Posted on 03/31/2010 7:29:11 AM PDT by Dick Holmes
One barrier to widespread adoption of motorcycles as transportation in the USA is that of practical advantage. In most places, two-wheeled transport offers few advantages over the four-wheeled kind. That's partly because unlike almost every other country on Earth, the practice of "lane-splitting"-riding in between lanes of stopped or slow-moving vehicle traffic-is outlawed in what is allegedly the Home of the Free. That means that in every state but California, not only do motorcyclists have to endure the privations of motorcycle travel, they also have to bump along at the maddeningly slow pace of traffic-snarled trucks and automobiles, even though there is little evidence that the practice of lane-splitting (if done in a safe and reasonable fashion) is particularly dangerous.
So kudos to the Arizona legislature for honoring the Goldwater legacy of personal liberty tempered by individual responsibility with Arizona House Bill 2475. Introduced by Harley-Davidson-riding Representative Jerry Weiers (say "wires," R-District 12), the bill will legalize, for a one-year probationary period beginning January 1, 2011, lane-splitting in stopped traffic. It will only apply in counties with populations greater than 2 million (according to 2006 population estimates, this is just Maricopa county, with the Phoenix-Glendale-Scottsdale megalopolis). The bill sailed through the Transportation committee (which Weiers chairs) and the House Rules committee, and has been read to the State Senate as well. It's looking like there is little opposition to the bill so far, which makes sense: those who lean to the left should like the message of encouraging the lower environmental impact of motorcycle transportation, and those on the right should appreciate the individual-rights angle.
(Excerpt) Read more at motorcycledaily.com ...
A low rumble for the American V-twins can be nice, but many grossly over-do it. It's more like running straight pipes...and many times, there is a loss of performance/gas milage, too, since most engines have incorporated within their design, to be operated with measured amounts of exhaust back pressure.
But nevermind all of that...
When one cannot continue a conversation on a public street until the loud one is about a block away --- that's far too loud, I'm sure many (but sadly enough not all) will agree.
There are laws against that much unnecessary noise. Tickets handed out to the worst offenders are called for, along with tickets/fines for the bass-woofer wump-thump stereo guys, who's sound gear rattles the ground before the car itself is in view.
As long as I’m not forced to do so ...
I find it irritating when some croch-rocket blows past me, or somebody passes me on the right, but it’s nothing to get into a lather about, considering I pass on the right as well. That cau-boieeeeee needs some professional help.
Judging by the comments, I would dare say that Arizona is pullin’ a bona!
Eeevil cage driver here. I’m not sure I’d want to start riding a bike at 43 (reflexes).
They should do that in the States.
You then are the exception to the lane-splitters that I've seen mainly in California where it is legal but also in other places where it is not. Even when traffic is at a "crawl", people change lanes. Most lane changes in this situation are sudden lane changes with a quick glance because the opportunity to change lanes disappears very quickly.
Depending on where you are, double yellow lines may only be a recommendation, not a hard and fast rule. And with the acceleration they have motorcycles can pass in much shorter distances than most cars, safely.
The number of car drivers killed by motorcyclists is extremely tiny compared to the number of motorcyclists killed by brain dead car drivers who “just didn’t see them” (probably because it’s hard to see anything if you don’t really look).
This thread is sure bringing out all the hand-wringing safety freaks. If you don’t like lane splitting, don’t do it.
Lane splitting is a matter of personal liberty? Interesting.../s
59 ... sharp as ever.
WOW...You’re such a badass. /heavy sarcasm
we bad, we bad...
This change of law doesn’t require anybody to lane split, if they are not comfortable with it.
It is about freedom; freedom to do something if you desire.
This change of law doesn’t require anybody to lane split, if they are not comfortable with it.
It is about freedom; freedom to do something if you desire.
I ride in Kalifornia and lane split occassionally. Believe me, you develop a sixth sense about cagers and lane changers. You must pay attention and watch for clues. It ain’t perfect but it’s worked for me for 25 years (I’m sixty.) STevie666
“Someone needs to straighten you out before you kill yourself, or God forbid, someone else.”
Ah, one of the people who open doors to block motorcyclists.
I do it where it is legal, safe (truly jammed traffice), and in a safe manner (slowly).
Yes, people do all sorts of stupid things.
So your “conservative” point is people who lane split safely (gridlock traffic where it is safer to lane split than get sandwhiched between cars and go slow) should be barred because others are idiots.
I seemed to have run into a state-control board. Is this the DU?
Show me one person in a car injured by a lane-splitter.
As noted in studies above, the SAFEST PLACE for a motorcyclist to be in gridlocked traffic is BETWEEN cars.
Idiots don’t see you from behind and run right over you.
The number of times I’ve been “bumped” (either by inattention or by someone who thinks it’s funny to crowd a biker) is far too many to count.
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