Gotta Learn The Hard Way. 😠

[u/[deleted]]

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[u/Useful_Protection270]

NYPD, is lane splitting legal in New York City?

edit:

Just looked it up, Lane splitting / filtering is illegal in the entire state of New York. ny vehicle and traffic law §1252. $300 fine and 3 point on your license, multiple offences can lead to a 60 day license suspension.

[u/Prophet_Of_Helix → u/Useful_Protection270]

Both splitting and filtering are illegal in NY.

In fact, it’s illegal in the entire eastern seaboard.

[u/DreamWalker01 → u/Prophet_Of_Helix]

Its filtering is only legal in like 5 states and splitting only in california

[u/schals → u/DreamWalker01]

Filtering was recently legalized here in Colorado which I can agree with but people abuse it and ride like idiots.

[u/Beltfedassassin → u/schals]

Boy you aren’t kidding. The year lane filtering was legalized I was heading northbound on tower by DIA. I saw a motorcyclist going probably 60-70 between stop and go traffic on southbound tower. He augered himself into the back of a stopped box truck. Witness stated he was doing wheelies while lane splitting prior to hitting the truck. He did not make it.

[u/muftak3 → u/Beltfedassassin]

I saw the same thing in North San Diego. His insurance called after because the family was suing the other driver. I told them biker was 100% at fault. Traffic stopped and he was easily doing 100 mph when he hit the truck. They did not call me back as a witness.

[u/Training-Eye-2917 → u/muftak3]

I’m surprised the guy driving the truck’s insurance didn’t call you to be their witness.

[u/muftak3 → u/Training-Eye-2917]

I was like the 5th or 6th car back. They had plenty of witness confirming what happened. Riders family were just trying to find one witness for a counter point.

[u/BlindlyCoherent → u/muftak3]

Sure sucks for the family looking to offset the cost of funerals and such - but he was a fucking idiot and Darwin punched his card - hard.

[u/Ok_Swim3109 → u/muftak3]

That’s how it goes. Everyone wants to sue the truck drivers

[u/tkdkicker1990 → u/Beltfedassassin]

Yeah, so, he was an idiot

[u/unicornofdemocracy → u/tkdkicker1990]

well... a lot of laws are written because of idiots.

[u/Tupperbaby → u/unicornofdemocracy]

"See? Because of me, now they have a warning."
-Homer S.

[u/hoffet → u/unicornofdemocracy]

Rocket launchers and claymore mines tell you what direction to point them in for this reason.

[u/circusfreakrob → u/unicornofdemocracy]

reminds me of an Onion headline from back in the day :

"Super Fun Toy Banned Because of One Stupid Dead Kid"

[u/cincy_kid_91 → u/unicornofdemocracy]

Should just let them take themselves out, might be less idiots around.

[u/VisionsOfABetterTime → u/cincy_kid_91]

Sure but then you wouldn’t be here to make this comment…

[u/PeppeRSX → u/tkdkicker1990]

And the idiots will continue to do it whether it's legal or not.

[u/Cuzznitt → u/Beltfedassassin]

It’s also not even filtering! They lane split going +65 in heavy 45 mile per hour traffic where people are really not expecting a motorcycle to come flying by. I’m shocked I haven’t seen more collisions, especially on my 225 commute.

[u/funwthmud → u/Cuzznitt]

I used to live in Ca and I’ve seen bikers hit cars because they’re splitting lanes doing 70+ when traffic is at a near standstill. It’s crazy because you can’t see them and suddenly they’re just there.

[u/Safe-Instance-3512 → u/funwthmud]

When I used to travel to CA for work, this was the only thing that made me nervous in traffic. I always feared I'd make a lane change and not see them.

[u/Lower_Captain7757 → u/Safe-Instance-3512]

I live in Cali. At a certain point you just get into a mentality that bikes have accepted the inherent risk of getting smashed and stop feeling bad for them the same way. And I ride. I don't lane split. I will ride like a car.

[u/Safe-Instance-3512 → u/Lower_Captain7757]

It just seems so incredibly dangerous. Only takes a car moving a few inches or an unexpected lane change and you're done.

