Sharing the road: Lane-splitting could soon be legal for motorcyclists

Two motorcyclists drive in the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane, also called the diamond or commuter lane, on the 118 or Ronald Reagan Freeway on February 3, 2005 near Simi Valley, California.

Motorcycle lane-splitting could soon be legal, making California the first state in the U.S. to formally legalize it.

Motorcycle lane-splitting could soon be legal, making California the first state in the U.S. to formally legalize it. The state Assembly is expected to approve the legislation sometime this week, and supporters believe it will clear the Senate as well.

The measure would allow motorcycles to travel between cars at speeds up to 50 mph. The opinions on lane-splitting are mixed with some calling it dangerous while other studies show it to be safer than trapping motorcyclists behind vehicles. Is lane-splitting dangerous? Is this a safe practice for drivers and motorcyclists? Does lane-splitting drive you crazy?

Guests:

Dennis Kobza, member of the California Motorcycle Safety Committee, the state body that came up with the motorcycle guidelines issued by the California Highway Patrol; member of the California Motorcycle Safety Program Advisory Committee, which works with the CHP in motorcycle safety training

Thomas Freeman, director of Stop Lane Splitting, an advocacy group opposed to lane splitting with over 1,000 members