# Lane sharing (motorcycle) **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 24, 2002, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857 "2002-03-24T15:17:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2002, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/1 "2002-03-24T15:17:28Z")
One of the things I’ll miss when I move from California to Washington is lane sharing on my motorcycle. That is, when traffic is slow or stopped, motorcycles here are allowed to go between the lanes of traffic. Very useful when there’s no carpool lane to ride in. I read in _CA Biker_ back in 1993 that the California Highway Patrol did a study that said lane sharing is “not particularly dangerous”. I agree. There is usually plenty of room to get through, especially on a small bike like my Yamaha (although people do it on Harleys as well). When it’s 95° and you’re sitting directly above a hot engine and surrounded by a lot of heat-generating cars on a surface as reflective as concrete and you have no air conditioning, you really appreciate being able to get some airflow. It surprised me to learn that lane sharing is not allowed in Nevada, a place where keeping the air moving over you and your engine would seem particularly advantageous. So I’m wondering: What other states besides California allow lane sharing? ---
**Author:** ![rsa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/839c29/32.png) [@rsa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsa)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2002, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/2 "2002-03-24T15:42:17Z")
Texas allows lane sharing. ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2002, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/3 "2002-03-24T17:16:56Z")
I dropped a very simple query into Westlaw (motorc! /15 lane!) and got a slew of results. Looks like the world is against us – most states seemed to say NO. Here is a sampling of what I found. Keep in mind this is not an exhaustive list: Alabama: > [@](#): > > § 32-5A-242. Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic. > > (a) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle > shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use > of a lane. This subsection shall not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast > in a single lane. > (b) The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane > occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. > © No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between > adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. > (d) Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane. > (e) Subsections (b) and © shall not apply to police officers in the > performance of their official duties. Arizona > [@](#): > > § 28-903. Operation of motorcycle on laned roadway; exceptions > A. All motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a lane. A person shall not drive a motor vehicle in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This subsection does not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane. > B. The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. > C. A person shall not operate a motorcycle between the lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles. > D. A person shall not operate a motorcycle more than two abreast in a single lane. Colorado > [@](#): > > § 42-4-1503. Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic > (1) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a traffic lane, and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a traffic lane. This subsection (1) shall not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane. > (2) The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake or pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. > (3) No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. > (4) Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane. Connecticut > [@](#): > > § 14-289b. Operation of motorcycles > (a) The operator of a motorcycle shall be entitled to the full use of any single traffic lane, but the operation of more than two motorcycles abreast in any single traffic lane is prohibited. > (b) The operator of a motorcycle shall not (1) overtake and pass, in the same single traffic lane occupied by such motorcycle, any motor vehicle other than a motorcycle or (2) operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic. Florida > [@](#): > > 316.209. Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic > (1) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This subsection shall not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane. > (2) The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. > (3) No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. > (4) Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane. Georgia > [@](#): > > 40-6-312 Operating motorcycle on roadway laned for traffic. > > (a) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane, and no motor vehicle > shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use > of a lane. This subsection shall not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast > in a single lane. > (b) The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane > occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. > © No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between > adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. > (d) Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane. Hawaii > [@](#): > > (§ 291C-153). Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic. > > (a) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle > shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use > of a lane. This subsection shall not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast > in a single lane. > (b) The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane > occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. > © No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between > adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. > (d) Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane. Iowa > [@](#): > > 321.275. Operation of motorcycles and motorized bicycles > 4. Use of traffic lanes. Persons shall not operate motorcycles or motorized bicycles more than two abreast in a single lane. Except for persons operating such vehicles two abreast, a motor vehicle shall not be operated in a manner depriving a motorcycle or motorized bicycle operator of the full use of a lane. A motorcycle or motorized bicycle shall not be operated between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. The operator of a motorcycle or motorized bicycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken unless the vehicle being overtaken is a motorcycle or motorized bicycle. Kansas > [@](#): > > 8-1595. Same; roadways laned for traffic. > (a) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane, and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This subsection shall not apply to motorcycles operated two (2) abreast in a single lane. > > (b) The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. > © No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. (OK, enough cutting and pasting – the next few states have similar laws) Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Minnesota Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New York North Dakota … and on and on. I had to stop after hit 38 of 70, so I assume most states have similar language. Ride safe!! ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2002, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/4 "2002-03-24T17:18:47Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Johnny L.A. \* > \*\*So I’m wondering: What other states besides California allow lane sharing? \*\* I’m not very good at following directions. ---
**Author:** ![manhattan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/manhattan/32/7_2.png) [@manhattan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/manhattan)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2002, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/5 "2002-03-24T20:12:34Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by Rhythmdvl \* > \*\* > New York_\* ROFL! That must be one of them upstate laws. Here in the city, we don’t even _have_ lanes. ---
**Author:** ![brad\_d](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@brad\_d](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brad_d)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2002, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/6 "2002-03-25T00:10:10Z")
Speaking as a non-biker living in greater Los Angeles… I had always heard the act of riding on the dotted white line referred to as “lane _splitting_”, but I don’t hang with anybody who rides so my circles of conversation may not be too accurate. The term “lane sharing” conjures in my mind two bikes riding side-by-side in a single lane, like Ponch and Jon always did on _CHiPs_. 🙂 When I got married last summer, my Texas-based guests (that’s where I grew up) were aghast when they saw motorcyclists performing what I describe above as lane-splitting. I didn’t remember it being legal there 10 years ago, and apparently it’s not (or at least isn’t widespread) now, either. Speaking only as a car driver, it _looks_ suicidally dangerous, and I had the same reaction when I moved out here. However, if CHP studies have shown that it’s not as dangerous as it looks, I’ll take their word for it… ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2002, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/7 "2002-03-25T00:43:31Z")
> [@](#): > > I had always heard the act of riding on the dotted white line referred to as “lane _splitting_” It’s called that too. But “sharing” seems to be a better term for it. > [@](#): > > Speaking only as a car driver, it _looks_ suicidally dangerous As I said, there’s a surprising amount of room between lanes. Also, you’re not allowed to go through at any speed you like. Speeds are limited to what’s “reasonable and prudent”. (When I’m following a CHP motor officer between lanes, I figure “reasonable and prudent” means I’m not going faster than he or she is.) So what _is_ reasonable and prudent speed? I define it as a speed at which I can stop before hitting someone if he suddenly changes lanes. (Although that didn’t work once when a guy made a “two lane dash” in front of me.) _Most_ riders don’t “zip through” traffic (as car drivers put it), but pass at a reasonable speed; perhaps five or ten mph faster than the traffic. Some riders, I think the term is “squids”, are reckless. If I’m riding between lanes and a squid comes up behind me, I’ll move into a lane at the earliest possible convenience. Gods forbid he hits someone, but I wouldn’t mind seeing him at the side of the road in front of a black and white BMW or Kawasaki. Riders like that give the rest of us a bad name. Lane sharing can be nerve wracking at times. I’d much rather have a clear lane of my own; but sometimes that just isn’t possible. I know car drivers don’t like it, but consider: the bike will be there for one second. If a driver moves over to block him, the rider is aggravated for being blocked, the driver is aggravated because some sackhole on a bike is trying to get by, and eventually the rider will get past anyway. It’s much safer when drivers and riders all act with courtesy. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2002, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/8 "2002-03-25T00:57:13Z")
