Do you ride side-by side? How do you signal the person pulling up next to you that you prefer not to ride side-by-side (unless stopped at an intersection). It restricts my manuveurability too much. Am I being too cautious?
2007-05-10 13:59:40 · 15 answers · asked by V-Starion 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
You ride staggered.
Rider 1 is up front on the left side of the lane.
Rider 2 is 2 seconds behind rider 1, but on the right side of the rode.
Rider 3 is 2 seconds behind rider 2, but on the left side of the road - behind rider 1.
Continue this staggered formation.
If in the middle of the pack this allows you plenty of stopping room should the rider in front of you stop. If you need to swerve you have plenty of room to do it.
The group is still pretty tight.
Highly recommend going on a ride with an experienced group, such as a Harley Owners Group (HOG) ride.
2007-05-10 14:07:05 · answer #1 · answered by Fester Frump 7 · 3⤊ 3⤋
Most states don't allow lane sharing, this is when two motorcycles ride side by side. The AMA suggests when riding in a group you ride staggered to allow maneuverability in case of obsticles in the road. You are not being "too cautious". You are just trying to be safe. May be you should suggest to the ride leader that he explain ride safety to the other riders before going on the ride. AMA has several good videos on group riding. Our "HOG" Chapter makes viewing this video as a requiremenr for all new riders. Most new riders remember the TV show "Chips" and see how cool it is to ride side by side and think this is what you are suppose to do. They just need to be educated. Ride safe!
2007-05-11 10:52:30 · answer #2 · answered by pscoobyz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is the problem with some cruiser rides - the folks think side by side riding is cool. It isn't - it is flat out dangerous. You will find NO motorcycle safety books that will tell you how to properly ride side by side. Staggered formation is always best for a group in the straights - and single file w/ at least 4 seconds of space through the twisties.
That is also why it is best to ride with people you know. You know how they ride, and how they react. Big toy runs and the like scare the hell out of me - it takes time to figure who the newbies are and who to stay away from, and by that time, hopefully it ain't too late.....
2007-05-10 21:36:41 · answer #3 · answered by CafeTBird 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you are not being too cautious. If you take MSF safety course they instruct you not to ride side by side. In a group ride you should stagger your position. One rider is in the left part of the lane, and the next follows in the right part of the lane.
Side by side riding is not as safe and should be discouraged in new riders
2007-05-11 09:34:55 · answer #4 · answered by Bill 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Our group rides side by side but staggered about a bikes length. That seems to be common and makes sense .
If you ride in a group these things along with hand signals and positions in the group should be spelled out by your road captain.
2007-05-11 02:29:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of the biggest reasons I ride to the rear. Try to maintain the staggered formation when possible, but ALWAYS look out for #1. If I have one that keeps coming to close to me from behind, I'll wave them past and let them have my spot, moving further to the rear.
I will only ride side by side with someone I trust. (trust with my life, that is)
And we only do that going slow.
Riding drag has it's benefits, you get to see what's happening ahead, you don't get trapped in the pack, you don't have to worry about your back(as much), you don't get called out for road guard. And, if you're the helpful type, you're the one that catches the stragglers or maybe helps/stays with the breakdowns(happens sometimes).
One last thing, but most important: Talk to the people you are going to ride with before you start out. That's the best time to decide how the group travels. And remember this: If I can't talk to you, I CAN'T TRUST YOU!
Be safe.
2007-05-10 22:00:53 · answer #6 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are not being to cautious. This is a problem that happens alot with toy runs and times when a large group rides together that don't know each other.
You need to have room to move.
The only time I'm ever side by side is at a traffic light.
2007-05-10 21:14:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
there are a precious few people on the planet that I can ride side by side with and never in curves generally a group should ride staggerd this arrangement allows you the entire lane just incase you should have to adjust your line for any unseen circumstances . Never and I mean never exceed your skill level as a rider inorder to keep up impress or be part of the crowd you ride your bike your way as you advance and feel the need to test new skills this should not be done in a large group where others may be put at risk if those you ride with can't respect your need to have the whole lane to yourself find new people to ride with but I hardly think that will be the case,everyone staying safe really adds to the enjoyment of the ride .
2007-05-10 21:34:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Too cautious on a bike is impossible. Staggerd is the way to go best riders in the front and rear a not so good riders in the middle so they can be watched
2007-05-10 22:15:29 · answer #9 · answered by Da'Rel B. 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should ride staggerd ,the only reason some one would be beside you is to tell you something like your signal is on then fall back , I hate riding with some people , they are either beside you ahead of you are lackiing way behind , Lead,Follow are get lost somewhers
2007-05-10 21:49:36 · answer #10 · answered by Terry S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