If I can't trust em to ride next to me they are newbs and I want them in front for a few weeks.

Same here with the SbS. Kinda like a helmet law (we have them too). This will be the 49th state approving this and I think it is great. Some of the guys on here have some vivid imaginations of bikes running twisties at 100 mph SbS NOT WHAT ITS ABOUT. Can easily be done safely if you have any sense. It will sharpen your riding skills.


This law (and the other states) is not about stop lights and parades. It is for "RIDING 2 UP" DOWN 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

 

Big proponent of some lane splitting. I don't fly past cars but when traffic is at a dead stop it is sure nice to go 10 to 20 and not let my legs fry.

Also, at intersections I feel safer getting to the front and being out in front of traffic when the light turns green.

 

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.

 

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp...0+cod+46.2-857

It allows Police to share a lane on official duty.

 

I agree, staggered is safer for sure.

 

I think riding two abreast is better than a pseudo stagger when you've got someone tucked halfway up your right or left side. Having said that, I prefer staggered except at stops and crawling along in traffic when you're constantly feathering the clutch/throttle.

 

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.

 

It is my understanding that you can ride two abreast on Motorcycles should this legislation pass and I was under the impression it had already been passed. I have never had any problems when sitting 2 abreast at stoplights,etc.

 

Having been a professional Motor Officer fòr 14 years, I can tell you that Fairfax is like comparing a special forces unit (Green Beret's, Navy Seal's) to a reular infantry unit. Their sh-- is wired tight. They are BEYOND good. I had the pleasure of competing in a police MC skills rodeo last year where they competed. they walked away with a lot (but not all) of the awards. We had a few guys that held their own.

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.

 

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.