Drivers this weekend are urged to use extra caution as thousands of motorcyclists are expected to take to the roads.
The Fall Flood Run, which takes riders along the scenic Mississippi and St. Croix Valley roadways between the Twin Cities and Winona, returns Friday. In its 60th year, this will be the first Flood Run since lane splitting and filtering became legal, according to a release from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center.
Legal as of July, lane splitting allows a motorcycle to share a lane with, and pass, a vehicle in slow-moving traffic at no more than 25 mph, according to DPS. Lane filtering allows motorcycles to move through traffic that is stopped, such as at a stoplight or in a traffic jam, at no more than 15 mph as they filter toward the front of the line of traffic.
Cooperation from both riders and motorists is needed to ensure a safe event, said Jay Bock, motorcycle safety administrator for the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center, in the release.
“Making smart choices can save lives,” Bock said. “Motorcyclists should use their best judgment about if and when they can lane split and filter safely.”
Here is a list of tips for travelers from the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center.
Tips for motorists
Watch for motorcycles. Due to their smaller size their speed and distance is more difficult to judge.
Always look twice before entering a roadway or changing lanes.
Give riders room and check blind spots before changing lanes or making a turn.
Tips for riders
Be prepared for inattentive drivers by staying focused on riding and keeping your speed in check.
Lane splitting is never allowed at more than 25 mph, and no more than 15 mph over the speed of traffic.
Lane filtering is never more than 15 mph over the speed of traffic.
Wear the gear. Motorcyclists should wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet and brightly colored protective gear for visibility and protection.
Ride sober. One-third of all motorcycle fatalities involve impaired riders.
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