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Local Clubs => DFWM => Topic started by: sdlrodeo on September 28, 2008, 05:02:38 PM



Title: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: sdlrodeo on September 28, 2008, 05:02:38 PM
Ok, I know this has probably been beaten like the proverbial dead horse, but in light of cdc's recent transgressions, I just read this:

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 the operator:
(1) is at least 21 years old;
(2) has successfully completed a motorcycle operator
training and safety course under Chapter 662;
(3) is covered by a health insurance plan providing
the operator with at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries
incurred as a result of an accident while operating a motorcycle;
and
(4) operates the motorcycle:
(A) at a speed not more than five miles per hour
over 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 other than a location where the posted speed limit is 20
miles per hour or less.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.

AMA says:
Lane Splitting Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes

I'm still digging...
Steve


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: Giannis on September 28, 2008, 05:03:22 PM
Drivers will kill you here in Texas if you try to co between them.. ask me how i know that... ;D


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: sdlrodeo on September 28, 2008, 05:06:59 PM
On another blog I found this written after the same text:

**UPDATE** Unfortunately, with school finance reform and a host of other things on Texas lawmakers' plates, this bill never made it out of committee.

Ok, so what I've dug up is that no the above law was not passed, (duh 2005?) but on the other hand, it is not prohibited. Any Moto-Lawyers out there?
Steve


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: svoloch on September 28, 2008, 05:15:43 PM
yes, when I moved here from California ( where lane splitting is merely a fact of life ), I split a lane or two not even wondering if people do it, it was so built into my riding mentality ( in California, also, we just slide up to the front of the line of cars at a red light, and pull out in front when it goes green ).  Well, it was made quite clear to me that it is NOT done in Texas, and among the more vociferous shouts, swearing, and door opening/slamming, was the ever so subtle threat to blow my make the beast with two backsing head off if I ever got in front of HER again.  

welcome to Texas!!


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: sdlrodeo on September 28, 2008, 05:18:54 PM
Sounds like a challenge!
Steve


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: caffeinejunkee on September 28, 2008, 05:38:56 PM
On another blog I found this written after the same text:

**UPDATE** Unfortunately, with school finance reform and a host of other things on Texas lawmakers' plates, this bill never made it out of committee.

Ok, so what I've dug up is that no the above law was not passed, (duh 2005?) but on the other hand, it is not prohibited. Any Moto-Lawyers out there?
Steve

I'd have to look it up, but the last time we "discussed" this I thought the part of Texas law cited restricts only one vehicle per lane at the same time (side-by-side, of course). Since I also believe you can't ride the line, that would mean lane splitting is illegal.


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: Slag on September 28, 2008, 05:42:31 PM
I can say with 100% certainty that the police ticket you for lane splitting. What you are charged with depends on the creativity of the officer. The incident that I witnessed involved 4 tickets. One was failure to follow a traffic control device, You can drive between the lines, but not on them. The second was failure to yield ( 2 counts, one for each car.) I do not remember what the 4th ticket was for.

I will pull out my traffic code when I get back home.


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: Slag on September 28, 2008, 05:47:29 PM
I'd have to look it up, but the last time we "discussed" this I thought the part of Texas law cited restricts only one vehicle per lane at the same time (side-by-side, of course). Since I also believe you can't ride the line, that would mean lane splitting is illegal.

I believe that the traffic code does allow motorcycles to ride side by side in the same lane.


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: cdc on September 28, 2008, 05:54:07 PM
Other transgressions aside, for the record, I was not lane splitting, merely doing a succession of lane changes in a rapid fashion.   ;D

I call it traffic splitting.  Truth is, I would not imagine myself lane splitting because being between cars for any period of time makes me nervous even when they are on their own lanes and I am in mine.  That is why I prefer to have the cars behind me and at a distance which forces me to "traffic split" among other transgressions.  There!  That sounds much better.   [moto]

Besides, we have those reflective dots on the road between lanes which are big enough to upset the bike if you hit them.  Makes true lane splitting a complicated matter.

cdc


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: caffeinejunkee on September 28, 2008, 06:01:34 PM
I believe that the traffic code does allow motorcycles to ride side by side in the same lane.

