Lane splitting in nevada - moving forward

[Slide Panda]

So putting laws on the books for lane splitting in nevada is going some place
http://lanesplittingislegal.com/lane-splitting-news/amendedneutered-ab236-passes-trans-committee-on-to-full-senate-vote

It's been chopped down to only allowing it in stopped traffic, with the bike not going faster than 10 mph - Originally it was written for splitting up to 30 MPH, at not more than 10 MPH faster than surrounding traffic.

This amended version now goes to the NV state senate for a vote

The article also notes theres something going on in Oregon too - though it doesn't seem like it'll happen
"This new, extremely limited form is similar to Oregon lane splitting bills SB541 and HB3310 – both of which appear very unlikely to see any progress."

[Heath]

It's a start. I can't really think of riding a motorcycle without lane splitting.

[Slide Panda]

You must be in Cali then. In my state of residence (VA) one could get written up for reckless for splitting. Yes, really.

[nickshelby500kr]

Not sure if I would consider it lane splitting, but last week I was riding up 75 and traffic just came to a halt. So I figured eff this and jumped on the shoulder and just putted along at about 25ish. Then about 2 or 3 miles later an asshole driving a range rover in the left lane moves purposely into the left lane. I was going slow enough I slowed down to avoid hitting the back of him. He gives me the finger. And continues sitting in my way in the shoulder. I wanted to punched out his mirror and ride off but I refrained.

Like people really do this shit? "Oh no, woe is me! I have to sit here in traffic in my ultra comfortable luxobarge SUV. Wait? What?! A motorcycle trying to right past me in the shoulder! Not on my watch."

[NAKID]

Not sure if I would consider it lane splitting, but last week I was riding up 75 and traffic just came to a halt. So I figured eff this and jumped on the shoulder and just putted along at about 25ish. Then about 2 or 3 miles later an asshole driving a range rover in the left lane moves purposely into the left lane. I was going slow enough I slowed down to avoid hitting the back of him. He gives me the finger. And continues sitting in my way in the shoulder. I wanted to punched out his mirror and ride off but I refrained.

Like people really do this shit? "Oh no, woe is me! I have to sit here in traffic in my ultra comfortable luxobarge SUV. Wait? What?! A motorcycle trying to right past me in the shoulder! Not on my watch."

Careful with riding on the shoulder. That's a good (bad) place to pick up debris...

[Slide Panda]

Like people really do this shit? "Oh no, woe is me! I have to sit here in traffic in my ultra comfortable luxobarge SUV. Wait? What?! A motorcycle trying to right past me in the shoulder! Not on my watch."

Unfortunately yes. People in the states get super bent out of shape on the topic of lane splitting. They envision allowing bikers to 'zoom' between lanes, at 100mph pulling wheelies! Not moving carefully at reasonable speed in low or no speed traffic situations.

I've seen articles that allow comments, receive comments that threaten violence to riders if they split. Statements to the effect of dooring a splitting rider, cutting them off with the intention of causing a fall, or just flat out saying they would hit them with the auto.

For some reason, folks seem to get this "I was first in line, and you're cutting!" schoolyard mentality about splitting and perceive the bikes as somehow making it worse for them.  Of course, they never think about the fact that they are sitting in the shade, probably with AC, access to entertainment and no need to manage their vehicle at dead stop vs. the biker who if ATGATT is layered up, sitting on a hot bike, in the sun that he/she mush hold up when stopped and exert extra control over at very low speeds.

These are probably the same sort of people who jam to the front of merge areas when traffic is heavy, instead of every-other merge like most folks, tailgate, talk on the phone all while sporting a 'baby on board' sticker. There's a special hell for them. Them and people who talk in theaters.

[nickshelby500kr]

I just have no tolerance for people. Lucky I'm able to keep my composure quite well.

http://www.ktnv.com/multimedia/videos/?bctid=2331043335001&lc=Smart

A quick google search brought me to this article and if you watch the video, it kind of irritates me their bad use of words like "zipping in between cars" when I hear that I a thinking of motorcycles who are constantly lane splitting and crossing over multiple lanes at a speed that is not safe.

Also their lack of details of what the bill really entails. Which is more than likely it can only be done if traffic is under X speed and you are splitting at no more than Y speed.

When the general public watches that news report, I'm sure all they are going to think about is a motorcyclist passing them on the line at 100 mph while they are already maintaining highway speeds.