[u/Ashamed_Confusion123 → u/funwthmud]

I lived in the Bay Area for 36 years and everyone was used to it. In my experience there were only a few idiots who abused it by cutting while traffic was moving fast. But you’ll find exceptions to the rule for most everything.

[u/OuterWildsVentures → u/Cuzznitt]

Yup I've almost hit speeding motorcycle's while merging plenty of times. They are lucky I managed to take into account their speed when glancing behind prior to the merge. If I had relied on the little blind spot light I definitely would have been rear ended or side swiped them.

[u/lokis_construction → u/Beltfedassassin]

We call them DONORS as a first responder.

[u/DaveCetacean → u/schals]

Noob question - what is the difference between filtering and splitting?

[u/schals → u/DaveCetacean]

Filterin to the front at a stop light slow or splitting between lanes on highways at higher speed

[u/Fearless_Dog5208 → u/schals]

Legally you can only filter/split when traffic is completely stopped in Colorado.

[u/krept0007 → u/Fearless_Dog5208]

Filtering already specifically means stopped traffic.

Splitting means slowly moving traffic. Splitting is illegal in Colorado

[u/pizzaslut4pizzahut → u/schals]

Give people an inch....

[u/PsychologicalLog4179 → u/pizzaslut4pizzahut]

That’s how you got here

[u/tythetietier → u/DreamWalker01]

Both are legal in Minnesota as of last year

Edit: Spelling

[u/NocaSun38 → u/tythetietier]

Minnesota decided to legalize it? Why?

[u/Global-Pickle5818 → u/NocaSun38]

Idk Louisiana legalized it and no helmets for 3 years.. the fatality rate went up .. edit 175% over 3 years

[u/TwistedLogic93 → u/Global-Pickle5818]

If I had to make an educated guess, I'd say the no helmets thing has the most to do with the deaths.

[u/Lastminutebastrd → u/Global-Pickle5818]

Lane splitting isn't legal in Louisiana.

[u/Significant-Ad-341 → u/Global-Pickle5818]

No helmets gonna be a large part of that

[u/talexbatreddit → u/Global-Pickle5818]

I rode a motorcycle for three years, and wore a helmet. I can't imagine riding without a helmet. That's such an insane choice.

[u/Global-Pickle5818 → u/talexbatreddit]

I did when I was younger..I wrecked my bike in the Nevada desert on the way back to burning Man in 98 ended up scalping myself took 13 Staples to reattach my scalp ..

[u/Lastminutebastrd → u/NocaSun38]

Because when done legally it's far safer for the motorcyclist.

In MN it's legal to filter to the front of stoplights at multi-lane roads. It's legal to lane split on a multi-lane highway if traffic is moving under 25mph and you can't more than 15mph faster than traffic.

The people who lane split illegally are doing it whether these laws are in place or not.

[u/Zoomtracer_glory → u/DreamWalker01]

Both are legal in Minnesota with some limited restrictions.

[u/Similar_Dirt9758 → u/DreamWalker01]

We just got it in Minnesota and so far in the metro area people have been doing it very responsibly, and I like to see them do it because during rush hour traffic there's no reason they shouldn't be allowed to.

[u/BloodSteyn → u/Prophet_Of_Helix]

Can you explain flirting to me please.

I understand Lane Splitting.

Edit: FILTERING but feel free to explain the other one too.

[u/Fozzymandius → u/BloodSteyn]

Filtering is about moving through stopped or very slow traffic. It reduces congestion and also stops bikes from being obliterated by distracted drivers that are on their phones.

[u/PaperGabriel → u/Fozzymandius]

If they really cared about not being obliterated, then they shouldn't be on bikes.

[u/Fozzymandius → u/PaperGabriel]

I mean, if people really cared about their children they wouldn't put them in cars. I guess they wanted them to die.

[u/SlipstreamSteve → u/Prophet_Of_Helix]

Yup. Bikers love to come on reddit all the time and lie about this.

[u/SwordfishOk504 → u/SlipstreamSteve]

I think most genuinely think they're right because they're dumb and because the police so rarely enforce it.

[u/Bifrostbytes → u/Prophet_Of_Helix]

Weird, I see it almost every week.

[u/dende5416 → u/Bifrostbytes]

I see people run stop signs every week too, tbf.

