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The October 2022 update of the map (https://i.imgur.com/BQpGqEM.png)
The previous map (February 2022) can be found here
2022 has been a month of rapid, unseen normalization for lane-filtering throughout many different states in the US. From Arizona joining the league of legalized states, to other states advancing their own bills in the legislature further than ever before, lane-sharing has begun to be practiced far more widely in than it ever has historically. A combination of staffing shortages for police officers, post-Floyd policies and a general relaxation on motor vehicle infractions has led to a huge amount of urban areas fully or partially normalizing low-speed filtering. As more riders are able to filter past LEOs without consequences, other riders will be encouraged to join their ranks, creating a cascading effect that can result in full normalization.
A general reminder of the categories:
Category 1: Legalized – States where some form of lane-filtering is legalized and implemented into local law.
Category 2: Generally not enforced – Lane-filtering is normalized and usually not enforced. It's common to see or hear about riders lane-filtering right past police vehicles without any reaction. Most riders will partake, with a minority choosing not to out of comfort or perceived safety reasons.
Category 3: Rarely enforced by warning – The state sees a small but thriving community of motorcyclists who engage in the behavior, sometimes in view of police vehicles. Lane-sharing is not normalized, but it is common to see a handful of bikes engaging in it during times of gridlock. LEOs will often tacitly allow riders to engage in the process, but if they find it convenient to initiate a traffic stop, they will not hesitate to issue an intimidating warning.
Category 4: Usually enforced by warning – Lane-filtering is not normalized and is rarely seen. It is often not practiced by simple commuters, but rather by squids and motorcyclists who are breaking other laws at the same time. Local riders report some LEOs being lenient towards lane-filtering, but a majority of local law enforcement officers will initiate traffic stops, issue threats and warnings, and generally dissuade riders from ever engaging in lane-sharing again.
Category 5: Usually enforced by citation – Lane-sharing is highly enforced and is extremely rare, partially due to the extreme reaction it can cause to latent LEOs. Local law enforcement is united in their strong belief that all forms of lane-sharing are highly dangerous and illegal for a good reason. The very occasional lane-sharer may be doing so out of necessity (heat exhaustion, etc) but would never engage in the practice at any other time.
A summary of the major changes that prompted me to release an update (copied from the text on the map):
Hawaii
The past map, marking HI as mostly unenforced, was based on some erroneous data and assumptions. After consulting extensively with available lane-sharing related data online, I travelled to HI and concluded that there is no lane-sharing normalization at all, even with a large number of mopeds on the road. As such, enforcement remains high, and Hawaii is now a category 5 state with the occasional warning being issued
Honolulu: Very low normalization with the occasional filtering moped
Washington
Washington has continued a rapid trend of normalization both on and off freeway, leading it to become the nation’s first generalized category 2 state. Enforcement is still very occasional, being much rarer in the I5 corridor
Oregon
Much like WA, Oregon has slowly been normalizing lane-sharing, especially in the I5 corridor. Normalization is slower and the bordering state of California means most LEOs have instructions to be on the lookout, however.
Salem: I5 corridor city means LEOs are more tolerant
Arizona
Arizona has recently legalized lane-filtering, following the Utah and Montana model
New Mexico
Due to widespread sensibilization about the benefits of lane-sharing from AZ’s legalization, disseminated through LEO-involved motorcycle groups, enforcement by individual officers has decreased in this warm-weather state. However, the political leanings and rurality of the state still make it somewhat hostile to lane-sharers
Colorado
As motorcycle usage becomes more popular, influences from neighboring Utah continue to slowly encourage gradual normalization in some areas. CO LEOs have been known to specifically target lane-sharers in the past
Denver: A post-Floyd policy of relaxing enforcement on traffic violations means rarer stops on low-speed lane-sharers
Texas
Normalization is in full swing in Texas as an explosion of riders from CA has encouraged widespread splitting and filtering in cities. LEOs have generally acquiesced, and lane-sharing is very common in urban TX
Dallas: Dallas PD is slightly more conservative and likely to enforce traffic violations
Florida
Historically one of the states with the strictest enforcement of lane-sharing, Florida remains hostile to filterers. However, there is evidence that normalization is also taking hold in the state, with some LEOs reported to be “leaving bikes alone”. Sightings of lane-filtering have increased drastically.
Miami: Looser enforcement and a large amount of mopeds means lane-sharing happens often in the city and is therefore more tolerated
New York
The Empire state is witnessing a rapid normalization of lane-sharing, with its epicenter in the Big Apple. Historically a category 5 state, NY is now trending towards looser enforcement after NYC’s transition to a cat 2 city
New York City: The NYPD has lost its years-long struggle to contain lane-sharers, leading it to become fully tolerated in the city. Historically, only mopeds could filter past LEOs, whereas now all types of motorcycles are de-facto permitted
New Jersey
Due to its close proximity to NYC, where lane-sharing is fully normalized, LEOs in the Garden State have been reported to not bother lane-sharers, especially on expressways leading in and out of New York City
Illinois
Rise in motorcycle ownership combined with post-Floyd policies have led to a loosening of restrictions on lane-sharing. Some HD anti-filtering local motorcycle organizations have started supporting the practice
Chicago: An explosion of lane-filtering in the city has led to CPD tacitly allowing lane-sharing to relieve worsening congestion
As always, if you have extra data to add that shows an error or a mistake on my part, let me know and I'll make sure to update my information.
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