Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — A bill aimed at allowing motorcycles to ride between vehicles in stopped or slow-moving traffic stalled in a legislative committee Wednesday.
Several members of the House Transportation Committee said they had safety concerns about HB281, and they voted 7-1 to table the measure until more study is done.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Craig Hall, R-West Valley City, would have amended motorcycle provisions of the current state traffic code to authorize the operation of a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, as well as adjacent lines or rows of vehicles, pursuant to rules made by the Utah Department of Public Safety.
Lawmakers voiced concern about potential safety hazards posed by motorcycles moving between vehicles on highways or slow-moving traffic on surface streets.
Supporters said so-called “lane splitting” already works safely and legally in California and on many European roadways and could help alleviate congestion in Utah, as long as drivers and riders are properly educated.
Hall said he will work with public safety officials and motorcycle safety advocates to craft a new bill for next year’s legislative session and address concerns raised by the committee.
