Triumphrat

Ben Rawlinson

I don't know whether I made this up as a biking rule or it just seems common sense to me;

In traffic and filtering I NEVER EVER go past another bike until

a)I am absolutely certain he/she has seen me
AND
b)The rider has positively indicated that he/she is happy for me to do so (even if they're holding me up)
OR
c)I am sure they will never see me and they are riding dangerously in which case I get past as safely as possible and let 'em die without me having to watch.
I think this is sensible and good for our image.
I wish it to be known that when I am next undertaken by a sunshine only Harley riding fat 'stard while I am waiting for a gap to become safe I am going to put out my left foot and shove the ***** off
My justice is summary but the fool nearly killed me so I think I deserve the right of redress i.e. I will nearly kill him.

walt

I was out on my Bonnie last summer on about a 450 mile day trip, riding on a 2 lane highway that a lot of bikers take. I was riding without a windscreen and felt comfortable at about 60 mph or so, but most the other bikers were riding 5 to 10 mph faster.

When they got close I just flipped on my right turn indicator, slid over to the right side of the lane, and made a little "come on" motion with my left hand for them to pass. They seemed to really appreciate it - I think a little courtesy goes a long way.

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Baltobonneville

I take it that you're talking about overtaking in the same lane. I'm with you on that, I'd never do it unless I had a clear indication that it was alright, even when I'm riding with a friend.

I think that the law says that a vehicle (including bicycles!) has the right to full use of the lane. The exception is riding two abreast, but that's by mutual consent.

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Marty
2005 Bonneville Blue 790cc, AI removed, Staintunes, Unifilter, no snorkel, 120/40/Thrux needle/1 shim/3 turns, fly screen, tacho, D9 gauge panel, center stand, Ikon 7610s, Hagon fork springs, gaiters, Pirelli Sport Demons, 3 seats.

Readmarx

Dispatch riding in London taught me a lot about passing bikes in traffic - slow down, get close - offside or nearside, check the prey is in astraight line and not panicking at seeing you and use power to pass safely to one side in single swift motion. When stationary at traffic lights bump the rear wheel of the bike in front if they haven't made room for you - if it's a Harley the rear wheel will be protected by lots of silly chrome and tasseled saddlebags and protected by a giant and fearsome screaming eagle and the rider will be wearing pristine leathers (and chaps) with a pristine non-affiliated back patch involving some sort of childish flag/eagle theme. In general, just relax, slow down and pass the rider that you're faster than

Old Scratcher

I think couretesy works both ways. If I want to do a slow cruise (in any vehicle) I constantly scan my mirrors for faster vehicles, & pull over whenever I can.
So anyone I see doing that, when I'm cruising fast, gets a friendly wave as I pass them.
But I just blast past people that hog the centreline & never check their mirrors, in the hope that the shock might make them change their ways (& check their d@mn mirrors).
& those mongrels who are deliberately obstructive, & try to block my path around them, get the Bird.

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LoVel

Scratch,

I know what you mean. Was behind a dually Sunday. Couldn't see around him for anything and every time I would go to one side or the other he would drift to that side. He was talking on the phone and when he ran off the road and started throwing gravel it was time to go. I just blasted past him on a double yellow on a bridge in front of a cop. Cop waved as I went by. Must have been a rider.

DaveM

I think pretty much the same as you on this one oldscratcher.

DaveM

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IrlMike

Ben

I think your rules are good sense. I sum this up by saying that the rider in front 'has the line' & if I'm following I will work around them, swopping positions to left or right according to their position, avoiding a line astern formation unless required as we both overtake a slower vehicle, for example.

A surprising number of cars in Ireland will move over a bit when they see you coming up quickly behind & give you room to go past. I always aknowledge this courtesy with wave. 'Boy racer' type cars are especially good at this - full marks to them for their road awareness. Truckers likewise are helpful this way.

I try & avoid expressing my anger these days when others do dangerous things, just maybe shake my head or such to show some disapproval & hope that gives them pause for thought. A little gentle education that I hope will help them do better next time & be more aware of bikes. Let them know you feel their driving is poor & possibly put you at risk, but without just inviting an aggressive response with no further self-examination of their actions. Overall, it's better to encourage people to think more carefully about their driving & consideration for bikes.
I would encourage us all to do

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--__Y
...0-0.......^...........^^u.....^...... Ireland, home of street motocross....

Jazz isn't dead, it just smells funny

Sprint1050DA

If I ever have a rider I know pass me in my own lane again it will be the absolute last time I ride with them. If it's someone I don't know they should probably be quick about it.

HiDesert

I hope you're kidding, but just in case you aren't, please go look up Newton's third law.

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