Lane splitting
As riders we all lane split - its what makes the daily commute bearable.
The danger for me is always the impatient and impulsive lane changer who sees a gap and jumps at the chance to save another 10 seconds by being in a different lane, and then changes back again 50m later because the lane he (or she) has just come from is now moving a bit faster. Dangerous because these are the people who don't look, indicate and then start moving across - they just go.
After being back on two wheels for 18 months or so now I have learnt to read the body language of cars and despite a few close calls have never yet had to change my pants when arriving at work.
The other morning I had an incident when I was 'nudged' by a car changing lanes as I passed by on the left - fortunately my engine guard and crash bar took the hit and apart from a shudder i never lost control at any stage.
My question is what is our legal standing in the case of an accident of this nature - are we legally in the right in terms of the traffic ordinance if we have an accident or are 'taken' out whilst effectively in the process of lane splitting?
Hi Peter, This matter is quite well covered here:-
http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/faq#t278n30339
Interesting point.
Regards
Hi Peter
Lane splitting is legal in South Africa.
Pieter,
plane splitting is a dirty word.
filtering is a clean word.
according to the AARTO regs ...
"a vehicle may pass another vehicle only on the right, in the same lane, and if it is safe to do so".
when a traffic officer pulls a bike over for filtering, then it is for one or both of two reasons.
- riding in the same lane as another vehicle and going faster ( or passed) that vehicle on the left
- riding in such a way to be construed as dangerous.
- stopping at a controlled intersection alongside a car that got there first is illegal if you are on his left.
none of this meters until you have an incident, then more than likely you will find yourself defending your action on the bike.
Go to;
https:/arrivealive.co.za/Lane-Splitting-Advice-and-Guidelines-for-Bikers-from-Experts. Also use the experienced advise from Andy and the other daily commuters as the best references in practice.
Note that AARTO legislation has to date not been implemented in the Western Cape and has no Legal status here.
Use the National Road Traffic Act together with the Criminal Procedures Act as working tool. Google all your road traffic enquiries here. Even your "Speed Prosecuting Violations" and you will be surprised of what they are doing wrong and threatening us with.
Jacques. BOTHA
0825150092
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