Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Biker etiquette ?

This has been bugging me lately,I just havent decided whats the right thing to do? Let me set up the situation for you guys,then give me your way of handling it.Your on a stretch of 4 lane highway with lights every couple of blocks that have turn lane lights so you know if you have to stop it will be a long wait.As you approach the first set of lights their is a biker sitting there either to the left or right of center of his lane.You are in his lane also.do you,A.pull up behind him,B.pull beside him and have a friedly hello,or C.pull up behind him in the empty half of the lane and wait to be invited up beside him.Back in the 60's I would pull right up there beside him as you did'nt see another biker that often.Today with a bike at every intersection I just don't want to invade someone's space?

I vote "C", I try to treat bikes like any other vehicle when it comes to lane usage, that is unless I know the person - then I'll share at a stop light.

C. Behind and in opposite track of the lane. You never know if this is the person's first ride or what. I'm not really one for chatting on the bike. I'm usually looking for that joker that isn't looking for me...

I know what you mean. Mostly I pull up behind them. When I pull up next to them a lot of times they don't seem to be real friendly just a polite nod.

If the lane next to him is empty them i would pull along side him but in the next lane. If the lane next to him is not empty, or if its a two lane road, then i would pull up to the side but just behind him (does that make sense). I dont particually like people along side of me in the same lane. I like my space.

Of course, if hes a long haired, leather wearing biker dude. Then i do a U Turn and head the other way.

However. If he or she is riding a Triumph Bonnie/America/Speedy, then i will pull along side, put the side stand down, get off and shake their hand and tell them about this great web site/club

I would never pull up alongside a stranger in the same lane. Could be a 1%er who decides he's offended.

I like to pull up beside people & shut their bike off.

Sorry to high jack, but:

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I like to pull up beside people & shut their bike off.

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Reminds me of when i was a despatch rider back in old London town. If we were stopped at a red light with one of our fellow riders from the same company, just before the light would turn green, we would lean over, turn the keys off, take them out of the ignition and toss them across the road, then clear off quick. Of course, you had to be carefull, 'cause they were trying to do the same thing to you.

The times i had cars blowing the horns at me as im trying to dodge oncoming traffic trying to get my keys........oh happy memories.

I say C unless its another Triumph then I feel its my sworn duty to greet a brother in arms. At least its been done to me and Im ok with it.
I chose C for the same reason mentioned above...some people dont take off straight and Id hate to make someoen nervouse on their bike.

I'm gonna watch out for you!

Kennymc,thats the impression I've been getting lately.I guess like many things of the 60's biker brotherhood has dyed, all these bikes are just so much transpertation.

I agree with you. I'm more interested in getting out of the intersection alive than making friends. Some riders will acknowledge you and others won't Crusier guys seem friendlier than sport bike guys who are so cool they are hoping everyone is looking at them.

Around here it's mostly C unless there's a second lane then pull up even and give a friendly wave. I have to admit, the seven years I rode the Honda Shadow I only got remarks when it was parked. Last week a construction crew drove along side me in their crew truck shouting compliments about the Triumph. Kinda makes you puff up a little bit...and of course, I had to crack the throttle. I'm glad that officer was headed the other way.

Hey Brother Jack,
If it's a stop situation, I stop BESIDE the other rider, and compliment them on their steed. Then I let them determine the course - like if it's a sport bike rider, they'll ask how many cc's I have. Then they run off if they have more. HD riders need to lead off to show their dominance and enjoy the testosterone factor - then you can smoke 'em down the road. I just like the ride, and showing everyone the superiority of Trimph motorcicles - but you knew that already. As far as safety? It's insignificant.

My friends had a milder version. They'd pull up next to you and just hit your kill switch and ride off. One of my friends also liked to pull up, lick his fingers and smear them across your mirror.

Yup.. C for me too

You pull up beside him and say...howthbludyhellaryah!

Back in the 70's if you pulled up beside another bike it meant only one thing....A Drag
Hoffo

We also used to pull up beside our mates close enough to pull out their ignition keys and throw them into the middle of the intersection. We all eventually relocated our ignition.
Hoffo

Mostly C.

Had a bike coming up from behind this morning, I moved over to the far left of the lane, he pulled up next to me on his Hardley, had nice little chat about the weather...nice guy, If I see a bike or bikes coming up behind me, I will move to the far left of the lane. