Lane splitting bill in WA State

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I just got this text from the NW GS mailing list and I wanted to share it with you guys  

Just found out that House Bill 1157 is making its way through the WA state legislature, to allow motorcycles to lane-split and filter legally. It’s quite well-written (unlike the mess of a lane-splitting bill that got nowhere last year), and basically only allows lane splitting/filtering at speeds less than 35 MPH and not more than 10  MPH over the speed of surrounding traffic. You probably already know how awesome lane-splitting/filtering is in terms of getting through congestion and easing fatigue, but an exhaustive UC Berkeley study recently showed that the practice improves rider safety in heavy traffic.


Here’s what you can do to help get this enacted:
1.Find your district representatives here

2.Contact your representatives!  Keep in mind that mailed letters and phone calls are weighted more heavily by representatives’ staffers than emails, because of the extra effort expended.

Something along the lines of "Hi, I’m , a constituent living in and I'm calling to express my support for HB1157, a law allowing motorcycle lane-splitting. As a motorcyclist, lane-splitting improves my safety, and helps improve traffic flow for everyone on the road. Thank you for considering this matter." is perfect.

3. FORWARD THIS TO ANYBODY YOU KNOW IN WA WHO RIDES!

[Sport-Touring]

[Sport]

It should be legal in every high population and traffic areas.  Hopefully the State will forewarn/advise the citizens that its coming and that it helps to (relieve) congestion.  Fingers crossed!

[Blue is Best]

Good news for Washington motorcyclists. Hope it goes through.

[Bounce]

It should be legal in every high population and traffic areas.  Hopefully the State will forewarn/advise the citizens that its coming and that it helps to (relieve) congestion.  Fingers crossed!

I would agree with the above would make it simpler.

"It should be legal everywhere."

[WileyOne]

If barrier divided freeway traffic (multi lane freeway) is moving UNDER 25 mph, you are allowed to use the #1 lane shoulder for passing but cannot exceed 10mph over slower moving vehicle speeds.  You may NOT lane split or lane share.   This ONLY pertains to the #1 (far left in the US) shoulder and should be reserved for stop and go and very slow moving traffic situations.  So, the legislature still doesn't understand the concept of splitting, but has decided on this half measure as a congestion relief trial.   Watch Your Ass.  Most cops will not be aware of this new statute, or will use the opportunity t invoke prob able cause stop/search/seizures.
Welcome to the police state of Washington.  

[Blue is Best]

If barrier divided freeway traffic (multi lane freeway) is moving UNDER 25 mph, you are allowed to use the #1 lane shoulder for passing but cannot exceed 10mph over slower moving vehicle speeds.  You may NOT lane split or lane share.   This ONLY pertains to the #1 (far left in the US) shoulder and should be reserved for stop and go and very slow moving traffic situations.  So, the legislature still doesn't understand the concept of splitting, but has decided on this half measure as a congestion relief trial.   Watch Your Ass.  Most cops will not be aware of this new statute, or will use the opportunity t invoke prob able cause stop/search/seizures.
Welcome to the police state of Washington.  

You could be right. If I lived there I would carry with me a copy of the traffic law. I don't carry anything that is against the law with me but if my life was made difficult due to the uninformed cop I would certainly get his hand slapped.

[Bounce]

While not understood by many city folk, those outside of larger towns use the Texas Improved Shoulder rule a lot. It's not lane sharing (yet) but it an "out" when needed. Be ready with an ability to articulate why you did it if stopped.

https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/transportation-code/transp-sect-545-058.html

A3, A4, A5, (and to lesser degrees) B1.