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Riding abreast

2541 Views 119 Replies 28 Participants Last post by  darienkim
Here in Texas the state law says it is okay to pass another motorcyclist in the same lane or ride abreast. Why is it made out to be taboo then to ride abreast or pass another cyclist in their lane? I do it all the time with the wife and her me, is it just a mental thing for other riders or what?

Any thoughts?
It is perfectly safe, don't see the big deal.
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It's because you're a fucking asshole if you ride that close to someone else, it's dangerous as fuck.
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What happens when you're riding abreast and a deer/ raccoon/ child/ car comes out of nowhere? Or when you pass another motorcycle who isn't expecting it? He could easily be drifting to one side right when you pass. It's dangerous and I only see the most stereotypical hardley riders do it
Here in Texas the state law says it is okay to pass another motorcyclist in the same lane or ride abreast. Why is made out to be taboo then to ride abreast or pass another cyclist in their lane? I do it all the time with the wife and her me, is it just a mental thing for other riders or what?

Any thoughts?
It is perfectly safe, don't see the big deal.
It isn't "perfectly safe". Like a lot of things, it is reasonably safe if done carefully, but not if not. I don't see a good reason for it to be outlawed entirely, but it shouldn't be normal practice either.

Staggered formation is generally considered the safest for group riding. This maintains a close group for keeping together, combined with freedom of movement for everyone when needed. If you're riding side-by-side, and there's a big pothole or debris in the road that one of you needs to avoid, the presence of someone right next to you constrains that.

Passing in the same lane can be done safely, but you need to be very aware of what the other bike is doing, and you should take care to make him aware of you coming up to do so; it can be quite a surprise if he doesn't know you're coming, and surprised people do unpredictable things.

PhilB
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When you say passing a cyclist, do you mean a motorcyclist or a pedalbike? Passing a motorcycle in the same lane is pretty douchey (unless they have moved to the side and gestured you through, which happens on occasion in the twisties etc). Passing a pedalbike though while in the same lane? I do this on occasion; no biggie.
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Here in Texas the state law says it is okay to pass another motorcyclist in the same lane or ride abreast. Why is made out to be taboo then to ride abreast or pass another cyclist in their lane? I do it all the time with the wife and her me, is it just a mental thing for other riders or what?

Any thoughts?
It is perfectly safe, don't see the big deal.
Is English your 2nd language?

Typically hardley riders ride side by side in formation and it really is not a good idea. If something would be in the road or if you would have a car, etc pull out in front of you then instead of 1 person crashing their bike it will now be both of you. If you would have potentially been able to avoid the obstacle riding solo you would most likely have no chance riding "abreast".
I used to do it back in the day, but my buddy and I were virtually psychically connected.

I wont' do it now, I only use staggered. I may pass in the lane, but only if the person is signalling me past and I can't get out
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How does everyone feel about close staggering with strangers? I've started to get guys staggering off a lead I had no intention of setting. At least once in a canyon I planned to use the entire lane on. I've taken to just waving them past almost immediately. Honestly I use the whole lane way more than I should but it's my right to do so isn't it? Don't pass me in my lane, don't ride 2 abreast and don't stagger off closely if you don't know me.
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How does everyone feel about close staggering with strangers? I've started to get guys staggering off a lead I had no intention of setting. At least once in a canyon I planned to use the entire lane on. I've taken to just waving them past almost immediately. Honestly I use the whole lane way more than I should but it's my right to do so isn't it? Don't pass me in my lane, don't ride 2 abreast and don't stagger off closely if you don't know me.
Whether you know the other biker(s) or not, staggered is the safest way to be if you're riding near each other. So I don't mind that a bit, if they do it properly.

If they're so close that they keep you from using the lane, though, they aren't doing it properly. Normal following distance is 2 to 3 seconds. Staggered formation lets you follow the next bike up at 1 to 2 seconds; that's still enough distance that the lead bike should not be nervous to use his lane when needed. On a curvy road, it should be expected that bikes will use the whole lane, and staggered formation is not indicated; fall back to single file for the twisties.

PhilB
How does everyone feel about close staggering with strangers? I've started to get guys staggering off a lead I had no intention of setting. At least once in a canyon I planned to use the entire lane on. I've taken to just waving them past almost immediately. Honestly I use the whole lane way more than I should but it's my right to do so isn't it? Don't pass me in my lane, don't ride 2 abreast and don't stagger off closely if you don't know me.
I don't like anyone near me, stranger or not.
Is English your 2nd language?

