Lane splitting and Filtering should be legalized.

As my opponent has not set up any regulations regarding the context or boundaries of the debate, I will do so myself. The BoP rests on myself as the Con position. I must effectively prove that there are more dangers to legalizing lane splitting and/or filtering than there is dangers existing in the status quo. To begin this debate, I would like to give some clarification by providing definitions of key words in the resolution, defined in context of the current debate. Lane splitting: Lane splitting refers to a two-wheeled vehicle moving between roadway lanes of vehicles that are proceeding in the same direction. More narrowly, it refers to overtaking slow or stopped vehicles by traveling between lanes. Filtering: synonymous to lane splitting, but also referring to passing on the outer edge, not necessarily exclusive to between driving lanes. With these terms define, let’s begin the argumentation. American entrepreneur Robert Ringer was once quoted in saying, “Reality isn’t the way you wish things to be, nor the way they appear to be, but the way they actually are.” This quote is directly applicable to the scenario presented in the resolution. True reality shows harms, rather than benefits, regardless of wishes or appearance. I will provide the following contentions to prove that lane filtering/splitting should continue to be illegal. C1: Lane splitting/filtering is inherently dangerous. Jeff Barlett, Consumer Reports, May 4th, 2014“14.9 percent [of lane splitting riders] either hit a vehicle or were they themselves hit. About half (45.2 percent) said they nearly hit a vehicle—no surprise given the tight squeeze often associated with lane splitting. Of those involved in an accident, 34.6 percent said they struck a car side mirror, 11.1 percent had minor injuries, and 9.9 percent suffered severe injuries. When lane splitting, a quarter of the motorcycles (24.1 percent) reported going 5 mph faster than other traffic. A larger 42.1 percent travel 10 mph faster than traffic, and 20.5 said they go 15 mph faster than traffic. Lane splitting is common in California, and while drivers see it as dangerous (63 percent either somewhat or strongly disapprove of it), motorcyclists continue this time-saving technique despite the risks.” Dangers resulting from lane splitting and filtering are increasingly evident. Further, public majority is against the legalization of such an action.C2: Lane splitting/filtering can disturb other drivers.Charles Fleming (journalist) Los Angeles Times, July 30th, 2014“Evidence suggests drivers are uncomfortable with, or irritated by, lane-splitting.More than three-quarters of drivers interviewed for a 2012 study [COTS] said they thought lane-splitting was unsafe. Almost half thought it was illegal. Two-thirds said they disapproved.”It’s obvious that a majority of individuals disapprove of lane splitting, and feel unsafe when affected by it, as line-splitters are difficult to spot, thus increasing the risk of wrecks. With viable and credible sources to back up the reasons why lane splitting should stay illegal, let’s move on to my opponent’s case.My opponent begins by claiming that many things distract drivers of vehicles, and that endangers bikers. While true, he/she is missing a couple of key components; the first of which being of how the distractions are dangerous to others besides bikers. Anyone in the path of a distracted or preoccupied driver is in a sketchy situation. The second point, however, is that lane splitting cannot solve for the problem. Legalizing lane splitting refers to legalization for lane splitting at any time. When a wreck is looming, any motorcyclist would lane split to avoid collision, and would not be punished by a fine, citation, etc. Lane splitting creates a dangerous situation, particularly for the young and inexperienced.In conclusion, lane splitting would only do harm to individuals and does not require being legalized for bikers to avoid accidents. Thank you. :)