Who else lane splits and is it legal?

[ZRX Mitch]

Originally Posted by poser

I say its just a calculated risk. And that cager can be pissed off all they want, but until, they've sat in traffic in something other than their air conditioned box, let them get mad.
Following that logic, do you follow ALL traffic laws to a tee?
IMO its no different than speeding, changing lanes w/o signaling, etc...

Did you read the original post? You mentioned filtering to the front at a signal to make a turn, quite a bit different than riding 4 miles in the left side emergency lane.

If you have to ask if it's illegal, you probably know the answer. One day you'll pass a LEO sitting in that line, you'll get your answer then.

[poser]

Originally Posted by ZRX Mitch

Did you read the original post? You mentioned filtering to the front at a signal to make a turn, quite a bit different than riding 4 miles in the left side emergency lane.

If you have to ask if it's illegal, you probably know the answer. One day you'll pass a LEO sitting in that line, you'll get your answer then.

Sometimes I would filter to the front to go straight.
And I have passed an LEO in the lane while whole filtering down the middle. He was in an unmarked an lit me up as I passed. I just about came off the bike, and had to change
I kept going to the front and when the light turned green I found a spot that was safe and pulled over and waited for him. He was nice, though I could tell he was annoyed. Lectured me for a while and let me go. He was a state trooper.

[Tattoogunman]

Originally Posted by poser

I say its just a calculated risk. And that cager can be pissed off all they want, but until, they've sat in traffic in something other than their air conditioned box, let them get mad.
Following that logic, do you follow ALL traffic laws to a tee?
IMO its no different than speeding, changing lanes w/o signaling, etc...

You have a valid point - breaking the law is breaking the law, whether it's minor or major. As I said, what the OP is talking about is illegal. Do I expect everyone out there to follow every law to the letter? In a perfect world, yes would be the answer. In reality, of course everyone bends a little and I include myself in that.

There are major traffic infractions and there are minor infractions. Everyone has a choice in how they drive. But the fact that you may be be hot on your bike doesn't mean you get to drive around traffic. Just because you're stuck in a traffic jam doesn't mean you get to go around traffic. Does the heat suck? Yeah it sucks - who made you ride a bike? Does it suck sitting in traffic jam? Of course it sucks. That doesn't give you the right to just go around because you don't feel like sitting there or you're getting hot. If we're going to use that logic, than it may as well apply to cars, trucks, and SUV's as well. I've got a crappy car with no A/C, so I'm not going to sit in this parking lot on I75 with everyone else. I'm just going to go around it all on the shoulder - screw everyone else, I'm hot! Being on a motorcycle doesn't change that. Obviously it's easier to do on a bike, but that doesn't make it right.




There's a difference between a minor infraction (like the examples you gave of speeding, lane changing, etc.) and driving outside of the roadway around traffic for any great distance. OK yeah, technically by the letter of the law, I guess it's not really a difference. I know that's going to heat things up, but it's also common sense and "bending" is different than "breaking". Doing a few miles over the speed limit and just saying "screw it, I'm not sitting in traffic on I75 so I'm going to drive around miles of traffic on the shoulder" (or wherever - you get the idea) IS a bit different.

[John Dirt]

Originally Posted by Tattoogunman

I know that's going to heat things up, but it's also common sense and "bending" is different than "breaking". Doing a few miles over the speed limit and just saying "screw it, I'm not sitting in traffic on I75 so I'm going to drive around miles of traffic on the shoulder" (or wherever - you get the idea) IS a bit different.

I respectfully disagree with this, I don't feel like I am putting anyone in danger like speeding or failure to signal does, it sounds like you just don't "like" it which is fine.

I do agree that I don't have the right, I should sit in the heat and I could drive a car if I don't like the heat. I don't like self-entitlement and that plays a huge role in what makes someone try to get around people illegally.

This thread was pretty productive as threads go, everyone had solid input.

I like Silverbullets reply;

Have I done it? Yes but reluctantly and sparingly in severe circumstances. Prefer instead to schedule times and routes so I don't get stuck in traffic. I've been known to turn around the bike and do a 1-2 hour joy ride just to avoid traffic.

I have done that too!

[gixxerjasen]

It comes down to having a selfish screw everyone else attitude. When you are zooming along at higher than the limit posted in order to obtain revenue, you are just going fast all on your own. When you go around the traffic you tell everyone who is following the rules and patiently waiting "Screw you, I'm better than you and I don't have to wait in this line!"

I worked at a hoity toity theater for a while and used to get folks who'd come and complain to me and explain who they were and how much money they made and how they shouldn't be made to stand in line with "Those" people. This attitude always irks me and irks others as well.

