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Proponents say lane filtering would reduce rear-end motorcycle injuries; police chiefs warn of driver unpredictability
Summary
House Bill 7,354 would permit low‑speed lane filtering for motorcycles. Supporters — including medical professionals and the Rhode Island Motorcycle Association — framed it as a safety improvement; the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association opposed the bill, citing other drivers’ unpredictability and enforcement concerns.
Representative Bennett introduced House Bill 7,354 to allow motorcycles to perform lane filtering — the act of passing stopped or slow‑moving vehicles in the same direction at low speed. Bennett, a registered nurse who said she has worked trauma and emergency care, argued the change would reduce catastrophic rear‑end injuries to motorcycle riders.
Cameron "Cam" Bigelow, recording secretary of the Rhode Island Motorcycle Association, testified that lane filtering helps riders avoid remaining in a "danger zone" during stop‑and‑go traffic and cited rider fatigue, overheating and safety studies from other states. "By allowing lane filtering, you escape the danger zone," Bigelow told the committee.
Several longtime riders and advocates, including Lou Petrucci and Steve Chivette, described positive experiences in states that permit some form of lane sharing and pointed to research suggesting fewer rear‑end collisions in those contexts.
Sid Wardell, executive director of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, testified in opposition. Wardell said the core risk is not the motorcyclist but other drivers who would not expect a motorcycle to pass between lanes: "I don't see that this is, on a safety issue, that that is an answer," he said. Wardell noted the statute for "overtaking" and said improper overtaking could remain unlawful.
Committee members asked witnesses for data; Representative Nooray recommended bringing comparative crash and injury statistics to inform future deliberations. Chair McEntee did not call for a final vote on the bill and the matter remained held for further study.
