The justification for lane splitting and lane filtering couldn?t be clearer: they allow motorcycles to get out ahead of traffic, thereby reducing the number of cars crashing into cycles, as cycles are far less visible than other vehicles. A no-brainer, right" A save-brainer, actually. So, it would seem logical that lane splitting and lane filtering should be the law of the land. And yet they?re not. At least not yet. Though things seem headed in that direction considering that a number of states have already legalized them.

The pros and cons of lane splitting/filtering

To some, it?s a safe and practical way for motorcyclists to beat traffic and help ease congestion.

And it?s not just in favor of motorcycle riders. Of course, motorcyclists can filter to the front of traffic lines and that saves time on their journey, but it also frees up space for other motorists.
To others, lane splitting/filtering is a dangerous act that causes accidents and puts lives at risk. This difference of opinion has caused many a debate in recent years, especially as California made changes to its laws in 2016 that legalized the maneuver.

The American Motorcycle Association has long held that lane splitting makes roads safer for riders and relieves traffic congestion, a view based largely on the successful use of the practice in California and a research study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley. Led by the university?s Safe Transportation Research and...