Page 54 - March Edition 2025
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where traffic can come to a and responsibility. Here are expert within the law.
standstill during rush hour, tips on how to lane split safely and
· Adjust your speed: Adapt
motorcyclists can take advantage effectively in South Africa. your speed to the flow of
of lane splitting to reduce their 1 . K n o w W h e n L a n e traffic. If the traffic starts
overall commute time.
Splitting is Appropriate moving faster, adjust your
2. Improved Fuel Efficiency speed accordingly.
Not all traffic conditions are
By moving through traffic rather suitable for lane splitting. Only 4. Be Predictable and Visible
than idling in a line of cars, filter through traffic when it is Visibility is key when lane
motorcyclists can conserve fuel. slow-moving or stopped. For splitting. Many vehicles may not
I d l i n g c o n s u m e s f u e l example, lane splitting is most anticipate a motorbike moving
unnecessarily, and lane splitting effective during rush hour or at between lanes, especially larger
ensures that the engine remains in traffic lights when cars are at a vehicles such as trucks and SUVs.
motion, thus improving fuel standstill. It should be avoided Always make your presence
efficiency and reducing your when traffic is moving at a higher known to other road users:
carbon footprint. speed, such as on highways or
· Use your headlights: Keep
3 . Av o i d i n g R e a r- E n d freeways, where the risk of your bike's headlights on,
accidents increases.
Collisions even during the day, to
2. Assess the Space Between make yourself more visible
One of the major dangers of sitting
in traffic on a motorcycle is the risk Vehicles to other drivers.
of a rear-end collision. Lane Before you attempt to split lanes, · Signal your intentions:
splitting allows motorcyclists to evaluate the space between the While signaling may not
avoid the risk of being rear-ended vehicles you plan to pass. Lane always be legally required
by another vehicle, particularly splitting is only safe when there is when lane splitting, it's a
when traffic is slow-moving or enough space for your bike to good practice to use your
completely stopped. move through without squeezing indicators when changing
between vehicles. If the gap is too lanes or when planning to
4. Better Control of the Bike
narrow, you should wait for a safer filter through traffic.
Motorcycles are generally more opportunity. Rushing to squeeze
maneuverable than cars, and by through tight spaces can result in · Wear reflective gear:
staying in motion, motorcyclists accidents or cause collisions with High-visibility gear, such
maintain better control of their vehicles. as a reflective vest or
bikes. Lane splitting enables you to jacket, can make you more
· Ideal gap size: Ideally, noticeable, especially in
avoid feeling trapped in a line of
cars, and it allows for a smoother there should be at least a low-light conditions or at
riding experience. full lane width between night.
vehicles for you to pass 5. Use Your Mirrors and
5. Enhanced Safety in safely.
Certain Conditions Head Checks
· Avoid narrow gaps: If the
In heavy traffic, lane splitting can gap between vehicles is Before filtering through traffic,
sometimes be safer than sitting in less than a meter wide, it always check your mirrors to
the middle of a queue of cars, as it may be unsafe to lane split. assess the flow of traffic behind
gives the motorcyclist the option to 3. Maintain a Safe Speed you. Look out for any vehicles that
avoid dangerous situations such as may be overtaking you or changing
sudden braking or erratic While lane splitting allows for lanes. A quick head check is also
movements by other vehicles. It faster progress through traffic, it's necessary to ensure that you don't
also allows motorcyclists to create essential to keep your speed within miss anything in your blind spots.
more space between themselves safe limits. Speeding while · Side mirrors: Use side
and larger vehicles, making it filtering through traffic can mirrors to gauge the
easier to anticipate and react to increase your risk of accidents. In distance between vehicles
potential hazards. South Africa, you should aim to a n d t o a n t i c i p a t e
travel no more than 10-15 km/h movements from other
Expert Tips for Safe faster than the surrounding traffic. drivers.
Lane Splitting in · Speed limits: Always · Head checks: Always
observe the speed limit, perform a head check to
South Africa even while lane splitting. In ensure that the lane you
While lane splitting can offer many areas with posted speed intend to move into is clear.
benefits, it must be done with care limits, ensure you stay
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LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 11 March 2025
