Riding Abreast with a Motorcycle

Question

Darius asked: Since both motorcycles (including motor scooters) and bicycles can legally share a lane (not split in-between lanes), if I am riding at the same speed as traffic that is slow enough (for example, traffic is only going at up to 15mph) or stopped at a stop light and a motorcycle or motor scooter passes by or catches up to me, can I legally share the lane with that motorcycle or scooter?  If so, how can I safely request the motorcycle or scooter rider that I want to share the lane?

Answer

Bicyclists may ride two abreast under certain circumstances.  See these posts.

This site is intended to address laws related to bicycling.  Hence, I will not attempt to interpret laws about motorcycles.  The statute applicable to the operation of motorcycles is this:

s. 316.209 – Operating Motorcycles on Roadways Laned for Traffic

(1) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This subsection shall not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane.

(2) The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.

(3) No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.

(4) Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane.