... But I'm not one of those nut cases that blast between cars Ghost Rider style. ...
What a bunch of baloney
I've lane 'split' in CA, many years ago on my first BBG ride. I was in awe that traffic pulled slightly left or right to let me go down the middle as I was riding down I-5 from Weed to Fresno. Again when I lived there for a year.
I've also lane shared with a certain Argentinian living in Munich (like five days worth of riding!), and gone to the "head of the queue" when traffic was stopped for a light/ferry gate/accident in most of EU. It's all accepted (mostly) in mainland EU, and quite normal.
The problem in the USA are the Urban Assault vehicle drivers that are lacking in certain anatomical features. They think if *they* have to be stuck in traffic, *everyone* does. They can't fathom that three lanes of traffic (one is a 'lane share' lane) is better than two.
Or... I did a legal pass on a Sport Ute a few years back. He pulled up on my arse, rolled down his window and told me he was bigger than me and could take me out in a heart beat. I told him that would look real good on his resume. He bailed and turned right, I went straight.
There's a lot of attitudes out there, laws (or petitions) won't change them. Neither will silicone or viagra.
Rick