Lane Splitting Explained
Lane splitting, as defined by law, is a practice whereby a motorcyclist rides in the same lane as other vehicles, essentially passing two vehicles simultaneously. This is typically done to "split" a gap between two slow-moving vehicles. While many people also use the term to describe stationary situations where a motorcycle moves between vehicles that are stopped or moving very slowly, "lane splitting" has a specific definition in the law whereby traffic moving in the same direction is involved. Lane splitting serves multiple purposes, but it is commonly associated with reducing wait times in traffic or finding parking faster in congested urban areas. Since motorcyclists are more susceptible to the dangers of traffic than other motorists , as they are much more exposed than those in two-to-four passenger vehicles, many motorcyclists choose to lane split to avoid certain dangers, even if it is not recognized by law in many regions. In areas where traffic safety laws do not actually allow for lane splitting, this practice comes with obvious risks. Motorcyclists across the world utilize lane splitting in various forms. In some regions, such as Southern California, repeated studies have been conducted demonstrating that motorcyclists do not face increased risk while engaging in lane splitting behaviors. Lane splitting is allowed in California, and while it is not yet a part of the law in Pennsylvania, there’s a growing push from motorcyclists in the state for law changes to allow for lane splitting.
The Legality of Lane Splitting in Pennsylvania
The legal status of lane splitting (also known as white lining) in Pennsylvania is derived from the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code, Title 75, Subtitle A, Chapter 33, Subchapter As, section 3307. Lane splitting is not specifically mentioned in this section. This section provides:
"…A vehicle or combination of vehicles, except in case of an emergency, shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane. Vehicles or combinations of vehicles shall not be moved from one lane to another lane until the driver has determined that the movement can be made safely…".
By its plain interpretation, you cannot move from your lane to another lane until you have determined that it is safe to do so. The lane splitting maneuver requires you to move into adjacent lanes. The only instance in which you may move across multiple lanes at one time is when you are driving a four lane where there is a designated passing lane such as seen on the Schuylkill Expressway, also known as I-76.
Many states have passed, or are in the process of passing, legislation that allows lane splitting when certain conditions exist. Despite Pennsylvania not having any similar laws, lane splitting is regularly seen by law enforcement throughout the state, especially in the Philadelphia area.
The idea of lane splitting is to be able to safely avoid traffic on the highway. Lane splitting is generally regarded as dangerous because of the potential for being struck by another motorist. It is important to note that when ILT is not used, motorists are less likely to expect a vehicle to travel between lanes of cars. Motorists do sometimes fail to look in their mirrors and do not always expect a motorcycle to travel right next to them. However, requiring motorcyclists to remain in their lane in stop and go traffic, poor weather, and other high risk conditions could result in more accidents.
The Risks of Lane Splitting
Many people have questions regarding the safety of lane splitting for both motorcyclists and other drivers on the road. Most experts agree that greater awareness from all road users is the likely result of lane splitting because of the increased visibility of motorcycles. We also know that most motorcycle accidents usually occur not from the loss of control by the motorcyclist but, rather, the failure of other motorists to give the motorcyclist enough space from their own car or truck.
A recent study found that in California, the website or public education of lane splitting has increased the awareness of both motorcyclists and drivers. In fact, motorcyclists stated that they consider lane splitting safer. In November 2017 Pennsylvania officials released a report on lane splitting, the main takeaway was that "the benefits (of lane splitting) outweigh the risk, though more research is needed." The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) also concluded that current crash data does not provide a clear relationship between lane splitting and motorcycle crashes. Several studies on motorcycle accidents and lane splitting have been conducted in California, which became the first and only state to legalize lane splitting in 2016. Two of these studies indicate that lane splitting may indeed reduce crashes. The results of another lane splitting study in California report that "the risk of injury is lower for motorcyclists when lane splitting than when riding in the right hand lane." Based on these findings, the California Highway Patrol issued safety guidelines for motorcyclists lane splitting.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Legalizing Lane Splitting
From the motorcyclist’s perspective, the biggest advantage to legalizing lane splitting is that they will be able to maneuver through traffic jams, reducing both their commute time and frustration level. They’ll also be able to avoid engine overheating as a result of sitting in slow-moving traffic. In addition, some studies have suggested that lane splitting may even reduce the severity of motorcycle accidents because it forces drivers to pay more attention to their surroundings. Unfortunately, there has been no rigorous scientific or academic study that conclusively proves the favorable outcome.
