Rules for cycle/cager vs semi
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 287
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RE: Rules for cycle/cager vs semi
The only part I dont agree with is the assumption that the car being tailgated wont dynamite the brakes. I know a guy who did that (and survived),the semi was also totalled in the wreck and the car driver got a 7 figure settlement. Also,the truck drivers CDL was revoked for 5 years.
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: Rules for cycle/cager vs semi
The list looks pretty good to me except #7, I don't like them that close but I don't panic.
My dad taught me to respect trucks....for god sakes they are way bigger then my cage and on the bike I'm an ant. When I was yonger I drove an MG midget...pulling up next to a truck all I could see was the center of thier wheel sorta figured that means they can't see me too well.
Most are good folks and good drivers...I've seen truckers pull off stuff I can barely do in my cage. Give then respect, a wide berth, try to never cut them off while stopping in traffic, and try to make sure they see me.
As for mountian passes I think of it this way....When I drove a VW I had to make a run at the hills or I wasn't gonna make it at a decent speed. God forbid I had to stop because I would never regain that speed if I did. I live in a valley with a steep mountian pass on the freeway and if I wasn't to 70 by the time I hit it I was in the slow lane blocking the truckers. My guess would be that they have the same problem, so I try to be patient. I make note of those roads and always give myself extra time if I know trucks use them too.
My dad taught me to respect trucks....for god sakes they are way bigger then my cage and on the bike I'm an ant. When I was yonger I drove an MG midget...pulling up next to a truck all I could see was the center of thier wheel sorta figured that means they can't see me too well.
Most are good folks and good drivers...I've seen truckers pull off stuff I can barely do in my cage. Give then respect, a wide berth, try to never cut them off while stopping in traffic, and try to make sure they see me.
As for mountian passes I think of it this way....When I drove a VW I had to make a run at the hills or I wasn't gonna make it at a decent speed. God forbid I had to stop because I would never regain that speed if I did. I live in a valley with a steep mountian pass on the freeway and if I wasn't to 70 by the time I hit it I was in the slow lane blocking the truckers. My guess would be that they have the same problem, so I try to be patient. I make note of those roads and always give myself extra time if I know trucks use them too.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 897
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From: South-Central Minnesota
RE: Rules for cycle/cager vs semi
I see nothing wrong with Bubba's post. I used to be a commercial "big rig" driver and it sucks to be stuck in city traffic, on an unfamiliar route with discouteous drivers. I went by the same 3-5 flash rule and start slooooooooowwlllyyyyyy moving over. Never had an issue. When I'm on my bike, I take comfort in riding in the company of truckers...cuz I know they are professionals when it comes to driving and won't do something stupid. It is VERY rare to see a truck driver not using his signals, yet car drivers in bumper to bumper traffic think nothing of swerving over into your lane without even one flash to give you a clue they are coming.[:@]....I wonder how many accidents could be prevented if these dumbfuk drivers would just use their blinkers out of common courtesy.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 65
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RE: Rules for cycle/cager vs semi
You know I just don't get it.... Don't cut them off because they can't stop as fast as a car (yes this is wrong) yet some of them barrel up and maintain about a paint-job's distance from your bumper at 60 MPH.
I have many professional trucker friends and family who would likely take issue with anyone using this list calling themselves a "pro".
As usual there are buttheads on both sides of the equation.
I have many professional trucker friends and family who would likely take issue with anyone using this list calling themselves a "pro".
As usual there are buttheads on both sides of the equation.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 34
From: Ca
RE: Rules for cycle/cager vs semi
I like the post. I also agree that if everyone would signal, most problems would be avoided. I have a lot of respect for trucker skills. And 99% go the extra mile to let people get away with stuff. I like the 3 blink, and the swing. I'll block traffic for him if I'm in position, car or bike.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 22,096
Likes: 5
From: Indiana
RE: Rules for cycle/cager vs semi
Thats great, I try to work with the trucks has much as I can, I will help block off the lane ending...construction or what ever, I just like pissing the people whos time is so much more improtant than mine. I do notice that for the most part the semis notice me on my bike and help me out, blocking idiot cagers.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8
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RE: Rules for cycle/cager vs semi
rule #8- If as a trucker you use rule #1,2 or 7, beware of the guy/gal standing on top of the next overpass with a brick in hand or big smile on the face. You never know if they are the one you used one of the rules on
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,005
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From: Yorkville Indiana
RE: Rules for cycle/cager vs semi
I'm no trucker but if I saw anyone with a brick on an overpass that would be the last thing they ever picked up. Even if it wasnt intended for me. Get my drift??[:@]
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2006
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RE: Rules for cycle/cager vs semi
I'm not sure you should take these rules in the completely literal sense, but there is some truth to all of them. These drivers know there vehicles, some better than most know their bikes. You cannot drive 100,000 to 150,000 miles a year without knowing the vehicle you're driving. I know how much room I need to swing the ***-end of a forklift around without stopping and using a tape measure. These drivers know their vehicles, capabilities, and limits as well. Every trucker that "comes too close" is not just an idiot behind the wheel. Some may be, but I would argue that most are not.
