Newbie question...what is protocol?
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 668
Likes: 34
From: New Jersey
I can't control others, but my choice is to keep my distance from other riders I don't know. I don't know their skills and they don't know mine. I don't know their personality and they don't know mine. I don't think its right to assume someone is OK with you dropping into formation with them (or vice versa). However if it happens, and they are pressing, give them room and wave them on.
As others have said, ride your own ride.
As others have said, ride your own ride.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 189
From: Louisiana
I don't fall into formation with anyone. If I come up on a single or a few riders, it's probably because I'm going faster than them. I hang back a bit, and pass when it's safe. If I come up on a larger group, or like a few instances when I come up on a "club", I hang back a ways.
If someone wants to fall in line behind me, I don't really mind, and I don't change how I'm riding. But I don't want them too close or beside me. That's a big no-no in my book.
If someone wants to fall in line behind me, I don't really mind, and I don't change how I'm riding. But I don't want them too close or beside me. That's a big no-no in my book.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 389
Likes: 21
From: Hickory, NC
Most of the comments so far regard being caught up to by another rider. It seems I am usually the one who catches up, rarely do other riders fall in with me.
If I like the bike I catch I try to ride with them, staggered at a safe distance until one of us needs to move on. I feel like someone else said, 2 or more bikes provide greater visibility. I can usually tell someone's general skill level in a mile or two and adjust accordingly.
I mean there is always a chance to meet another rider, but if nothing else for me I think it's safer.
I caught a guy on a nice sporty yesterday coming home from work. Initially I caught him to see what kind of bike it was. After a couple of minutes I could tell he was a pretty new rider and I gave him space. Then the lanes opened up to 4 lanes and he went right, I stayed in the middle and moved along.
If I like the bike I catch I try to ride with them, staggered at a safe distance until one of us needs to move on. I feel like someone else said, 2 or more bikes provide greater visibility. I can usually tell someone's general skill level in a mile or two and adjust accordingly.
I mean there is always a chance to meet another rider, but if nothing else for me I think it's safer.
I caught a guy on a nice sporty yesterday coming home from work. Initially I caught him to see what kind of bike it was. After a couple of minutes I could tell he was a pretty new rider and I gave him space. Then the lanes opened up to 4 lanes and he went right, I stayed in the middle and moved along.
The best rides I remember were with friends staggered in the same lane but not too close nearby, then side-by-side in town like at stops. The only protocol I heard was if there's another rider near you, pick a position one one side of the lane and stick to it. The guy behind you will sit on the other side of the same lane behind you at a safe distance. If you slide around much or make any quick moves across your lane, it can be unsafe or at least make others nervous. And you look like an idiot. Pick a spot and stick to it. Clearly signal all your moves, including greetings, thumbs up, etc.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,369
Likes: 472
From: CC TX
So there I was, sitting in my pickup truck, doing about 30 mph when out of nowhere, a guy in a pickup truck pulled up behind me, this made me nervous, I was not sure if he was in a gang or something...
Seriously, there are many folks out there riding a bike, your bound to have encounters, ride the way you want to ride, don't buy into the hype.
I really can't remember the last time I read about a club member pulling up on a person riding a bike, got off at the light and beat someones ***.
But then, I've only been riding for 50 years. 41 on the streets.
Seriously, there are many folks out there riding a bike, your bound to have encounters, ride the way you want to ride, don't buy into the hype.
I really can't remember the last time I read about a club member pulling up on a person riding a bike, got off at the light and beat someones ***.
But then, I've only been riding for 50 years. 41 on the streets.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,513
Likes: 116
From: OKC
somebody riding behind you, you're worried? Do you worry when somebody is behind you when you are driving your car? calm down.
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I will quite often drop into stagger with another rider. When solo I tend to take the center lane If I rider comes up behind me I will move left and let them stagger if they choose. If I come up on someone riding center I will stay center if they move left or right I will drop into stagger but keep a t least a car length or 2 between us. As others have said it makes for some nice conversation at stop lights and gas stations