Filtering to the front illegally or around the sides implies the same attitude. You are above everyone else who are waiting and doing what they should be doing. Doesn't matter if you are on a bike or the Toyota I blocked in my car on Monday who was going around on the shoulder on 635.

As for being on a bike. Doesn't matter if it's hot or in the rain or whatever, you chose to ride the bike. You don't like sitting in the heat in traffic on the bike, simple, don't ride. I choose to take my bike to work and if I'm unfortunate enough to get stuck in traffic, so be it. I don't like it, and while splitting or shouldering is tempting, not gonna do it.

[gixxerjasen]

Dang, John Dirt said the same thing while I was typing, but he did it with fewer words. Self entitlement, that's it!

[bhouston]

Originally Posted by Tattoogunman

Speaking from 16 years of law enforcement experience (admittedly not in Texas though), it's illegal unless you can find something in the traffic code that says otherwise. You're essentially operating a motor vehicle outside of the regular/improved roadway. Even though I ride (well, when I have a motorcycle), this crap pisses me off when I see people do this (sorry OP). Why should you be any more exempt from sitting in the crappy traffic than everyone else? Using that logic, I may as well go around on the shoulder/median in my car too - same difference. Just because you’re on a smaller vehicle doesn’t mean you’re exempt. This is also the kind of stuff that gives motorcyclists a bad name.

Even when I lived in D.C., I sat in traffic like everyone else while I would watch others go buzzing by on the shoulders, etc. Oh I was tempted, but I always resisted. It pisses people off and, like someone else already said, I wouldn't trust these people out here not to suddenly veer over to block, open doors, etc. My .02 – take it or leave it.

Completely agree

Originally Posted by gixxerjasen

It comes down to having a selfish screw everyone else attitude. When you are zooming along at higher than the limit posted in order to obtain revenue, you are just going fast all on your own. When you go around the traffic you tell everyone who is following the rules and patiently waiting "Screw you, I'm better than you and I don't have to wait in this line!"

I worked at a hoity toity theater for a while and used to get folks who'd come and complain to me and explain who they were and how much money they made and how they shouldn't be made to stand in line with "Those" people. This attitude always irks me and irks others as well.

Filtering to the front illegally or around the sides implies the same attitude. You are above everyone else who are waiting and doing what they should be doing. Doesn't matter if you are on a bike or the Toyota I blocked in my car on Monday who was going around on the shoulder on 635.

As for being on a bike. Doesn't matter if it's hot or in the rain or whatever, you chose to ride the bike. You don't like sitting in the heat in traffic on the bike, simple, don't ride. I choose to take my bike to work and if I'm unfortunate enough to get stuck in traffic, so be it. I don't like it, and while splitting or shouldering is tempting, not gonna do it.

Exactly - couldn't have said it better myself. I see this everyday as i am stuck in traffic going to work and it's frustrating. I don't do it on my bike or in my car.

[Downs]

Riding on the shoulder or in the emergency lane is illegal. Lane filtering isn't illegal because it's not spelled out in the traffic code. However, they can write you for failure to maintain lane and a few other things like failure to signal a lane change. But even in California lane filtering is not spelled out specifically in their law one way or another (just like in Texas) but they have similar or same laws in regards to maintaining lanes and signaling.

Other states have legislation specifically dealing with lane splitting/filtering.

I split traffic on the major interstates and loops when traffic is stopped. I do not feel as though I'm "better" than anyone else and I do not see a moral fault with splitting or filtering.

"They cut in line" is some grade school mentality BS, when it comes to the road. This isn't a movie theater line. I'm no longer in traffic you can have that space I left vacant and I'm not burning extra gas idling away on a piece of tarmac, with enough space between cars to fit a mini cooper.

[poser]

If it makes you feel better, I never rode the shoulder, just down the middle

[YoDoc]

I'm pretty sure it's specified in cali's code that it's legal and how to do it.

[hizzo3]

Interesting though, Cali has 30% less rear end accidents vs Texas and Florida for motorcycles. As we all know, Cali is the only legal lane split state. I am curious if that remaining 30% went to cars? If so I would be all for lane splitting

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[bhouston]

Originally Posted by jeepinbanditrider

I split traffic on the major interstates and loops when traffic is stopped. I do not feel as though I'm "better" than anyone else and I do not see a moral fault with splitting or filtering.

Some people can always justify actions they wish to do. It is illegal and can cause much ill will towards motorcyclists. You may not think your time is more valuable than others or that you are "better" but your actions would indicate otherwise to many people as you filter though traffic while they wait their turn.

Originally Posted by jeepinbanditrider

"They cut in line" is some grade school mentality BS, when it comes to the road. This isn't a movie theater line. I'm no longer in traffic you can have that space I left vacant and I'm not burning extra gas idling away on a piece of tarmac, with enough space between cars to fit a mini cooper.

