Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I wish it was legal..I'd do it in a heartbeat!

They were trying to get it legalized here in MA for when traffic was stopped in (i believe) '04 but it didn't go through.

I think it all boils down to where you are and what you are comfortable with. Here in CA, it's legal and I see it every day. The drivers are also acclimated to it and I've never seen anyone get upset at the riders who do it. Many cagers will even move over to give the rider more space to pass. Riders usually acknowledge this with a quick wave.

This happy situation may have something to do with the sheer number of motorcycles on the road here. We are blessed with great weather most of the time, so lots of people ride. Drivers are just used to sharing the road with cycles. That said, I'm always on the lookout for out-of-state plates.

I also think there is a useful distinction to be made between freeway vs. in-town lane sharing. There seems to be a lot more lane sharing on the freeway than around town, though I'm not sure why. Perhaps it's safer on the freeway? Drivers less likely to make erratic lane changes?

For me, I'm a new rider, so I won't lane share. That's just my personal choice based on knowing my limits and the amount of risk I'm comfortable with. I suspect that there will come a time when I'm comfortable doing it, but I don't expect it to be soon. You, of course, will make your own choices.