Lane splitting is now legal in Montana...

[Kneedragger]

It seems to be taking forever for the USA to catch up with the rest of the world in this regard. Lane splitting (or filtering) is now legal in California, Utah, and Montana...

Lane-Filtering is Now Legal in Montana - Asphalt & Rubber (asphaltandrubber.com)

[802Mike]

Edit: Oro y plata, translates to Gold and Silver

[wildbears]

Would keeping the relative speed between the bike and the vehicles being passed low be a safety precaution?

[802Mike]

From the site:

First of all, the law provides that motorcyclists may overtake stopped or slow-moving vehicles at a speed not greater than 20 mph.

Also, motorcyclists may only filter between lanes of stopped traffic traveling in the same direction as conditions permit, and must do so reasonably and prudently.

[wildbears]

Thanks!...

[wildbears]

I've sometimes wondered about the tradeoff between decreased exposure to a road risk timewise due to higher speeds versus riding at a lower speed and maintaining more evasion maneuverability.

Speed affects observation but when observation is low, is speed the better choice.

As an example, if you're in a heavy rainstorm with continuous thunder, is it better to speed over the railroad tracks to minimise exposure time to being hit by an undetectable oncoming train?

[beech]

Yes everyone knows you hit fewer rain drops if you go faster. (Bitburger is one of the better, it is free on Viking cruise vessels in the bar or at dining tables at meal hours)

[wildbears]

Had my first stein of Bitburger this past week. Hoppy!

[802Mike]

I heard it the other way, that you get more wet when you run in the
rain because you're running into some that would miss you.
But then ,if you walk you're in the rain longer.... !

[beech]

Some French agency tried to make filtering illegal with big fines a week or so back. The MC and scooter gangs put up such a howl that they are reconsidering it. Saving face by having a new study. Also, besides Montana I did not realize that filtering in Utah is legal also. But serious restrictions like the cars must be stopped, you going 15 mph and not on freeways!!!! Only roads with 45 mph limits.

[802Mike]

I've never ridden there but heard that cars drivers actually want you to
move to the front and not take up a space.
Bikes can launch so quickly that they don't effect the flow.