Biker broke down: Do you stop?
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 535
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From: Mont. Co. Maryland
Biker broke down: Do you stop?
Biker broke along side the highway. Do you stop? I was riding yesterday and saw a biker on the side of the rode. I didn't stop for several reasons. 1) I was in the far right lane (he was on the left). 2) He had a cell phone 3) although he was on the interstate, he was in the city (exits w/in .25 mile). But, Do you stop????
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
I at least slow down and try to get a signal from them, maybe toot the horn. You could have turned around at the exits and gone back. If it was obvious he was broke down I would have.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 702
Likes: 1
From: U.S.S.A.
I would stop if I'm safely able to get over, but I wouldn't lose sleep over the situation you described.
You never know, you might be able to get a stranded rider going and that's better than calling a tow. I always think everyone carries a cell-phone, but I stopped at a scenic rest-stop a while back and there was this old guy leaning against his car with the hood up. I asked if he called road service and he said he didn't have a cell and had been waiting an hour. I said "SCREW YOU CAGER!" and roared off --
J/K...I let him used my phone to call his wife and then a friend to come get him. LOL.
You never know, you might be able to get a stranded rider going and that's better than calling a tow. I always think everyone carries a cell-phone, but I stopped at a scenic rest-stop a while back and there was this old guy leaning against his car with the hood up. I asked if he called road service and he said he didn't have a cell and had been waiting an hour. I said "SCREW YOU CAGER!" and roared off --
J/K...I let him used my phone to call his wife and then a friend to come get him. LOL.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,646
Likes: 40
From: Midtown Tulsa
I would try my best to stop and see. Have been broken down before in a car without a cell phone (decades back before they were up everyones' a**). No one stopped for me. I walked two miles to the next exit to call my brother.
I have slowed down and gave a biker the thumbs up/thumbs down, and his response was a good nod and thumbs up; while the cell phone was 'stuck' to his ear. Rode on.
I have slowed down and gave a biker the thumbs up/thumbs down, and his response was a good nod and thumbs up; while the cell phone was 'stuck' to his ear. Rode on.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 250
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From: Sebewaing Michigan
As a general rule of the thumb I always stop unless I have the wife. Also I will not stop if it puts me in danger but I usally go out of my way to help. Because usally if I need help and someone stops to help....... it pays to be kind type o deal.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 535
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From: Mont. Co. Maryland
so this is the standard protocol for broken down biker signals? thumbs up or down? Learned something new today. I will at least do this next time
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,034
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From: Michigan
I make every effort to stop.. even if help is on the way another person to talk to can help a bunch..
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 480
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From: Schaumburg, IL
If I see the biker soon enough and can get to the side of the road they are on safely, I'll stop.
I've done it a few times now. Usually the biker is OK and they are surprised someone stopped to help. I'll always help if possible.
I've done it a few times now. Usually the biker is OK and they are surprised someone stopped to help. I'll always help if possible.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
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From: Wisconsin
I'll stop unless I get the "thumbs up" or some other signal indicating all is well. If I couldn't stop because of traffic I'll make an effort to turn around at an exit, whatever, to make sure it's all good. I've had way too many guys stop for me back in my shovel days and I surely don't want to break any Karma. Plus, odds are it will be me again someday and I appreciate at least the effort instead of the now accepted, "Hi, how are you, sucks to be you" wave as they fly by.