One R1 LE... down

[G.Irish]

What about driving on the shoulder to get by bumper to bumper traffic?

unused pavement - check
relatively safe - check
not inconviencing others - check

Well that would result in a ticket wouldn't it? Kinda like going 15 over the speed limit. Going 15 over isn't necessarily dangerous but nonetheless you'll get a reckless for it. Same with riding on the shoulder.

If I'm right next to my exit and I would only have to ride on the outside for 50 yards in a place where I'm not gonna get hit or something you're damned right I'll ride on the shoulder.

To be honest I wish lane-splitting were legal in VA. Its legal in CA and in a lot of other countries where there are a lot more motorcycles and a lot bigger traffic problems. Ironically enough, the way the law reads it would be legal for a scooter to lane split...

§ 46.2-857 A person shall be guilty of reckless driving who drives any motor vehicle, including any motorcycle, so as to be abreast of another vehicle in a lane designed for one vehicle, or drives any motor vehicle, including any motorcycle, so as to travel abreast of any other vehicle traveling in a lane designed for one vehicle. However, this section shall not apply to any validly authorized parade, motorcade, or motorcycle escort, nor shall it apply to a motor vehicle traveling in the same lane of traffic as a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped