Lane-splitting in Oregon?

[KaaBoom]

Originally Posted by JasonF

If the regulations about speed and traffic conditions are enforced, I don't really have too much of a problem with this.

There is one of the problems. How are they going to enforce it? Can you imagine a cop sitting in traffic in his car when suddenly a biker comes lane splitting by him at 50 mph? Before he could do anything the biker would be out of sight. It wouldn't even be worth the trouble for them to try and catch bikers doing that.

[J24]

Originally Posted by KaaBoom

There is one of the problems. How are they going to enforce it? Can you imagine a cop sitting in traffic in his car when suddenly a biker comes lane splitting by him at 50 mph? Before he could do anything the biker would be out of sight. It wouldn't even be worth the trouble for them to try and catch bikers doing that.

A good way would be to increase the number of police motorcycles on the road. During the summer months I see quite a few, and those are the best when it comes to enforcing traffic laws for bikes.

[whirnot]

Originally Posted by J24

A good way would be to increase the number of police motorcycles on the road. During the summer months I see quite a few, and those are the best when it comes to enforcing traffic laws for bikes.

The problem with that is the lane splitter is travelling faster than a safe speed. You cannot have the motorcycle officer put himself in jeopardy in order to catch him. So thus it is unenforceable. I see no benefit for the general public in allowing this, and potentially some hazards so why put it into effect?

And yes, I have ridden motorcycles for many years.

[J24]

Originally Posted by whirnot

The problem with that is the lane splitter is travelling faster than a safe speed. You cannot have the motorcycle officer put himself in jeopardy in order to catch him. So thus it is unenforceable. I see no benefit for the general public in allowing this, and potentially some hazards so why put it into effect?

And yes, I have ridden motorcycles for many years.

You can apply that argument to regular car chases too or even a bike chase now. If someone is going to break the law, they're going to break the law. Today, a cop could attempt to pull over a motorcycle and they could lane split to get away from the cop. A police bike can easily hop on the shoulder on almost all large highways and go a lot faster without the risk of running into someone's mirror... if they're really set on chasing them.

[KaaBoom]

Originally Posted by J24

You can apply that argument to regular car chases too or even a bike chase now. If someone is going to break the law, they're going to break the law. Today, a cop could attempt to pull over a motorcycle and they could lane split to get away from the cop. A police bike can easily hop on the shoulder on almost all large highways and go a lot faster without the risk of running into someone's mirror... if they're really set on chasing them.

Traffic enforcement is all about raising revenue, not safety. Thats why they write so many speeding tickets. It's easy money for them. Point the radar gun, get a speeder almost immediately, pull them over, write the ticket, repeat. Fast and easy.

They don't enforce other infractions, because it's more difficult and not really cost effective. Cops don't like to pull over motorcycles at all. When was the last time you saw a cop pull over a biker? Yeah, it happens, but not often. Motorcycles are the one vehicle that stands a good chance of getting a way from the cops if they decide to run. The cops don't want to deal with that.

They are certainly not going to be trying to catch lane splitting bikers. Especially if lane splitting is made legal.