Lane splitting, the practice of slipping between the lanes of backed up and slowly moving cars, is currently only legal in California. State Senator John Carona of Dallas, Texas, wants to change that and has introduced Senate Bill 506 to allow lane splitting in Texas.

Lane splitting is usually subject to some controversy wherever it isn’t legal but the ability to move through traffic is an advantage, not only to the motorcyclist but to the car driver as well who can move up into the space vacated by the bike. There would be strict guidelines:

The operator and the passenger have to be wearing helmets. The operator has to operate the motorcycle not more than 5 miles-an-hour faster than the rest of traffic is going. Traffic can’t be going over 20 miles-an-hour and it can’t be done in a school crossing zone or somewhere where the speed limit is less than 20 miles-an-hour.

If you live and ride in Texas and have an opinion on this bill, now is the time to let your legislators know.

Thanks for the tip, Don!

Link: KUHF radio