Author Topic: Road construction/Accident Traffic, general question. (Read 2085 times)

westofzero · « **on:** June 04, 2006, 01:59:58 PM »

On friday night I made the trek from Seattle WA down to Portland OR and at about 11pm I ran into some construction - they cut the three lanes down to one. It was stop and go traffic and about halfway through there was this other guy on a bike who was passing all the traffic on the side of the road. He yelled something to me as he drove by and waved to the side of the road like he was saying I should drive there too.

I've been told that it's legal for bikes to ride on the side or breakdown lane when there is stop and go traffic like that. Is that true for washington riders?

Thanks!

- Brian

Red01 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 04, 2006, 02:33:42 PM »

No, it is NOT legal in WA!
I doubt it's legal in OR either. Even in CA where lane splitting is tolerated, they don't allow you to use the shoulder. In WA, if there happens to be a LEO in the traffic and you pass on the shoulder, it's a fast way to a big ticket! If you pass more than three cars the officer can write you up for reckless driving... and the fine for that isn't cheap. Add on the big hike in your insurance that'll go with it and you'll be wishin' you would've just waited in the traffic.

Sven · « **Reply #2 on:** June 04, 2006, 02:50:32 PM »

The breakdown/emergency lane is also a good place to pick up screws, nails, and other tire-killing trash.

westofzero · « **Reply #3 on:** June 04, 2006, 02:54:56 PM »

Quote

Red01: No, it is NOT legal in WA!
I doubt it's legal in OR either. Even in CA where lane splitting is tolerated, they don't allow you to use the shoulder. In WA, if there happens to be a LEO in the traffic and you pass on the shoulder, it's a fast way to a big ticket! If you pass more than three cars the officer can write you up for reckless driving... and the fine for that isn't cheap. Add on the big hike in your insurance that'll go with it and you'll be wishin' you would've just waited in the traffic.

That's what makes sense to me, right. Ironicly enough, the person who told me that was an instructor in my motorcycle safety course.

Red01 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 04, 2006, 02:58:43 PM »

Of all people, he should know better.

jbrough7 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 04, 2006, 03:11:41 PM »

Quote from: Sven

The breakdown/emergency lane is also a good place to pick up screws, nails, and other tire-killing trash.

MOST guys just try to pick up girls!