Just my thoughts.

[SDRider]

People are idiots and hate the idea that someone is "cutting in line" to get to their destination while they are stuck in traffic.  If they took a half a second to think about it they might realize how idiotic their concerns really are.  This isn't legalizing zipping through traffic at 100mph on one wheel.  It is legalizing a smaller vehicle to filter through congested traffic at reasonable speeds which actually benefits them because for every motorcycle filtering through traffic that is one less car on the road creating more traffic.

I've been lane splitting in SoCal for years.  It makes sense.  And people here, for the most part, are used to the practice and even make room for us.  It just takes years of social conditioning I guess.  

I look for motorcyclists and vehicles before changing lanes and give lane splitting bikes plenty of room to pass whenever possible.  Use your signals and check your mirrors before changing lanes, this should be common sense.  If you are surprised by a motorcycle "suddenly appearing" next to you I suggest you take some driver training courses because you do not know how to freaking drive a car.

[NAKID]

Most people on my commute (OC to SD on the 5 daily) seem to be getting more comfortable with lane spliiters. A good percentage who see me coming scoot to the left edge of the lane to give me room. The get a "thank you" wave from me.

[Privateer]

Not sure if I would consider it lane splitting, but last week I was riding up 75 and traffic just came to a halt. So I figured eff this and jumped on the shoulder and just putted along at about 25ish. Then about 2 or 3 miles later an asshole driving a range rover in the left lane moves purposely into the left lane. I was going slow enough I slowed down to avoid hitting the back of him. He gives me the finger. And continues sitting in my way in the shoulder. I wanted to punched out his mirror and ride off but I refrained.

Like people really do this shit? "Oh no, woe is me! I have to sit here in traffic in my ultra comfortable luxobarge SUV. Wait? What?! A motorcycle trying to right past me in the shoulder! Not on my watch."

That happens here even when it's quasi-legal.  People will block the gap on the right side of the carpool lane to feel like they're teaching us a lesson or something.  The fact remains they can't stop me without hitting me.  I just wait until they can't react and go by them.  Net result, i'm passed them and they're still a douchebag.

I have, however, known more than one car owner who blocked a biker and was given the opportunity to visit their local car dealer for a new mirror.

edit:  the blocking maneuver is exceedingly rare for me.  Only happened twice in 7 years.

[Skybarney]

You can't fix stupid.  People that lane block bikes are unteachable.  And while I personally feel that they deserve to lose a mirror over being an asshole it is a bad idea to follow though on such desires.  Why?  The next biker may just get hit....  The cager may just look for and think they have a way to make it look like the accident was the bikers fault.

That's the problem with stupid, you just can't teach an idiot a single thing about being polite or how the flow of traffic actually works.  Give em a finger after you skillfully ride by their little road block if it makes you feel better.  Taking a mirror with ya just makes it worse for all of us.

[Privateer]

Taking a mirror with ya just makes it worse for all of us.

i've never personally done it.  After some consideration and life-coaching, with the number of digital cameras in today's world it's not worth it to me.


I just shake my head at their sad little lives.

[nickshelby500kr]

i've never personally done it.  After some consideration and life-coaching, with the number of digital cameras in today's world it's not worth it to me.


I just shake my head at their sad little lives.

I haven't myself either but it's always crossed my mind when a driver has pulled some completely dick headed move. But ultimately I wouldn't unless it was completely life threatening and it would be a mirror I choose to punch out at that point.

[reebok]

Not legal here in my part of OZ, but certainly tolerated. Makes the commute a modern sport.
Flltering is legal ( cars are stopped) but splitting is frowned upon.

But oh so much fun.

Had a try at the pro version of splitting when in india in 2009. Should be nominated as an olympic sport!

Been doing it for 40 years, and no accidents from splitting or filtering for me, despite the bike being the primary transport mode. A exercise in spatial management.

[Slide Panda]

Well, not moving forward anymore. At least in the short term

"We’ve been following the progress of Nevada’s lane splitting bill, AB236, very closely. Despite passing with the Nevada Assembly with overwhelming support, the bill was amended in the Senate Transportation Committee to allow lane splitting only in stopped traffic, at no more than 10 MPH. Today, the bill was voted on by the full Senate and lost by a landslide, 16 to 5."

http://rideapart.com/2013/05/no-lanesplitting-for-nevada/