Lane Filtering - now legal in VIC

[crash]

Announced on the news tonight that as of Nov 2nd it will be legal to lane filter in traffic up to the speed of 30km /hr. in Victoria.
I do not think it is legal to perform on roads with a posted speed of 80km or higher - that is the way I understood it.

[Bytemrk]

Victorian motorcyclists legally allowed to weave through traffic under changed laws - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-29/victorian-government-changes-laws-lane-filtering/6813630)

What do you riders think?

While I see some big benefits, I can't help thinking how often I see drivers suddenly lane hopping on banked up freeways here - often at speeds well under 30.

I can see more bikes getting skittled by the percentage of car drivers that don't have a clue.

[Bearman]

What a stupid name for queue jumping! I have been a bike rider for over 50 years and really can't see why we need this rule. All it does is create animosity. Car drivers who are banked up at lights see a bike rider weaving thru the cars to get to the front of the line. What is wrong with the old habit of waiting your turn and not jumping the queue. I am not a prude and no slouch on the road but I don't think this is needed.!!! Awaiting the flak!!!

[mekon76]

As a rider just moved from Perth I'm all for it and used to it. Awareness and expectation of inattentive drivers keeps me alive not the road rules. I frequently filter and split traffic.
Awaits flaming.

I have noticed here especially on East link the right most lanes are full and the left empty. Amazes me. People continually think they own the road in front of them. I just like to be away from cars and trucks.

Having being rear ended on my bike by some clown not paying enough attention to the road, I make my choices yo get out the way. Also noticed how bad tail gating is in Vic.

[Mick_Marsh]

I thought lane splitting was already legal. At least, that is what the motorcyclists have been telling me for years.
About twenty years ago, I saw a motorcycle copper do it, in a 100km/h zone, on a freeway, between a van and a car, on a windy day. The van was being blown all over the road. I was too and I was in a car. The wind gusted. The van veered. I don't know how they missed squashing the copper. Must have only been millimetres in it.

It may be legal but it is dangerous if practiced with undue care.

[Homestar]

What a stupid name for queue jumping! I have been a bike rider for over 50 years and really can't see why we need this rule. All it does is create animosity. Car drivers who are banked up at lights see a bike rider weaving thru the cars to get to the front of the line. What is wrong with the old habit of waiting your turn and not jumping the queue. I am not a prude and no slouch on the road but I don't think this is needed.!!! Awaiting the flak!!!

Here it comes... :D

I think it is much safer to move to the front of the queue, than sit back and wait for some arse wipe to clean me up. If car drivers don't like it, then stiff bickys IMO. It's been legal in other States (and around the world) for years, and works well. There's nothing stopping the ticked off driver getting his/her bike license and doing the same.

It's only making legal what a lot of experienced riders do already. If I'm in my car and see a bike coming through, I move out the way to give them space - and a lot notice and give me a wave. Why do car drivers get the ****s in the first place about this? I drive and ride, so I don't get it personally - jealousy maybe?

[Bearman]

:D.......

[p38arover]

If I'm in my car and see a bike coming through, I move out the way to give them space

So do I.

Qld allows open licence holders to ride in emergency stopping lanes and on road shoulders. A great idea!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-YJw6-Sshk

[loanrangie]

Been doing it since i was 17 but only when i deem it safe to do so, never had any problems or been booked for doing it - actually never been booked on bike at all.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using AULRO mobile app

[Bytemrk]

. If I'm in my car and see a bike coming through, I move out the way to give them space

Same here, I just wonder about the large percentags of doofuses on our roads that have no bike awareness.

Every day I'd see crazy lane swaps at the banked up ends of the Freeway - hell some of these idiots jump in front of my bull bar with no warning.

Makes me cringe the close calls I have seen some bike have.

Personally I like the Qld approach giving access to the emergency lanes.

All my bike riding has been trailbikes - wouldn't get me on a Melbourne road on a motorbike for all the tea in China - I'm just not that brave :angel:

[Homestar]

VicRoads are very cautious of change but riding in the emergency lane is being considered as well. I can't see an issue with it. You do see riders getting booked on Citylink from time to time doing this, which is a bit crap IMO. It's a much safer place for them to be in heavy traffic.

[TeamFA]

They've recently made it legal here in Queensland.

I've been doing it for over 20 years, on my daily commute into Brisbane.

Bearman, I hear what you're saying about the car drivers watching the bikes go past, but have you heard about the "protests" that have been done both here and overseas by bike riders wanting these sorts of activities legalised?

For one day/morning/afternoon, it was agreed that all bike riders would not lane split, and just take up the normal lane space as they should. The result was that traffic congestion was much worse when this happened.

Nearly all bike can take off faster than cars, so the end result when they've split to the front of queues is that - generally - all of the traffic moves quicker. The bikes get away and don't impede the cars, instead of being another vehicle that has to accelerate in the queue make the vehicle behind delayed that little bit more.

I do disagree with bike filtering to the front if they can't accelerate adequately... I'm thinking of scooter riders here, mostly. I reckon this is a bit unfair.

