HOV Question

[Paul_F]

Our province, Ontario created a few HOV lanes last year and are considering more for next year. However, a motorcycle does not qualify unless it has a passenger.

My question for the group is which states and provinces do have HOV lanes and which do and do not allow a single motorcyclist to use them. Just trying to get some insight before sending off a letter to our local ministry of transportation.

Thanks.

[Emoto]

Paul, my understanding of the way that it works in the US is that the federal government grants highway funds to the states with various conditions attached. One of those conditions is that motorcycles be permitted in HOV lanes on highways built or maintained with federal funds. There is no requirement for how many people must be on the motorcycle to qualify.

My personal experience with this is in Massachusetts.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/08/18/solo_on_motorcycle_hov_is_ok/

"The motorcyclist is indeed within his rights under something called the ''Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991," which specifically exempts motorcycles from the occupancy requirements of HOV lanes, for safety reasons, according to MassHighway."

[Belquar]

The Northern VA and DC area has HOV and motorcycles are allowed to use them. No passenger requirements. HOV is designed to promote more eco-friendly travel and reduce congestion on the roadways. Motorcycles fall into that category.

In the DC area they have Slug lines. People actually stand in line at spots around town and someone will drive up, roll down the window and say...room for 2 to the State Department, or wherever they are going in town. Absolute strangers hop in and catch a free ride in. Then they slug it back out at the end of the day. If slugging fails they can catch the metro.

Could be an interesting way to get more folks interested in motorcycling. Roll up, hold out a helmet and offer a ride into town.

We don't have any HOV here in Jersey. At least not in my area. I believe there are carpool lanes up by the city. But there isn't much that is enforced on the roadways around here. Now...break the HOV rules in Northern VA and they will slap you with a $500 fine. Used to be 75 bucks and folks would consider whether it was worth it. Not so much anymore.

[snoone]

In NY HOV lanes are motorcycle friendly. Driver alone is fine. Especially good for me is my ability to use the Lincoln Tunnell HOV which cuts out tons of congestion.

[kbasa]

In the US, HOV access rights are set out under the US Code. I used to know the particular portion of the USC that provided access, but the gist is that motorcycles are classified as HOVs, regardless of the number of passengers.

[Burnszilla]

However in the US we don't have to stay 2 chevrons apart from the vehicle in front of you. :stick

[riderR1150GSAdv]

In Florida it is the same as bikes are allowed on HOV lanes. :clap

[jgr451]

In BC,motorcyclist alone is HOV OK>

[Visian]

Georgia also allows MCs in the HOV.

It's about the only way you can survive the traffic around here.

[riderR1150GSAdv]

Georgia also allows MCs in the HOV.

It's about the only way you can survive the traffic around here.

Specially in Atlanta. I rode through there once on my RT. I think I saw the city at no less than 100MPH trying to keep tailgaiters at bay. Even in a car it's crazy. At least people let you in the lanes when you use your turnsignal. In Miami :sick it makes you a target.

[aerialfilm1]

Does Ontario allow single occupants of Hybrid cars in the HOV lanes, sort of like California? If they do maybe it could be an opening argument to affect some changes. Also do the Smart cars have any special privileges? It would be a huge oversight if these either of theses cages had any special rights over M/C's.

[mrich12000]

Fire off that letter I will sign it with you. :deal :nra

[Rasbutan]

Our province, Ontario created a few HOV lanes last year and are considering more for next year. However, a motorcycle does not qualify unless it has a passenger.

My question for the group is which states and provinces do have HOV lanes and which do and do not allow a single motorcyclist to use them. Just trying to get some insight before sending off a letter to our local ministry of transportation.

Thanks.

What happenes if your bike is a single seater? In some places, HOV requires 3 or more people in a standard car. But if your car is only a 2 seater, then 2 people is okay since the car is 'full.' I would think the same logic would apply.

BTW...I live near Milwaukee, and we don't have a HOV lane.

[Montana]

The HOV lane provisions in the US code were put there because of the legislative actions of activist motorcyclists. (The "federal funding" issue came about when bikers were being kept off a scenic route in Chicago.)

If Ontario's riders want it, you need to work for it.

[aerialfilm1]

Didn't the Guv.Christie Wittman remove all the HOV lanes in Jersey to ease congestion?

We now return to our regularly scheduled thread already in progress... :nono

[AllanCook]

Bikes can use the HOV lanes in Texas with or without passengers as far as I know.

They're a nice idea, but I won't use them without barriers. I nearly got smacked by frustrated numbskull suddenly deciding to use the HOV lane on I-35 in Dallas as a passing lane.