Why do motorcycles weave in and out of traffic?

Motorcycle riders say they lane split for two big reasons: speed and safety. Lane splitting allows motorcycles to weave through traffic much more quickly than cars can, and bikers argue it also improves traffic for all commuters.

What is it called when motorcycles go through traffic?

Lane splitting is riding a bicycle or motorcycle between lanes or rows of slow moving or stopped traffic moving in the same direction. It is sometimes called whitelining, or stripe-riding. This allows riders to save time, bypassing traffic congestion, and may also be safer than stopping behind stationary vehicles.

Why might a motorcycle moving around in their lane?

They’re actively looking for your face in the mirror, so they can tell you can see them. The other reason is lane protection, especially in merging situations. If I’m riding in the right-hand lane but know traffic is diving into this lane so they can exit, I will sit in the left side of the lane.

What makes motorcycles hard to see in traffic?

Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than trucks, cars, or SUVs, so they are more difficult to spot. Motorcycles sometimes travel in a car’s blind spot. Motorcycles may seem farther away than they really are. It is difficult for automobile drivers to judge a motorcycle’s speed.

Are motorbikes allowed to weave through traffic?

The intent of filtering is to allow motorcyclists to make progress through slow-moving or stationary traffic. It is legal to filter through traffic as long as it is done safely.

Why do motorcycles follow so close?

The action unfolds like this: The motorcyclist is trailing a car at a very safe distance. When the car slows, the motorcyclist slows down. Then, there is a slowing of traffic for a reason we can’t entirely see and the oncoming traffic to the left is at a stop.

Can bikes filter through traffic?

Cyclists can filter past a traffic jam by crossing the dashed white line and riding in the oncoming lane – as long as it’s clear. Any oncoming traffic has right of way. Oncoming drivers may pull over to the left to give you room.

Is filtering on a bike legal?

Filtering, as an act, is legal and if you do it safely the police should not stop you. Filtering in an unsafe manner is illegal, however that very much depends on the speed of the traffic you are filtering past and the speed at which you pass them. Filtering is also illegal in a no overtaking zone.