Lane splitting is
- safe when traffic is at a standstill.
- safe when traffic is slow moving.
- safe if the road has a shoulder.
- always illegal and dangerous. ✓
Answer: D. always illegal and dangerous.
Lane splitting is always illegal and dangerous.
Why this is the answer
The handbook lists lane splitting as a dangerous lane position to avoid. It defines it as riding between lanes of traffic and says that in B.C. it is illegal and dangerous. The reason given is that you cannot predict when stopped or slow-moving traffic will start moving, or when someone will change lanes or open a door. When you ride between lanes, you leave yourself no protective space margin. Because the rule is stated as illegal, not as something allowed in some traffic conditions, the bank answer fits the handbook.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. safe when traffic is at a standstill. — Traffic being at a standstill does not make lane splitting safe or legal, because the handbook warns that stopped traffic may suddenly start moving and you would have no protective space margin.
- B. safe when traffic is slow moving. — Slow-moving traffic does not make lane splitting safe or legal, since the handbook says slow-moving traffic may start up or someone may change lanes or open a door.
- C. safe if the road has a shoulder. — Having a shoulder does not make lane splitting legal, and the handbook separately says you should never ride on the shoulder unless you are pulling over to stop.
Remember it
Treat the gap between lanes as off-limits; the handbook calls splitting illegal and dangerous, whatever the traffic is doing.
Official handbook: ICBC Learn to Ride Smart, Chapter 6: see-think-do – do, p. 85