Possible new law
#21
I've driven side by side of my riding buddies for years. If you know your rider and feel comfortable with them by your side I see no issues with it. I guess I didn't know this wasn't allowed in all 50 states. In all of them I've toured in I've always done it and never been pulled over. Guess I should check the local laws before traveling a bit better?T
The proposed law is to allow 2 bikes to be side by side while waiting at traffic stop lights, stop signs or while waiting in backed up traffic. The reason for this proposed change is that there is a small town named Crewe in VA that is writting ticket for any bikeers that do any the above. This law would not allow you to ride side by side on the Highway.
Here is a copy of the bill and the amendments as currently approved.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That § 46.2-857 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 46.2-857. Driving two abreast in a single lane.
A person shall be guilty of reckless driving who drives any motor vehicle, including any motorcycle, so as to be abreast of another vehicle in a lane designed for one vehicle, or drives any motor vehicle, including any motorcycle, so as to travel abreast of any other vehicle traveling in a lane designed for one vehicle. However Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit two motorcycles from traveling abreast while traveling in a lane designated for one vehicle. In addition, this section shall not apply to (i) any validly authorized parade, motorcade, or motorcycle escort, or law-enforcement officers driving motorcycles while on official duty; (ii) a motor vehicle traveling in the same lane of traffic as a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped; nor shall it apply to (iii) any vehicle when lawfully overtaking and passing one or more vehicles traveling in the same direction in a separate lane.
When the forum posted this it took out the strike through wording. You can go here to see the bill http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp...e?121+ful+HB97
Last edited by X Iron Butt; 01-31-2012 at 03:50 PM.
#22
#23
Wow-I was unaware that riding two abreast in a single lane was illegal in VA. It is not in PA. That being said most Motor Units (not all, certainly) ride in staggered formation for safety. The guys I ride with off duty, some are Motors and some civilian riders, ride staggered, because it is the safest way to ride in a group. Yes, side by side looks the most impressive, and we (Motor Officers) commonly will ride two abreast a slow speed in order to have a more compact formation. But as speeds increse, staggered is safer. I have been on rides in VA, and from time to time we pull alongside each other to communicate. I would have been shocked to have been stopped for that violation. Good information.
#24
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp...0+cod+46.2-857
It allows Police to share a lane on official duty.
It allows Police to share a lane on official duty.
#25
I just heard on the radio that Virginia is trying to make it legal to ride 2 abreast in the same lane. While I'm all for looking at breasts, riding bikes side by side doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy. I think I'll stick with riding in a staggered pattern.
It is a good thing that they are thinking of loosening a traffic law rather than tightening one.
It is a good thing that they are thinking of loosening a traffic law rather than tightening one.
#26
#27
I don't care who does or doesn't do it, and how long you've ridden together makes no difference either. Seeing law enforcement officers do it doesn't make it right or safe either. You have no avenue of escape when riding side by side. Any interuption in flow of traffic which would cause one or the other of you to swerve can be a recipe for disaster. I will not ride side by side and am concerned for those who do and to top it off if anyone should know better it's a law enforcement officer. Don't care how long you and your partner have ridden together neither one of know exactly how the other will respond at all times.
#28
The proposed law is to allow 2 bikes to be side by side while waiting at traffic stop lights, stop signs or while waiting in backed up traffic. The reason for this proposed change is that there is a small town named Crewe in VA that is writting ticket for any bikeers that do any the above. This law would not allow you to ride side by side on the Highway.
#29
Fairfax
Yep, Fairfax Motorcycle Police do it all the time. Even when turning of one street onto another. They look like they are in a Police motorcycle competition. But I would love it if they would relax the lane splitting for when traffic is traveling below a set speed like 15mph. Really sucks when you get stuck in stop and go traffic. In Germany I was pulled out of the traffic by two motorcycle police during a stau (traffic jam in Germany). They pulled the bikes out and we followed them to the next exit.
They practice their skills EVERY DAY. The standards they must meet and maintain a high indeed. What you see when you see Fairfax is not "showing off". It is just professionals very good at what they do.
#30
The referenced legislation in VA is:
The bill to allow riding motorcycles two abreast in a single lane was passed by the General Assembly then was sent on to the Senate. An amendment was added by the Senate that excluded trikes from riding two abreast or a motorcycle and a trike riding two abreast in the same lane. The bill has to go back to the General Assembly because of the amendment and will most likely pass. From there, it goes to the Governor for his vote of which he has indicated he will sign it and it becomes law on 1 July 2012.
Another law concerning motorcycles in Virginia was passed which made it illegal for LEOs to set up motorcycle check points within the state. Seems that some of them liked to setup near motorcycle events and crank out tickets for bikers equipment violations as they saw fit.
The bill to allow riding motorcycles two abreast in a single lane was passed by the General Assembly then was sent on to the Senate. An amendment was added by the Senate that excluded trikes from riding two abreast or a motorcycle and a trike riding two abreast in the same lane. The bill has to go back to the General Assembly because of the amendment and will most likely pass. From there, it goes to the Governor for his vote of which he has indicated he will sign it and it becomes law on 1 July 2012.
Another law concerning motorcycles in Virginia was passed which made it illegal for LEOs to set up motorcycle check points within the state. Seems that some of them liked to setup near motorcycle events and crank out tickets for bikers equipment violations as they saw fit.