Hey all,
Been awhile since I posted. Been lurking but been so busy no time to get involved.
Yesterday the temps were nice in NorCal so took the Busa to work.
On my commute I travel Highway 37. 37 goes from 2 lanes each way to 1 lane each way. At the merge it always slows to a complete stop.
After traffic came to a stop me and another bike started lanesharing our way to the front of the slowdown. We never crossed the white line (shoulder) and did not go more than 10mph passing cars. Nice, quiet and smooth. Not bothering anyone.
After we got to the point where traffic started moving around 35mph we stayed in our lane and were just happy commuters.
That's when the CHP passed us on the shoulder and motioned for BOTH of us to pull over. (And no, I didn't know the other cyclist on his Honda Shadow 250).
I gave the officer my license, insurance, registration and CCW permit. I also made it clear I was not carrying at the time. I didn't like that he asked my why I carry in front of the other guy, I was trying to keep it discrete. Did I mention the other guy was in a postal uniform?
The CHP proceeds to tell us, "You can't drive on the shoulder". I knew I hadn't done anything wrong and I politely told him so, "Sir, I will take this to court, I did not drive on the shoulder. I drive this road daily and have for 11 years. I know the law." to which he immediately said, "Well, this guy did!" The other guy said, "huh? I didn't drive on the shoulder either. If I had I would have passed this guy."
The CHP then proceeded to tell us that you can't lane share unless there are two lanes.
This is when I decided I wasn't going to take a ticket lying down. "Sir, I don't mean to be argumentative and if I'm wrong please correct me, but does the CVC not state that a motorcycle is allowed to share a lane with another vehicle so long as the motorcycle is not on the shoulder?"
His response: "Only on a two lane road"
My reply: "What if I and this other motorcycle were side by side on this road, wouldn't that be allowed?"
Him: "Yes"
me: "Is his motorcycle not another vehicle therefore negating your presumption of violation of law?"
him: "<pause> Here's your paperwork. Both of you get out of here."
me: "Yes sir."
No tickets for either of us.
I was polite at all times in this discourse and have nothing but respect for LEOs, it's a thankless job. Hey, anybody can make a mistake. Fortunately I know the law and avoided having to go to court.
Another good day on the Busa.
Been awhile since I posted. Been lurking but been so busy no time to get involved.
Yesterday the temps were nice in NorCal so took the Busa to work.
On my commute I travel Highway 37. 37 goes from 2 lanes each way to 1 lane each way. At the merge it always slows to a complete stop.
After traffic came to a stop me and another bike started lanesharing our way to the front of the slowdown. We never crossed the white line (shoulder) and did not go more than 10mph passing cars. Nice, quiet and smooth. Not bothering anyone.
After we got to the point where traffic started moving around 35mph we stayed in our lane and were just happy commuters.
That's when the CHP passed us on the shoulder and motioned for BOTH of us to pull over. (And no, I didn't know the other cyclist on his Honda Shadow 250).
I gave the officer my license, insurance, registration and CCW permit. I also made it clear I was not carrying at the time. I didn't like that he asked my why I carry in front of the other guy, I was trying to keep it discrete. Did I mention the other guy was in a postal uniform?
The CHP proceeds to tell us, "You can't drive on the shoulder". I knew I hadn't done anything wrong and I politely told him so, "Sir, I will take this to court, I did not drive on the shoulder. I drive this road daily and have for 11 years. I know the law." to which he immediately said, "Well, this guy did!" The other guy said, "huh? I didn't drive on the shoulder either. If I had I would have passed this guy."
The CHP then proceeded to tell us that you can't lane share unless there are two lanes.
This is when I decided I wasn't going to take a ticket lying down. "Sir, I don't mean to be argumentative and if I'm wrong please correct me, but does the CVC not state that a motorcycle is allowed to share a lane with another vehicle so long as the motorcycle is not on the shoulder?"
His response: "Only on a two lane road"
My reply: "What if I and this other motorcycle were side by side on this road, wouldn't that be allowed?"
Him: "Yes"
me: "Is his motorcycle not another vehicle therefore negating your presumption of violation of law?"
him: "<pause> Here's your paperwork. Both of you get out of here."
me: "Yes sir."
No tickets for either of us.
I was polite at all times in this discourse and have nothing but respect for LEOs, it's a thankless job. Hey, anybody can make a mistake. Fortunately I know the law and avoided having to go to court.
Another good day on the Busa.
What did the other guy say?
wish we could split traffic here!
