Colorado has handed a invoice to permit bikes to lane filter between stopped automobiles, turning into the fifth state to legalize it after California, Utah, Montana, and Arizona.

Lane sharing stays a controversial subject. In his article “Break up Resolution: Are Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering Protected?” Eric Trow references research to indicate the results of lane sharing in states the place it’s authorized and located that the apply reduces the chance of rear-end collisions and reduces accidents, though it additionally introduces some new dangers. You could find a deeper dive into the subject of lane sharing by studying Trow’s article.

Learn “Break up Resolution: Are Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering Protected?” right here

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The Colorado invoice goes into impact on Aug. 7, 2024, and it’ll permit motorcyclists to filter by way of stopped site visitors at a velocity of 15 mph or much less. For extra info on the invoice, learn the American Motorcyclists Affiliation’s press launch beneath.

Colorado has turn into the fifth state to legalize lane filtering after Gov. Jared Polis (D) signed SB24-079 on April 4, permitting bikes to filter between stopped automobiles in site visitors and at stoplights.

The invoice handed by way of each the Colorado Home and Senate behind sturdy bipartisan help. Colorado now joins California, Utah, Montana, and Arizona as states with lane-filtering laws signed into legislation.

“The signing of SB24-079 is a big win for motorcyclists within the state of Colorado,” AMA Central States Consultant Nick Sands mentioned. “With this new laws, motorcyclists will now be allowed to filter by way of stopped site visitors, giving riders the flexibility to legally take away themselves from weak site visitors conditions earlier than ever coming into contact with a distracted or inattentive driver.”

The invoice — sponsored by Sens. Nick Hinrichsen (D-Pueblo) and Jim Smallwood (R-Douglas), in addition to Reps. Javier Mabrey (D-Denver, Jefferson) and Ron Weinberg (R-Larimer) — will go into impact on Aug. 7, 2024. It should permit all bikes to move stopped motor autos in the identical lane. Bikes will probably be required to journey 15 miles per hour or much less when filtering and can solely be allowed to take action if the highway has lanes extensive sufficient to move safely. Situations should additionally permit for “prudent operation of the bike whereas overtaking or passing.”

For the subsequent three years, the Colorado Division of Transportation (CDOT) will accumulate security knowledge on lane filtering and subject a report back to the Colorado Common Meeting concerning the newly handed legislation.

The AMA continues to help efforts concerning lane-filtering laws, as its success in a number of different states signifies its long-term viability in defending motorcyclists on the open highway.

To remain updated on the newest lane filtering information, go to the AMA Motion Heart.

The AMA’s place on lane filtering, and lane splitting, might be discovered right here.