TX Lane Splitting Bill re-introduced as HB1571

[jeepinbanditrider]

If you are interested in lane splitting being legal in the books start burning up the phone lines to Austin.

http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=HB1571

The last session in 09 the bill was SB506 and it made it out of the Senate and died in the house when the session ended and the House hadn't voted on it.  I think if it can make it out of the house this go round it stands a real chance of making it though the Senate.  Last time it had 0 "nay" votes in te Senate and not many seats have changed.

[Joey Stalin]

Don't live in texas but hey, if it starts a trend that would be great! The biggest barrier to lane splitting though is education of the public. They would have to spend quite a bit of money on an advertising campaign to educate people if it became legal, rather than having them be "educated" by a 10 fold increase in motorcycle-to-driver's door collisions because of jealous cagers.  

[ChrisInTexas]

That's just what we need. I can never get enough of hearing about riders getting killed by careless drivers slamming into us. Hell yeah!

[rgbeard]

Here in CA, it's never been illegal, and cars really do a great job of sharing that space between the #1 and #2 lanes.

I agree that in the other 49 states where it's been made illegal, reversing that will take MUCH education.

[steve.m]

i didn't realize splitting was illegal in TX, just sort of discourteous.  who do i call in Austin about this...i have a friend who works at the capitol.  suppose he'd be a good start.

[BwanaDik]

Mega thread in Two Wheeled Texans, we've been following it since 2009.  I strongly recommend calling, writing (do people still do that?) or e-mailing your Rep.  OK, OK, I'll be PC and say to tell them how you would like them to vote.  I, for one, recommend the bill to pass.  Most of the negitive comments I've seen are from folks that have never lived in an area where it's legal/accepted and so don't have a clue what they're talking about.  I've lived in CA and Europe for many years and "filtering" or "lane sharing" is a safe and effective way to travel through heavy traffic.

"HB1571  Relating to the operation and movement of motorcycles during periods of traffic congestion"

http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?p=848930#post848930

Find your Representative

http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/find-your-representative/

Find your Senator

http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/Members.htm#FYI

[Kneescrubber]

I really don't think this will get much traction this year, given their preoccupation with other; more important issues. I'm all for it, I've contacted my representatives, but it's a non-issue here. Maybe the next time it's introduced it should be worded to allow high density areas the ability to make their own laws allowing it. Just a thought.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Mega thread in Two Wheeled Texans, we've been following it since 2009.  I strongly recommend calling, writing (do people still do that?) or e-mailing your Rep.  OK, OK, I'll be PC and say to tell them how you would like them to vote.  I, for one, recommend the bill to pass.  Most of the negitive comments I've seen are from folks that have never lived in an area where it's legal/accepted and so don't have a clue what they're talking about.  I've lived in CA and Europe for many years and "filtering" or "lane sharing" is a safe and effective way to travel through heavy traffic.

Well worded     Having lived in CA for a year, I too can attest at how well lane splitting and filtering can work

[jeepinbanditrider]

It's not "illegal" in Texas but they can write you for other infractions such as failure to maintain lane position, improper lane change and failure to signal or something like that.  I do it on a regular basis myself and have only had 2 instances of people trying to squeeze me but I was almost past them anyway when they decided to make their move and probably a dozen or so horn honks over the past few years.  Not too bad really.

[steve.m]

anyone have legal info showing the statistics concerning increase in accidents as a result of lane splitting?  also, the effect of lane splitting in reducing traffic congestion.  i've got my bud on the hook, said if i can get factual info, it'd help the case.  it was shut down because someone at the house mentioned accidents increasing as a result.

[BwanaDik]

There is a paper/study out there by the California Highway Patrol that shows something like a >5% reduction in rear-enders/injuries because of lane sharing.  Not exactly definitive but the CHP does support it in writing.  And they're the only ones around who can actually demonstrate they know what they're talking about.  I'll scout around when I have time and see if I can find it.

What does your friend do and how can he/she help?

[steve.m]

he researches info for the governor.  basically reads a lot and provides an abstract.  my thought is put the right info in his hands and it'll actually make it to the floor.

[BwanaDik]

An interesting but inconclusive read, might be of some help to your buddy

http://www.ridetowork.org/files/docs/ODOTLaneSharingStudy.pdf

I can't find the CHP statement but I'll keep looking

[steve.m]

passed it along.  i made sure to mention the low percentage of accidents while lane splitting and that driver education seemingly is the largest problem for lane splitting motorcyclists...basically that uninformed drivers are the cause of accidents, not motorcyclists.

[steve.m]

aaaaand the word back is this puppy died before it ever opened it's eyes.  

[rhenriksen]

aaaaand the word back is this puppy died before it ever opened it's eyes.  

Why? A particular person who's dead set against it? Or political climate? Or not enough factual information/studies/etc to back up the change? More detail would be helpful to figuring out a way to pave the way to success, whether it's now, or 2013, etc...

[jeepinbanditrider]

I just discovered this but I guess the AMA was OPPOSED  To this bill.  It doesn't give a reason but I assume it was because of the helmet portion of the bill.

http://capwiz.com/amacycle/issues/bills/?state=TX

 

[steve.m]

Why? A particular person who's dead set against it? Or political climate? Or not enough factual information/studies/etc to back up the change? More detail would be helpful to figuring out a way to pave the way to success, whether it's now, or 2013, etc...

no conclusive studies were presented to show an improved level of safety for motorists or proven reduction in traffic flow by permitting lane splitting.  

[jeepinbanditrider]

IMO the Oregon DOT report is pretty conclusive, if you are willing to sift though the tables yourself and look at the numbers.  Talk about ignoring evidence.  

http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/TP_RES/docs/Reports/2010/Motorcycle_Lane_Sharing.pdf?ga=t


Some good numbers to think about.
http://www.whybike.com/blog/index.php?p=147

[miles]

If this Dallas rider had been lane splitting, he wouldn't have lost his spleen, fractured ribs and vertebrae.