer and more efficient traffic environment for all road users.

Please sign this petition to help make Wisconsin a safer place for motorcyclists and all travelers on our roads.