Diamond (car pool) lanes

[Tailgate]

CA has "diamond" lanes (carpool lanes). They are controversial but Caltrans continues to allocate money for more of them. It is legal for motorcyclists to use them---solo riders are fine. Can't say that I fully understand the logic because motorcylists aren't required to double up. Maybe it's because they can split lanes anyway? How about other states: is it legal for m/c riders to use carpool lanes w/o riding double (unless seats only one)?

[dako81]

When I drove down to Virginia from Michigan over the weekend, the places that had carpool lanes allowed motorcycles as well. I think the idea is that you're moving more people for less fuel or wear and tear on the road and less congestion. A motorcycle is more fuel efficient than a car with one person in it, and doesn't take up too much space or wear the road down that much. I think this is the type of thing they want to encourage.

[Botch]

Originally Posted by dako81

When I drove down to Virginia from Michigan over the weekend, the places that had carpool lanes allowed motorcycles as well. I think the idea is that you're moving more people for less fuel or wear and tear on the road and less congestion. A motorcycle is more fuel efficient than a car with one person in it, and doesn't take up too much space or wear the road down that much. I think this is the type of thing they want to encourage.

Yup, I think that's the reason. We can use them here in Utard also.

[Boneman]

Mmmmm...I love carpool lanes. Nothing brings a smile to my face quite like seeing the carpool lane signs that say "MOTORCYCLES OK" at the bottom!

Zoooommmm!

[Botch]

Apparently it's U.S. federal law that motorcycles can use HOV lanes... but NYC chooses to ignore that law. Check this out:
New York City Motorcycle HOV Lane - webBikeWorld

to NY!

[jsteinb95]

Originally Posted by SSimoni

It is legal for motorcyclists to use them---solo riders are fine.

hmmm....I did not know that. Interesting.

[VEGASRIDER]

Las Vegas just recently put a HOV lane on a seven mile stretch of a reconstructed freeway. Although I don't ride on the that freeway that much, the times that I have is just awesome. Extra wide lane on the very left hand side with a solid white line a foot wide separating from the other regular lanes. And it's made out of asphault. Everytime I have used it, I'm practically the only one on it. It's just amazing how many people are driving solo. I just can't help my self but to go 100 mph.

I believe the reason why they let motorcycles in the HOV lane is more of a safety issue. During rush hour, where the traffic is backed up, bumper to bumper, motorcycles are more vulnerable in getting rear ended. And when we get rear ended, it usually results in an injury, as in cars it would just be a minor fender bender. They want the bikes to keep moving. This is the primary reason why California allows you to split lanes.

If I was a motorcyclist in New York City and got rear ended in rush hour traffic where they had an HOV lane on the parkway, I would sue the City of New York because they prevented me from using a lane that would have provided a safer riding enviroment.

[JohnTex]

It is also legal in Texas, although that it has only been allowed for a couple of years. As for my opinion why, well, most Houston HOV's only require 2 people (exception being I-10W from 5-6pm) and, if they are in a typical Texan vehicle (bubba truck or mongo SUV), your solo 45-50mpg is still better than their "32mpg" (2 people in a vehicle getting 16 mpg).

One other note about Houston's HOV's. All the HOV's I have seen in other cities utilize a white painted line to separate the diamond lane from the main lanes. In our wonderful city, completely separate roadways are used, with 3' high cement barriers to keep people from jumping in/out. Oh yeah, and at most entrances, there is a police officer writing tickets. I have been incorrectly pulled over several times, because my passengers are usually the kids in the back seat as we are driving to the velodrome (gee, you would think 3 bicycles on top would be a giveaway!).

J

[reiobard]

i am almost positive that motorcycles are only allowed to use them if they are doubled up around here, I think we should be able to since we are still saving fuel over driving cars.