I can't find anything in the traffic code that "allows" for this, but I can't find anything that prohibits it.

In the DPS handbook for scooters, motorcycle operators are discouraged from sharing lanes with other bikes, but it does not cite it as "illegal." However, I've not heard of anyone ticketed for motorcycle lane sharing.


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: fastwin on September 28, 2008, 06:37:37 PM
It's really too bad that this can't happen here. And if it does just how many riders will be killed in the rightful process? The only time I have been to Europe was in 1989 on a bike tour through Switzerland, France and Northern Italy. Awesome. But what blew me away was the car drivers reaction to me and other bikers. Over there we rule the road and are respected. They want us to pass them whenever possible regardless of it being in the middle of a blind turn! And you are expected to lane split and go to the front at an intersection because they know you will blast off and get ahead of the four wheel traffic. How f#@king civilized is that??? Too bad that mentality will never work over here!! Again, no matter of the law change, just how many riders will be killed during the auto driver education? Hell, they can't seem to drive now with cell phones, texting and all the other distractions. Just how much more dangerous does it need to get?


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: pipeliner1978 on September 28, 2008, 07:25:29 PM
not that I condone such "transgressions" but if I were to ever "split traffic" (not that have ever done so) I would rather do it at 90 than 20!  People sitting in traffic are pissed and bored! I'm not going through them!  But, buzz a car doing 70 at 90 and they never see you coming until you are past them, again,  I'm not speaking from experience...


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: fastwin on September 28, 2008, 07:45:04 PM
You know, I agree. I too think it's better at high speed. But you go first and I will see how they react before I do it! Drivers in this town (make that DFW) are the worst I have ever seen. I almost got hit a few weeks ago by a gal in a mini SUV not once but twice in less than a mile! She was absorbed in texting on her phone and could not keep her car in her lane... ever! She paid absolutely no attention to her driving at all. She waivered in her lane like a drunk and twice I had to hit the horn and veer into the next lane big time to avoid her hitting me. Worst part, she didn't give a shit how she was driving. I guess that's why 3/4s of her car was beat up from accidents!


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: pipeliner1978 on September 28, 2008, 08:19:14 PM
yeah, newer car with multiple dings = get the hell outa the way!!!


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: Giannis on September 28, 2008, 11:01:17 PM
This is how you lane split   ;D everything the same other than  we dont usally blow red lights...  [laugh]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgFxQ_mpm14


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: BarneePhife on September 29, 2008, 07:37:40 AM
...the ever so subtle threat to blow my make the beast with two backsing head off if I ever got in front of HER again.  

welcome to Texas!!

Did you still have your CA plates on at the time?

I think that's the official TX greeting to Yankees and "those people" from California.  :-*


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: Duc L'Smart on September 29, 2008, 07:42:21 AM
I wouldn't lane split. Dallas drivers are the worst, & many are packing :P
I'll weave in & out a little, but I'm very careful...


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: Cyclone on September 29, 2008, 08:02:08 AM
This is how you lane split   ;D everything the same other than  we dont usally blow red lights...  [laugh]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgFxQ_mpm14

Man, this Greek dude must have teflon coated fairings covered in butter, and a death wish !  Obviously he has the skill !  Sometimes I wonder if on-board cameras encourage bad behavior ???

I'm in Dallas traffic a lot and only split once for a short distance in stop & go traffic on Woodall just to move away from a car of manics who thought racing forward & slamming on the brakes to stop a foot away from me was funny !  So I would lane split if I thought my life depended on it - I have also run red lights to avoid being hassled by aggressive people walking up to me in bad areas !  My theory is better to answer to a Leo than a wacko !


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: fastwin on September 29, 2008, 08:31:20 AM
Yep, it's nothing but a combat zone out there. I'd rather go to Iraq and look for roadside bombs than ride/drive in this town sometimes. :P Dumbass nuts, that's what we have for drivers in DFW.


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: Duc L'Smart on September 29, 2008, 08:36:54 AM
No sh!t...

Between track days, & HC & AR trips, & the freakin' hot summers, I just don't have much desire to ride in town.