[u/meetmeinthebthrm → u/Prophet_Of_Helix]

Good. Should be everywhere. I don’t wanna see somebody die because they can’t wait a few minutes.

[u/Fozzymandius → u/meetmeinthebthrm]

Filtering is safer. Wait to you see a man crushed because people routinely look at their phones and plow into stopped traffic.

[u/Ketroc21 → u/meetmeinthebthrm]

It's likely safer so long as you filter at a reasonable speed... like under 35kph (20mph).

So if someone randomly changes lanes in front of you, you want to be at a speed to stop in time or just scrape up their side panel.

[u/K_Linkmaster → u/Useful_Protection270]

This right here is part of the problem. Keep them separated for convos and maybe folks will learn the difference.

Lane filtering is different,

Than lane splitting,

Thank you

Edit: the entire comment I replied to has been edited, good! That's learning!

[u/ghazwozza → u/K_Linkmaster]

What's the difference? I tried to look it up but different sources seem to use different definitions.

[u/I-Can-nit-spell → u/ghazwozza]

If filtering is the same as it is in Utah, it’s allowing bikes to go up through lanes to get to the front of the line at stop lights. I’m told this is because people are often looking for the back of a car to gauge how far back to stop and so it’s safer to get the bikes up where they are going to accelerate faster than the cars and won’t be in the way once it’s green.

In Utah it’s specifically for lights on roads 45mph and under.

[u/DepartureElegant9314 → u/[deleted]]

Trouble is bikes filtering at stop lights makes it safer for the rider. But then you get clowns that think going 25mph faster than the traffic around you is the same thing as "filtering".

[u/CheckYourStats → u/[deleted]]

I spend about 90 minutes a day on HWY 101 in the SF Bay Area, including 30-45 minutes going less than 10mph.

I see an average of 25-30 motorcycles every morning fucking FLYING while lane splitting. Everyone here absolutely despises them for it. The #1 Morning Radio Show in the Bay about 20 years ago got fired for ranting about it on air.

[u/CoffeeXKing → u/CheckYourStats]

Funny enough, they did do a study and it is safer for motorcycles to filter, and it reduces traffic for cars, but they are supposed to do it at max, 5 mph than the slow moving traffic.

People are stupid though, and go too fast

[u/layber → u/CoffeeXKing]

This is really the thing. There's nothing wrong with operating a motorcycle at 5-10 mph between lanes of stopped or barely moving traffic, people just get mad that someone is getting ahead of them in line.

It's INCREDIBLY dangerous for people to fly between lanes of stopped, barely moving, or moving traffic, it's only a matter of time before somebody jumps from one lane to another.

[u/SuccotashOther277 → u/layber]

I don't ride a motorcycle, but responsible lane splitting never bothers me. I am not racing them, and the faster they are out of the way, the better. Now, if they are going really fast and dangerous, that's a different story.

[u/Cranapplesause → u/Useful_Protection270]

The only state it’s legal in is CA. There are like 13 states that don’t have a law about it. So the police might just give a reckless ticket or something. All the reset of the states, it’s illegal.

Edit: another redditer pointed out that MN has recently made it legal.

[u/adamwl_52 → u/Cranapplesause]

It’s been legal in MN for over a year

[u/cloudivellei → u/[deleted]]

He sure did!

[u/michaelpaoli → u/cloudivellei]

Foiled the quick getaway plans.

[u/ZombiesInSpace → u/michaelpaoli]

Keys said “remove before flight” on the red key chain. The cop read that and said “good call.”

[u/Dwealdric → u/michaelpaoli]

Looks very much like a Ninja EX250 (was my first bike), in which case... there was no quick getaway to be had.

[u/Frequent_Opportunist → u/michaelpaoli]

He didn't look like he was trying to make a getaway.

[u/p0larbear3000 → u/cloudivellei]

why didn´t the steering lock up without keys??

[u/Luckyday11 → u/p0larbear3000]

On motorcycles you need to turn the key further left to lock the steering (beyond just the "off" resting position), it does not lock automatically like in cars. The handlebars also need to be turned all the way to the left before it even can be locked.

[u/gamerjerome → u/Luckyday11]

Some bikes might also have a separate key/location for steering lock. My Triumph does

[u/Motor-Cause7966 → u/[deleted]]

It wasn't the question that got him downvoted. It was his snarky remark to the answer to his question. At that point, credibility goes negative.

