Texan bikers can legally lane split now

[fnfalman]

Please confirm it with the Texas DMV and cops, but I got this from another website:

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 545.060, Transportation Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:
(snipped some non-motorcycle stuff.)

(e) The operator of a motorcycle may operate the
motorcycle for a safe distance between lanes of traffic moving in the same
direction during periods of traffic congestion if the operator:
(1) is at least 21 years old;
(2) has successfully completed a motorcycle operator
training and safety course under Chapter 662;
(3) is covered by a health insurance plan providing the
operator with at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as
a result of an accident while operating a motorcycle; and
(4) operates the motorcycle:
(A) at a speed not more than five miles per hour
over the speed of the other traffic;
(B) in traffic that is moving at a speed of 20
miles per hour or less; and
© in a location other than a school crossing
zone or other than a location where the posted speed limit is 20 miles per
hour or less.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2005

[Guest]

This has not passed. It is the wording of a bill that was "referred to law enforcement" this year (2005) and will likely be debated next year.

[collyers]

Even if it passes, have you ridden in Texas traffic? I "split" traffic, as in LEAVE IT BEHIND. I lived in LA for 10+ years, riding most of those years, and even with year-'round riding, most drivers were too preoccupied with hair/phones/CDs/etc to notice a MC coming up closely beside them. No thanks - even if it does manage to pass, it's bad enough just trying to coexist on the same section of street as a car/truck/SUV, but imagine the look of hatred/jealousy/contempt/impatience on the cager's face as you zing by in a giant jam on US75 or LBJ or I35..... the next biker to come along with feel some wrath. Danger-danger, Will Robinson.

[socalrob]

Collyers,

Can't speak for ten years ago, but seems like the last few years drivers in LA will mostly pull over to let me by when lane sharing. I give a friendly wave for them if they do. Very rare is the driver that moves over to block me.

Most of our really crowded freeways have car pool lanes bike are allowed in, so the lane sharing is often along a double yellow the cars are not allowed to cross, and there is a bit of extra space between the carpool & fast lane.

The speeds I "lane share" at are about 15 mph faster than any traffic up to the cars going about 20. Then I slow back down & fall in. The Texas proposed limits seem awfully slow.

[collyers]

That's good news. Texas drivers have never really been aware of MCs, and for 3-4 months of the year, very few riders are on the road, so the constant visibility of seeing bikes on the road is lost. HOV lanes are just now becoming the norm here!!

[Brakecheck]

My experiences are the same as Collyers. I lived in San Diego as well as Long Beach and the Bay Area for several years (15). I also lived in Japan for nine years. From my perspective, Texas has a whole different breed of driver and I'm not eager to introduce them to the concept of lane splitting if and when it becomes legal. Life is dangerous enough on Texas metro area freeways as it is.