And 2005CLASSIC--bubbas1 never said that he intended to cause any accident. Rule #1- just common knowledge. #2-said he would move into your lane to help convince you to move. Never said that he would go as far as to hit you. And #7- Never said that he would be painting your bumper with the bugs on his. Just enough to make the slow driver realize that they needed to speed up or move over. That could be 100 feet.
And No, I don't drive and I never have. At least not trucks.
And 2005CLASSIC--bubbas1 never said that he intended to cause any accident. Rule #1- just common knowledge. #2-said he would move into your lane to help convince you to move. Never said that he would go as far as to hit you. And #7- Never said that he would be painting your bumper with the bugs on his. Just enough to make the slow driver realize that they needed to speed up or move over. That could be 100 feet.
And No, I don't drive and I never have. At least not trucks.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,096
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RE: Rules for cycle/cager vs semi
ORIGINAL: eazy
I'm not sure you should take these rules in the completely literal sense, but there is some truth to all of them. These drivers know there vehicles, some better than most know their bikes. You cannot drive 100,000 to 150,000 miles a year without knowing the vehicle you're driving. I know how much room I need to swing the ***-end of a forklift around without stopping and using a tape measure. These drivers know their vehicles, capabilities, and limits as well. Every trucker that "comes too close" is not just an idiot behind the wheel. Some may be, but I would argue that most are not.
And 2005CLASSIC--bubbas1 never said that he intended to cause any accident. Rule #1- just common knowledge. #2-said he would move into your lane to help convince you to move. Never said that he would go as far as to hit you. And #7- Never said that he would be painting your bumper with the bugs on his. Just enough to make the slow driver realize that they needed to speed up or move over. That could be 100 feet.
And No, I don't drive and I never have. At least not trucks.
I'm not sure you should take these rules in the completely literal sense, but there is some truth to all of them. These drivers know there vehicles, some better than most know their bikes. You cannot drive 100,000 to 150,000 miles a year without knowing the vehicle you're driving. I know how much room I need to swing the ***-end of a forklift around without stopping and using a tape measure. These drivers know their vehicles, capabilities, and limits as well. Every trucker that "comes too close" is not just an idiot behind the wheel. Some may be, but I would argue that most are not.
And 2005CLASSIC--bubbas1 never said that he intended to cause any accident. Rule #1- just common knowledge. #2-said he would move into your lane to help convince you to move. Never said that he would go as far as to hit you. And #7- Never said that he would be painting your bumper with the bugs on his. Just enough to make the slow driver realize that they needed to speed up or move over. That could be 100 feet.
And No, I don't drive and I never have. At least not trucks.
It's no secret that where I live there are lots and lots of truck drivers that drive local routes
that is to say the lumber industry is big here in North Alabama,Mississippi,Tennessee, and Georgia. Many long distance drivers are recruited (I know they have driving schools it's a southern thang) from these local haulers. Our roads are used as a training ground for future pro's I myself at 16 yrs old learned this way( I haven't driven a semi in many years). There are many stories good and bad of cages and semis being ditched to avoid each other.
I'm not saying that they are indoctrinated from the start to watch the cages much like bikers are.
Personaly
I block for them, I get out of there way,I back up at intersections (if possible) to allow for there swing. I don't follow too close.I believe the sign on many trucks that says "If you can't see me in my mirrors I can't see you"
This is not fear it's just common courtsey. I do it for bikes and cagers bicycles and pedestrians
The roads and interstates belong to all tax payers so we all have to cohabitate. And any itme you have Cohabitation youre gonna have problems. Amen