Typically hardley riders ride side by side in formation and it really is not a good idea. If something would be in the road or if you would have a car, etc pull out in front of you then instead of 1 person crashing their bike it will now be both of you. If you would have potentially been able to avoid the obstacle riding solo you would most likely have no chance riding "abreast".
Sure is.
No they don't (Hardley riders). Where are you from?
Is America your second country?

I guess it comes from racing and passing slower people, just think how a race would look if riders did not ride abreast or pass each other.
I guess I am again on a forum of rookies.
When you say passing a cyclist, do you mean a motorcyclist or a pedalbike? Passing a motorcycle in the same lane is pretty douchey (unless they have moved to the side and gestured you through, which happens on occasion in the twisties etc). Passing a pedalbike though while in the same lane? I do this on occasion; no biggie.
Dude it is implied or inferred that I was talking motorcyclist. So if it has a motor don't, if it is pedal power it is okay. No logic there.
Sure is.
No they don't (Hardley riders). Where are you from?
Is America your second country?

I guess it comes from racing and passing slower people, just think how a race would look if riders did not ride abreast or pass each other.
I guess I am again on a forum of rookies.
lmao!

Yeah all the rookies on here are missing out not "riding abreast". I think you, your race bike and your riding abreast skills are beyond my comprehension and definitely beyond my skill level.

America is my native country but I have indeed lived abroad. Thanks for asking :)
Sure is.
No they don't (Hardley riders). Where are you from?
Is America your second country?

I guess it comes from racing and passing slower people, just think how a race would look if riders did not ride abreast or pass each other.
I guess I am again on a forum of rookies.
Well, OK then.

The road isn't the racetrack.

Guess you didn't see Phil's signature. Yeah, he's a rookie. :rolleyes
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... I guess it comes from racing and passing slower people, just think how a race would look if riders did not ride abreast or pass each other.
I guess I am again on a forum of rookies.
How you ride on a track is VERY different from how you ride on the street. Or better be, anyway.

On the street, you pass with care and plenty of room. Passing another motorcycle in the same lane is generally considered a dick move, so you shouldn't do it unless there's a need AND it's done safely and carefully.

You do not get any prize monies -- indeed not even a cheap and meaningless trophy -- for being an ass on the road.

PhilB
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How you ride on a track is VERY different from how you ride on the street. Or better be, anyway.

On the street, you pass with care and plenty of room. Passing another motorcycle in the same lane is generally considered a dick move, so you shouldn't do it unless there's a need AND it's done safely and carefully.

You do not get any prize monies -- indeed not even a cheap and meaningless trophy -- for being an ass on the road.

PhilB
I knew a squib was forth coming. Trust me track riding spills over to your street riding, just how it works.

Why is it a dick move? Cause you and other Hardley riders say so? :)
If it is legal why is it a "dick" move? :meangreen


Obviously I didn't get the response I thought I would this being a sportbike forum and all. Wow was I surprised. I thought maybe some of you do it while riding with buds, boy was I wrong. :tremble

It is common road sense, some half backed drunk Hardley rider got passed one day in his lane and decided that that was not going to happen again and began the FUD about lane passing.
If someone passed me in my lane without my permission, I'd be pissed.

Some people (like myself) drift around the entire lane, and there's no telling at any point in time which space they'll want to occupy. If someone came wizzing past in my lane without any indication first it'd be reckless. And if I decide to start dodging manhole covers, someone is likely to get bumped.
I had a guy decide he was going to squeeze between me and the car to the right of me as I was goosing it a little to pass the car to the right of me and change lanes and almost caused an accident the other day. I was just right of center in my lane, his mirror almost smacked mine and he changed his mind and slowed down, almost hitting our mirrors together again. Some squid in no gear of course.

I wish he had panicked and gone down once I was clear of the wreckage zone.
you should never share a lane with or pass another rider without them motioning to do so.

passing someone else in their own lane is not only rude but extremely dangerous. I need to be able to swerve manhole covers, potholes, roadkill, and other random junk without having to worry if Ricky Racer is going to pass me in my lane. heck sometimes I weave around just because I'm bored.
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