On the flip side, motorcyclists could make themselves susceptible to accidents if they aren’t careful , particularly if it’s rush hour and other drivers are focused more on the road and the vehicles right in front of them than on their mirrors. The sudden appearance of a motorcycle could catch them off guard and result in a collision. Motorcyclists who split lanes may also find their lane-splitting behavior irritating to other drivers. And from an advocacy standpoint, motorcyclists who want to push for lane splitting need to be careful that it doesn’t come across as a demand for special privileges simply because they are riding a different class of vehicle.
Meanwhile, other drivers often express frustration at how oblivious motorcyclists can be to their surroundings, and fear that by allowing lane splitting, motorcyclists will just make themselves more reckless and therefore more likely to end up injured or to cause an accident.
The Future of Lane Splitting in Pennsylvania
As of now, lane splitting remains illegal in Pennsylvania. But ongoing legislative activity and a vocal community of motorcyclists may soon change the fate of this riding practice in the state. State Rep. Dom Costa (D-Allegheny County) has been perhaps the leading legislator trying to push a pro-lane splitting bill forward. In 2017, he introduced such a bill, but it did not make it out of committee. In the face of this setback, Costa has re-introduced a similar bill for the 2019-2020 term. This time around, he teamed with Rep. Jim Cox (R- Berks County) to sponsor the legislation. Costa told the Los Angeles Times that their proposed bill is modeled after California’s recent lane splitting statute. The last few years have seen more legislative activity centered on lane splitting. A bill introduced in 2015 received a hearing by the House Transportation Committee. There were other bills in 2016 and 2017 that advanced through committees but never passed. At the federal level, a bill was introduced to exempt motorcycles from federal regulations on lane splitting. However, these bills are still only on paper. The fact that bills have advanced this far is telling. Tracing the legislative history on lane splitting, state Rep. John Maher (R-Montgomery County) said, "It’s encouraging that there has been movement on this issue over the last few sessions of the General Assembly." There are pockets of interest in the state. For example, Pennsylvania has a local chapter of ABATE, or American Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education. This motorcyclist rights organization, along with others groups, continues advocating in support of lane splitting. Oftentimes, the issue is around semantics. In some views, lane splitting is a form of motorcycle parking, allowing riders to park in a metered space without paying. Others view it as slaloming and therefore unsafe. A poll gauging opinions on the legality of lane splitting in Pennsylvania at the end of 2017 found that 45 percent of respondents thought it should be banned. Interestingly, 32.3 percent felt it should be legal in this state only if training is required.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices
Lane splitting haunts Pennsylvania lawmakers with its complex legal implications, but is also an opportunity for informed riders across the state. Riders who approach lane splitting with caution and respect for fellow drivers can help start a conversation about why and how lane splitting can make the state’s roadways safer. Lane splitting, or "white lining," is the act of moving between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic on the same lane – this practice is illegal in the vast majority of states. Most traffic accidents occur within a few miles of home and at or near the scene of an accident. Mitigating these accidents by removing motorcyclists from congested roadways and removing lane splitting restrictions are the main points of contention for proponents of lane splitting. The lack of detailed available research on motorcycle crashes makes the decision for pilots looking to change into another lane an uncertain one. New studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on motorcyclist behaviors point to lane splitting as an option in idle traffic. Meanwhile , the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) maintains that there is insufficient data to support lane splitting as a safety practice. In both cases, motorcyclists are stuck waiting for more data while the decision to adopt lane splitting remains up for debate. Motorcyclists are reminded to be cautious when lane splitting as they’d do while any other riding practice. Lane splitting while riding near trucks, buses, and motor homes can be deadly as well as sticking between two cars in a tight lane. Lane splitting is also particularly difficult to maintain while on a road with potholes or while encountering a bump in a road such as a bridge seam. The "wisdom" of lane splitting has been in question since the practice began. Ultimately, whether or not to adopt lane splitting in Pennsylvania will entail a great lawmaking effort. For motorcyclists in the state, it pays to be informed enough to make the right decision.