The Think Bike take on lane splitting.

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We have noted the recent press release by, amongst others, the AA suggesting a ban on lane splitting by motorcycles.  Please allow us to express our policy on this.

Think Bike as a safety and awareness campaign supports lane splitting.  Herewith some of the reasons:

·        A serious problem and therefore fear for motorcyclists is the dreaded rear-end collision.  A bumper bashing between two cars will usually only result in some inconvenience, while even the smallest rear-end bumper-bashing by a car on a motorcycle could, and often will cause severe back and neck injuries. These may even be fatal to the rider.  Lane splitting reduces the possibility of the direct-rear end collision by quite a large factor. The vast majority of bikers will therefore prefer lane splitting over keeping a space in traffic.

·        Riding a motorcycle at speeds slower than 40km/h is difficult as the motorcycle does not maintain self-balancing due to a lack of forward momentum and the resultant loss of centrifugal forces normally generated by the turning engine parts and wheels. It is very difficult to ride a motorcycle for extended distances at speeds below 40km/h.  Again, motorcyclists will therefore tend to lane split, rather than going this slow constantly.

·        Stop/start riding, over any distance is extremely difficult. In some instances the rider may well find himself in a position of “pushing” the bike, more than actually riding. Apart from the amount of hard work required to do this, most motorcycles do not have the efficient cooling systems that cars have and possible overheating is always on the cards. Motorcyclists will therefore tend to lean toward lane splitting whenever this situation occurs.

·        One of the major advantages of using a motorcycle, especially on the normal commute, is the time-saving factor. The ability to lane split quite possibly makes up 90% of that time-saving factor.  If this factor is removed, motorcyclists would either stop riding, using cars instead which will add to congestion, or ignore the law.

The above are some points of importance as we believe they will cause motorcyclists to lane split, regardless of what the law states. It just makes more sense to the rider. Rather than trying to enforce a ban on the practise, we believe that education and awareness will make lane splitting safer. 

During the past few years, Think Bike, with other role players and motorcyclists in general, has successfully created a virtual bikers lane on most of the highways in and around the major cities. This virtual lane is to the left side of the far right lane and on any given morning, anyone riding a motorcycle on any of these roads will find that the majority of motorists are well aware of this virtual lane and happily drive slightly to the right to keep the lane open for motorcyclists.

It is our belief that since we do not have actual motorcycle lanes and probably will not in the near future, such a virtual lane is the next best option. We support this and would appreciate if organisations such as the AA would lend their support.

The Think Bike mantra for lane splitters is as follows:

·        Keep your speed at no more than 20km/h higher than that of the surrounding traffic.

·        Use the virtual biker lane as that is where motorists will expect you.

·        Be patient. If there is no gap, wait for one it will appear.

·        Do not weave between lanes.

·        All normal overtaking laws are still applicable.

·        Lane splitting, even if legal, is a privilege, not a right.

·        If you need to exceed 80km/h to lane split, stop splitting.

A much bigger issue facing us currently is the high number of motorcyclists using the far right emergency lane (shoulder), or suicide lane, as dubbed by Think Bike members. Apart from it being illegal to ride there, it is more dangerous to the rider due to the closeness of the concrete barrier as well as the possibility of falling over the barrier into the way of oncoming traffic. It is also creating a situation where the motorists are veering into the virtual biker lane. 

We trust that, in the light of our input as experienced two-wheeled road users, the AA and others considering a ban,  would reconsider the call for a blanket ban.
 
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