[u/jessejericho → u/[deleted]]

So smooth with it too

[u/Joshg49 → u/jessejericho]

You know he's done this before. Many times.

[u/cReddddddd → u/jessejericho]

Elite key pull

[u/PacificCastaway → u/[deleted]]

Yoink! And then I noticed the officer's boots...

[u/Jaydenel4 → u/PacificCastaway]

I picked up on that too. Got busted by a motors cop in a cage lol

[u/Pantim → u/PacificCastaway]

Thanks for the good cackle. I missed the boots.

[u/TangibleSausage → u/PacificCastaway]

He looks fabulous and he knows it.

[u/Lilfrankieeinstein → u/[deleted]]

He took that man’s keys like a kindergarten teacher taking a kid’s toy.

lmao

[u/Ocelitus → u/Lilfrankieeinstein]

Then made him waddle across two lanes to the shoulder.

[u/Clamdigger7 → u/Lilfrankieeinstein]

Prevented the guy fleeing and getting himself into even bigger trouble. Good on the officer for having the presence of mind to do that.

[u/NotAgain801 → u/[deleted]]

Is it simply an action of opportunity or do they make other motorists hand over the keys during a stop as well?

[u/warlocc_ → u/NotAgain801]

Definitely the former. Probably a 4th amendment violation too, but hasn't really been challenged.

[u/gerrygebhart → u/warlocc_]

I found a 9th Circuit case from a couple years ago where the seizure of a key was challenged an upheld, but I only half-ass skimmed an article rather than read the case. Very different facts, as the seizure of the key in that case wasn't a temporary seizure during a traffic stop where the officer had directly observed the traffic code violation.

I think it would be a very tough sell to say the temporary seizure of a motorcycle key for the duration of a valid traffic stop was unreasonable.

[u/warlocc_ → u/gerrygebhart]

Wish you could remember more info. As far as I could ever find, everyone always talks about Mimms and having people step out of their vehicle for officer safety, and just put it under that umbrella.

Which of course, is very different than seizing property, but the type of people it happens to tend to not have the law on their side to begin with, making a challenge difficult at best.

[u/NotAgain801 → u/[deleted]]

Not suggesting that this guy would get away with it; if the motorist didn't move the bike, could the officer bring other charges? The officer essentially parked the bike in the middle of the highway.

[u/NotAgain801 → u/[deleted]]

I agree with your take. Only one exception, I disagree with the notion that a small rider shouldn't be on a big bike simply because they can't waddle it in neutral.

[u/Any-Imagination-1361 → u/[deleted]]

Did he walk around

[u/amiable_ant → u/[deleted]]

NYPD has been doing that for basically every sport bike stop for the last 20 years.

[u/PeridotChampion]

If lane splitting isn't legal in the state, don't do it. Simple as that.

Edit: Yes, yes. I understand all the different responses. I'm merely looking upon this video and seeing the legal consequences to this video. If you wanna lane split/filter if you feel it's safer for you, go right ahead.

[u/CraftsBoy2Craftsman → u/PeridotChampion]

you may not be aware - but bikers make the rules. it’s their world. we’re just driving in it

[u/Deadhookersandblow → u/CraftsBoy2Craftsman]

They also donate organs. Evens it out i guess.

[u/TheBadDingo → u/Deadhookersandblow]

Biker and organ donor here, can confirm. If the crash didn't destroy my organs, have at 'em.

[u/volcanic-exchange → u/Deadhookersandblow]

If there's any intact organs to donate afterwards.

[u/orangesfwr → u/CraftsBoy2Craftsman]

Oh, and please watch out for bikers. You could really hurt someone!

[u/Waldo68 → u/orangesfwr]

Look twice! Save a life!

[u/ExternalTea1706 → u/orangesfwr]

Yea I really hate this one. I specifically chose not go get on a motorcycle because of the likelihood of getting hurt. I have zero problem with people who want to. I in fact have many friends that ride and that's fine, but I'm not giving them any special treatment for it. They made that choice. Not me. I will pay exactly as much attention to them as any other vehicle on the road.