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: andym on September 29, 2008, 09:05:17 AM
I'm glad this tread came up, I was going to ask a similar same question.

I have recently moved here from London and I am used to filtering, as we call it.  I can live with the queuing at lights but sitting in stop go traffic on the toll way is crazy to me.

I have only seen one bike filter the outside and middle lane since being here but I often see bikes ride down the shoulder, IMHO riding the shoulder has to be worse than filtering between stationary cages, not to mention the crap you are riding through, how would this be seen by the police?

I feel safer between cages than I do sat there waiting for one to rear end me but I am apprehensive to do it as I do not want tickets.  I have read that Dallas cage drivers are bad but a driver chatting on the phone is distracted where ever you live.  It is the ones that pay attention that may concern me, I am used to cars moving to allow me through, I can't see that happening here but how many would actually try to hit me?


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: dallas2r on September 29, 2008, 09:21:28 AM
I'm glad this tread came up, I was going to ask a similar same question.

I have recently moved here from London and I am used to filtering, as we call it.  I can live with the queuing at lights but sitting in stop go traffic on the toll way is crazy to me.

I have only seen one bike filter the outside and middle lane since being here but I often see bikes ride down the shoulder, IMHO riding the shoulder has to be worse than filtering between stationary cages, not to mention the crap you are riding through, how would this be seen by the police?

I feel safer between cages than I do sat there waiting for one to rear end me but I am apprehensive to do it as I do not want tickets.  I have read that Dallas cage drivers are bad but a driver chatting on the phone is distracted where ever you live.  It is the ones that pay attention that may concern me, I am used to cars moving to allow me through, I can't see that happening here but how many would actually try to hit me?

Hey there, glad you posted up. Welcome.

I'm with the other folks here in that I wouldn't feel safe lane-splitting in Dallas. I'm less worried about the distracted drivers because they're usually easy to spot; I'm most afraid of the aggressive people who feel that their current 10ft of pavement is their property and they'll guard it as such. I've seen plenty of people (usually guys in trucks) dart into the shoulder to block cars driving there, so I wouldn't put it past them to block a motorcyclists path.

Even if a law were passed today that legalized lane-splitting or "filtering", I still wouldn't do it until the general population was clear on the new rules.




Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: cdc on September 29, 2008, 09:30:09 AM
not that I condone such "transgressions" but if I were to ever "split traffic" (not that have ever done so) I would rather do it at 90 than 20!  People sitting in traffic are pissed and bored! I'm not going through them!  But, buzz a car doing 70 at 90 and they never see you coming until you are past them, again,  I'm not speaking from experience...

he understands me  :'( :'( :'(

bpc


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: pipeliner1978 on September 29, 2008, 10:18:02 AM
he understands me  :'( :'( :'(

bpc
;)


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: andym on September 29, 2008, 12:21:14 PM
I guess you all know how the drivers are around here far better than I do so I will take your advice.  I'll have to change my riding from how I was taught in England, even on the test you filter as long as it is safe to do so.


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: pipeliner1978 on September 29, 2008, 12:22:42 PM
even on the test you filter as long as it is safe to do so.
I don't know what you mean.....


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: andym on September 29, 2008, 12:34:13 PM
I don't know what you mean.....

In the UK it is okay to filter on your bike test.  The test is to prove that you can ride safely,  if there is a queue at traffic lights get to the front, you are safer being first away from the lights than sat in a queue.


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: pipeliner1978 on September 29, 2008, 12:39:54 PM
In the UK it is okay to filter on your bike test.  The test is to prove that you can ride safely,  if there is a queue at traffic lights get to the front, you are safer being first away from the lights than sat in a queue.
never taken a bike test


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: pipeliner1978 on September 29, 2008, 12:40:17 PM
never taken a bike test
I should do that one of these days


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: Kevin848 on September 29, 2008, 12:43:01 PM
I should do that one of these days

If you have passed a MSF Course you do not need to take a riding test to get an "M" endorsement but there is still a written exam.


