I support this bill to legalize lane filtering, allowing riders to move between cars at low speeds. It’s already legal and working in five other states, including California, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Studies show it can dramatically reduce rear-end collisions and improve overall rider safety (Independent research from UC Berkeley shows lane‑filtering riders are nearly 50 % less likely to be struck from behind). This is about giving us a safer option when we need it most. Lawmakers in support of this bill are not asking for chaos. We're asking for a commonsense change, one that’s data-backed, clearly defined, and easy to implement.

I am strongly in support of this bill. Motorcycle lane filtering is a means of keeping motorcyclists safe on the roadways. Last June, a motorcycle rider from Midlothian was stopped in traffic on I-64 in Hampton and was struck from the rear by an SUV weighing over 7,000 lbs. He sadly passed from his injuries. Lane filtering under the terms of this bill will empower motorcyclists with a legal means of avoiding such a fate. Instead of having to sit exposed placing faith in the abilities and attention of the driver of a many thousand pound vehicle, this bill enables motorcyclists a proactive measure to improve their safety by allowing them to slowly maneuver forward through traffic. As a secondary benefit, this reduces congestion on the roadways and for those with air-cooled motorcycles, it prevents overheating while idle and the possibility of a breakdown in the middle of traffic.

I am for this bill as it prevents bikes from being just another person taking space in line at a traffic light or stop sign. It also allows those of us on air cooled bikes to stay moving in heavy traffic and prevent our main means of transportation from overheating, stalling and making traffic already worse with a break down.

I whole heartedly believe this bill will bring several improvements to traffic safety and accident prevent. Lane splitting has reduced the number if motorcycle related accidents rather significantly in other states in the last few years, especially in traffic incidents where a motorcyclist is rear ended at a stop light. I ask that anyone reading this consider if it was their children on a bike, hit by an inattentive driver, how they'd want this bill handled. The possibility of abuse of this bill is undeniable, but isn't that true for every bill? People find a way to make anything at all suit their needs and desires, so don't let that stop YOU from preventing more of our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, loved ones and even strangers from losing their lives or being gravely injured when a safer alternative already exists.

I support lane filtering for motorcycles because it makes everyone safer and helps reduce congestion. It has been implemented in many places and is proven to be a benefit. Motorcyclists are at lower risk of being rear ended while waiting at a light, and every motorcycle that filters up is one less vehicle waiting in line for the light, allowing everyone else to move one vehicle closer.

Please make this int laws i have been an accident riding with my daughter due to someone not paying attention and running into us at a red light. Thanks

I support SB435 because allowing responsible lane filtering for motorcycles is a practical, safety-focused update to Virginia’s traffic laws. Lane filtering helps reduce congestion, decreases the risk of rear-end collisions for riders, and improves overall traffic flow. Many other states and countries have implemented similar measures successfully. This bill provides clear guidelines and accountability, promoting safer roadways for both motorcyclists and drivers. It’s a sensible step forward that reflects modern traffic realities.

I support SB435 because allowing responsible lane filtering for motorcycles just makes sense. It helps reduce traffic congestion, lowers the risk of rear-end collisions for riders stuck in stop-and-go traffic, and aligns Virginia with many other states that have safely implemented similar laws. The bill’s clear rules, penalties for misuse, and delayed effective date show a thoughtful, balanced approach that prioritizes safety while giving everyone time to adjust. It’s a practical update that benefits riders and drivers alike.

This proposed bill will make intersections and heavy traffic situations safer for motorcyclists. Drivers often do not see motorcyclists, especially when driving distracted, and this can result in cars rear ending stopped motorcycles at red lights or in traffic. As motorcyclists, our best defense against this is to lane filter in order to put space between ourselves and cars approaching the intersection. Beyond the safety benefits, lane filtering also improves traffic flow. Lane filtering allows motorcycles to take advantage of otherwise unused space on the road, freeing space for cars when traffic is heavy. This bill benefits all road users in Virginia and makes the road a safer place.

