Motorcyclists demand public hearing on lane-splitting legislation

Motorcyclists from across Washington are set to gather for a protest at the state Capitol over the controversial lane-splitting legislation.

Related: Lane-splitting bill for motorcycles gets major tweak

Some motorcyclists are demanding a public hearing on Senate Bill 5378.

The bill has passed in the Senate with a bipartisan majority but has been stuck in a House committee for about two weeks.

Motorcyclists want to vote on it, and before that can happen, it needs a public hearing.

The issue has created a firestorm on social media, pitting many drivers against motorcycle riders who want to see the legislation pass in Washington State.

Motorcyclists plan to show up in Olympia Friday to support Senate Bill 5378 at 11 a.m.

Basically, the law would allow motorcyclists to ride between cars stuck in traffic, or “split lanes.”

They would have to keep their speeds below 35 mph and go no more than 10 mph above flow of traffic.

If passed, the legislation would also make vehicle drivers guilty of an infraction if they intentionally block a motorcycle from splitting lanes.

Opponents, including Washington State Patrol, say it would be dangerous and violators are tough to catch.

Currently, lane splitting is only legal in California.