‘Lane Splitting’ Phenomenon Worries Cops And Drivers
Posted July 11, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
They call it ‘ lane splitting‘ and while it’s intended to cut commutes short, it could just as easily have the same impact on lives.
The act of riding a lane line on a street or highway, allowing riders of motor bikes or bicycles to use the space between traffic and move at top speed isn’t legal in Ontario, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.
A popular YouTube phenomenon, the practice is legal in California, though no other parts of North America have followed suit.
“It’s a collision waiting to happen, it’s a possible fatality waiting to happen,” said Toronto Police Sgt. Tim Burrows.
With traffic congestion being what it is though, and more and more people turning to bikes and scooters with gas prices being what they are, the dangerous tactic still holds tremendous appeal for those that ride on two wheels.
But a city the size of T.O. presents an added challenge for would-be lane splitters. Because of the climate Toronto’s roads are often havens for potholes and other surface problems.
“You get pot holes, road snakes, the tar that’s been put down to seal the road,” Sgt. Burrows warned. “It creates quite an area of concern for us because you’re not in control once your front tire gets grabbed by that.”
Police are reminding cyclists and motorcyclists that they are required to obey the same rules of the road as their four-wheeled friends.
