Imagine dashing outside between appointments, and instead of spending 15 minutes in traffic, you motorbike over, grab that high-caffeine jolt at your favorite Starbucks, zoom back and arrive in minutes. Now what if your day – even on Monday – started like this. And, you could do it in style.
Maybe you’re thinking: “Whoa-is lane splitting legal in PA? That sounds like a great idea for living the good life on a budget. I mean, with a little planning I could be on my Harley for work, fashion events, parties – you name it, and still get things done.”
Well, let’s talk about what it means to be “budget socialite” – the stylish, versatile, and adventurous person every one wants to be friends with: The Budget Socialite spends their time wisely, and usually opts for cost-effective commuting and transportation. Lane splitting may seem like a great alternative to gas guzzling, traffic snarling SUVs, right? Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist moves in between lanes of parked or slow-moving cars. Think about the awards for the best NASCAR pit crews, and you’ll begin to get the idea. This motorcycling style lets you travel more efficiently, pass other vehicles, and freely move about in very tight traffic zones. So, on the surface, lane splitting might make sense, right? But, the question is – is lane splitting legal in PA? And if it was, what would it mean to you, anyway?
Fact: Pennsylvania doesn’t have any laws that state how motorcycles should act in traffic. So unless there are regulations specific to the vehicles involved in an accident, or your particular situation, it’s all open to interpretation. That said, there are no laws mentioning lane splitting, but motorcyclists are expected to keep a safe distance and be alert, just as if they were cars on the road. Believe it or not, lane splitting does not appear in the language of the State’s law anywhere. Of course, where you live, work, and play can have a bearing on your ability to legally navigate and divide traffic, etc. The surrounding suburbs and highway systems dictate how you ultimately drive or ride.
If there is one thing you should acquiesce to as a rider, it’s that motorcycles offer a way to save money, albeit at the cost of some style points. Sure, gas prices are pricey, but once you fill up for the week, you can drive around pretty much anywhere on a tank of gas. And that’s not bad, even if you don’t split lanes. Speaking of cost effective – motorcycles tend to have different insurance premiums, so you can save on extemporaneous and frivolous costs through lower premiums for coverage. It’s just one of those cool side effects of motorcycling and lane splitting – well, on all highways everywhere.
Let’s not compromise on safety considerations-the one thing you should never sacrifice on your love of style. Make sure your helmet fits, all of the parts of your bike are checked, safe, and operable, and wear the appropriate gear for your event, outing, or day to run errands. Keep in mind, you might be fast, but you’re limited by physics and the speed at which you can shift from lane to lane. The faster you go, the more fuel-efficient your motorcycle will be, and the more gas in your tank, the more of a budget advantage it will be.
For insurance savings, you may reap in terms of lower premiums, and gas savings – the ultimate question is: is lane splitting legal in PA? And what does that mean for you? If nothing else, it’s best left to major metropolitan areas and people who get tired of waiting in long lines, day after day. While In Pennsylvania, lane splitting wouldn’t benefit you based on demand – or a lack thereof – you should always tell the world why you love the devices and things you do. That’s what socialites do!
For more information on motorcycle laws, you can visit Wikipedia on Motorcycle Safety.