PORTLAND, Ore. — A motorcyclist attempting to weave through heavy rush-hour traffic on Southeast Powell Boulevard was hospitalized after colliding with a car near the Brooklyn neighborhood on Thursday afternoon, August 7. The incident highlights the dangers of lane-splitting, a maneuver prohibited under Oregon law.
Illegal and Risky Maneuver
Lane-splitting, or riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped vehicles, is common in some parts of the country but remains illegal in Oregon under ORS 814.240. Safety experts warn that the practice increases the risk of collisions, especially during congested traffic when visibility is reduced and drivers may not anticipate motorcycles moving between lanes.
Thursday’s crash underscored those risks when a motorcyclist attempted the maneuver during evening congestion on Powell Boulevard.
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Crash Near Original Hotcake House
Portland police said the crash happened around 4:55 p.m. at the intersection of SE Powell Boulevard and SE 10th Avenue, a busy corridor often choked with commuter traffic.
Responding officers from the Central Precinct found the motorcycle lying on its side near the Original Hotcake House restaurant. Nearby, a Subaru Outback SUV with significant front-end damage had pulled over onto southbound 10th Avenue. The vehicle’s front bumper and grille were torn away in the impact.
Motorcyclist Hospitalized
“The motorcyclist, an adult male, was transported to the hospital with minor injuries,” Portland Police Bureau Public Information Manager Mike Benner told The Bee.
Preliminary findings from investigators suggest the biker was lane-splitting prior to the crash, weaving between lanes of traffic before striking the Subaru.
The driver of the car was not injured, though the SUV sustained substantial damage.
Growing Safety Concerns
Incidents like Thursday’s raise renewed concerns about motorcycle safety in Portland. While some motorcyclists argue that lane-splitting helps them avoid rear-end collisions in traffic, law enforcement officials stress that the practice is not only illegal in Oregon but also poses serious hazards for both riders and drivers.
During heavy congestion, even small shifts by cars—such as lane changes or sudden stops—can lead to devastating outcomes when a motorcycle is passing between lanes. Officials say this makes lane-splitting especially risky on busy commuter routes such as Powell Boulevard.
A Reminder for Riders and Drivers
The Portland Police Bureau continues to urge motorcyclists to obey state traffic laws and avoid lane-splitting, regardless of frustration with traffic delays. Drivers, meanwhile, are encouraged to stay alert for motorcycles, particularly during peak travel times.
As Thursday’s crash shows, a moment of risky maneuvering can lead to significant property damage and potentially life-altering injuries.
While the motorcyclist in this case was fortunate to escape with only minor injuries, authorities warn that similar incidents too often end with far more serious consequences.
