Here is the current Bill:
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00506I.htm

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:
            SECTION 1.  Section 545.060, Transportation Code, is amended
     by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (e) to read as
     follows:
            (a)  An operator on a roadway divided into two or more
     clearly marked lanes for traffic:
                  (1)  shall drive as nearly as practical entirely within
     a single lane, except as provided by Subsection (e); and
                  (2)  may not move from the lane unless that movement can
     be made safely.
            (e)  The 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)  notwithstanding Section 661.003(c), the operator
     and any passenger wear protective headgear that meets the safety
     standards adopted by the department; and
                  (2)  the operator operates the motorcycle:
                        (A)  at a speed not more than five miles per hour
     greater than the speed of the other traffic;
                        (B)  in traffic that is moving at a speed of 20
     miles per hour or less; and
                        (C)  in a location other than a school crossing
     zone or a location where the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour
     or less.
            SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.

Interesting thing is that it is hooked to mandatory helmet law (a non issue for most). I for one would welcome this on hot summer days. Thoughts? 

Dejavu.  The exact same bill died in committee a year or two ago.

The purpose for requiring helmets is for when they get smacked in the head by a F250's extendo mirror when the driver swerves to block.  It'll take a public awareness campaign IF the bill passes this time.

Quote from: Drjones on February 03, 2009, 02:51:11 PM
Dejavu.  The exact same bill died in committee a year or two ago.

The purpose for requiring helmets is for when they get smacked in the head by a F250's extendo mirror when the driver swerves to block.  It'll take a public awareness campaign IF the bill passes this time.

If this bill goes through it's a bad time to be without a bike Doc.   [moto]

Here's to lane splitting. 

I wonder how long it would take for Texas drivers to get used to this.  I welcome the bill.

when is this being voted on?

Quote from: SPEEDTRPL on February 03, 2009, 05:47:15 PM
when is this being voted on?

If history repeats itself, it will never make it to the floor.

Quote from: Pedro-bot on February 03, 2009, 04:35:15 PM
If this bill goes through it's a bad time to be without a bike Doc.   [moto]

Here's to lane splitting. 

Oh, I'll have a new one well before a lane splitting bill actually makes it out of a committee meeting in Austin.

Quote from: Drjones on February 04, 2009, 05:07:16 AM

Oh, I'll have a new one well before a lane splitting bill actually makes it out of a committee meeting in Austin.

Dr. J always the optimist. 

damn, I really hope this passes.

Quote from: El Matador on February 04, 2009, 05:05:59 PM
damn, I really hope this passes.

Would be cool

Would be awesome if this gets pass as well.  I expect a higher rate of accidents though when this passes    Cagers in Texas just don't care of bike riders 

Status:

http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/BillStages.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB506

Quote from: ducky on February 05, 2009, 09:07:51 AM
Would be awesome if this gets pass as well.  I expect a higher rate of accidents though when this passes    Cagers in Texas just don't care of bike riders 

+1 or they are just preoccupied with their texting habits.

I've split lanes in downtown Dallas to get out of a massive traffic, but I wouldn't do it on a normal basis.  I just don't trust the cagers enough to let a moto through.

Yeah BABY YEAH~!!!!!!!

Growing up in SoCal, this was the Bombay for traversing screwed up freeway traffic............

It gave incentive for people to ride bikes instead of cages and you could get around the city much faster.....

That said *however*.............in my mis-spent youth I'd split deadstopped traffic @ 70 mph +...hell, everybody did it like that.....stupid?   abso-freckin' lutely.....would I ever ride like that again?  No 'effin' way...unless I'm trying to catch Frank or Joe.......accidents are actually rare with this proceedure....it's when you get off the freeway when it all goes wrong.....

I can't see it as a benefit for Austin as the traffics not really that bad.....Houston/Dallas?  You guys are gonna love it (if it passes)

Quote from: Drjones on February 05, 2009, 09:48:37 AM
Status:

http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/BillStages.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB506

Thanks for the linky doc.