Washington Votes Forum

Introduced in the Senate on February 12, 2007

Click here to view bill details.

Lane splitting is safe enough for skilled motorcyclists, but this should only pass if the requirement to have a motorcycle endorsement in order to license a motorcycle also passes. There are too many unqualified operators on the road today to let this pass without enforcing the motorcycle endorsement requirement.

I ride a motorcycle, and I VOTE. It should be noted that sharing lanes would only be permitted when traffic is moving slowly. We all know how common rear-end collisions are on our freeways in stop-and-go traffic. If an automobile driver is rear-ended by an inattentive driver, the result is property damage and, occasionally, whiplash injury. If a motorcyclist is rear-ended by that inattentive driver, the result is often DEATH. Enabling lane sharing at such times enables motorcyclists to avoid the very real, very serious danger of being rear-ended. The motorcyclist isn't the problem here. It's the inattentive drivers of automobiles that present the danger. Motorcyclists are doing their part to save fuel and take up less space on the freeways. We all know that motorcycles are designated by the Federal government as High-Occupancy Vehicles. Responsible citizens who ride motorcycles deserve the protection this bill would provide if enacted. And I agree with the comment made above, also. ALL citizens who ride motorcycles need TRAINING to ride safely, and a Motorcycle endorsement on a driver's license should be required before a person could license a motorcycle.

I am strongly in favor of this bill. I wish the language were a little less restrictive, and more like the California law, but I think this bill is well written. I have ridden extensively in California, and in several European countries, where lane sharing is legal and well respected by the driving public. The ability to share lanes and filter to the front of congested traffic is a boon for all drivers. More vehicles can pass the obstructions to traffic, and fewer vehicles are delayed as a result. Motorcycles are generally more fuel efficient than cars, and a moving motorcycle is far more fuel efficient than an idling car or truck. Motorcycles do far less damage to roadways than cars and trucks, and are cheaper to operate. Motorcycles also park more efficiently, which is a real advantage in urban commuting. For these reasons, motorcycles should be encouraged as a socially responsible form of transportation. If we can promote motorcycling with benefits such as lane sharing, and coordinate better rider education and public outreach, great improvements in the commuting situation can be achieved. John Coulter Seattle, WA

I support SB 5985 and HB 2160 to permit motorcycles to ride between slow or stopped lanes of traffic. This can not only ease traffic congestion but can be safer for the motorcyclist, in spite of the reflex response many non-riders may have for these bills. I spent more than a decade as a motorcycle safety instructor in the State of Washington. I have also also struck from behind on my motorcycle while stopped in traffic by a car that 'didn't see me'. Had I been able to pass between the cars up to get clear of the traffic, that accident would not have happened. I have ridden in places where riding between stopped or slow cars is considered common practice. In those places, it accomplishes the goals addressed by these bills, to improve traffic flow and increase the safety of motorcycle riders. This practice also places an increased responsibility on all users of public highways. Riders and drivers all need to be aware of the traffic around them. This is not a blank check for riders to act irresponsibly.

I would like to correct the person with "no name" as the fact that California has neither a law in favor or in opositon to lane splitting. It's a cultural thing I grew up with in the 60's and still exists. Just a thought.

The absence of a law prohibiting an act makes that act legal and imparts the same ramifications as a law in favor of said act. Same the fact that there is not law in favor of or against eating in your car or mowing your lawn or any other of the millions of activities one could do and/or think of to do. As a caveat, I will note however that on page 15 of the California Motorcycle manual, lane splitting is highly discouraged and deemed unsafe.

As a motorcyclist, I strongly support this bill. Both responsible motorcyclists and the other traffic will benefit from legalizing lane splitting, within precise guidelines. Motorcyclists won't endanger the other vehicles' occupants, and they will be far less at risk of being rear-ended by other vehicles. The traffic will benefit from less congestion, while it is reasonable to expect that the use of motorcycles for daily commutes will also increase, hence less congestion and parking problems.

I agree with the poster who also expects increased enforcement of motorcycle licensing/endorsement. I would also add that if all motorcyclists really cared about riding as opposed to "lifestyle", I suspect pro-motorcycle legislation will likely pass easier. In many European countries, where the law and general attitude is rather friendly toward motorcyclists, the law is very categoric in terms of licensing, helmet use, and exhaust mods. Motorcyclists on the other hand are given the option to split lanes, park in special, protected spaces, and offered many other benefits. They are seen as road users, vs. (lifestyle) "outlaw bikers", or recreational road users. Something to consider in campaigning for legalizing lane splitting in the United States.