Author Topic: WA Lane Splitting Meeting Nov 13th (Read 8137 times)

Red01 · « **on:** October 29, 2005, 03:57:50 PM »

Just got this in my inbox from a friend:

Quote

Mark Your Calendar...

WHAT: a forum to discuss lane-splitting by motorcycles in Washington State
WHEN: November 13, 2005, 1:00 PM
WHERE: The Rock Wood Fired Pizza, 4010 - 196th SW, Lynnwood WA (425-697-6007)
WHO: everyone who rides on two wheels on Washington's highways

What do you think about lane-splitting? Also called "lane-sharing," this is common practice in California, but no state has laws actually authorizing this practice. We might be the first! In the last session of the Legislature, there was a bill to allow it, but it failed for numerous reasons. It's sure to be back - so we want to hear from YOU about lane-splitting!

On November 13 at 1PM, Washington Road Riders Association will host a meeting in Lynnwood, Washington to discuss how a lane-splitting bill should look. Questions we will consider include:

* Should lane-splitting be allowed at all? Is it "about damn time," or "institutionalized suicide"?
* If lane-splitting becomes legal, what rules should govern it to ensure our safety?
* What are your greatest concerns regarding lane-splitting as a legal practice?
* How should this law be written? We can be prime movers here.

Desolation Angel · « **Reply #1 on:** October 29, 2005, 09:21:07 PM »

Somebody in the legislature here in Texas is trying to push this stupid idea through. My understanding is that it will be allowed only when traffic is traveling at 20 MPH or less AND the cyclist may not exceed 20 MPH at any time.

It would be way safer if bikes would be allowed to utilize the road shoulders in the same circumstances and same speed restrictions, rather than lane split.

The day that becomes law is the day that cars and trucks start losing their side mirrors and @ssholes start throwing open their doors to try to stop the bikes or to hurt someone on purpose. I saw an F-150 driver do that to a frustrated driver that tried to pass on the shoulder. Barely missed. Brand new looking white F-150 and he slings the door out!

Reckon he'd have been mad if the car had taken off his door?

Lane Splitting = Bad Fooking Idea

IMHO.

Other drivers EXPECT us to wait it out JUST like they HAVE to do.

B12NScott · « **Reply #2 on:** October 29, 2005, 10:01:26 PM »

I am new, but it scares the holy ya ya out of me.. Now if I could only find out what Holy Ya Ya is. I would be set.

Red01 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 30, 2005, 06:02:09 AM »

I figure it'll be most dangerous at first since the cagers aren't used to it... but it has always worked out pretty good in California and the vast majority of the rest of the world, so why not?

If you don't want to split lanes, no one is going to make you. But why should the cops be the only ones allowed to do it? I think it'll be nice to have the option myself, but then I've racked up a few miles in CA, so I have some experience with it.

BTW - it's currently >$500 fine if you get caught doing it in WA now.

tacoman · « **Reply #4 on:** November 09, 2005, 02:46:16 PM »

I'm all for it as each time I get caught in stop and go I look at the wide shoulder and think wow, I could get thru this in no time. I've done it in Mt Rainier Nat'l park to get past the buses, tourists, and rubber neckers. I think they should open the shoulder and thats it. I could see lane splitting become the new extreme sport for nuts on crotch rockets. The only thing that bothers me about the shoulder is all the debris & crap; busted glass, car trim, chunks of tires, etc. It will be interesting to see what happens.

Sven · « **Reply #5 on:** November 09, 2005, 05:09:45 PM »

Tennessee ABATE is considering legislation to support the use of the emergency lane (road shoulder) when traffic is stopped/stop'n'go by bikes, provided they keep it under a low speed and yield to emergency vehicles. However, we may pend that for another year to support legislation to make use of turn/lane change indicators mandatory. If you've ever driven West TN, you'll understand why that would be more beneficial!

Red01 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 09, 2005, 08:20:49 PM »

Is TN still a "No right turn on red" state? It was in Memphis back in '75.

Sven · « **Reply #7 on:** November 09, 2005, 11:46:12 PM »

We have right on red here. As of a couple years ago, motorcycles can also run a red light if the sensor in the pavement doesn't give you a green light/left turn arrow.

Red01 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 10, 2005, 02:05:17 AM »

Cool.

When I was stationed at NAS Millington way back then, I got pulled over by one of Memphis' finest for makin' a right on red, but when he saw my CA license, he let me off with a warning - and a stern one at that.

Sven · « **Reply #9 on:** November 10, 2005, 11:03:10 AM »

When we were debating the use of the emergency lane as a potential piece of legislation, I asked about lane splitting...and the discussion was that TN doens't have the kind of routine standstill traffic that you see in the LA basin and that it would get absolutely no support outside of Memphis or Nashville. On the other hand, we have all used the emergency lane to bypass standing traffic (if nothing else, just to reach an off ramp) and thought that would achieve the same goals in a manner that would be safer for riders.