Lane Splitting Bill Introduced in Massachusetts

[Tony C.]

If you're an AMA member, you've probably received an e-mail notification this morning about a Massachusetts Lane Splitting Bill.

"State Rep. Barbara L’Italien (D-Lawrence) has introduced a bill that would allow lane splitting if  the motorcycle is traveling less than 50 mph and no more than 15 mph faster than other traffic.

S.B. 1947 was introduced Jan. 19, and referred to the Joint Committee on Transportation on Feb. 23.

The AMA endorses responsible lane splitting and assists groups and individuals working to bring legal lane splitting and/or filtering to their states. Therefore, the AMA encourages Massachusetts motorcyclists who want to see the practice legalized to support S.B. 1947."

AMA members can click on a link and send a message to State Senator Karen Spilka requesting Senate Support of this Bill.  Sentator Spillka lives in my town and I a sent her a message requesting support.

If you're not an AMA member, please considering joining. They are the primary lobbying group in the U.S. advocating for the rights of motorcyclists.  Annual member ship is $49 and if you set up your membership to renew annual via credit card, the membership includes AMA motorcycle towing assistance at no extra charge.  Pretty good deal.   

 

http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/

[Hook#3287]

Good post Tony.

I send an email to my Senator, asking he favour it.

[DanL]

splitting lanes?  I'd bet at least 75% of them would cut them off and try to drive them into a lane     
it could be very dangerous. rte 93 tunnel under Boston has a 45MPH speed limit and, if it is not bumper to bumper traffic, when was the last time you saw anyone travel 45MPH?  If they were, they were from out of state.
It might be a nice idea outside of Boston but it would be deadly in Boston.

[oldsmokey]

Sorry, I run the state day in and out hauling equipment, the kamikazes that the run the break down lane are enough to deal with. Take something 1/4 the size of a vehicle,, nothing there, split second later its there. Have witnessed close calls, one rider on 93 may have broken his hand as it got whacked on rear quarter of vehicle that got cut off. (He was lane splitting at the time) Rider kept it upright and held hand close to body till he exited. If he dumped it I likely would have gone over him.

[Dan-bury]

I'm not a fan of lane splitting. I just don't see it helping traffic move more smoothly. And I sure don't feel that having Motorcycles ride between other vehicles is a good answer.  It is hard enough to keep track of vehicles around you without worrying about them slipping between everyone just to get ahead. 


AMA supporting member but not always in agreement with what they do.

[Oss]

wish they had it in NYC

On cross bronx traffic moving less than 5mph and I could ride say 15mph safely on the police bike

Oss

No I dont do that now