> [@](#): > > I had always heard the act of riding on the dotted white line referred to as “lane _splitting_” It’s called that too. But “sharing” seems to be a better term for it. > [@](#): > > Speaking only as a car driver, it _looks_ suicidally dangerous As I said, there’s a surprising amount of room between lanes. Also, you’re not allowed to go through at any speed you like. Speeds are limited to what’s “reasonable and prudent”. (When I’m following a CHP motor officer between lanes, I figure “reasonable and prudent” means I’m not going faster than he or she is.) So what _is_ reasonable and prudent speed? I define it as a speed at which I can stop before hitting someone if he suddenly changes lanes. (Although that didn’t work once when a guy made a “two lane dash” in front of me.) _Most_ riders don’t “zip through” traffic (as car drivers put it), but pass at a reasonable speed; perhaps five or ten mph faster than the traffic. Some riders, I think the term is “squids”, are reckless. If I’m riding between lanes and a squid comes up behind me, I’ll move into a lane at the earliest possible convenience. Gods forbid he hits someone, but I wouldn’t mind seeing him at the side of the road in front of a black and white BMW or Kawasaki. Riders like that give the rest of us a bad name. Lane sharing can be nerve wracking at times. I’d much rather have a clear lane of my own; but sometimes that just isn’t possible. I know car drivers don’t like it, but consider: the bike will be there for one second. If a driver moves over to block him, the rider is aggravated for being blocked, the driver is aggravated because some sackhole on a bike is trying to get by, and eventually the rider will get past anyway. It’s much safer when drivers and riders all act with courtesy. ---
**Author:** ![racer72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/racer72/32/3075_2.png) [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2002, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/9 "2002-03-25T02:23:26Z")
I drove in California for the first time in 20 years last summer and I just about hit some jerk riding between the cars. Try that up here and someone in a beater will probably open in door just about the time you reach the back of his car. I have a small bike I ride every once and a while and I wouldn’t even consider riding between cars even if it was legal. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2002, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/10 "2002-03-25T03:37:37Z")
Well, I’ve seen jerks on bikes. But more often I see car drivers who aren’t paying attention. Anyway, back to the OP. Surely it can’t just be California and Texas? ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2002, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/11 "2002-03-25T03:41:09Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Johnny L.A. \* > \*\*Lane sharing can be nerve wracking at times. I’d much rather have a clear lane of my own; but sometimes that just isn’t possible. I know car drivers don’t like it, but consider: the bike will be there for one second. If a driver moves over to block him, the rider is aggravated for being blocked, the driver is aggravated because some sackhole on a bike is trying to get by, and eventually the rider will get past anyway. It’s much safer when drivers and riders all act with courtesy. \*\* And your problem with waiting in line like the rest of us is? ---
**Author:** ![Mersavets](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/aca169/32.png) [@Mersavets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mersavets)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2002, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/12 "2002-03-25T03:55:53Z")
Well, Victoria does but you probably aren’t interested in states that far south:D I think it might be the only state in Australia that allows it and even then, the surrounding traffic has to be stopped. [sub]Congratulations to our very own Troy Bayliss too![/sub] Oh, and Mr Blue Sky? If we wait in line, then you may be waiting in line behind us. Hence, a longer line. I don’t see a reason for bikes to be caught in snarls that are the making of cars and trucks when they are able to avoid it. And in us avoiding it, you’ll also get to your destination a fraction _faster_ if anything. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2002, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/13 "2002-03-25T04:05:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mersavets \* > \*\*Oh, and Mr Blue Sky? If we wait in line, then you may be waiting in line behind us. Hence, a longer line. I don’t see a reason for bikes to be caught in snarls that are the making of cars and trucks when they are able to avoid it. And in us avoiding it, you’ll also get to your destination a fraction _faster_ if anything. \*\* That still should not give you the right to go zipping ahead of everyone else. YOU bought the motorcycle (for whatever reason) so YOU deal with traffic just like everybody else. ---
**Author:** ![Mersavets](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/aca169/32.png) [@Mersavets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mersavets)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2002, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/14 "2002-03-25T04:34:42Z")
I just don’t get it. Can you seriously justify your feelings with any excuse other than that you are obstinate? The simple fact is that bikes and bicycles _reduce_ traffic congestion (not to mention pollution). If the zipping ahead of you affects you only positively, then why are you so hung up on it? Are there any other non-cyclists/motorcyclists who feel the same way here? I know there are some in the non-doper, wider community but I rarely can be bothered to stop and U-turn back to ask them about it.😃 ---
