When riding with a bud I always like to be staggered. However, when caught at a light can two bikes share the same lane then take off at the same time? Another example would be at a 4 Way stop? Take off at the same time then resume staggered formation? I am talking about riding with a bud, not pulling up on someone you don't know.

 

Sure, do it all the time.

 

Pulling off at exactly the same time increases your chances of a tragedy. There's always "that guy" who runs the light and you have to evade to avoid. This quick action is only made more difficult when you're pulling out side by side.

 

Yep. Especially when riding with a bud. Staying staggered and taking two (or more) stops at the intersection can raise the risk of getting separated. Granted that likely won't ruin the day, but it's just easier to stay together if you stop and start together.

pccoder got in before me with his nimble fingers. I can see what he's saying and felt I should clarify that I was saying yep to the original post of pulling off from the stop together. I guess you have to take it on yourself to always be sure it's safe to pull away with your bud and NOT just because he/she is pulling off.

 

Here's what two motor officer instructors taught me:

1. When you come to a stop, stop side by side.
2. When the light changes, go through the intersection side by side.
3. When you clear the intersection on the other side, fall back into a stagger.

Doing it this way gets the group through the intersection much, much faster, with less chance that the group will be broken up. There's minimal risk going through the intersection side by side at 17 mph.

 

When riding staggered with friends when we pull up beside each other at a light we always pull away from the light in the same order we stopped. First man in, first man out it cuts down on confusion. Whichever way you do it just make sure everyone is on the same page or in a pinch you end up in a dogpile with everyone doing it different.

 

This. You always stay in position once mobile. It applies to more than bikes.

 

Yes, done it many times.

 

Stopping side by side, gives you each a chance to talk about stuff. I used to do that all of the time.

The only exception MIGHT BE if you both were on trikes.

 

It's not uncommon around here to have another motorcyclist (that you're not riding with) to pull up next to you at an intersection. They may or may not look over at you and give a little nod. When I'm riding alone, I generally stop in the left track (not in the middle of the lane). If someone I don't know pulls up next to me, and they don't wait for me to ride off first, I'll ride through together, and stay in the left track until the other guy either pulls away, or drops back.