It also comes down to the rider, and how observant they are and riding to the conditions. You learn how to spot the places where a car could come across, and adjust your speed and position accordingly. Cars always have right of way while I'm lane splitting, as far as I'm concerned.

I haven't had an incident in my over 20 years of doing it, but if I did, I would also treat it as being my fault.

I also come across far more drivers that will move aside to let me pass than will try and block me... and I always give a wave or a nod of thanks.

[p38arover]

I remember Seeing, when I first went to Taiwan, that the cars left a gap at the front at traffic lights and up to 20 bikes would filter through and take the space.

[vnx205]

.... ... ...
Nearly all bike can take off faster than cars, so the end result when they've split to the front of queues is that - generally - all of the traffic moves quicker. The bikes get away and don't impede the cars, instead of being another vehicle that has to accelerate in the queue make the vehicle behind delayed that little bit more.
... .. ..


It is about 40 years since i rode a bike in Sydney traffic, but my recollection is that I always felt safer if I could find my way to the front of the traffic at the lights.

Even on my Honda S90 (think Postie bike engine, but in a different frame), I could beat all the cars off the line. I could get to the speed limit quickly enough that there were no cars within quite some distance from me. Having an enormous gap between me and the cars felt safer than being surrounded by them.

For me, being at the front at the lights wasn't about getting anywhere sooner; it was about being able to ride for most of the time with no cars near me. It felt safer.

[cafe latte]

They've recently made it legal here in Queensland.

I've been doing it for over 20 years, on my daily commute into Brisbane.

Bearman, I hear what you're saying about the car drivers watching the bikes go past, but have you heard about the "protests" that have been done both here and overseas by bike riders wanting these sorts of activities legalised?

For one day/morning/afternoon, it was agreed that all bike riders would not lane split, and just take up the normal lane space as they should. The result was that traffic congestion was much worse when this happened.

Nearly all bike can take off faster than cars, so the end result when they've split to the front of queues is that - generally - all of the traffic moves quicker. The bikes get away and don't impede the cars, instead of being another vehicle that has to accelerate in the queue make the vehicle behind delayed that little bit more.

I do disagree with bike filtering to the front if they can't accelerate adequately... I'm thinking of scooter riders here, mostly. I reckon this is a bit unfair.

It also comes down to the rider, and how observant they are and riding to the conditions. You learn how to spot the places where a car could come across, and adjust your speed and position accordingly. Cars always have right of way while I'm lane splitting, as far as I'm concerned.

I haven't had an incident in my over 20 years of doing it, but if I did, I would also treat it as being my fault.

I also come across far more drivers that will move aside to let me pass than will try and block me... and I always give a wave or a nod of thanks.

Actually most scooters will take off far quicker than a car, they just max out a lot sooner, but in a city where most scooters are this is not an issue. I lived in London for years and there are MANY scooters who move to the front of traffic jams and this never bothered me. I always gave bikes and scooters as much room as I could and let them go. Even when you finally get to the front of the jam if a scooter is slower than you they are just going to move to the left and let you pass. The only issues I had on the roads in London was with other very rude car drivers who wanted to start world war three over loosing a car length in a traffic jam.. WHY?
Chris

[Mick_Marsh]

It also comes down to the rider, and how observant they are and riding to the conditions. You learn how to spot the places where a car could come across, and adjust your speed and position accordingly. Cars always have right of way while I'm lane splitting, as far as I'm concerned.
Now, if they added the rule that bikes lane splitting are to give way to vehicles changing lanes, that would be a good thing.
It is far easier for a rider, travelling faster than the other vehicles, lane splitting to see a vehicle changing lanes than it is for the vehicle changing lanes seeing a bike rocketing along between slower moving vehicles.
Unless the traffic is stationary, I can only see the new road rule as an unhealthy decision for motorcyclists.

[Mick_Marsh]

Even when you finally get to the front of the jam if a scooter is slower than you they are just going to move to the left and let you pass.
Not here, mate. They sit in the middle of the lane.

[Gordie]

Have always done it and will continue, whether legal or not. BUT....for me it is only whilst cars are stationary...ie getting into pole position at the traffic lights...no way do I do it while cars are moving, I don't know about other states, but here in SA, the drivers are way too unpredictable, and even on a freeway where everyone insists on sitting in the right lane and doing less than the speed limit, I still won't lane split. I just await a big enough gap to accelerate through and overtake normally.


At the lights, on pole, I clear the traffic and leave them in my wake. As I teach my kids when learning to drive a car...if you can be in your own space on the road...you only are going to get hooked up in your own mess ups, rather than being surrounded by some of the other clowns and getting inadvertently hooked up in their mess ups.


As to car drivers getting upset at being usurped for pole position at the lights....if they are going to get upset at someone who is not hindering their progress...then I don't care if their precious little selfish feelings have been hurt!

[Ranga]

What is wrong with the old habit of waiting your turn and not jumping the queue. I am not a prude and no slouch on the road but I don't think this is needed.!!! Awaiting the flak!!!

So, you don't ever use overtaking lanes? Isn't that queue-jumping?