**Author:** ![Merhouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@Merhouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merhouse)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2002, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/15 "2002-03-25T04:53:21Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mersavets \* > \*\*I just don’t get it. Can you seriously justify your feelings with any excuse other than that you are obstinate? The simple fact is that bikes and bicycles _reduce_ traffic congestion (not to mention pollution). If the zipping ahead of you affects you only positively, then why are you so hung up on it? > > Are there any other non-cyclists/motorcyclists who feel the same way here? I know there are some in the non-doper, wider community but I rarely can be bothered to stop and U-turn back to ask them about it.😃 \*\* Well, you asked, so yes 😉 I have to admit that at least part of it is, “hey, if I’m sitting in traffic, WTF aren’t YOU sitting in traffic with me?” However, I’ll also admit that I didn’t think about the positive effect of less of a backup. Having said all that, though, my immediate thought when I’m sitting in traffic and watchng the bikes moving between the cars is now having to make sure there’s enough room for the bike to get through without my inadvertently moving into an adjoining lane and hitting THAT car. Maybe the lanes are wider in CA - been many years since I’ve been there, but on beautious Long Island, at least some of the parkways are rather old, somewhat curvy, and not exactly all that wide. Of course, since there’s never any traffic here in New Jersey, this is all a moot point :rolleyes: Mike ---
**Author:** ![CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crankyasanoldman/32/11670_2.png) [@CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrankyAsAnOldMan)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2002, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/16 "2002-03-25T05:00:52Z")
Well, since you asked, as a motorist I can say it never bothers me. Generally I think “More power to them.” I must also confess I often think, “You poor bastard–one of these days some idiot motorist is going to flatten you since no one gives motorcyclists the attention and room they deserve. Given that your lifespan is probably shortened, I can only applaud your attempt to spend less of it stuck in a long line of cars.” ---
**Author:** ![drachillix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/48db29/32.png) [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2002, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/17 "2002-03-25T05:08:36Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mr. Blue Sky \* > \*\*And your problem with waiting in line like the rest of us is? \*\* Let them by, its a fair trade considering what the world of emergency medicine calls motorcycles. #1 Term: Job Security #2 Term: Donormobiles They get the privelege of passing traffic jams, we get the privelege of surviving 10mph collisions :eek: ---
**Author:** ![galt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/35a633/32.png) [@galt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/galt)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2002, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/18 "2002-03-25T06:33:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mr. Blue Sky \* > \*\*And your problem with waiting in line like the rest of us is? \*\* Jesus. You’re not waiting in line as some sort of frickin’ _penance_ that everyone is supposed to do. You’re doing it becuase you have to, given that there are other cars impeding your progress. So to answer your question, he doesn’t want to “wait in line” because he doesn’t have to. If he had a helicopter, would you demand he “wait in line”, hovering just behind you? ---
**Author:** ![Spiny\_Norman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@Spiny\_Norman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiny_Norman)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2002, 7:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/19 "2002-03-25T07:18:42Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mr. Blue Sky \* > \*\* > > That still should not give you the right to go zipping ahead of everyone else. YOU bought the motorcycle (for whatever reason) so YOU deal with traffic just like everybody else. \*\* I’d say YOU bought the car and YOU deal with traffic in the way that the car forces you to, i.e. wait. Here in Germany, lane splitting is technically not allowed, but when the queues (“stau”) hit the Autobahn, everybody uses “lane 1,5”. Most German motorists are really good about paying attention and making room. In Italy, it’s the norm. Car drivers aren’t fazed in the slightest and if room gets sparse, they move over. S. Norman ---
**Author:** ![Redhawke.the.bard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/779978/32.png) [@Redhawke.the.bard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Redhawke.the.bard)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2002, 7:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857/20 "2002-03-25T07:30:52Z")
I hate to burst your bubble, **Johnny L.A.** , but technically it’s not really legal in California, it’s just rarely enforced. This directly from a CHP Officer of my acquaintence: A motorcycle may split the lane _if and only if_ it can fit entirely in one lane. Lanes on California freeways are 8 feet wide. The smallest cars are at least 5 feet wide. If they remain in the center of the lane, that leaves 18 inches between the car and the lane divider. Motorcycle handlebars vary in width, but none are less than 2 feet wide. Yes, it is possible to split the lane being between cars, but no, it isn’t legal. As to the evolving debate over whether it’s **right** , here’s one motorcyclist who doesn’t do it. I do consider it rude when it’s done at more than 15 mph, simply because the motorcycle is now a moving target, and the car now has to factor him into all of the other bits of data flowing by. And since the opportunity to change lanes in a traffic jam can be fleeting, it isn’t unreasonable for cars to do it fast. If a motorcycle gets pegged for it, well…to be fair, it’s the motorcycle that’s in the wrong, not the car. And as to whether drivers are oblivious…why should they be expected to look out for motorcycles coming along in between cars? Almost by definition, the motorcycle is travelling in the car’s blind spot. I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect the car driver to being paying attention to the slow-moving traffic all around him _and_ the faster moving traffic that _may_ be moving between the painted lanes. Finally, I’ve seen nothing to conclude that motorcycle riders are any better or worse than those in cars. -Redhawke [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lane-sharing-motorcycle/99857.md?page=2)