Lane splitting in Texas

[Rttoys]

Looks like it finally passed. Don't know if I'll do it or not, but it's good to know I can IF I choose:

http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/pdf/SB00506I.pdf

http://urbangrounds.com/2009/03/17/lane-splitting-in-texas/

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the operation and movement of motorcycles during
periods of traffic congestion.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTIONA1.AASection 545.060, Transportation Code, is amended
by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (e) to read as
follows:
(a)AAAn operator on a roadway divided into two or more
clearly marked lanes for traffic:
(1)AAshall drive as nearly as practical entirely within
a single lane, except as provided by Subsection (e); and
(2)AAmay not move from the lane unless that movement can
be made safely.
(e)AAThe operator of a motorcycle may operate the motorcycle
for a safe distance between lanes of traffic moving in the same
direction during periods of traffic congestion if:
(1)AAnotwithstanding Section 661.003(c), the operator
and any passenger wear protective headgear that meets the safety
standards adopted by the department; and
(2)AAthe operator operates the motorcycle:
(A)AAat a speed not more than five miles per hour
greater than the speed of the other traffic;
(B)AAin traffic that is moving at a speed of 20
miles per hour or less; and
(C)AAin a location other than a school crossing
zone or a location where the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour
or less.

SECTIONA2.AAThis Act takes effect September 1, 2009.


:smile5:

 

[saratoga]

That's a good option, but personally I wouldn't do it if they passed it in FL. Way too many people not paying attention around here. They don't see a car in the mirror (if they even check at all) and assume everything's clear.

When on multi-lane highways with a lot of traffic, I like to get into a lane with a good escape route- usually the left lane. Yes, I ride up the shoulder sometimes to get away from tailgaters but don't use it to get ahead of traffic. Riding in heavy traffic on 3+ lane highways still makes me nervous which I guess is a good thing.

 

[SfcJones]

That's a good option, but personally I wouldn't do it if they passed it in FL. Way too many people not paying attention around here. They don't see a car in the mirror (if they even check at all) and assume everything's clear.

When on multi-lane highways with a lot of traffic, I like to get into a lane with a good escape route- usually the left lane. Yes, I ride up the shoulder sometimes to get away from tailgaters but don't use it to get ahead of traffic. Riding in heavy traffic on 3+ lane highways still makes me nervous which I guess is a good thing.

I throttle away from tailgaters, I stay in the right lane as much as I can looking at escape routes all the time, I hate being in the middle lane as it is the unsafe place to be for the most part....You are right about drivers not paying attention to their mirrors...it is because of the cell phone glued to their ear

 

[tinypeckerwood]

I split them when I can. It is/has been legal in cali for a long time. The cops are the best at it. I have had to cool it since I swapped to 20" ape hangers. Our trucks are the worst, the mirrors are right at my bars level now. I have also been known to kick peoples doors when they are on the phone and pinching me between cars.

 

[BudTX]

I don't ride, but lane splitting would make me nervous.

I have seen lane splitters in Cali wreck badly twice by going very fast and either hitting or being hit by vehicles changing lanes.

 

[btfarm]

I rode for alot of years and found out the hard way that lane splitting was too freakin' risky. Back then people paid more attention than they do now. What's that tell you?

 

[Cowracer]

lane splitting here in missouri is legal, in the sense that it is not specifically prohibited...

But that being said, its totally unheard of here. I rode in LA with my brother and did lane splitting. I can see the attraction. However the LA drivers seemed to accept it as normal.

In St. Louis, splitting lanes during a traffic jam will most likely get you shot.

Tim

 

[tinypeckerwood]

Splitting lanes in L A traffic is great. I like to catch the dweebs on the cell phone with the top down. A quick rap of the pipes has them pissin' themselves. I usually reserve that for the idiots not paying attention though. Lane splittin is common here. That is one of the reasons to commute on two wheels.

 

[FLSTFI Dave]

I throttle away from tailgaters, I stay in the right lane as much as I can looking at escape routes all the time, I hate being in the middle lane as it is the unsafe place to be for the most part....You are right about drivers not paying attention to their mirrors...it is because of the cell phone glued to their ear

I agree fully.

I would be to nervous to split lanes, most idots would not know you are there.

I rode for alot of years and found out the hard way that lane splitting was too freakin' risky. Back then people paid more attention than they do now. What's that tell you?

Exactly

 

[cgreen]

Say you are changing lanes in a car in very slow traffic because someone is letting you in and a motorcycle splitting lanes runs into you. Who is at fault? I think splitting lanes is not very smart as you are at the mercy of the cars. Also it would be very easy to bobble just a bit and scratch the side of an adjacent car as you pass them.

 

[Anubis]

I drive about 150,000 miles a year and have seen lane splitting end very badly more than one ...... I don't do it.

 

[DieselCash]

I never did this when I rode and am very against it. They do it here in Germany.