As to car drivers getting upset at being usurped for pole position at the lights....if they are going to get upset at someone who is not hindering their progress...then I don't care if their precious little selfish feelings have been hurt!

Agreed. Had a discussion with work colleagues about this, and eventually they all admitted their gripe came down to jealousy.

[p38arover]

I still won't lane split. I just await a big enough gap to accelerate through and overtake normally.

Lane splitting is still illegal in those States that allow lane filtering.

[Mick_Marsh]

Lane splitting is still illegal in those States that allow lane filtering.
Is there a difference? I thought they were the same thing.

[Bytemrk]

Mick,

I think the difference if the speed involved...

I may be wrong but my understanding was they call it lane filtering if under 30km/hr

[loanrangie]

Thats splitting hairs, same thing as far as i'm concerned.
It has to be done with some common sense unlike the riders i see in tee's,shorts and thong's :o.

[Mick_Marsh]

I just read an article.
It indicated the traffic must be stationary and the motorcycle must be travelling no more than 30km/h.
Much more sensible. I thought that was legal anyway, at least it is already in common practice.
Maybe they're changing the law because they know it is unenforceable.

[Ranga]

It indicated the traffic must be stationary and the motorcycle must be travelling no more than 30km/h

In Queensland, "Lane filtering is when you ride your motorcycle at low speed between stationary or slow moving vehicles travelling in the same direction you are." So, how does one define slow? I see it as slower than 30kmph - any faster and it would be illegal anyway!

Motorcycle road rules | Transport and motoring | Queensland Government (http://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/motorcycle/#filtering)

[p38arover]

Is there a difference? I thought they were the same thing.

From RMS NSW:


Motorcyclists caught moving between traffic at over 30km/h face heavy fines and three demerit points under the offence called ?lane splitting?

I must admit I've done it on the motorway when held up by drivers travelling side by side at 70-80km/h

[Mick_Marsh]

From November 2, motorcyclists can travel at speeds of up to 30 kilometres per hour through stationary or slow-moving traffic, including at traffic lights.
Victorian motorcyclists legally allowed to weave through traffic under changed laws - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-29/victorian-government-changes-laws-lane-filtering/6813630)

[vnx205]

The NSW version is here.
NSW Government set to legalise safe lane filtering for motorcyclists | Transport for NSW (http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/nsw-government-set-legalise-safe-lane-filtering-motorcyclists)
and here.
Lane filtering - Motorcyclists - Staying safe - NSW Centre for Road Safety (http://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/motorcyclists/lanefiltering/index.html)

It mentions.

Conditions to manage the safety risks associated with lane filtering:

Filtering only permitted when it is 'safe to do so?. Situations where it is not 'safe to do so? may include:
When the manoeuvre is at high speed between moving traffic; and
Riders will be required to comply with all other road rules when performing the lane filtering manoeuvre, including rules that do not allow them to overtake to the left of vehicles in the kerbside lane (adjacent to a pedestrian path), travel in the breakdown lane, or when filtering around trucks and buses.
Imposing a speed limit of 30km/h.
Clearly defines the maximum speed riders are allowed to filter at. This makes it clear that filtering over the speed limit of 30km/h is illegal.
Setting at 30km/h will limit filtering to slow moving traffic where vehicles are moving at or below this speed
This speed is 10km/h lower than the 40km/h limit currently implemented in high pedestrian activity zones
Limit filtering to fully licenced riders only (excluding Learner or Provisional riders)
Manoeuvre only allowed by experienced riders who may have more highly developed hazard perception and motorcycle handling skills.
May reduce risk of inexperienced riders having crashes associated with inadequate gap selection or awareness of pedestrians/other road users while filtering.
No filtering in school zones during hours of operation
Ensures that filtering does not occur around schools on multi-lane roads where there may be an increase in pedestrian activity by children.

[rangieman]

Been doing it since i was 17 but only when i deem it safe to do so, never had any problems or been booked for doing it - actually never been booked on bike at all.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using AULRO mobile app

X2 here and ive survivded ouch for more than enough years:angel:

[crash]

I have only ever done it when vehicles are stationary, and I deemed safe to do so. If I thought the lights would change from red to green before I reached the front I would not do it either.

[Jason789]

It's much safer to lane split, at the appropriate time.

A woman at works' husband was sitting at the back of the pack at some traffic lights. Inattentive moron comes up to the lights and proceeds to clean him up from behind(perhaps on the phone texting??).

A month in hospital and a written off bike being the end result. Being between the cars in certain situations is much safer, as is scooting to the front at lights and leaving the traffic behind when the lights change, to get to the safety of having no cars around you when you take off is a much safer option.

Lane splitting in peak hour traffic also reduces traffic congestion as the bikes aren't taking up lane space unnecesarily. But I here people say "you must wait you're turn". Ba humbug! Why have more vehicles sitting in traffic idling away and not moving creating more congestion and pollution to go with it? Lane splitting obviously assists in reducing traffic congestion and is a much green/greener solution for pollution. [thumbsupbig].

Cheers,

Jason