Lane Splitting in TX

[dallas2r]

I'm not sure how this works, but would it do any good to contact our reps in the state senate yet or is it not at that stage yet?
Steve

Good idea Steve. Judging by the link Drjones posted, it looks like theres still a long road ahead before this is passed. Maybe we should start contacting the suits to show our support and also ask about public awareness options. If anyone has/finds contact info, please post up so we can show our support.

I'm with most folks here in that I think it's a policy that makes sense, but with the level of idiocy on the roads here I'd be VERY cautious doing it.

[greenohawk69]

Good idea Steve. Judging by the link Drjones posted, it looks like theres still a long road ahead before this is passed. Maybe we should start contacting the suits to show our support and also ask about public awareness options. If anyone has/finds contact info, please post up so we can show our support.

I'm with most folks here in that I think it's a policy that makes sense, but with the level of idiocy on the roads here I'd be VERY cautious doing it.

A link for your specific representative (State and Federal will appear):  http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us

Texas - House of Reps:  http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/welcome.php

Texas - Senate:  http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Members/Members.aspx?Chamber=S

Too big to post all of the names.  Just sent my email and support of this bill to my state senator - with my disagreement of having to wear protective gear when lane splitting.  It's about freedom of choice. 

[Ideapimp]

For the record:

This along with the "one-plate" law goes before the TX legislature every two years. Every two years it gets defeated. It is usually involved in a larger bill and then gets shaved off so the bill will pass.

Good luck though.

[Cher]

I, for one, am completely astonished that our elected officials would even consider helping reduce gridlock by passing a lane-splitting law.  I mean all of that law-making stuff takes valuable time; time that could be much better used in approving the next congressional pay raise, for example.

   

[TresGatos]

If I want to "lane split" I do, nothing else to say.

[bryant8]

If I want to "lane split" I do, nothing else to say.

If that's your prerogative that's your choice, much like passing on double yellows or doing trip digits,but this is about the legality of lane splitting.  As of now lane splitting leaves you basically no protection if you do so (inherently that it is moving violation), the legislation that is in progress is about our right to choose to lane split.

Just my $0.02.

And btw, I don't think it'll make it out of committee

[muskrat]

last I read lane splitting is not addressed in the state code although they can ticket you for many other reasons not the least of which is to increase state revenue.  this is all BS IMO.  lane splitting is one of the few things CA has done perfectly.

[muskrat]

I, for one, am completely astonished that our elected officials would even consider helping reduce gridlock by passing a lane-splitting law.  I mean all of that law-making stuff takes valuable time; time that could be much better used in approving the next congressional pay raise, for example.

   

easing congestion wont do a thing for their re-election.  they gotta keep promising to help remember. 
ok, off to lie down and watch Cspan for entertainment

[bryant8]

IIRC it is actually addressed, but not in the strict terms of "lane splitting."  Lane sharing is not allowed in Texas per the Texas DOT handbook pg 16

Pg 16 states that "LANE SHARING
Cars and motorcycles need a full
lane to operate safely. Lane sharing
is usually prohibited."

IMO that leaves too much in the hands of a 3rd party to decide if it is legal.  That's a limb that I'm not going to go out on.  As is, it is your choice to split lanes, but before I make a habit of it, I'd like there to be some legislation on my side

*edit*
Pg 16 is from the Driver's license handbook, but I imagine that the policy would be reciprocal for motorcycles sharing with cages

[andym]

It may get passed this time.  I do not understand how laws are passed here but if I read this right the person who submitted this is the chairman of the transport committee and their spokesman is the director.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"It's going to help everybody get faster."

Stephen Polunsky is the director of the Texas Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland security. He's also the spokesman for State Senator John Carona of Dallas, who chairs the committee. Carona has filed Senate Bill 506, which would make lane-splitting legal in Texas.


http://app1.kuhf.org/houston_public_radio-news-display.php?articles_id=1235780269

[Cher]

easing congestion wont do a thing for their re-election.  they gotta keep promising to help remember. 
ok, off to lie down and watch Cspan for entertainment

  Very true.  Sad - but true.

[greenohawk69]

It may get passed this time.  I do not understand how laws are passed here but if I read this right the person who submitted this is the chairman of the transport committee and their spokesman is the director.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"It's going to help everybody get faster."

Stephen Polunsky is the director of the Texas Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland security. He's also the spokesman for State Senator John Carona of Dallas, who chairs the committee. Carona has filed Senate Bill 506, which would make lane-splitting legal in Texas.


http://app1.kuhf.org/houston_public_radio-news-display.php?articles_id=1235780269

Yes Carona was the one...hence, why I emailed him an email stating my support for the bill. 

Talking on this forum does nothing to get the bill passed...if you're interested, please contact your state representative.  I added links for you to determine who you need to contact. 

[RED]

I nominate Bryant as our legal counsel. 

Second?

Votes?

Passes!

[moto]

[caffeinejunkee]

From the THCM--seems the hearing is next week, and support is needed; OP sheds light on some of the arguments against:

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=20411.msg0#new

[andym]

I have just read this on tinternet..


*****************************************************
Good news out of the Transportation and Homeland Security committee:

I just contacted my Senator, Kirk Watson, and found out that he voted in favor of the bill and that the bill has been reported favourably by the Transportation committee. SB 506 is now available for placement on the Senate calendar. A calendar is a list of bills and resolutions that are scheduled to be considered by the full house or senate.