Texas SB 288
SB 288 was introduced by State Senator Kirk Watson (Contact) and is currently waiting referral to committee. SB 288 would make it legal for motorcycles to travel at a safe distance from vehicles between lanes of traffic at times of congestion. The motorcyclist can not go more than 5 MPH above the flow of traffic and traffic must be traveling at 20 MPH or lower. This practice is often referred to as lane sharing or lane splitting.
Complete study on the safety of Lane Splitting (California Office of Traffic Safety)
How you can help pass SB 288
You can use the sample letter below and the links to the right to get your voice heard on this issue. The first step is getting the SB 288 through committee so that it can be voted on by the Texas State Senate.
Sample Letter to support SB 288
Senator,
As a voter and motorcyclist in the State of Texas I ask that you demonstrate your support for SB 288 (Relating to the operation and movement of motorcycles on certain highways during periods of traffic congestion) by voting in favor of a committee report recommending the passage of the bill.
The bill will enable Texas motorcycle riders to split lanes at a speed no more than 5 mph faster than other vehicles if traffic is moving slower than 20 mph on limited and controlled access roadways. The practice of lane splitting has been the subject of several studies and data shows it contributes to a significant reduction of rear-end rider fatalities. In addition to the reduction in fatalities lane splitting improves rider safety and reduces traffic congestion.
Senate Transportation Committee Members
CHAIR
Robert Nichols
VICE-CHAIR
Bob Hall
MEMBERS
Brandon Creighton
