California Legalizes Lane-Splitting

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SACRAMENTO – Gov. Jerry Brown today signed into law legislation making lane-splitting by motorcyclists legal in California, becoming the first state to do so. The law gives the California Highway Patrol the authority to develop and issue lane-splitting guidelines.

“This is great news for motorcyclists in California and throughout the country,” said Rob Dingman, president and CEO of the American Motorcyclist Association.

“The California Assembly and the governor have taken a huge step in formally recognizing a practice that has been in use for decades. Lane splitting keeps riders safer by eliminating their exposure to rear-end collisions, and it helps ease congestion by effectively removing motorcycles from the traffic lanes.”IMG_5565

Other states have considered similar legislation, but haven’t passed laws allowing lane-splitting, despite the fact that riders often ride between lanes of traffic on super highways.

“We hope that other states will follow California’s lead on this issue,” said Dingman in a press release issued by the AMA.

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Since 2010, RIDE-CT & RIDE-NewEngland has been reporting about motorcycling in New England and portions of New York.