Lane filtering is often misunderstood, but real-world data from regions where it is legal consistently show it improves safety for motorcyclists while having neutral—or even positive—effects on traffic flow. First, lane filtering reduces the risk of rear-end collisions. Motorcyclists stopped in traffic are especially vulnerable because they lack the protective structure of a car. Allowing them to move between lanes to the front removes them from the most common and dangerous crash scenario: being struck from behind by an inattentive driver. Studies from transportation agencies in places where filtering is permitted have found lower injury rates for riders who filter compared to those who remain stationary. Second, lane filtering does not negatively affect drivers. When done at low speeds and within clear guidelines, it does not slow cars down or disrupt traffic patterns. Motorcycles take up very little space, and when they filter forward, they actually reduce the number of vehicles sitting in the main traffic queue. Every motorcycle that moves ahead is one less vehicle contributing to congestion behind. Finally, lane filtering can improve overall traffic efficiency. Because motorcycles occupy less road space than cars, allowing them to move forward instead of waiting in line decreases traffic density and can slightly shorten wait times for everyone. In places where filtering is legal, drivers typically adapt quickly, and the practice becomes predictable and orderly. In short, lane filtering is not about giving motorcyclists special treatment—it’s a practical safety measure that reduces crash risk, does not harm drivers, and can even help traffic flow more smoothly for all road users.

I am writing in support of SB435. I believe there is an important distinction between lane filtering vs lane splitting that people deciding on this matter should be aware of since they're two very different terms that a non-motorcyclist might not be familiar with and confused about. Lane filtering allows safer options for both the motorcyclist and motorist while at a stop light or slow moving traffic. Lane splitting is driving between lanes at normal-higher speed. limiting a motorcyclist of safe options can be the difference between life & death.

I am writing in support of Virginia SB 435 to allow lane filtering for motorcycles. Motorcyclists face increased risk in slow or stopped traffic, where rear-end collisions are especially dangerous due to the lack of physical protection. These risks are amplified by distracted driving and limited visibility, particularly when a motorcycle is stationary and boxed in by vehicles. I am a relatively new rider, and I learned this risk firsthand when traffic slowed and a driver approaching from behind did not see me until the last moment. With cars stopped in front of me and no safe way to move, I was at serious risk of being struck from behind. Situations like this place motorcyclists in danger through no fault of their own. Lane filtering would provide a safer option in these scenarios by allowing motorcyclists to move forward at low speeds and reposition themselves out of the rear-impact zone. This practice is not about aggressive riding or bypassing traffic, but about reducing exposure to one of the most severe crash risks motorcyclists face. SB 435 would give riders a defined, regulated way to protect themselves in high-risk traffic conditions while maintaining predictable behavior for other road users. For these reasons, I respectfully urge support for Virginia SB 435.

I am writing in support of Senate Bill 435 (SB 435) Lane filtering; motorcycles, penalty, delayed effective date. I am writing as a Virginia District resident and motorcyclist to respectfully urge you to support legislation that would allow motorcycle lane filtering in the Commonwealth. Lane filtering—allowing motorcycles to move slowly between stopped or slow-moving traffic—has been shown to improve rider safety by reducing rear-end collisions, which are one of the most common and dangerous crashes for motorcyclists. It also helps ease traffic congestion and reduces unnecessary idling, benefiting all road users. This practice is already legal in several other states and countries, where it has been implemented with clear guidelines and positive safety outcomes. When done at low speeds and in appropriate conditions, lane filtering is a practical, common-sense solution that makes our roads safer and more efficient without negatively impacting drivers. As someone who cares deeply about road safety and responsible transportation policy, I hope you will consider supporting this bill. It would be a meaningful step toward protecting vulnerable road users while modernizing Virginia’s traffic laws. Thank you for your time and for your service to our great Commonwealth.