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: pipeliner1978 on September 29, 2008, 12:45:35 PM
If you have passed a MSF Course you do not need to take a riding test to get an "M" endorsement but there is still a written exam.
gotta get a drivers liscense first....


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: Kevin848 on September 29, 2008, 12:46:37 PM
gotta get a drivers liscense first....

+1  [laugh]


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: pipeliner1978 on September 29, 2008, 12:55:04 PM
+1  [laugh]
gotta get a birth certificate or a passport, or they can tell that my white hillbilly talking/looking ass is an American, atleast that's what they told me...


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: andym on September 29, 2008, 01:18:57 PM
If you have passed a MSF Course you do not need to take a riding test to get an "M" endorsement but there is still a written exam.

Yeah, I took the course and the written test to get a Tx license, I couldn't get insurance with a EU license.


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: Kevin848 on September 29, 2008, 01:43:17 PM
Yeah, I took the course and the written test to get a Tx license, I couldn't get insurance with a EU license.

Welcome to the states and the board. there is a pic thread at the top of the board and I am sure we would all love to see pics of the 696! Cant wait to meet you at one of our gatherings, so keep an eye out on the board for when they happen!


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: pipeliner1978 on September 29, 2008, 01:44:32 PM
so keep an eye out on the board for when they happen!
Thursday!  [thumbsup]


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: dallas2r on September 29, 2008, 01:53:50 PM
Welcome to the states and the board. there is a pic thread at the top of the board and I am sure we would all love to see pics of the 696! Cant wait to meet you at one of our gatherings, so keep an eye out on the board for when they happen!

+1   [thumbsup]

There's also a handy-dandy event calendar in the thread pinned at the top of the main DFWM page. Shoot me a PM if you'd like to be added to the distribution list.

here's a link:
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=585.0



Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: Kevin848 on September 29, 2008, 02:00:10 PM
Thursday!  [thumbsup]

[fluff]
You westies and all your dinners!!!
[/fluff]


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: andym on February 09, 2015, 12:48:38 PM
A couple of lane splitting bills are up this year.

I have already written to my representatives in support of these with the help of the link below.

https://cqrcengage.com/amacycle/app/write-a-letter?0&engagementId=77645&ep=AAAAC2Flc0NpcGhlcjAxCKZr2mpxJuLTq2u-0mMXffUSrk9BA4C-9FpkXDuHq0QNvESjxEFEZXyxzp_kBaHBlXgWHEjL4NnUfAW7HRrULLhO1tBlXkJNZfBQJwfoxI0&lp=0 (https://cqrcengage.com/amacycle/app/write-a-letter?0&engagementId=77645&ep=AAAAC2Flc0NpcGhlcjAxCKZr2mpxJuLTq2u-0mMXffUSrk9BA4C-9FpkXDuHq0QNvESjxEFEZXyxzp_kBaHBlXgWHEjL4NnUfAW7HRrULLhO1tBlXkJNZfBQJwfoxI0&lp=0)

I really hope one of these gets passed, just think how nice it would be being able to filter through a traffic jam without being concerned about being pulled over, especially once the temperature raises.

 [Dolph] [Dolph] [Dolph]


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: motolocopat on October 28, 2015, 09:32:24 AM
It looks like this passed... [thumbsup]
84R2298 JAM-D
 
    By: Muñoz, Jr.   H.B. No. 813
 
 
    
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, 2015.


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: AeroGeek on October 28, 2015, 03:04:49 PM
It looks like this passed... [thumbsup]
84R2298 JAM-D
 
    By: Muñoz, Jr.   H.B. No. 813
 
 
    
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, 2015.

The bill was not passed though...
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/BillStages.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB813 (http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/BillStages.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB813)


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: caffeinejunkee on October 28, 2015, 03:18:18 PM
The bill was not passed though...

Never had a chance ...


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: motolocopat on October 28, 2015, 09:50:29 PM
OK .. Bummer. I guess the line at the bottom that says "SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2015" confused me [shot]


Title: Re: Lane splitting in TX
Post by: muskrat on October 31, 2015, 08:01:06 AM
well since it's not "explicitly" forbidden I'll continue to piss people off when it's 100+ and ride the shoulder.


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