More Recognition

MORE RECOGNITION

ROUND-UP

California took the first step toward recognizing motorcycles as a way of saving gas when the state flashed a notice on an electronic billboard proclaiming that "Motorcycles are energy savers." Now the same Caltrans motorcycle coordinator, Joe Mariner, has announced more benefits for motorcyclists.

Special freeway lanes in California are reserved for busses or cars used in car pools and marked by painted diamonds on the pavement. Now 16 of the diamond lanes are being opened up to motorcycles for a 90 day experiment. If all goes well, a total of 400 High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes could be opened to motorcyclists.

“We feel a single motorcycle rider is saving as much gas as a car with two occupants. With this in mind, motorcycles should also qualify as High Occupany Vehicles,” Mariner said.

The state is also designing special warning signs to be placed before sections of rain-grooved roads, steel grid bridge decks and skewed railroad tracks so motorcyclists will be warned prior to the hazardous sections.

Another part of the state motorcycle plan is the marking of secured motorcycle parking spaces at state parking facilities.