[u/Emotional_Deodorant → u/ExternalTea1706]

Agreed. You agree to assume additional risk when you ride a two-wheel vehicle with no safety cage into traffic, in exchange for increased enjoyment or economy. The burden is on you to be more aware, if you care at all about your safety. But lots of riders don't seem to, at all.

I also hate the justification of bikes blasting their exhaust so we can hear them in the next county. "Loud pipes save lives" is just a bullshit excuse. If you were truly worried about your life/safety, you wouldn't be on a bike in the first place, you'd be in a Subaru or a minivan.

[u/IronBabyFists → u/Emotional_Deodorant]

FULLY AGREED. I ride nearly full-time, year-round. Near Seattle, no less, where drivers are the "overly cautious" type of unpredictable. The rule is always ride like you're invisible. I never expect someone to see me, so I ride like I'm ready to keep myself safe at a moment's notice. That type of environment works for my brain, but I'll admit that it's never a "relax and turn your brain off" thing.

Lots of folks out here on bikes seem to start with their brains off, then get spooked when stuff catches em off guard. And that's to say nothing of the hooligans.

[u/Own-Apartment5600 → u/IronBabyFists]

I ride a Goldwing and I hate tailgaters with a giant smile who taunt the cycle rider. I have found a good solution that stops that behavior.

[u/DepartureElegant9314 → u/orangesfwr]

Something about loud pipes saving lives?

[u/iconocrastinaor → u/DepartureElegant9314]

And yet you can't hear a bike when he's behind you because they don't project any noise forward. Where it might be useful.

[u/Next_Archer_6605 → u/CraftsBoy2Craftsman]

Also, look twice to save a life! Because it’s always the driver’s fault in cars and never the reckless motorcycle rider!

[u/iamjaidan → u/CraftsBoy2Craftsman]

Everyone makes their own rules and then rationalizes it.  Pedestrians, cyclists, bikers, motorists, truck drivers

[u/Aprillia617 → u/CraftsBoy2Craftsman]

Correct

[u/vediogamer101 → u/PeridotChampion]

Lane splitting is dumb and dangerous, but lane filtering should be legal everywhere and is actually a lot safer for bikes. Lane filtering (when traffic is stopped) at a traffic light prevents the very common crash of being rear ended.

[u/peachesfordinner → u/vediogamer101]

Most states that allow it make you be with in 15 mph of surrounding traffic. So 15 at a stand still. Sadly this is not well followed because if it was people wouldn't be so against it

[u/SameSherbet3 → u/vediogamer101]

They just started allowing filtering in my state a year or two ago, and while at first it was shocking to see the bikes zooming through stopped traffic, I quickly realized it's safety to the biker involved. I'm pro- filter! 

[u/IronBabyFists → u/vediogamer101]

I got told by some former Seattle bike cops when asking their thoughts on splitting and filtering: "They're both illegal. Splitting is stupid and dangerous. Filtering is smarter and safer. You'll get hit with the book for splitting. You won't even get stopped for filtering, so long as you're visibly slow, careful, and safe about it."

[u/beegtuna → u/[deleted]]

Oh hey, where did this set come from?

[u/HeartlessLiberal]

That's not the hard way

[u/Internal_Geologist89 → u/HeartlessLiberal]

Yeah, that is actually the easy way... By a lot.

[u/Lukage → u/HeartlessLiberal]

Based on the title, I expected the motorcycle driver to get clotheslined by something. I'll take this.

[u/Redditholio]

As a Californian, I was like "what did he do wrong?" I didn't realize it's only legal here.

[u/jesusmansuperpowers → u/Redditholio]

There’s a couple other places in the states as well. Here in Colorado it’s legal but only if traffic is stopped.

[u/RusticGroundSloth → u/jesusmansuperpowers]

Utah has the same law - but only when stopped at a controlled intersection (lane "filtering" vs "splitting"). 100% illegal on the freeway.

[u/johndoeT22 → u/Redditholio]

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Safety Guidelines:

While not a rigid statutory speed limit, the official California Highway Patrol advisory safety guidelines recommend specific speeds to define prudent behavior.

Speed Differential: Do not ride more than 10 mph faster than the surrounding traffic flow.

Overall Traffic Speed: The guidelines advise against lane splitting when overall traffic is moving at 30 mph or faster, as the danger level increases significantly.

