Formation Riding

 Some of the recent posts got me to thinking about formations.

It's my understanding that riding in close (staggered, 1 second separation
from the bike in front) formations is generally safer for the group,
discouraging cars from sharing lanes, increasing visibility, and possibly
looking scary enough that folks will behave slightly better.

Sometimes, I've found they a bit more dangerous.  For instance, a slow
moving formation on a two lane highway can be frustrating to some,
encouraging folks to get reckless in their passing.  This can get really
nasty in longer formations, where it's almost impossible to pass without
breaking up the formation.  In another scenario, a police escorted group
ride was going mighty fast in the right most lane on a busy, poorly
maintained freeway (91 Eastbound through Anaheim).  I actually dropped out
of that one, both because I thought it was unsafe, and because my coffee cup
lid popped open on one of the potholes, spraying coffee all over the place.
Aside from the Great Messy Coffee Caper, I would have dropped out anyway,
because the formation was too tight, too fast, and in the worst lane
possible.  Yes, I'm still a bit of a rookie, and I might be completely
wrong, but I saw nothing but bad potential in that situation.

I'm of the belief that if I'm impeding traffic, I'll pull over as soon as
it's safe and let folks by.  If I can't pull over, there's only a couple
cars behind me, and a good juicy passing spot comes along, I'll wave cars
around, slow down, and make it as easy as possible for them to pass, on my
guard for anything stupid someone might do.

In a formation, or even with a couple other bikes, it's not so easy.  Most
of the folks I ride with are much more experienced than I, so I keep my
suggestions to myself.  Still, I feel mighty uncomfortable slogging along
while cars pile up behind us, especially on curvy 2-lane mountain roads.

Thoughts?

CS

 
I refer to formations as parades. Especially on winding roads. I agree
with your observations. And thank you for letting faster vehicles
pass, bikes or cars.

Sometimes (frequently) I find myself being overtaken by faster riders.
I just pull to the right and wave to let them pass me in my lane. No
harm, no foul. And I really appreciate it when other riders offer me
the same courtesy.

 On 14/11/2010 12:16 PM, BryanUT wrote:

It's all a matter of courtesy.  I always feel if someone caught up to
me, they are riding at a quicker pace than I, and I will let them pass.

A few weeks back I was riding behind a friend of mine and some asshole
came up behind us, passed me in my lane without slowing down or waiting
for me to wave him by. He then did the same thing to my friend in front
of me.  It was a two lane road with a dashy line and no oncoming
traffic.  He could have passed legally by going around us.  I saw him
coming and took a little extra care to stay in my track. My buddy didn't
see him and was more than a little surprised.

I got a little pissed, chased him down and shared his lane. We had a
spirited 120 kph discussion. I invited him to stop. He declined and
apologized.

 
Sharing a lane with a motorcycle (i.e. passing in the same lane without
prior agreement) is extremely dangerous due to the "without prior agreement"
part of it.

That guy was an idiot.

DF

 On 14/11/2010 3:50 PM, Datesfat Chicks wrote:

Careful, some here not only practice the technique, they post videos of
themselves performing it.

But you are right, the guy was an idiot.

For the record lane sharing is dangerous, with or without permission.