IN
THE
WIND
P42
THREE MORE STATES WITH
LANE-SPLITTING LEGISLATION
I
t appears the trend to put lane
splitting on the books is gaining
some momentum. In addition
to Texas announcing earlier last
month, the American Motor-
cyclist Association has added
three more states—Tennessee,
Washington and Oregon—with
lane-splitting legislation in its
upcoming 2015 session. The
AMA is calling for motorcyclists
in those states to contact their
state senators and express sup-
port for the legislation.
Although a common practice
in many countries around the
world, California remains the
only state in the U.S. that allows
for lane-splitting. As one of the
most dangerous situations for
motorcyclists is being caught in
congested stop-and-go traffic,
the AMA cite its support of the
legislation for safety reasons in
addition to alleviating traffic.
"The AMA supports respon-
sible lane splitting, as outlined
in this bill, said Wayne Allard,
AMA vice president of govern-
ment relations. "Research and
evidence suggest that lane split-
ting may reduce a motorcyclist's
risk exposure in traffic, while
helping to ease congestion. And
motorcyclists' safety is of utmost
importance."
The basis for this was a 2014
study conducted in California
that supports this assertion by
demonstrating that motorcyclists
engaging in responsible lane
splitting were less likely to be
rear ended, suffer a head injury
or be involved in a fatal crash.
Additional potential benefits
include an increase in conspicu-
ity because the motorcyclist is
moving relative to other traffic; a
reduction in motorcyclist fa-
tigue from constant shifting and
braking in stop-and-go traffic; a
lessening of the risk for engine
damage for air-cooled engines;
a reduction in motorcyclists'
exposure to ambient heat in the
summer and car exhaust year-
round due to fewer hours spent
in traffic.
To learn more informa-
tion about the AMA's position,
visit the AMA's website at www.
americanmotorcyclist.com
SHERCO
UNLEASHED
FACTORY MODELS
T
he Spanish manufacturer Sherco says its
2015 "Factory" off-road models are now
available in the U.S.
The bikes are equipped with special racing
brake components and either FMF or Akrapo-
vic exhaust systems (depending on model), a
translucent tank, unique factory graphics kits,
and a special Factory seat cover that pro-
vides "double the grip." These enduro bikes
will be available in two-stroke (250/300cc
SE-R) and four-stroke (250/300cc SEF-R)
configuration for a limited time.
Sherco will be offering
limited Factory off-road
models in both two-stroke
(pictured) and four-stroke
configurations.
