PORTLAND, Ore. – A motorcyclist was hospitalized with minor injuries after a collision during rush-hour traffic on Southeast Powell Boulevard in Portland’s Brooklyn neighborhood. Police say the rider had been lane-splitting, an illegal and risky maneuver in Oregon.
Crash During Evening Congestion
The accident happened around 4:55 p.m. on August 7 near the intersection of SE Powell Boulevard and 10th Avenue, directly in front of the Original Hotcake House.
Officers from the Portland Police Bureau’s Central Precinct responded to the scene, finding a motorcycle crumpled on its side and a Subaru Outback SUV with its front bumper and grill torn off. The Subaru had been moved onto southbound 10th Avenue to clear the busy roadway.
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Police reported that the motorcyclist, an adult male, was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The driver of the Subaru was unharmed, though the vehicle sustained significant front-end damage.
Illegal and Dangerous Maneuver
Investigators believe the motorcyclist had been attempting to lane-split when the crash occurred. Lane-splitting, the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is illegal in Oregon under Oregon Revised Statute 814.240.
“Early indications from the crash investigation suggest the motorcyclist was lane-splitting prior to the crash,” said Mike Benner, Public Information Manager for the Portland Police Bureau.
While lane-splitting is permitted in some states, such as California, it remains prohibited in Oregon due to safety concerns. Law enforcement officials warn that sudden lane changes by cars, combined with reduced visibility, make the practice extremely hazardous.
Risks on Busy Roadways
The crash underscores the risks motorcyclists face during heavy traffic periods. Powell Boulevard, one of the city’s busiest commuter corridors, often experiences bumper-to-bumper congestion during evening rush hour.
For drivers stuck in traffic, the sudden appearance of motorcycles weaving between vehicles can be startling and dangerous. Even minor misjudgments in space or timing can lead to high-impact collisions, as demonstrated in Thursday’s crash.
Community and Safety Concerns
The incident has drawn attention once again to the debate over lane-splitting laws. Supporters argue that it can reduce congestion and keep motorcyclists safer by moving them out of stop-and-go traffic. Opponents, however, point to crashes like this one as evidence of the dangers, particularly on crowded, narrow roadways such as Powell Boulevard.
Police continue to remind motorcyclists that, regardless of traffic frustrations, lane-splitting remains illegal in Oregon and can result in both fines and dangerous outcomes.
Moving Forward
The Portland Police Bureau has not announced any citations or further actions as of yet, pending completion of the crash investigation.
For now, the motorcyclist is recovering from his injuries, and traffic has returned to normal at the busy Brooklyn neighborhood intersection. Authorities hope the incident serves as a reminder to both drivers and riders to follow the rules of the road—and to prioritize safety over speed.
