Surprise for bikers, the future of lane-splitting finally revealed for 2025

© Alphacit Newim Reporter/Shutterstock

The year 2025 begins on a note of hope for motorized two-wheeler drivers. The last-minute extension of the experiment of lane-splitting for seven more months (until July 2025) paves the way for possible legalization. The French Federation of Angry Bikers (FFMC) even reveals that a decree to this effect is already on the table. A spectacular turnaround that may mark the end of a long fight for users.

The last-minute rescue of lane-splitting

Motorcyclists and scooter riders can breathe a sigh of relief. The announcement that the experiment would end on December 31, 2024, sent shockwaves through the two-wheeler community. The planned return to total illegality threatened thousands of users with heavy penalties: a fine of 135 euros and the loss of three points on their driving license. The government ultimately chose the path of reason by extending the test once again, thus avoiding a catastrophic setback for urban mobility.

This experiment, launched on August 2, 2021 in 21 French departments, has already experienced several twists and turns. Initially scheduled to run until August 1, 2024, it was extended once until September 15, then until December 31. This new seven-month extension could well be the last before definitive legalization.

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

Towards a historic legalization of the practice

The FFMC, spearheading the fight for the legalization of inter-file traffic, has made a major revelation: a decree definitively authorizing this practice is already ready. This information, if confirmed, would mark a historic turning point for urban mobility in France. The country would thus join its Belgian and Dutch neighbors, where inter-file traffic has already been legally regulated for several years.

The definitive legalization would meet a strong demand from users, particularly in congested urban areas. The experiment has demonstrated the interest of this practice in smoothing traffic and reducing travel times.The strict rules put in place during the test phase, such as allowing only the leftmost lane of motorways and dual carriageways, have made it possible to effectively regulate this practice.

Encouraging results for the future

Road Safety is currently preparing a full assessment of the experiment. The initial feedback seems sufficiently positive to consider long-term legalisation. The strict regulation of the practice during the test phase has demonstrated that regulated inter-lane traffic can be integrated harmoniously into the French road landscape.

The experience of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games also provided valuable lessons. The temporary suspension of lane-splitting on the 185 kilometres of reserved lanes had caused significant difficulties, highlighting the importance of this practice for urban mobility. These observations reinforce the argument in favor of definitive legalization.

• The government extends the experiment of interfile traffic for 7 additional months
• A decree of definitive legalization would already be prepared according to the FFMC
• France could join Belgium and the Netherlands in the supervised legalization of this practice

📍 To not miss any news from Presse-citron, follow us on Google News and WhatsApp.

[ ]