CHP Removes Lane-Splitting Guidelines For Motorcyclists
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — The California Highway Patrol has pulled a post on its website outlining guidelines for motorcyclists on the topic of lane-splitting, much to the chagrin of some riders.
Last year the CHP issued tips on lane-splitting—the practice of motorcyclists that pass cars between lanes, usually on the freeway. But two weeks ago the guidelines were removed because CHP Officer Mike Harris, a agency spokesman, told KCBS there was "confusion."
"Some people had interrupted those guidelines as laws or regulations that would be enforced by the department and the guidelines were merely intended as common-sense traffic safety tips," he said.
"I think because it was a printed, published document, I think it gave the perception to certain people that it was a law.
Despite that, the CHP says that riders should never lane-split more than 10 mph faster than slow traffic, never lane-split over 30 mph and to take caution in bad weather.
Harris said that drivers on two wheels and those on four both need to be careful.
"Make sure you look twice for motorcycles before you change lanes. If you're going to split lanes--splitting lanes at 70 mph in stopped traffic is not a smart or safe maneuver," he said.