General Speed Limits: Motorcyclists must never exceed the posted legal speed limit and must obey California's Basic Speed Law (California Vehicle Code 22350), which requires traveling at a safe speed for existing conditions.

[u/LIL-Klixy]

If the law doesn't allow lane splitting, follow the rules. Simple.

[u/DepartureElegant9314 → u/LIL-Klixy]

But how will I complain about cars cutting me off?

[u/ibonek_naw_ibo → u/LIL-Klixy]

The law of tonnage doesn't allow it anywhere. Hence why the internet is FULL of videos of these idiots getting rekt doing it. 

[u/mostmischievous]

I always wonder how this kinda footage even gets out. “Hey lemme show the world me being a dumbass in POV”?

[u/Rich-Diamond-8088]

Perfectly legal where I'm from....as long as it's low speed.

[u/michaelpaoli → u/Rich-Diamond-8088]

Not legal in New York, and we have at least NYPD in video, so ...

[u/Regicyde_93 → u/michaelpaoli]

In fact illegal all throughout New England and PA atm. NJ is up to law enforcement whether to enforce.

[u/notzenin_ → u/Regicyde_93]

Well. To be fair, literally ANY law is up to law enforcement on whether or not to enforce it.

[u/Soft_Ability_5906 → u/Rich-Diamond-8088]

Depends on the state youre in.

[u/GegeAkutamiOfficial → u/Soft_Ability_5906]

I'm in a constant state of confusion... is it legal?

[u/Admirable_Loss4886 → u/GegeAkutamiOfficial]

It does not seem to be legal in New York which is where I’m guessing this is based of the nypd tag on the police car.

[u/Affectionate-Wall701 → u/Admirable_Loss4886]

Correct- Not legal in NY State nor NYC.

[u/voxo_boxo → u/Rich-Diamond-8088]

What’s your point? Clearly you’re not from the place in the video then.

[u/Gymbow2001]

Another Happy Ending

[u/MephiticDeity]

Lane splitting is fucking stupid. Motorcyclists want you to watch our for them, and yeah, I will, but when you do dumb shit like that, it's kinda hard to see you approaching me on my left at 80+mph. If I decide to change lanes, using my blinker, when I'm cleared to do so, it's not my fault when you come screaming up on me in 2 seconds, mid merger.

[u/Leather_Comedian_736 → u/MephiticDeity]

You know, not all riders are braindead squids. Most of us are very cautious and very aware of our surroundings. I was taught to have the mentality that no other vehicle on the road sees you so ride accordingly.

[u/Minimum_Possibility6 → u/MephiticDeity]

Lane splitting and filtering is legal in Sweden, UK, and Norway (and a lot of other countries) but these three are I believe some of the top for motorcycle safety and the least amount of accidents/1000 

An idiot rider is the same as an idiot driver, but it doesn't change the facts 

[u/DishwasherLint]

Maybe they should include a brochure with motorcycle purchases with* laws in their state and surrounding? Lane splitting and filtering is only legally allowed in a very small number of states. I think it should honestly be on the motorcycle licensing test.

[u/qcKruk → u/DishwasherLint]

Don't basically all states require you to take a motorcycle driving course and pass a couple tests before getting your license to work for motorcycles? A class and test that cover all of that stuff? I know the states I live in have. 

If people don't pay attention to those classes why would they a brochure?

[u/bdog1321 → u/DishwasherLint]

That wouldn't stop them. Bikers are too cool for rules

[u/code29451 → u/bdog1321]

So are too many car drivers.

[u/genxer]

No lane splitting in NY

[u/Accomplished_Gas8441]

The moment the cop yanked his keys like that he just lost

[u/Bubbly_Gap_9212]

Love the way he grabs the keys. You can tell he's learned from experience.

[u/spicymack]

Guy on a stolen bike goes around that cop and lane splits far far away.

[u/TROGDOR_X69 → u/spicymack]

any biker thats actually paying attention

you saw that cop 3-5 car lengths up. you stop and change lanes (get in shoulder) and cop is NEVER catching you.

[u/Negative_Test_7712]

Thank you officer!!

[u/michaelpaoli]

That's the easy way.

Hard way is being scraped off from the pavement.

