This may be old news... but looks like TX decided to let bikes split lanes in heavy traffic...

from 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.

And again, all we  need to do now is to get that information stuck inside 4-wheelers minds. 

Yeah... maybe we could talk some of the local news stations into running it... of course it would be a bit out of the norm for them since its not going to be a story about motorcycles doing illegal acts

yeah...i'd agree there should be a bigger push to educate drivers out there to be more aware of their surroundings and to be expecting more of it.  i definitely don't see conditions currently being "ideal" for lane splitting...and don't feel like i want to be an "early adopter".  especially on some roads (i'm looking at you, 75).  it doesn't help matters that i imagine the typical person when they think of lane splitting is going to think of john q. squid flying past at high speeds...  and some in cages get downright mean spirited about splitting and will purposefully pull out in front of you... how do you change crap like that in a place like dallas?

BECAREFULL!!  I use to live in Cali and I did a ton of lane splitting until I was hit by an old woman who decided to move over a bit so I couldn't get threw.  Lucky for me we were moving slow and it only bumped me over, but it did crush one of my pipes, due to the highway bar got bent.  I then pulled aside her to get her attention and she ignored me, so I kicked a huge dent in her passenger door and cruised away!  

Just be carefull

but lane splitting did save a ton of time!

ONLY if the traffic is going 20 mph or less, & you can only go 5 mph faster than the traffic

I'm with y'all 100% on this one; it's a good thing but there is no way in hell I'd lane-split until a serious education campaign from somebody - TX/DoT and DPS would be the likely candidates - is implemented and running at least a year!  I've seen too many deliberately aggressive manuevers from cagers trying to kill motorcyclists just on a daily basis for me to even consider lane-splitting.  I mean even if The Law is on your side, you're still gonna be flat 

Maybe while they're at it, the DPS could run an educational ad campaign just to refresh everyones memory about vehicular manslaughter since there obviously seems to be a widespread disconnect between aggressive driving behavior and potential consequences.



Phew, almost fell off my soap box there!  I'm crawling back into my hole now... Carry on  

they should install counters in cars that keep track of lane movements and ticket idiots who cross over and over and over and over and over.  I know that sounds like BS but people in TX are some of the country's worst, IMO.

This is good news, it allows for 'generally' safe splitting.
I.e. stop go traffic on tollway/highway will no longer be a problem, waiting in a queue at lights for 2+ sequences will be a thing of the past.

The 20mph/ 5mph over limit is fine, this is what holds us up, once traffic is moving it's better to stay with it than try and beat it.

Quote from: Cher on February 24, 2009, 12:55:47 PM
Maybe while they're at it, the DPS could run an educational ad campaign just to refresh everyones memory about vehicular manslaughter since there obviously seems to be a widespread disconnect between aggressive driving behavior and potential consequences.

Don't get me started on the ad campaigns here, they seam based around how much it will cost you financially, not what could happen. I'm used to ads that show graphic details, not a car full of floating olives.

yeah, growing up in Venezuela there are no advertising laws but people notice the gory (did I spell that right) adds.

While i'm not a proponent of helmet or seatbelt laws in general, i do like the requirement of wearing one should you choose to split. Sort of like being required to wear one at a track day.
Steve

Quote from: ♣ McKraut ♣ on February 24, 2009, 11:58:23 AM
yeah...i'd agree there should be a bigger push to educate drivers out there to be more aware of their surroundings and to be expecting more of it.  i definitely don't see conditions currently being "ideal" for lane splitting...and don't feel like i want to be an "early adopter".  especially on some roads (i'm looking at you, 75).  it doesn't help matters that i imagine the typical person when they think of lane splitting is going to think of john q. squid flying past at high speeds...  and some in cages get downright mean spirited about splitting and will purposefully pull out in front of you... how do you change crap like that in a place like dallas?

Rocket launcher?  Large bore handgun?  All the usual persuaders.   [moto]

Quote from: Duc L'Smart on February 24, 2009, 12:41:36 PM
ONLY if the traffic is going 20 mph or less, & you can only go 5 mph faster than the traffic

So....where does Dallas traffic actually go faster than 20?  I wear my MC boots out faster than my tires. 

I was lane splitting the other day at around 80 mph heading up (and back again) to Ventura.   [moto]

Let's just say it's a different kind of congestion out here; practically bumper to bumper at 65 mph is very common.

But I'll take 5 mph over 20 mph traffic in Texas any day.  Ever hear of the camel getting his nose under the edge of the tent?   

no lane splitting for me thanks. people are crazy around here. dont want to be the motorcycle in a super duty truck sandwich.