How dangerous (relative to the fatality or major injury rate) is it to
commute to work in Southern California via motorcyle?  If mileages are
segregated in the distance rates, I am interested in a 35 mile one-way
(70 miles round-trip) distance.

I don't really have any statistics, but for 15 years, I commuted
across town in LA. Sometimes in cars, sometimes in motorcycles.

I don't know what the current California laws are regarding splitting
lanes (driving between the cars in bumper to bumper traffic), but back
then it was legal (80s-90s). For the most part motorcycle commuting is
the way to go. You could get across town during heavy traffic much
faster than cars because we could split lanes. You had to pay
attention though because car drivers often resent motorcyclists
getting ahead this way. They think we were cheating and sometimes
would try to cause accidents so you have to keep your eyes on the
drivers around you, less they do something stupid.

Having said that, in 15 years, I never saw a motorcycle taken down by
these tactics, only attempts. the bikes are of course very
manueverable and you can use that to your advantage.

All in all, I never fet anything but safe on a motorcycle in LA. I now
live near DC and often wish I had a bike to commute, even if you can't
split lanes here.

You might be interested in some of the information provided in the
answer to this previous question on motorcycle accident statistics.
The "Hurt Report" referenced in that answer is based on information
from California.
http://www.answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=433481 

Byrd-ga
Google Answers Researcher