Topic: Riding Formation

[fmctm1sw]

According to my research, riding side by side is legal in most states.  Only very recently in Virginia though. 

The Associated Press
© January 30, 2012   

RICHMOND

The House of Delegates has overwhelmingly voted for a bill that would allow motorcyclists to ride two abreast in a single lane on Virginia roads.

The bill, passed Monday on an 80-19 vote, would end the state's longstanding law requiring groups of motorcyclists only to ride single file.

Henrico County Del. Joe Morrissey argued that side-by-side motorcycling increases danger if one of the motorcyclists has to suddenly swerve to miss an obstacle such as a pothole or an animal in the road.

Supporters say there's no data from the 48 states that already allow side-by-side motorbiking reflecting injuries from sudden efforts to evade a road hazard.

The bill now heads to the Senate.

When we've done group rides, we've staggered.  In itself, riding staggered may or may not have any safety benefit.  There's also supposed to be responsibilities in groups though.  Lead guy pointing out hazards and stuff, sweeper not letting anyone fall behind, putting inexperienced guys in the middle, etc, etc.  And as someone already mentioned, keep group size manageable so you don't end up with 40 bikes trying to get through a stop light.  Oh yeah, slowest bike in front!  My 350F has been in front of both group rides we did 

[Stev-o]

Hah Stev-o. I think I did perty good considering the bike is so low.

You did, but you set yourself up for a jab and I couldn't resist!  We had a great time and look forward to getting the guys together in Luchenbach.

[BobbyR]

The only reason for a tight formation is executing a Helicopter attack so they can't count the rotors. On Bikes it results on Talledega class pileups, which happened a few years ago near the famed Marcus Dairy in Danbury Ct.

[Don R]

The biggest problem I ever had in a group is passing. Someone in front thinks the line can make the pass but the bikes in the rear get cut off by faster traffic in the passing lane. I like the hand signals good to know. this is worth printing just so everyone is on the same page.

The biggest group I ever rode in was too many to count. Leaving louisville downs after the flat track races in the late 70's. Bikes in the right lane as far as you could see. Of course the dorks I was with had to pass them.

[seanbarney41]

Good topic DJ AX.
 I was happy to be at the front of our Godzilla Run to Hell with Artsq. I think seanbarney you were right behind me and saw my chainguard fall apart. DJ were you with MJStone? I could make out his big white fairing in my mirror but nothing else far back was recognizable.
 I've been told that experience follows, but I'm not at all a schooled rider, I'm a 97% solo rider. IIRC we just kind of tooled along easily. But I really dont know what went on behind, only that all arrived safely and smiling.

Yes ... I remember... a good time... 
another thing I learned on that ride was how loud LOUD pipes really are! Bringing ear plugs next time just in case

oops, sorry...its been baffled since

[BeSeeingYou]

I don't  think I have ever ridden with more than 4 or 5 in all my years.  Large group activity just isn't my thing...it just seems like a giant clusterfk....just an anti-social bastard I guess.   We would ride staggered  so we were all in view of one another.  .  If someone is behind me I like to have a full view of  them in the mirrors at all times especially if they are close.  Might pull up side by side to communicate something or take a photo but not for any length of time.   I always ride center to right side.  Debris can collect in the center or sometimes you have ruts on the sides...it all depends on the road...but I don't like riding on the left side and seldom do it for any length of time unless there is little traffic. Then I just may drift over to the right when meeting oncoming traffic avoiding the wind blast if I am on my own.

[Gordon]

I've seen the local cops ride side by side, even though the M/C manual issued by the state says to ride staggered.

This is a good article I've read on the subject:

http://www.motorcops.com/sidebyside.asp

[TrueSpin]

Whenever I rode with Dad, it was always side by side. When I ride with friends or in a group, staggered. I don't trust anyone on a bike the same.

That said, I almost always ride alone.

[DJ_AX]

I don't agree with that last article.

 "Be like Jon and Ponch" ... HA HA ... keep trying.

What bothers me about it is that they focus on the few advantages, and not on the disadvantages... which imho far outweigh the advantages.. And from that, they made a tactical decision.
I guess when "Looking like a bad ass" comes in to play it simply trumps silly little safety. (In there non-humble opinion)

(quotes and further rantings on this article, deleted for simplicities sake)

[dave500]

#$%* formation riding man!!unless your on parade at 5 miles per hour.

[Retro Rocket]

#$%* formation riding man!!unless your on parade at 5 miles per hour.

C'mon Dave, tell us what you really think....

[Stev-o]

#$%* formation riding man!!unless your on parade at 5 miles per hour.

C'mon Dave, tell us what you really think....

Yeah, and don't sugarcoat either!

[dave500]

its for knobs and one percenters.