Arizona considers lane splitting

[MarkG]

HB 2475 establishes a one-year program which allows motorcycle operators to overtake and pass vehicles in the same lane and to operate motorcycles between the lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles when traffic is stopped.

Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 28-903 entitles motorcycle operators the full use of a lane of traffic, but does not allow operators to pass in the same lane as the vehicles they are overtaking or to operate their vehicles between lanes of traffic.

A.R.S. § 28-601 defines a roadway as the portion of a highway that is improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicle travel, not including the berm or the shoulder.

Provisions

• Allows motorcycle operators who are in stopped traffic within counties that have populations of more than 2,000,000 persons to do either or both of the following:[/*:m:r28tp39t]
  
• Overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.[/*:m:r28tp39t]
  
• Operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles. [/*:m:r28tp39t]
  
• Repeals this legislation from and after December 31, 2011.[/*:m:r28tp39t]
  
• Makes this legislation effective from and after December 31, 2010.[/*:m:r28tp39t]

Considering how hot (110F/43C) it gets down here in the summer maybe this is a good idea. At least a rider would continue to move instead of being baked at a stand still for an extended time. Then again, it might create more problems when the cagers are trying to move into another lane regardless of the traffic being stopped.

Currently, I see a lot of riders that will chance the ticket rather than be broiled in stopped traffic. Probably the California riders can answer the question better since lane splitting is allowed in their state. Is it more or less dangerous?

[cactusjack]

This law applies to Maricopa County ONLY, since it is the only AZ county with a population over 2,000,000.

I saw a lot of riders splitting lanes when I was in the Bay Area last September. I did notice they weren't Nomad or Ultra riders, it was mostly sportbikes and Sportsters.

I'm sure some of the cagers are going to take offense to a bike splitting the lanes and will undoubtedly take it upon themselves to pull some stupid move to "teach them a lesson".

Laurie Roberts (an Arizona Republic columnist) wrote about this the other day, she characterized it as motorcyclists "weaving in and out between the lanes of traffic". She's giving people the wrong idea.

[Cajunrider]

Even if they were to make it legal here I wouldn't do it. Too many wise guys that would move over a bit or open a door. Road rage sometimes tends to be a problem around New Orleans and Baton Rouge. I've seen guys on sportbikes risk a ticket doing it but like you said CJ, I've never seen someone on a cruiser attempt it.

[ringadingh]

That would be a good idea, it at least gets some traffic moving. Ive done it a few times here when there is a bad traffic tieup due to an accident. I can pass a lot of cars in a couple minutes, even though Im going very slow while Im doing it.

[dantama]

It seems to work really well in California, so I think it would just be a matter of setting a new norm elswere. Once the cars got used to it, it ought to work well.

I might let some others be the one to teach the new norm at the beginning :)

[oledawg]

::) Here in the NE you'd be risking some real serious problems.
As CJ has said there would definitely be plenty of self righteous cagers who would be ready to harm you to prevent you from getting ahead of them. :( The drivers in and around major cities are extremely aggressive and competitive. It never fails whenever we ride through any urban areas there is always someone trying to race you, or show you who is King of the Road. ::) Thats one of many reasons why 98% of all my riding is on secondary or country roads. ;)

[ringadingh]

Lloyd, you havn't seen aggressive ignorant drivers until your in the Toronto area. Unless you have eyes all around your head there is someone trying to do some stupid move every few seconds. Even Buffalo's rush hour is a pleasure for me to ride in compared to Ontario.

[oledawg]

Geez Steve I wouldn't last too long up there. ::) The local morons are tough enough for me to deal with.
I had an old lady look streight at me last wk. as she then darted out in front of me. ??? What are they thinkin.

[blowndodge]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I'm sure some of the cagers are going to take offense to a bike splitting the lanes and will undoubtedly take it upon themselves to pull some stupid move to "teach them a lesson".

that's what "Window Beaters" are for Scott!

[josh]

I lane split only if the traffic is moving at a walking pace or less, even then I don't go faster than about 10 mph and feel nervous going in between two vehicles of greater height than me (SUV's or Large Trucks). As long as you are careful when you do it I think it is fairly safe, I even thank people that move over to make more room for me as I go by. I do see some people that buzz thru at 50mph + but I just move out of the way for them, they can take their lives in their hands if they choose but they aren't going to push me to go faster

[oledawg]

Originally Posted by Blowndodge "Darksider"

that's what "Window Beaters" are for Scott!

BD, How bout sending a couple out here!

[cnc]

Here is the instructional video, you might want to remove your hard bags, and get narrower handle bars before trying this with a Nomad!

[oledawg]

Originally Posted by cnc

Here is the instructional video, you might want to remove your hard bags, and get narrower handle bars before trying this with a Nomad!

Oh No!........That Guy's NUTZ! ::)

[dantama]

Originally Posted by cnc

Here is the instructional video, you might want to remove your hard bags, and get narrower handle bars before trying this with a Nomad!

Couldn't keep watching it

[Yellow Jacket]

I got about half way through it and had to quit. Those guys are insane.