Why Class 3 is such bad legislation...

[HillAversion]

I’m not wise enough to know exactly where to draw the line, but I think it’s reasonable to require licensure and insurance at some speed. It’s also probably reasonable that at some speed a two-wheel vehicle should be built to heavier and more durable standards than a Wal-Mart bicycle.
I suspect that anything that can roll with the flow of traffic on city streets should probably be licensed and insured. There are plenty of YouTube videos that illustrate the point pretty well.

 

[smorgasbord]

Lane-splitting is legal in California, which is where most of the cars are, anyway

More accurately, its not illegal. Since it is not enumerated in the vehicle code, it becomes legal.

FWIW, Lane Splitting is specifically called out in the CA Motorcycle Handbook: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/motorcycle-driver-handbook-pdf/

Maintain an adequate space cushion. Allow yourself enough space when following, being followed, lane splitting, passing, and being passed.

But, it is discouraged:

Vehicles and motorcycles each need a full lane to operate safely. Riding between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane can leave you vulnerable.

 

[Ken M]

I’m not wise enough to know exactly where to draw the line, but I think it’s reasonable to require licensure and insurance at some speed. It’s also probably reasonable that at some speed a two-wheel vehicle should be built to heavier and more durable standards than a Wal-Mart bicycle.
I suspect that anything that can roll with the flow of traffic on city streets should probably be licensed and insured. There are plenty of YouTube videos that illustrate the point pretty well.

One of the reasons why ebikes could become a popular transportation solution is because they can supplement a car without having additional license and registration costs. That is very very important because if they don't save someone money overall people will just continue to get in their 6000lb SUVs. I can honestly state that the auto industry is pushing the 3 class system to eventually push for registration and insurance requirements on Class 3 just as they did in Europe but everyone calls me a conspiracy theorist on that claim. They ignore that the largest auto parts company provided $3 million to People for Bikes to lobby the 3-class system state by state (I believe they even drafted the legislation for People for Bikes). I have tried to get everyone to support the federal definition in HR727 which was fine for over 12 years in all 50 states but many people then get into the states rights claims. In my opinion the feds define the "what" and the states control the "use" - the where, how, who, etc.

 

[tomjasz]

I'm checking my contents.
Good morning and good suggestion.
@tomjasz show us your trike build.

No.

 

[m@Robertson]

But, it is discouraged:

We live in California. Everything is discouraged.

Earlier in the thread it was pointed out that CA had finally gone from not-mentioning-it to specifically writing it into law so it is finally, expressly allowed. But its California (the land where it became against the law to use your windshield wipers without turning on your headlights), so there must be finger-wagging.

 

[Rome]

Wtf just ride your bike.
If the cops give you ticket more than likely not. It's a ticket like you are walking your dog with out a leash. Believe me I've been there.