Australia: Australian Capital Territory – Filtering Trial
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will trial motorcycle lane filtering from February next year, allowing riders to move between stationary or slow moving vehicles in the same lane.
Here in the UK filtering (riding slowly between stationary or slow moving vehicles) on a motorcycle/scooter/moped is an accepted and legitimate practice.
Filtering has not been “legal” or accepted by authorities in other countries.
However recently the Australian State of NSW (New South Wales) announced that from the 1st July 2014 motorcycle lane filtering will be made legal in NSW with strict conditions.
Motorcycle Lane Fitering To Be Trialled in ACT
Attorney-General, Simon Corbell, today announced that a two-year trial of motorcycling lane filtering will commence in the ACT from 1 February 2015.
“Motorcycle lane filtering is when a motorcyclist moves between stationary or slow moving vehicles in the same lane. It is not the same as lane splitting which is done at higher speeds and increases the unpredictability of motorcyclist movements for other road users,” Mr Corbell said.
“One of the benefits of lane filtering is it allows motorcyclists to move quickly and safely away from congested areas of traffic. This provides motorcyclists with an opportunity to have the front position in a lane – away from other traffic.
“Lane filtering became legal in New South Wales from 1 July 2014 after a recent trial in Sydney which found that lane filtering is a relatively low risk riding activity for motorcyclists when done in low speed traffic situations.”
The report by the Standing Committee on Planning, Environment and Territory and Municipal Services on the Assembly inquiry into vulnerable road users includes a recommendation that the government conduct a trial of motorcycle lane filtering by March 2015.
“This trial will cover the whole of the ACT and will include a number of conditions aimed at making the practice safe for motorcyclists and all other road users, including a requirement that motorcyclists not filter at a speed greater than 30km/h or on the kerbside next to a footpath, or in a bicycle lane or breakdown lanes,” Mr Corbell said.
“To ensure safety is not compromised for younger pedestrians, motorcyclists will also not be allowed to filter in school zones.
“I am aware that some motorists feel annoyed when they see motorcyclists filtering through traffic, however, given the low risk nature of this trial, there is a need for all road users to demonstrate understanding and compromise in order to achieve the desired “share the road” culture.”
The ACT questions and answers information document gives a clear difference between lane filtering and lane splitting, which is that: “What is the difference between Lane splitting involves higher speeds, which increases the unpredictability of motorcyclist movements for other road users. This increases the crash risk for motorcyclists and other road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists. In crashes resulting from lane splitting, there is a higher risk of casualties, especially for motorcyclists. Lane splitting will not be considered as part of the ACT trial. “
Filtering Good – Lane Splitting bad!
Original – Government source – Click Here
Links & Information
Further information on the ACT motorcycle lane filtering trial can be found at on the ACT Government website – Click Here
Direct link to the Questions and Answers document – pdf – Click Here
Australian – Stop Smidsy Community – On Facebook
Filtering Australia – New South Wales – Right To Ride – Click Here
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