WATCH: CSP video shows dangerous motorcycle maneuver before I-76 crash

The Colorado State Patrol said it is releasing the footage as a traffic-safety reminder. Viewer discretion is advised.

ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado State Patrol is reminding drivers and motorcyclists about the difference between legal lane filtering and illegal lane splitting after releasing dash camera video showing a motorcycle crash on I-76.

At approximately 7 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, Colorado State Patrol (CSP) says two marked patrol units were traveling westbound on I-76 near East 88th Avenue when a motorcycle was seen riding between the two patrol vehicles while traffic was moving.

Moments later, the motorcycle collided with the rear of a white sedan as the sedan changed lanes and the motorcycle approached from behind. CSP confirmed to KRDO13 that the driver of the motorcycle faced serious injuries.

According to CSP, the maneuver shown in the video was lane splitting, not lane filtering, because the surrounding traffic was moving. Lane splitting remains illegal in Colorado.

“Lane filtering was legalized to give motorcyclists a safer option when traffic is completely stopped, not to allow riders to travel between moving vehicles,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “When a motorcycle moves between active lanes of traffic, drivers may not see the rider approaching or have time to react. Riders must know the difference and use lane filtering only when every legal and safety condition is met.”

Lane filtering vs. lane splitting

According to CSP, lane filtering, which is legal, is when a rider passes through stopped traffic at no more than 15 mph when there is enough room to do so safely and without entering a lane of oncoming traffic.

Illegal lane splitting is when a rider moves through and between lanes or rows of vehicles while traffic is moving, says CSP.

Law enforcement notes that slow-moving or congested traffic is still moving traffic and does not qualify for legal lane filtering.

Colorado's lane filtering rules

Motorcyclists may filter only when:

• Traffic in the rider's lane and the adjacent lane traveling in the same direction is completely stopped.
• There is enough room for the motorcycle to pass safely.
• The motorcycle does not exceed 15 mph.
• The rider maintains control and passes safely.
• The rider passes on the left and does not enter a lane of oncoming traffic.

CSP also reminds drivers to check their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, avoid distractions and give motorcyclists adequate space.

Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.