Why do motor cops ride side by side?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,886
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Well, this thread has sure gone sideways hasn't it? My original post was asking if there were good reasons why motorcops ride side-by-side, rather than staggered, at high speed through traffic, given the obvious dangers of the practice. I asked it with an open mind, and I've seen only one reason that makes sense--that having a pair of headlights side by side helps motorists in front judge the speed of the oncoming bikes. I doubt whether that is reason enough to offset the dangers, but I'm still willing to be convinced.
As to motorcops doing it "because they can" or some variation of this line, some of you are just not making sense if you're giving this as a justification. I'm as much for individual freedom as the next guy, but what we're talking about here is not an issue of individual freedom. Police officers on duty are not their own agents. They are public employees, acting on behalf of the public, given special rights and accepting special duties. Their official conduct is open to examination and question by the public in ways that the actions of private individuals are not. This is so for a very simple reason--the public is on the hook for their official conduct in ways that it is not with private individuals. Please think about that before you start comparing this case to riding without a helmet, financing your bike through the bank, etc.
As to motorcops doing it "because they can" or some variation of this line, some of you are just not making sense if you're giving this as a justification. I'm as much for individual freedom as the next guy, but what we're talking about here is not an issue of individual freedom. Police officers on duty are not their own agents. They are public employees, acting on behalf of the public, given special rights and accepting special duties. Their official conduct is open to examination and question by the public in ways that the actions of private individuals are not. This is so for a very simple reason--the public is on the hook for their official conduct in ways that it is not with private individuals. Please think about that before you start comparing this case to riding without a helmet, financing your bike through the bank, etc.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
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From: Forest Lake, Mn
'Because they can' probably answers it about as well as anything. Why do cops sometimes speed when they're not in pursuit or heading to an emergency? Well, you could chase one down and ask him/her what they think they're doing....and have a reasonably good chance of being cited for obstruction of justice, as did one dingbat acqaintance of mine. Maybe if you gave them a good lecture on the safety hazards of riding side-by-side and their obligations to the public they'd come around to your way of thinking. Good luck with that.
LMAO
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 1
From: A house.
Maybe I did misunderstand the OP's question... You ask a question you'll get a lot of opinionated answers in response. Didn't realize the OP was wanting to be "convinced" that it was an accepted style of riding; that's just begging for arguments, and I wouldn't have wasted my time and energy providing any input at all...
The End.
The End.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
Those who've answered about it being so motorists can better judge oncoming distance and speed are correct. My buddy, a VERY experienced rider/motorcop/instructor (He took some sort of championship in Colorado last summer) says that is the only reason for it and that it's common knowledge among motor officers. They train extensively with each other and use tethers occasionally (although he says it's not part of the certification). He is very selective about who he lets pull up beside him though.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Joliet, Illinois
Elite HDF Member
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 338
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From: NorCal - Land of Pinkos and Prix
I would imagine that there are also some psychological reasons for the practice. For one, the pair is more of a pair that way, rather than individual cops when staggered out. This makes a more intimidating front, and as most bikers know, intimidation is part of the control factor...which is why it's hard for cops to intimidate outlaws: they play this game too.
Then you have the brotherhood factor of police, the love of the sound *(same as us), and it occurs that they can hear both radio speakers better when the other's exhaust note isn't in their ears.
As the clips showed, this is child's play to them as well; they have a strict riding code to adhere to for safety, so it's not as dangerous as you'd think. Much unlike a group of untrained regular bikers of which some may be novice, high, or just plain stoopid. Of course, that's why those of you who do this are quite particular about the choice of company almost shaking your hand.
Then you have the brotherhood factor of police, the love of the sound *(same as us), and it occurs that they can hear both radio speakers better when the other's exhaust note isn't in their ears.
As the clips showed, this is child's play to them as well; they have a strict riding code to adhere to for safety, so it's not as dangerous as you'd think. Much unlike a group of untrained regular bikers of which some may be novice, high, or just plain stoopid. Of course, that's why those of you who do this are quite particular about the choice of company almost shaking your hand.
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Joe Kucinski
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 842
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From: N. CA & East TN
We ride side by side for several reasons
1. It looks professional
2. We like to chat as we ride
3. It's safer, we stick together like a large truck, we all leave the stops signs and red lights at the same time so the group doesn't get pulled apart.
4. ITS THE WAY ITS ALWAYS BEEN DONE.
1. It looks professional
2. We like to chat as we ride
3. It's safer, we stick together like a large truck, we all leave the stops signs and red lights at the same time so the group doesn't get pulled apart.
4. ITS THE WAY ITS ALWAYS BEEN DONE.