Why do motor cops ride side by side?
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 4
From: Oklahoma
Big Pig, thanks for the link to the article. It's an interesting read.
However, it does not convince me that the benefits of police side-to-side riding outweigh the risks. I'll grant motorcops are professional drivers and practice extensively. They are much better at this than any casual civilian riders would be. But my question still stands: why do it? Are there any operational benefits that justify it?
The article addressed this question, and only one thing it said made sense: two cycles travelling side by side 18" apart would be more visible from the front than would a single one. Another reason it gives--the desirability of pairing for immediate backup--doesn't justify side-by-side rather than staggered riding. Still another reason smacked of PR hype: it impresses the public with the competence of these officers. I have never doubted their competence, but I'm beginning to wonder about their prudence.
It would be interesting to see some hard data on lives lost, days work missed, property damage, etc. arising from motorcops riding side to side, rather than staggered.
However, it does not convince me that the benefits of police side-to-side riding outweigh the risks. I'll grant motorcops are professional drivers and practice extensively. They are much better at this than any casual civilian riders would be. But my question still stands: why do it? Are there any operational benefits that justify it?
The article addressed this question, and only one thing it said made sense: two cycles travelling side by side 18" apart would be more visible from the front than would a single one. Another reason it gives--the desirability of pairing for immediate backup--doesn't justify side-by-side rather than staggered riding. Still another reason smacked of PR hype: it impresses the public with the competence of these officers. I have never doubted their competence, but I'm beginning to wonder about their prudence.
It would be interesting to see some hard data on lives lost, days work missed, property damage, etc. arising from motorcops riding side to side, rather than staggered.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 1
From: Vegas
We had 2 of our Motor Cops sent to the hospital a couple weeks ago. While patroling on one of our busiest streets, in the rain, a pick-up truck lost control, jumped the median and either hit both bikes or just caused them to lay their bikes down. To top it off, they were brothers. Both survived. Bet they are back riding side by side.
It's because they have received extensive training in how to do it. My buddy who retired as a Motor Officer (and is hands down one of the best riders I have ever rode with or seen) said in his Advanced Course the Officers must make a 250 mile round trip day ride on 55MPH-70MPH Hiways staying side by side the entire time, 18 inches apart to be exact. One of the reasons for that ride is to give them confidence in not only riding side by side but also in their own learned riding ability.
http://www.motorcops.com/
http://www.motorcops.com/
In Washington State, when they complete their side by side test, they actually have a tether that connects the crash bars (I think here it is two feet rather than 18 inches but I'm not positive about that). If they break the tether, they fail the test.
Novice
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Hawaii (Currently Iraq!!!)
I fly in formation all the time. I feel safe doing that even though at times I have came in pretty close to the other chopper. Maybe a half rotor disk or closer...maybe...just once or twice. I wouldn't mind riding close to someone if I knew how they rode, but thats just me. I have to trust the other pilot not to mess up otherwise I could fly right into him...and thats not really a fun thing to do...so I hear.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
Likes: 65
From: Joliet, Illinois
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
