Lane Splitting Bill introduced in New Hampshire

[Fred W]

Yep.

NH HB1308 | 2016

Never thought I'd see the day, and it probably has some stacked odds against ever passing, but introducing the legislation is the first step. The status says they ruled it "inexpedient to legislate", whatever the heck that means. Maybe one of you folks that are involved in your local govt can interpret what that means here.

(edit - After a little google search it seems that phrase means the committee recommended killing the bill, but the house still has to vote on it. )

I'm also not so sure that such a bill is actually needed in mostly rural New Hampshire. We don't have that many divided highways, and traffic jams up only in the most southern ones at the southern border. It would seem like it would be more worthwhile in the heavier traffic states to our immediate south.

I'm also not sure how well it will be accepted by the car driving public. People tend to be pretty darned aggressive about their place in the road around here.

In any case, this will be interesting to keep an eye on as it may be part of the spread of such laws out of California.

 

[RossKean]

Yep.
NH HB1308 | 2016

Never thought I'd see the day, and it probably has some stacked odds against ever passing, but introducing the legislation is the first step. The status says they ruled it "inexpedient to legislate", whatever the heck that means. Maybe one of you folks that are involved in your local govt can interpret what that means here.

I'm also not so sure that the bill is actually needed in mostly rural New Hampshire. We don't have that many divided highways, and traffic jams up only in the most southern ones at the southern border. It would seem like it would be more worthwhile in the heavier traffic states to our immediate south.

I'm also not sure how well it will be accepted by the car driving public. People tend to be pretty darned aggressive about their place in the road around here.

In any case, this will be interesting to keep an eye on as it may be part of the spread of such laws out of California.

Can't see it being even slightly desirable; at least in the parts of New Hampshire where I ride (central to northern, mostly mountains). In the (very) few instances where I might benefit, I would be more afraid of the possible reaction from drivers who are not used to this practice or are ignorant of the new statute. Perhaps there is more need of it in a few places in the southern part of the state. I would MUCH rather NH would adopt the Vermont passing on solid yellow allowance.

 

[cota95]

Won't see me doing that around here (or NH).

 

[El Toro]

The riders who might benefit from this legislation are the ones who are on that short stretch of toll road between Massachusetts and Maine. It's as bad as travel to and from the Cape on Fridays and Sundays respectively. Makes you wonder what all those folks in Eastern Massachusetts are trying to get away from.

I am not a fan of filtering, but these roads under these circumstances are a perfect set up for it.

My solution is to pick other times for passing through.

There aren't a lot of good choices to bypass that segment of interstate if you're heading to Maine from Massachusetts. All the other options generally take longer except in the hours of peak travel.

 

[FJReady]

Oh that's just great. Imagine 93 north during Laconia bike week with the pirates and squids racing up to their ancestral drinking grounds, weaving through traffic.

 

[ionbeam]

The NH people that would benefit are in the southern and coastal parts of the state. During rush hour the bigger cities can have actual traffic delays. Along the coast during the summer the vacationers plug up the roads. Perhaps some of the mountain roads during tourist season. Sometimes my commute through Nashua would only let me travel 1 mile in 45 minutes and the maddening warren of one way streets offers no options. I used my bluethooth Scala/phone to call my business and do work while stopped and waiting to creep another 2 feet.

On the other hand, if lane splitting were legal, I would NEVER,never, never ever try it

during the first 10 years of implementation. The New England driver's attitude and disposition would have to make a major change to accept someone getting an advantage on the roads.

I've split lanes in CA and will note that the width and quality of the roads there makes lane splitting a more reasonable prospect (without FZ1 mirrors) than the narrow, no shoulder roads of New England. I did manage to learn the 'weave' to keep my mirrors from hitting car mirrors but it was not Fun 4 Me. I will also remark that many car drivers actually assisted the splitters by giving them a bit extra space when they saw a bike coming. My pillion would wave thanks to the drivers but I don't know if the drivers even knew what the wave was for.

 

[BigOgre]

Oh that's just great. Imagine 93 north during Laconia bike week with the pirates and squids racing up to their ancestral drinking grounds, weaving through traffic.

Just another way to help save lives.

 

[RossKean]

Oh that's just great. Imagine 93 north during Laconia bike week with the pirates and squids racing up to their ancestral drinking grounds, weaving through traffic.

Just another way to help save lives.

Or at least improve the gene pool.

 

[SacramentoMike]

The bill is very short and sweet--and miles from what we have here. And even though it's apparently stillborn in NH, it may be a start. But allowing motorcycles to move up in traffic that's stopped or <10 mph doesn't sound like it could be much safer for the motorcyclist. In fact, judging by published studies comparing the dangers of lane splitting to the risk of rear-end collisions, I suspect a thorough test of allowing this would show it to be significantly safer than not allowing it.

 

[Fred W]

Oh that's just great. Imagine 93 north during Laconia bike week with the pirates and squids racing up to their ancestral drinking grounds, weaving through traffic.

... and without helmets on, with their loud pipes saving lives all over. Split free or die!

As you know, Helen, I have been on a one man campaign to demonstrate the sensible VT "passing is OK on double yellows" here in New Hampshire. But after my last moving violation. I think I'm going to need a bit more other folks support on the campaign.

 

[ionbeam]

I did take advantage of lane splitting around the SF area, some people even made provisions to help us split. What I liked best was the 'go to the front of the line' at road construction and other obstructions.

The danger from irate drivers is absolutely manageable; you just don't give them a chance to affect you...But you just don't pass cars thoughtlessly.

Next time you are in New England, take some time and observe the traffic. I think you will see that lane splitting is a means to sure death no matter how careful you are. You will also see that packed car spacing is no help either, if there is any space at all, someone will squeeze into it.

 

[Ignacio]

Sigh

This thread is about New Hampshire Lane Splitting Bill.

Stick to it. You want to talk about lane-splitting in another state....there is probably a thread for it...check NEPRT.

Thanks

The Management

 

[Old Guy]

Oh that's just great. Imagine 93 north during Laconia bike week with the pirates and squids racing up to their ancestral drinking grounds, weaving through traffic.

From the bill .. "This bill allows motorcycles to pass a vehicle in the same lane or travel between lanes of traffic when traffic is stopped or traveling less than 10 miles per hour."

 

[mech 1 twa]

East Coast drivers. It will take years and much education before WE get it.

People will open their car doors cut you off, Just so you can't pass them.......

Sucks but true.

Self driving EVERYTHING is the sorry future.

 

[Fred W]

Never followed up on this bill, but anyone could have just by clicking the link in the first post, or go here for the full status history.

The 2016 bill is dead in NH. Committee recommended, and a house voice vote concurred, that is was "Inexpedient to Legislate". It could be reintroduced in 2017, but since the cast of characters hasn't changed much in a year, I doubt they will bother.

 

[LittleJon]

"Inexpedient to Legislate"....

Sounds like PC for "It would be hard"....