Lane splitting in Texas?
#1
Lane splitting in Texas?
I was looking around at Texas laws and i found that there trying to pass law to legalize lane splitting..... Its on its way to 4th stage.
I'm actually suprised to see it made it that far , im not a real big fan of lane splitting and i dont think i would ever do it..... just seems to dangerous to me.
I wish they would let us drive on shoulder though , seem like that would be alot safer to me.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillL...81R&Bill=SB506
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/billloo...81R&Bill=SB506
Quote:
Originally Posted by SB 506 Text
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.
I'm actually suprised to see it made it that far , im not a real big fan of lane splitting and i dont think i would ever do it..... just seems to dangerous to me.
I wish they would let us drive on shoulder though , seem like that would be alot safer to me.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillL...81R&Bill=SB506
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/billloo...81R&Bill=SB506
Quote:
Originally Posted by SB 506 Text
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.
#2
I would do the lane splitting at low speed during a traffic jam. Just yesterday I got stuck on the interstate because of a stalled hoopty ride. The conditions were perfect for lane splitting and I would have been through there in no time. I can understand wanting to use the median with it being wide but theres a lot of trash like nails, car parts and other crap that I would be worried about running over.
#3
I was in L.A. for the first time last week and witnessed some crazy lane splitters! These guys are doing it at 50+ mph. Would be handy to be able to do it during a traffic jam though.
#4
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Lake City, Florida (Native)
Posts: 9,255
Received 280 Likes
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Lane Splitting can be a good thing if done safely and at low speed will **** a few boneheads off because they don't have that option.. Most don't realize the heat issues can have with a Bike in stalled traffic...
#5
I didn't think lane splitting was illegal or legal in Texas. We have enough other BS laws on the books now where different laws could be applied to make lane splitting a problem. If they legalize it --there will always be some dummy willing to push the envelope.
#6
Mixed review .... Texans can exhibit some unfriendly driving regardless of all those "drive friendly" signs and that guy hung in traffic in his dually hauling horses just might object to us lane splitting and the biggest worry...dippers... often open their door when stopped or very slow to spit and will have to learn to check mirrors before doing so....spit is nasty...open door gets an emergency room trip...Oh, don't forget all the pickups with dogs in the back. I think using the shoulder where available would make more sense...if nothing else it cuts threat in half.
#7
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
Posts: 11,065
Received 1,296 Likes
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483 Posts
Haven't heard for sure, but I don't think it made it this session. Should know more in a couple days.
Safety-wise, look at the stats from lane splitting states vs non- states. Appears to show that lane split states have fewer rear-enders involving cars smacking bikes.
Texas version would have required the lane splitter to wear a helmet, as well as some other usual conditions.
And FWIW, lane splitting is not legal in California; it's just not illegal. Weird, huh?
Safety-wise, look at the stats from lane splitting states vs non- states. Appears to show that lane split states have fewer rear-enders involving cars smacking bikes.
Texas version would have required the lane splitter to wear a helmet, as well as some other usual conditions.
And FWIW, lane splitting is not legal in California; it's just not illegal. Weird, huh?
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#8
Luvin lane splitting here in Cali. Not loving Cali but the lane splitting is a great thing. In short, any speed under 35, you can split lanes and it keeps the bike cooler and in most places we even do it at lights. It's safer than the shoulder...no debris...no cars parked there...
#10
Give me lane splitting, and legalize turning or crossing damn traffic lights that DO NOT register a motorcycle to change the light.!!!!
I loved lane splitting in California.m If you don't like it, don't do . simple enough.
I loved lane splitting in California.m If you don't like it, don't do . simple enough.