Whatever makes you feel better and justifies your actions right?

[John Dirt]

Originally Posted by gixxerjasen

It comes down to having a selfish screw everyone else attitude. When you are zooming along at higher than the limit posted in order to obtain revenue, you are just going fast all on your own. When you go around the traffic you tell everyone who is following the rules and patiently waiting "Screw you, I'm better than you and I don't have to wait in this line!"

I worked at a hoity toity theater for a while and used to get folks who'd come and complain to me and explain who they were and how much money they made and how they shouldn't be made to stand in line with "Those" people. This attitude always irks me and irks others as well.

Filtering to the front illegally or around the sides implies the same attitude. You are above everyone else who are waiting and doing what they should be doing. Doesn't matter if you are on a bike or the Toyota I blocked in my car on Monday who was going around on the shoulder on 635.

As for being on a bike. Doesn't matter if it's hot or in the rain or whatever, you chose to ride the bike. You don't like sitting in the heat in traffic on the bike, simple, don't ride. I choose to take my bike to work and if I'm unfortunate enough to get stuck in traffic, so be it. I don't like it, and while splitting or shouldering is tempting, not gonna do it.

AGREED!

I have to say though, I don't want to go around everyone because I am entitled, I want to because I am hot and because I can (motorcycle). BUT, I never have and probably never will. BUT(again) If I see a motorcycle doing it I will not be angry and I will make way for you, unless it's a Harley(KIDDING).

[Downs]

Originally Posted by YoDoc

I'm pretty sure it's specified in cali's code that it's legal and how to do it.

Nope

From the AMA website

Lane Splitting
Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes

I also have been unable to find anything in California Traffic code or law on the subject.

They mention it in their driver's handbook but there's not a law one way or another.

Some people can always justify actions they wish to do. It is illegal

Please reference.

Again from the AMA in regards to Tx

Lane Splitting
Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes

And my personal research in Texas laws and traffic code has brought nothing up that I can find in regards to the act of lane splitting or filtering.

They can go buy a bike that has the capability of going places and doing things cars can't do if they get so butt hurt about me "cutting in line". I've found the times I've done it that drivers are generally receptive to the practice. I've only had 2 incidents of someone either trying to cut me off or sounding their horn.

http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/...tate-Laws.aspx

[bigjnsa]

I choose to ride to work simply because its cheaper. Motorcycle parking on campus is $53 a year and I park right in front of my building. Car parking is $755 a year and you have to walk 1/2 a mile just to get to my building. So yeah.... I'm hoity toity about that.

[gixxerjasen]

Originally Posted by jeepinbanditrider

with enough space between cars to fit a mini cooper.

Wrong! Believe me....I've tried!

[hizzo3]

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb/msbfaqs.htm


"The law doesn't specifically say one way or the other, but there are several statutes that may come to bear depending upon the circumstances, i.e. right of way, obligation to drive in a single lane, signal intention, passing with safety, etc. Motorcycles are considered equally as cars regarding traffic laws, so the single lane, signal intention and other statutes in the Transportation Code could come in to play.

The main statute that makes "lane splitting" illegal is Transportation Code Section 545.060, entitled "Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic."

An operator on a roadway divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic:
shall drive as nearly practical entirely within a single lane; and
may not move from the lane unless that movement can be made safely.
"

[bhouston]

Originally Posted by jeepinbanditrider

Please reference.

Again from the AMA in regards to Tx


And my personal research in Texas laws and traffic code has brought nothing up that I can find in regards to the act of lane splitting or filtering.

They can go buy a bike that has the capability of going places and doing things cars can't do if they get so butt hurt about me "cutting in line". I've found the times I've done it that drivers are generally receptive to the practice. I've only had 2 incidents of someone either trying to cut me off or sounding their horn.

http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/...tate-Laws.aspx

Wrong. It is illegal. In fact, there is currently a bill going through to make it legal.

HB1571
http://tinyurl.com/HB1571

Perhaps your research is only finding things that bolster your opinion and you aren't looking in the right places. It might not be "specifically addressed" in current laws (which I believe is the loophole touted by lane filtering aficionados) but there are plently of others items that would address this without spelling it out. (EDIT: which are addressed in the post above me)

[YoDoc]

Originally Posted by jeepinbanditrider

Nope

From the AMA website


I also have been unable to find anything in California Traffic code or law on the subject.

Huh. I Coulda sworn....

[cheez]

Originally Posted by bhouston

Wrong. It is illegal. In fact, there is currently a bill going through to make it legal.

If you're going to call YoDoc out for being incorrect, it behooves you to cite the specific section of Texas Code that contradicts him, as he cited the code supporting his position. A bill that makes lane splitting explicitly legal does not mean that it is currently illegal, only that its legal status is currently ambiguous.