Why do motor cops ride side by side?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 4
From: Oklahoma
Why do motor cops ride side by side?
I saw something that was both impressive and scary this last weekend. I was in the cage in moderately heavy traffic on a three lane interstate in Oklahoma City. Moving with the traffic at about 65 mph. Suddenly two OKC motor cops blasted by me--no lights, no sirens--doing between 75-80, weaving from lane to lane through the traffic. They were SIDE BY SIDE, with maybe 24" separation between the tips of the handlebars. They moved in perfect unison. The Blue Angels couldn't have put on a better show. I just watched in awe until they were out of sight.
This was a truly impressive display of riding skill, but also a very dangerous one. There was no room for error. Why do they ride side by side, rather than staggered?
This was a truly impressive display of riding skill, but also a very dangerous one. There was no room for error. Why do they ride side by side, rather than staggered?
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 892
Likes: 11
From: Northern NY
I don't know why they ride side by side. Ask them yourself. Supposedly the motor cops have alot of time riding in drill fashion and have ridden with their partners extensively. I don't care to ride 2 abreast and won't with anyone!!!!!!!!!!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
Likes: 65
From: Joliet, Illinois
I can't imagine a good reason. Even if you ride with the same person every day and you're brains are connected with a psychic link. If something bad happens, you are limiting your options. Part of riding safe on a bike is being fully aware of everything around you and *maximizing* your options.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 109
From: LA - (Lower Alabama)
Watched too many episodes of "CHiPs" as kids. Speeding, reckless driving, and no lights / sirens means they didn't have official reasons for doing what they were doing. All they were doing was endangering themselves and others.
ditto,
up here its against the traffic act to ride 2 abreast or "lane sharing" but motorcops do it all the time, just like blowing red lights speeding etc. i dotn know how many tiems i have seen cops coem to a red light even a couple cars behind the intersection throw there lights and sirens on go through the red light then turn the lights off after they clear it and see them continue lesiurly along or worse pull into a drive thru, and yes i see that regularly in the city
up here its against the traffic act to ride 2 abreast or "lane sharing" but motorcops do it all the time, just like blowing red lights speeding etc. i dotn know how many tiems i have seen cops coem to a red light even a couple cars behind the intersection throw there lights and sirens on go through the red light then turn the lights off after they clear it and see them continue lesiurly along or worse pull into a drive thru, and yes i see that regularly in the city
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Tourer
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From: Seacoast, New Hampshire
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 6
From: Forest Lake, Mn
IF you see me doing it, which we do, A LOT, jus' like the Blue Angels, it is because I have complete trust in, and knowledge of, who is riding next to me.
Rough roads, not if I can help it. Normally I ride "on a string", straight and hold my line, tight, usually right next to the centerline (smoothest part of MOST roads).
But on rough, I want to be able to bob and weave at will, to avoid potholes, divvets, cracks, etc. IF you ride 'round me, and YOU KNOW THAT, I'll ride next to ya all day long. Means you UNDERSTAND, have a CLUE, and are paying attention.
I watch some riders, and they use the entire lane, on straight flat stretches. Nothing wrong with that, jus' not gonna see me git too close. MESSAGE received.
Pack ride with an MC quite a bit, BUT not near what I used to. 75+ in a 'herd', jus' does not have the same glamour that it did, 20 yrs ago. Plus I'm running 'round with one rear drum brake. NOT real condusive to close quarters riding. Thusly you'll usually find me in the "Tail gunner" position.
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Rough roads, not if I can help it. Normally I ride "on a string", straight and hold my line, tight, usually right next to the centerline (smoothest part of MOST roads).
But on rough, I want to be able to bob and weave at will, to avoid potholes, divvets, cracks, etc. IF you ride 'round me, and YOU KNOW THAT, I'll ride next to ya all day long. Means you UNDERSTAND, have a CLUE, and are paying attention.
I watch some riders, and they use the entire lane, on straight flat stretches. Nothing wrong with that, jus' not gonna see me git too close. MESSAGE received.
Pack ride with an MC quite a bit, BUT not near what I used to. 75+ in a 'herd', jus' does not have the same glamour that it did, 20 yrs ago. Plus I'm running 'round with one rear drum brake. NOT real condusive to close quarters riding. Thusly you'll usually find me in the "Tail gunner" position.
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