Is motorcycle lane splitting legal in Alberta?

Wondering whether lane splitting is legal in Alberta? Here’s what you need to know and how to stay safe on the road.

There are numerous benefits of riding a motorcycle, which is why thousands of Alberta residents opt to use a bike, rather than a traditional vehicle, to get to and from where they need to go. If you're thinking about buying a motorcycle, learning proper motorcycle safety tips and traffic laws is imperative to ensuring your safety and the safety of other road users. To learn more about lane splitting and whether this type of action is legal in Alberta, read through our guide below.

Do Alberta government traffic laws consider lane splitting legal?

When it comes to lane splitting in Alberta, traffic laws prohibit motorcyclists from doing so. The same can be said for lane filtering. However, according to the Alberta Government, lane sharing is legal if they maintain a staggered formation. Riding side-by-side in the same lane through traffic is also illegal. As such, motorcyclists performing either of these actions will be ticketed by police officers.

Why are lane splitting and lane filtering illegal in Alberta?

When it comes to riding motorcycles, rider safety is the number one goal. Authorities don't have concerns about motorcyclists filtering or lane splitting through vehicles that are slow-moving or stopped completely. They do, however, have issues with the risks associated with motorcyclists weaving through lanes of traffic at high speeds, given that it can increase the likelihood of rear-end collisions and other car accidents, especially when driving at night.

On the other hand, motorcycle riders argue that lane splitting and lane filtering can actually help protect riders from crashes and injuries by allowing them to legally maneuver through other motorists to avoid being hit.

Ultimately, there are arguments for and against allowing lane splitting and lane sharing, and more research needs to be conducted by the Alberta Government, which is in charge of changing the laws.

What is lane splitting?

Lane splitting, or white lining, occurs when motorcyclists weave between lanes of stopped cars or vehicles moving slowly during periods of heavy traffic. Lane splitting through traffic is a practice used to save time, as it allows riders to bypass traffic congestion without having to stop.

What is land filtering?

Lane filtering is another type of motorcycle riding practice that many riders in Alberta use. Lane filtering occurs when other road users are completely stopped, for example, at a red light, and the riders move ahead of the lane queue before stopping at the red light themselves.

What is lane sharing?

In contrast to these motorcycle practices, lane sharing occurs when two or more motorcycles share a lane, either side-by-side or in a staggered formation.

Motorcycle safety tips

Getting into a collision while on a motorcycle can lead to serious, life-threatening injuries or even death. Because motorcyclists are inherently more at risk while on the road compared to other motorists, knowing how to handle motorcycles in a safe and responsible manner is key. Here are some safe driving tips to remember the next time you get on your bike and head out onto Alberta roadways:

1. Wear protective gear

Regardless of how nice the weather conditions may be, wearing the right protective gear as a motorcyclist is imperative if you want to avoid life-threatening injuries. That includes opting for a full-face helmet for proper head protection and wearing thick layers of clothing to protect your body, should you get in a collision. You may also want to consider riding with reflective material on at night to ensure other motorists can clearly see you when visibility is lower.

2. Give yourself ample space on the road

When out on the open road, make sure to give yourself as much space as possible. Remember, the two-car-length rule should still apply, even when you're on a bike. Doing so can drastically minimize your chances of getting into a collision. It offers you more time to respond to your circumstances, such as braking or veering unexpectedly to avoid a crash. It also reduces the possibilities of getting into a collision in the first place, as you are unlikely to be as close to other cars.

3. Ride with others

Riding with other people can be safer than riding alone. Remember, there is safety in numbers, and that includes when riding your motorcycle. It'll be harder for other motorists to miss a group of riders compared to a single motorcyclist. This increased awareness can help drivers be more aware of their surroundings, which in turn puts them at a lower risk of being involved in a collision.

4. Enrol in a safety course

If you're new to riding, you will greatly benefit from enrolling in a motorcycle safety riding course. These courses will teach you how to ride defensively, how to avoid a collision, and can help you qualify for an insurance discount the next time you need to renew your policy. We recommend checking the Ministry of Transportation Alberta website for a list of eligible courses that are available near you for more information.

5. Regularly maintain your bike

Lastly, ensure that you regularly maintain your motorcycle. Changing its oil frequently, rotating the tires, and checking the engine often will ensure that your bike is performing well. Ultimately, a well-performing bike will help you avoid issues when out on the road. For more riding safety tips, check out our riding safety guide.

How BrokerLink can help

At BrokerLink, we help motorcyclists find affordable motorcycle insurance in Alberta. With access to multiple car insurance policies from some of Canada's top insurance companies, our team of experienced brokers can help you find affordable coverage based on your needs and riding style, including standard motorcycle insurance and seasonal insurance coverage. To learn more, check out our free online quote tool for a competitive insurance quote available within minutes!

[phone]