[cag_ii]

As someone who lives in California and practices lane filtering daily, I think you'd be surprised how much of a non-issue all three of your points are.

Addressing #1, the problem with cutting in line is that people now behind you will have to wait longer for their turn. This is very rare when a m/c filters. It's much more like moving around the line than cutting in line. Most drivers here in CA are very well aware of this when lane filtering occurs. Additionally, m/c's will generally not go to the front and occupy the lane, but rather ride between the lanes... essentially opening up an additional lane.

#2 is very much like #3, motorcycles are generally gone before drivers put their cell phones away at a newly green light. The 2 lanes are designed for the size of cars, motorcycles can safely ride between these lanes.

#3 may be a regional thing to your area, but most definitely not true in Ca.

There are certainly some drivers who get angry at motorcycles for "cutting in line", but I've personally experience many, many more drivers making extra room to let riders pass.

[nhangen]

I grew up in Ohio, lived in both Georgia and North Carolina for decent periods of time, and now live in Florida. I've owned a cruiser in 3 of the 4 states, and would never feel comfortable in between lanes, or driving a car with a motorcycle in between lanes.

I get that this is standard all over the world; I'm just presenting examples of why some drivers, like me, find this to be a curious practice.

You'll never convince me that sport bikes aren't the devil though. Some ride responsibly, but most don't.