Hi all! Actual Californian here. I've been filtering and splitting Los Angeles traffic for decades. It's perfectly safe. I've yet to experience or even come close to an accident while doing it, nor have I even heard of anyone getting hurt doing it; In 26 years, not one person. I help run a very large riding group and ride with several other groups, so I know a lot of riders; when we discuss it, it's a non-issue danger wise and has actually gotten safer the past two years. Recent research from Berkley confirms that the practice is no more dangerous than anything else on a MC. Mind you, this is normal filtering / lane splitting following CHP guidelines. Crazies excessively speeding while going through cars is reckless driving and thus a different subject.
I've read through the thread and one thing I haven't really heard is that, if legal, filtering / splitting is an OPTION, not a requirement for the rider. I personally feel safer doing it than sitting like a duck in a lane as I do know at least four riders that have been rear-ended. But another rider may not feel comfortable or not have the request skills to filter / split, so they don't do it. Its up to the rider and having choices to ride as is safest for them.
Just my experience, but it would seem to me that all riders should be for it as it's just another option, another tool in your riders box of skills. Even if you never use it normally, don't you, as a rider, want every available option at your disposal to get through traffic as you feel safest? Plus all the side benefits of less traffic, time saved, etc, etc.
Sadly, though, it does tie me to this beautiful state; I could never live any where else in N. America as it is now. I ride everyday and just couldn't not do it someplace else.