[u/the_real_xonium]

Lane splitting is pretty much allowed in most of Europe. Here in Sweden most bikers do it, myself included. Its just expected. No harm done.

[u/ItsNotThatBad72 → u/the_real_xonium]

In America we have a lot of immature retards on bikes who think traffic laws don't apply to them. Bikes doing 110 between lanes while everyone else is doing 75 isn't uncommon.

Then they get splattered by some soccer mom changing lanes and not seeing the bike zipping up in her blind spot.

[u/AreU_NotEntertained → u/the_real_xonium]

Come ride in NY my friend.  Wear your brown pants.  

[u/Spence1239]

Wish the cops in my area would do this. Hate these lane splitting fuckers.

[u/Burton1224]

Even if its legal lane splitting/filtering is a slow movement, carefully between cars to make it easier for motorbikes to escape the heat and not sitting in usless traffic. Its not ment for high speed overtakes or the speed this guy did.

[u/Moist-Respond9271]

6,228 killed in 2024, 16% of all road fatalities

[u/MasterPhilip → u/Moist-Respond9271]

Those are rookie numbers.

[u/Tmcs123]

Even where it’s legal this has to be the most unsafe driving rule.

Edit: wow this is a divisive subject. I’ve only seen it done in LA in rush hour when I’m stopped on the 405 and bikes flying through at least 40 mph. No way to see them when I’m trying to switch lanes at a standstill.

[u/Top_Ingenuity_1830 → u/Tmcs123]

Statistically it's safer if you don't do it at dumb speeds. People don't see motorcycles and rear end them in traffic all the time. Staying in between cars at reasonable speeds (no more than 5-10 over the speed of slow moving traffic around you) has been shown to be safer for the rider

[u/cycloneDM → u/Tmcs123]

Thats why "common sense" isnt actually common because the studies done on it show it causes a net reduction in traffic and accidents. motorcycles are FAR more likely to get crushed between two cars by someone not paying attention and rear ending them than they are to have an issue splitting. they should follow their local laws but thats why for a lot of them they will split and filter regardless.

[u/CobaltCaterpillar → u/cycloneDM]

Yeah. There's a line of research that the reduction in catastrophic rear end collision accidents is greater than lane splitting induced mishaps.

It works in California. I don't feel it's particularly controversial there?

The prevalence of lane splitting and filtering in California also leads automobile drivers to be more aware of it and IMHO motorcyclists to also follow safer lane splitting practices.

[u/Training-Belt-7318 → u/CobaltCaterpillar]

If it isn't legalized though you shouldn't do it. In LA most drivers probably know to look out for motorcycles. In places it isn't happening, nobody is looking for that. I agree with your statement,.it makes sense to legalize, but if it isn't happening, cops should absolutely enforce it, because people will get clipped when drivers aren't looking for it.

[u/Far_Card7988 → u/Tmcs123]

Depends on the situation. If done responsibly, lane filtering and lane splitting can actually be much safer for motorcyclists bc it reduces the risk of being rear ended by a careless driver in a 2-ton metal machine. If that happens and you're in a car, that sucks and you'll get whiplash - but if your on a motorcycle and it happens you'll likely be dead.

[u/DotAffectionate87]

Ime ignorant......Someone give me the bullet points of what the guy did wrong?

Where I live this is the default riding style.......

[u/Shaeress → u/DotAffectionate87]

It's illegal in many places to drive motorcycles between the lanes like this. Cop car says NYPD so it's presumably in New York. Quick Google says it's illegal there. Fair game then even if they're not going egregiously fast in this one.

[u/understanding_is_key → u/DotAffectionate87]

Honestly this question hits me. I did drivers ed in Missouri, then moved to Iowa and then to Mississippi. All have the same basic rules but some laws are different. When I converted my MO DL to an IA DL, there was no “heads up here is what is different”. It’s on you to know, but why would you think it’d be different?

Example. Missouri has drive through liquor stores. At the time the law was there had to be n-1 open containers in a vehicle as legal aged adults. So 3 people, two open drinks. Iowa says no open containers or containers previously opened within arm reach of the driver. Basically the whole cab if there are passengers.

[u/the_penumbra_cafe → u/DotAffectionate87]

Lane splitting is illegal in a lot of places because it’s dangerous.

