Central Oregonians react to Gov. Brown’s veto of ‘lane splitting’ bill

(Update: Adding video, comments)

'What gives our governor the power?'

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon lawmakers recently passed a bill that would allow motorcyclists to drive between slowed or stopped traffic.

But Governor Kate Brown has vetoed the bill, citing public safety concerns.

That decision has caused some Central Oregon motorcyclists to question Brown's decision and expertise, or lack thereof, on the "lane splitting" issue.

Senate Bill 574 passed in both the Oregon House and Senate, with bipartisan majorities.

The veto has caused some Central Oregon motorcyclists like Pro-Caliber Motorsports' General Manager Dan Hollingsworth to question Brown's decision.

"What gives our governor the power to veto something that our elected officials, which are representing the people in the state and the motorcycle riders, have passed, to veto it -- and why?" Hollingsworth said.

Hollingsworth says from his decades of experience, lane splitting is a safer option for most riders.

"Having the ability to manuever or around or get away from someone who is approaching you too quickly, or not recognizing you and your breaking, would be a great option," Hollingsworth said.

Under the bill, motorcyclists would be able to travel between lanes on multi-lane highways that have a speed limit of at least 50 mph, but only when traffic has slowed to 10 mph or less.

Some states, like Utah, passed similar legislation in 2019. Prior to the law, the state had 28 fatalities involving motorcyclists in 2018, and the following year it reported 18.

Those in favor of the bill, like Lane Share Oregon, say not only does it improve rider safety, but it can reduce congestion and reduce emissions.

But some local drivers disagree, like Betty and David of Bend.

"I would prefer that they not be allowed to be pass," Betty said. "I think they should stay with the regular flow of traffic."

And Betty's husband David shares the same sentiment.

"It's inviting a risk that isn't necessary," David said. "They can't be in that big of a hurry that they have to be there two seconds before you do."

As it stands, a legislative override of Governor Brown's veto would require two-thirds vote in each chamber.