Motorcycle riders in Denver face unique challenges when it comes to maneuvering through traffic. One common practice motorcyclists may consider is lane sharing, where a motorcycle rides alongside another vehicle in the same lane. However, understanding whether this is legal can be confusing, especially since lane sharing is often confused with lane splitting. The rules around these practices vary by state, and what’s legal in one place may not be in another.

What Is the Difference Between Lane Sharing and Lane Splitting?

Before diving into Colorado’s laws, it’s important to clarify the distinction between lane sharing and lane splitting. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different behaviors on the road.

Lane sharing refers to the practice of two motorcycles riding side by side in the same lane, or a motorcycle sharing a lane with another vehicle. Lane splitting, on the other hand, occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped cars, effectively creating a new lane between them. While both practices involve close proximity to other vehicles, they are treated very differently under the law.

In Colorado, lane sharing is legal under certain circumstances. Motorcycles are permitted to ride side by side, meaning two motorcyclists can legally share the same lane while traveling next to each other. However, lane sharing between a motorcycle and a car is not allowed. Motorcycles cannot legally share a lane with a larger vehicle, such as a car or truck, and must remain in their own lane when around other types of vehicles.

This distinction is important for motorcycle riders to understand, as breaking this law can lead to fines and tickets. It also affects a rider’s legal standing if an accident occurs while engaging in prohibited lane sharing practices.

Is Lane Splitting Legal in Denver?

While lane sharing is allowed under specific conditions, lane splitting is explicitly illegal in Colorado. Unlike some states where lane splitting is permitted under certain conditions, Colorado law prohibits motorcyclists from riding between lanes of traffic, even when cars are moving slowly or stopped in traffic jams. This means that motorcyclists must stay within the designated lanes and cannot pass between cars that are driving side by side.

Lane splitting is often viewed as dangerous because it reduces the amount of space available for motorcyclists to react to sudden changes in traffic. For example, if a car driver makes a sudden lane change, a motorcyclist lane splitting between those lanes may have little time to avoid a collision. For this reason, Colorado lawmakers have taken a strict stance on lane splitting, and violators can face penalties if caught.

If a motorcyclist is involved in an accident while lane splitting, they may be held responsible for the crash, even if the other driver was partially at fault. This is because lane splitting is illegal, and engaging in the practice can make it difficult for a motorcyclist to claim that they were driving defensively or within their legal rights.

Safety Tips for Lane Sharing Motorcyclists

Although lane sharing is allowed under specific conditions in Colorado, it still comes with risks. Sharing a lane with another motorcycle can limit the amount of space each rider has to maneuver, especially in emergency situations. When riding side by side, both motorcyclists need to be extra vigilant and maintain a high level of awareness to ensure they have enough room to react to sudden changes in traffic.

One important aspect of safe lane sharing is communication between riders. When two motorcyclists decide to share a lane, it’s essential that they signal their intentions clearly, use hand signals if necessary, and maintain a consistent pace. Both riders should ensure there is ample distance between them and other vehicles on the road. Riding too close together increases the risk of a collision if one rider needs to brake or swerve unexpectedly.

Lane sharing should only be practiced when traffic conditions allow for it. Attempting to share a lane during heavy traffic or when vehicles are frequently changing lanes can heighten the risk of accidents. Even when traffic is light, motorcyclists should continuously assess their surroundings and avoid sharing lanes in areas with poor visibility or other hazards, such as sharp turns or intersections.

What to Do if You’re in an Accident While Lane Sharing

If an accident occurs while lane sharing, determining liability can be complicated. The specific details of the incident will largely dictate who is at fault, and an investigation will need to establish whether both riders, or just one, contributed to the collision. If two motorcyclists collide while lane sharing, each rider’s actions will be scrutinized to see if proper safety precautions were taken.

On the other hand, if a car driver collides with a motorcyclist who was legally sharing a lane with another motorcycle, the driver could be held liable for the accident. However, insurance companies and legal teams will likely review every aspect of the accident, including whether the motorcyclists were riding safely and within the bounds of the law.

In any motorcycle accident, it’s critical to gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. Motorcyclists involved in a crash while lane sharing should take photos of the scene, collect witness statements, and contact law enforcement to file an official accident report. This documentation will be invaluable when filing an insurance claim or pursuing compensation through legal action.

How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident while lane sharing, working with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can be greatly beneficial. Motorcycle accident cases can be complex, and determining fault in lane sharing situations requires a deep understanding of Colorado’s traffic laws. An attorney can help you assess the situation, gather evidence, and build a case to support your claim for compensation.

Motorcyclists who have been injured in an accident while lane sharing may be entitled to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Even if you were partially at fault, Colorado’s comparative negligence laws may allow you to recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the accident.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Denver, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options and how we can help you seek justice after a crash.