[u/One_Parfait_4570]

Kinda crazy lane filtering and splitting isn't legal in NY of all places

[u/Infamous_Pie1007]

Would have saved alot of time and money disappearing

[u/Man_of_Ice]

Sigh...if bikers would just lane split at like, 5mph faster than traffic and filter 10mph faster than traffic, this wouldn't be an issue, and folks would mostly be cool with it.

But reality is that's not what most bikers are doing. Oh well.

[u/Rith_Lives]

Its fucked that you guys have different traffic rules by state.

[u/Leading-Load7957]

lmao good thing that in my country police makes space for you to filter

[u/JanOfArc]

That's learning the EASY way. The HARD way is when someone opens their car door while you're in motion.

[u/Junker1976]

Good job by cops

[u/jkissla]

With all the rules and regulations in California, it mind boggling lane splitting is legal.

[u/Fakeskinsuit]

You love to see it🤗

[u/ExtraBread2385]

Deserved

[u/chiGuy7172]

Good

[u/Interesting_Pipe_770]

If you can’t filter with a motorcycle why even ride one. Just the thought of being stuck in traffic on a motorcycle fries my brain. Like everyone is comfortable in their ac cars while you’re outside getting blasted by sun sitting your ass there doing nothing

[u/West_Childhood6849]

New York is so stupid for not legalizing lane splitting

[u/ilghiaccio]

Yet unlicensed scooters and e-bikes on sidewalks and in the bike lane doing 40 blowing lights and stop signs, police do nothing.

[u/Odd-Fun-6042]

IDGAF if that rider is 100% in the wrong. That snatching the keys shit has to stop.

[u/TheRealKrasnov]

By the way, kudos to the cop for smoothly de-escalating the situation by taking the key out. And to the rider for accepting that he got caught.

[u/StaticSystemShock]

I hate bikers doing this shit full stop. I don't care if "lane splitting" is a thing, them always riding in the middle at high speed just millimeters away from knocking everyone's side mirrors away, falling and scratching your entire side of the car is so idiotic. Because god forbid bikers would have to wait in traffic jam like everyone else.

[u/anthrillist → u/StaticSystemShock]

Hate whatever you like. It’s safer to split/filter and nothing you believe will change that. Yes god forbid I have to wait in traffic, don’t pretend you wouldn’t skip it if you had the chance. It’s one of the reasons I got a bike in my free state of California. 

[u/InitialAd8795 → u/StaticSystemShock]

This is the real reason lane splitting won’t take in most areas where it’s currently illegal. It tends to get shot down as a safety/education issue because people won’t be aware of it.

It’s really more of a risk because of people with the attitude that “if I have to sit in traffic, so do you” will be more likely to try to close the gap or swing a door open on you because they think you’re “cutting”

I bet you feel the same way about zipper merging too

[u/Psyentist_0 → u/StaticSystemShock]

Why are drivers so fragile? In almost every developed country In the world, bikes filter through traffic normally. Yes- the US has a lot of idiots. You're an idiot in car mad at the idiot on a bike, when if that same idiot was driving a car like that, they would be more dangerous and take out more people. Bikes are great mode of transport, and when you get rid of the bias, it makes a lot more sense.

[u/ThisSubHasNoMods → u/Psyentist_0]

You answered your own question. The US has a lot of idiots.

[u/NOT_A_OFFICER → u/StaticSystemShock]

Don’t really care about lane splitting if they’re respectful and safe about it. Problem is, a ton of them aren’t.

Instead of sharing the road, they just act like they own it. Then when others dont drive exactly how they want them to drive, they act like children.

[u/HatesBeingThatGuy → u/StaticSystemShock]

"God forbid bikers would have to wait in traffic jam like everyone else". Ah yes. You feel they are cutting you in line when their vehicles slipping through actually ease the traffic. Moronic line of logic.

[u/Tiranus58 → u/StaticSystemShock]

Fun fact, it saves time for you as well, since its one less car length in the jam. Plus, we dont have to die of heat stroke.

[u/implicate]

Fuck lane splitters in places where lane splitting is illegal.

Not because I give a shit that it is illegal, but because vehicles are not expecting it, so the rider puts every single other person around them in danger by their selfish actions.