Shastri Boodan
Motorcyclists are being warned it is illegal to drive in the middle of the highway, in between lanes.
Days ago, motorcycle riders reached out to Guardian Media complaining law enforcement authorities were preventing them from practising what is called "lane splitting". TTPS' Sgt Brent Batson said not only is it against the law but it's also dangerous.
Batson said, " Over the past five years motorcyclists have accounted for 6% (29) of road traffic deaths which indicates the inherent presence of risk in the road network. The Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act (MVRTA) Chapter 48:50 does not currently permit the practice known as “lane splitting” by Motorcycle or Class 1 Operators as the law gives them (the motorcyclists) the space in a lane of traffic as equal to that of a motor vehicle."
Section 77. (1) of the Act states “It shall not be lawful for more than two persons to ride abreast on a road either upon motorcycles or upon bicycles...”. Batson warned motorcyclists who choose to utilise the roadway dividing lines as a riding lane, do so at risk to themselves and other road users since many drivers often change lanes without checking their mirrors first which is when motorcyclists are most vulnerable.
Damion Richards, spokesman for the local dealer of Hero Motocorp, said however, pressure by the authorities to prevent lane splitting places riders at increased health risks if they sit among the excessive exhaust during high traffic periods.
Transport Commissioner Clive Clarke said he is welcoming discussions from interested parties on this matter. Clarke said enforcement officers are ensuring the laws are followed when it comes to traffic signs for any vehicles. He said, "The white line on the road can be considered as a traffic sign because it is an entity that is used to guide you on how to drive."
Andrew Taitt, spokesman for motorcycle rides, said riders will put forward a proposal to the Minister of Transport to have the laws amended.
