Motorcycles are small, and considerably unprotected compared to the larger vehicles around them. When a motorcycle is stuck in traffic with other cars and trucks, they are subject to the same distracted drivers as other vehicles, however in a much more life threatening manner. A car driver, that is hit from behind, can suffer minor injuries, where a motorcycle rider can be seriously injured or even killed in the same type of collision. Not to mention the noxious fumes riders breathe in stop and go traffic.

Legalizing lane splitting, or lane filtering, such as California has done, while not 100% fool proof. Essentially removes motorcycles from the equation of traffic. A motorcycle can move between the larger vehicles easy enough to keep out of the way of the greater traffic congestion. And while it is still dangerous, it puts a greater control of safety, back into the riders hands in 2 ways.

1: Motorcycles are much less likely to get hit from behind when filtering between two cars, and advancing ahead of the potential accident before it happens.

2: The legalization of motorcycle lane splitting, or lane filtering, will create more awareness among car drivers that motorcycles are a part of driving. Motorcycles can be anywhere around their vehicle at anytime, and thus a couple of extra seconds to double and triple check could become a life saving habit.

From a personal perspective; I lived out in Los Angeles for 15 years. By following some simple rules for motorcycles, I never felt I was in danger or riding beyond my abilities.

The rules:

1: Only lane split/filter if traffic is moving between 0-40 mph.

2: Travel no faster than 10 mph over the speed of traffic.

3: Once traffic reaches 40 mph, you filter back into the flow with the other vehicles.

As for the car drivers. The legalization of motorcycle lane splitting/filtering would create a larger fine for interfering with motorcycles by blocking, impeding, or harassing motorcyclists while filtering. A side hit from a larger vehicle, while filtering, would be the responsibility of the driver of the larger vehicle, unless the motorcyclist is found to be impaired while riding, or there is an equipment failure of the motorcycle.

While motorcycles are dangerous, it has been my experience that most motorcycle riders are much more responsible drivers. We have to be. We cannot afford to be distracted by radios, cellphones, passengers, etc. No one wants to get into an accident, but for a motorcycle rider the consequences are much more severe. By legalizing motorcycle lane splitting/filtering a motorcyclist can take back a little more control over their own safety, rather than rely on the attention of distracted drivers.