I looked it up in the Minnesota Motorcycle Manual, and here is what is has to say:
I find it interesting that it says it's usually prohibited. In another section, the manual says:Lane Sharing
Cars and motorcycles need a full lane to operate safely. Lane sharing is usually prohibited.
Riding between rows of stopped or moving cars in the same lane can leave you vulnerable to the unexpected. A hand could come out of a window; a door could open; a car could turn suddenly. Discourage lane sharing by others. Keep a center-portion position whenever drivers might be tempted to squeeze by you. Drivers are most tempted to do this:
- -In heavy, bumper-to-bumper traffic.
-When they want to pass you.
-When you are preparing to turn at an intersection.
-When you are getting in an exit lane, or leaving a highway.
I would interpret this to suggest that lane-sharing should be allowed, even where I live. Being rear-ended by another vehicle is my biggest fear on my motorcycle. When I talked to a couple of motorcycle cops in California, they said that lane-sharing is much safer because of this reason alone.Lane Positions
In some ways the size of the motorcycle can work to your advantage. Each traffic lane gives a motorcycle three paths of travel, as indicated in the illustration.
Your lane position should:
- -increase your ability to see and be seen.
-avoid other's blind spots
-avoid wind blast from other vehicles.
-avoid surface hazards.
-provide an escape route.
-protect your lane from other drivers. communicate your intentions.
I really wish I knew the consequences of being ticketed if I can't talk my way out of it.
