Bills would let motorcycles split lanes of traffic

AUSTIN -- Texas motorcyclists would be allowed to get through congested areas a little faster by riding between lanes of slow-moving traffic under a pair of bills awaiting consideration by lawmakers.

The two bills would legalize lane-splitting, the practice of motorcycles passing between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, though their sponsors are divided on another safety requirement related to riding in the Lone Star State.

The bills, one by Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr., D-Palmview, and the other by Sen. Kirk Watson, D- Austin, would allow lane-splitting on designated roads where traffic is moving at 20 mph or less.

For motorcycle riders, lane splitting can be a big time-savings, especially in crowded areas. Having the ability to pass between cars moves motorcycles to the front of the line at red lights and out of traffic-choked areas.

California is the only state that allows lane splitting. There are no restrictions on when, and at what speed, riders may pass between vehicles there, though law enforcement recommend riders only do so when traffic is moving 30 mph or less.

At higher speeds, cyclists passing between cars can be a safety concern for riders, as well as automobile drivers, who may not be expecting a motorcycle beside their vehicles. That makes the 20-mph cap in both bills preferred, Watson and motorcycle industry observers said.

"It's important to understand that my bill would not allow motorcycles to zip and weave through fast-moving traffic," Watson said in a statement. "Lane-splitting would actually make the roads safer for motorcyclists who are most vulnerable to rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic."

Watson said his own experiences helped him realize the benefits of lane-splitting.

"I understand the safety concerns about lane-splitting and felt the exact same way until I did it myself," he said.

The key difference between the two bills is a helmet requirement. Muñoz's House Bill 813 would allow lane-splitting on any road, as long as the motorcyclist is wearing a helmet. Watson's Senate Bill 442 would allow lane-splitting only on controlled access highways and does not require the rider to wear protective headgear.

Texas law does not require motorcyclists to wear helmets if they are over 21 and have taken a motorcycle safety class or are covered by health insurance that includes benefits for motorcycle accidents.

Gary DuPriest, a 72-year-old motorcycle enthusiast and member of the Texas Motorcycle Roadriders Association, said he would prefer the legislation requiring riders to wear a helmet.

"I've seen too many people die not having a helmet on," DuPriest said.

Peter Horst, spokesman for the American Motorcycle Association, said the group supports both pieces of legislation, but objects to Muñoz's helmet requirement.

"Our belief is that adults should have the choice to wear a helmet or not," Horst said.

Although DuPriest said he would be okay with Muñoz's bill, be would have issues with anything at a higher speed.

"It's inherently dangerous," DuPriest said. "We have enough motorcycle accidents and people are not conscious enough yet to understand that a motorcycle would be going between their cars."

The Texas Department of Transportation declined requests to comment on the bills.

Both bills have been assigned to their chamber's transportation committee.