Arizona motorcyclists now able to pass through traffic when riding on the streets

13 On Your Side's Vanessa Gongora reports

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) Motorcyclists will soon be able to get through town a little bit easier.

Senate Bill 1273 will allow Arizona motorcyclists to filter through lanes effective as of Saturday September 24, although there are some exceptions.

The signed Senate Bill states motorcycle riders are now able to pass a car that is stopped in the same direction and in the same lane.

One local rider, Trae Shirey says this law will definitely benefit them.

"I think it's a great idea, as far as, especially in the summer time when you know we have temperatures that exceed 110," says Shirey. "It allows us as riders to get to the front of the line. You know it's safer. Nobody's gonna rear-end us as long as we're traveling safe in between the cars."

Motorcyclists can drive in between traffic only on streets with a speed limit of 45 miles per hour and must not go faster than 15 miles per hour when passing cars.

Lawmakers say the purpose of this bill is to provide opportunities for safe exits for our two-wheeled friends and to help them avoid getting rear-ended by a moving car.

Though one local rider, Damian Folino, feels it wouldn't make a difference.

"I think it'll be nice we can go up to the front and stop at a light now," says Folino. "It'll help my bike from overheating but I think if we're gonna get hit, we're gonna get hit at the front of the line or the back of the line of cars. It doesn't really matter."

Shirey agrees with Folino and says he was hit by an oncoming car last October on Fourth Avenue.

"I broke my right collar bone, six ribs and lacerated my liver," explains Shirey.

This law doesn't apply to three wheelers.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, at least 160 people died in motorcycle crashes in 2020.

Lawmakers hope this bill can save lives.