Caught in the middle: Why do moto riders split lanes and how is it illegal?
Gilbert Chao · Nov 5, 2022 01:15 PM
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The debate on the practice of lane-splitting by motorcycle riders has been going on for quite some time. Yet, there seems to be one point of argument that has never been settled. Is lane-splitting safer for motorcyclists, or is it just a risky move that exposes themselves and other motorists to danger? While the riding community overwhelmingly agrees with the former, the general motoring public seems to have a split (excuse the pun) opinion on the matter.
The current rule on lane-splitting
Lane-splitting or lane-sharing is when a motorcycle passes between two other vehicles traversing adjacent lanes in moving traffic. This is not to be confused with lane-filtering, which is generally defined as “a motorcycle passing through gaps in stationary traffic.” Some countries still consider it lane-filtering if the motorcycle splits lanes in slow-moving (below 30 KPH) traffic. Lane-splitting is illegal in the Philippines as LTO Administrative Order AHS-2008-015 Section IX item C states, “A driver/rider shall observe the rule and on one lane per one vehicle only. Lane splitting is prohibited along a road or a highway. Motorcycles or scooters shall not operate on sidewalks.”
Lane-splitting is defined in Section I item D as “using or sharing a lane already occupied by another vehicle such as a motorcycle or scooter in a road or highway.” Weirdly, there is no mention of lane-filtering in the said administrative order, given that lane-splitting is rarely practiced on Philippine roads while lane-filtering happens all the time. Though both are considered illegal, lane-filtering/splitting is currently being tolerated by traffic enforcers mainly for practical reasons:
If motorcycles on the road would line up like cars whenever traffic flow stops or slows down, the queue length would become too long to manage.
With the population of two-wheeled vehicles on the road, apprehending violators would be a nightmare, and doing so will also disrupt traffic flow.
It would be difficult to determine whether the motorcycle rider actually passed between cars or just moved in and out of lanes (zigzag) to overtake slower (or stationary) vehicles in front.
Why is lane-splitting wrong?
Lane-splitting is dangerous, more so if done in our less-than-perfect road infrastructure. Our road network doesn’t seem to adhere to uniform measurements; sometimes, the width varies along the same road. So, that relatively wide inviting gap between two cars could suddenly disappear while you are still trying to pass through.
Lane-filtering in slow-moving traffic.
The case for lane-filtering
On the other hand, lane-filtering is considered a safety maneuver for motorcyclists. You see, there is a bigger risk of getting rear-ended in a stop-and-go traffic situation. If you are driving a car and another vehicle hits you from behind, you might suffer whiplash, at the least. For someone riding a motorcycle, the risk of getting a severe injury is much greater because there is significantly less weight to counter the momentum of the other vehicle, and the only crumple zone available is the space between your back and that flimsy plastic fender. This is why most riders prefer to ride between lanes in slow-moving traffic or filter to the front of the queue during a red light.
Wanted: Bright minds
Now here’s the rub.
Pangasinan 5th District representative Ramon Guico, Jr. recently filed House Bill (HB) 1419, which states (Section 3), “No person while operating a motorcycle in a highway shall traverse in between two vehicles except to overtake. Any motorcycle stopping or passing through vehicles during traffic on a broken white line in highways shall likewise be considered as lane splitting.”
It would seem that the honorable congressman declared lane-splitting and lane-filtering as the same. Once this bill passes, it shall be known as the Anti-Lane Splitting Law of 2022, which might compel enforcers to apprehend violators. However, this forbids lane splitting EXCEPT TO OVERTAKE, as mentioned above. Common sense dictates that the purpose of lane-splitting/filtering IS to overtake.
Do you have a headache yet?
Well, I don’t know about you, but it’s the weekend, and I’m going for a ride.
A moto-journo who spends most of his time on the saddle unless otherwise saddled with desk work. His curious nature and poor sense of direction often take him on unplanned adventures.
