Just recently, ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol ran a news story on how undisciplined motorcycle riders who are ignorant of traffic laws—derisively called “kamote” riders, a shot at their supposed “kabobohan”—were responsible for many road accidents.
The news item adds more fire to the already fiery debate between the guys on four wheels and those on two wheels. To be fair, both sides have their fair share of kamote—just about everyone’s social media feed is bound to have a video either of motorcyclists figuring in horrible accidents or car drivers flagrantly flaunting their arrogance, rage, or stupidity on the road.
Pero kailangang pag-usapan ito brod because our roadways have already become hell on earth and something must be done to set things right.
One particular aspect of the debate, as shown in the news item, involves the concept of lane splitting.
Here is the definition of lane splitting, according to Jobert Bolanos, chairman of Motorcylce Rights Organization, a local safety, rights, and riders education advocacy group: “Lane-splitting is riding in between lanes at speed. The parameter in other countries is usually 30 kilometers per hour and above. This is different from lane filtering, which is defined as filtering through lanes when traffic is at a stop or very slow.”
Before we go further, let’s make one thing clear here based on what Bolanos said: There are places where lane splitting and lane filtering is legal. This is important to know because in the Philippines it is illegal.
So where is it legal?
In the US, it is legal in California. In a Los Angeles Times article, guidelines were laid out on how to lane-split responsibly. The interesting thing about California’s policy is that it also says that “interfering with lane splitting is illegal.” Meaning, four-wheeled drivers have a responsibility as well to make sure motorcyclists can split lanes safely.
“In European countries, the practice is both legal and tolerated, with a few exceptions. In Germany, for example, lane splitting moving traffic is prohibited, but slowly moving between lanes of stopped vehicles (“filtering”) is tolerated, though not expressly allowed. In France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and most other countries, the practice is not just lawful, it’s expected,” says an article in motorcycle.com.
Japan also allows lane splitting.
Here are key arguments for and against lane splitting: those for it cite studies that say it reduces the risk of a rider being hit from behind while stopped in traffic. Those against it cite the legal responsibility of the rider should an accident occur (the idea being that the fault almost always falls on the rider because it was his responsibility to determine the safety of lane splitting in the first place).
With the slow to non-moving traffic in our streets, the problem is more about lane-filtering. It's annoying for most drivers to see motorcyclists weave in and out of traffic to get ahead. Their most basic question seems to be: “Why can't motorcycles simply stay on their lanes?”
But then, what is more annoying: letting motorcyclists pass between lanes or let them bunch in front of cars at traffic jams? The way we see it, mukhang mas hassle yung huli. Parang mas takaw aksidente and it sets the stage for more road rage.
Kayo, what's your opinion on lane splitting?