Motorbikes can make better progress through traffic by using lanes that other vehicles can’t access. Here are the lanes motorcycle riders can use, and when.
Bus lanes
While many roading authorities know that motorbikes ease congestion there’s no blanket rule as to whether a motorbike can use a bus lane or not. It’s not possible for a biker to assume, they must look at the blue signs at intersections.
Buses and bikes are allowed, but not motorbikes in this lane unless it’s outside of the operating hours
Motorbikes can always use bus lanes outside their normal operating hours (as can any vehicle). In the image above, the bus lane is in operation from 7-10am and 4-6:30pm. Therefore at 8pm, 10:01am, 3am and 2pm, any vehicle could be using this lane. Often, drivers don’t realise and will avoid bus lanes at all times which simply increases congestion. Motorcyclists might find a freer, safer route within the virtually empty bus lane.
Red routes
In London, motorcyclists can use mostof the Red Routes (indicated by single or double red lines), but not all of them – motorcyclists still must check at every junction.
Motorcyclists can only use some Red Routes
High occupancy vehicle lanes
Motorbikes can use HOV lanes. These are reserved for vehicles with a certain number of occupants (usually 2 or more), cycles, motorbikes, buses and coaches. They sometimes restrict lorries over a certain weight.
Climbing and crawler lanes
These are lanes on steep hills designed to be used by slow vehicles. Motorbikes can use these.
Cycle lanes and pavements
Motorbikes are not permitted to use cycle lanes or pavements. They can cross them to enter or exit a side road or driveway.
Cycle lanes are off-limits to motorbike riders. In this image the cycle lane ends at the intersection so the motorcyclist in the distance is not within it
Motorways
Motorbikesmust not use the hard shoulder unless it’s designated a lane on a smart motorway. Motorbikes can lane split or filter through very slow or stationary traffic. Motorbikes can use ordinary lanes unless they are closed.
Improving access for motorbikes
England would benefit from having a national motorbike policy on lane use, such as those in Australia or New Zealand which have bus-only lanes (only for buses) and bus lanes (for buses, scooters, motorbikes, bicycles and [in Australia] taxis.) Standardising the rules would eliminate confusion and the risk of fines.
Darren has owned several companies in the automotive, advertising and education industries. He has run driving theory educational websites since 2010.
FAQs
It is typically safer to split between the far left lanes than between the other lanes of traffic. Avoid lane splitting next to large vehicles (big rigs, buses, motorhomes, etc.). Riding on the shoulder is illegal; it is not considered lane splitting.
What lane position should motorcycles be in? ›
A motorcycle can use any lane that a passenger vehicle can use, so there's no technically “correct” lane. However, a lot of motorcycle riders like riding in the leftmost lane, where they can ride slightly faster than traffic and only have one lane of merging traffic to deal with.
Can motorcycles use the carpool lane? ›
Who Can Use HOV Lanes? Motorcycles, mass transit, and vehicles with two or more (2+) occupants are allowed to access the HOV lanes during their operational hours. An "occupant" is defined as any person who occupies a safety restraint device, i.e., seat belt.
Can a motorcycle ride in the fast lane? ›
Motorcyclists can use Express Lanes on I-110 and I-10 free of charge and without transponders or a FasTrak account if they have a standard issued license plate.
Can you lane split in any lane? ›
In California it is legal to share a lane with another vehicle providing you are traveling in the same direction as the other vehicles and you are between two traffic lanes traveling in the same direction. You cannot share lanes between a turn lane and a through lane.
What states is lane splitting illegal? ›
So far, California is the only state to make lane splitting legal. When splitting lanes, bikers should not ride the white line faster than 10 mph above the speed of surrounding traffic. Lane splitting is also discouraged when traffic speeds are higher than 30 mph.
What is lane position 3? ›
Lane Position 3
3-6 inches from the right side (fog line/bike lane). Used for creating space to the left or preparing to turn right.
What is the safest lane position? ›
Lane position 1: Vehicle in the middle of the lane. This is the safest position to drive under normal driving situations when no potential hazards exist to the left and right of the roadway.
Which lane positions are safest for motorcycles? ›
A motorcycle rider has some choice of where to ride in the lane. The best choice is the blocking position, a little to one side of the centre of the lane. The blocking position discourages other drivers from trying to squeeze past the same lane as the motorcycle.
What does HOV stand for? ›
Children count as passengers under HOV lane rules. Pets do not, even if they are using a restraint. Unborn children also don't count as passengers under California law. There are some exceptions granted for certain types of vehicles.
Can you lane split on double white? ›
California. California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. Experts in this state do recommend that motorcyclists only go ten miles per hour above the speed of the surrounding traffic and that they avoid lane splitting over speeds of 30 miles per hour. You also can't lane split near freeway exits or ramps.
Is lane splitting safer? ›
Is lane splitting safe? Data is mixed on the safety of lane splitting. Some evidence suggests it reduces the risk of rear-end accidents. Other evidence suggests it is more dangerous because drivers do not expect motorcycle riders or bike riders to be moving around in the middle lanes of traffic.
What is the dominant lane position? ›
Maintain a dominant lane position — a position that will make it difficult for other vehicles to move into your lane beside you. Often the right lane position gives you the best distance from parked cars and debris on the side of the road and is the dominant lane position.
Why is lane splitting legal in CA? ›
Why Does the State Allow Lane Splitting? Many decry lane splitting as reckless, but lawmakers have acknowledged the arguments of proponents of the practice, citing the fact that lane splitting can not only enable a smoother flow of traffic in some areas but also help keep motorcyclists safer.
Is California the only state to allow lane splitting? ›
California is the only state that legally allows lane splitting. This means that a motorcyclist can ride between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction at high speeds or at low speeds.
Is it legal to lane split in Texas? ›
Lane splitting has not been made legal in Texas.
Transportation code adopted in 2015 in Texas states that vehicles should drive completely within a single lane (not between.) And in Texas there are no specific driving laws permitting lane splitting, lane filtering. Sec.
Is lane splitting legal in FL? ›
So, can you lane split in Florida? While lane splitting may be a common practice for motorcycle riders in other places, it remains illegal in Florida. The practice poses potential safety risks and legal consequences, making it contentious among motorcyclists and car drivers.
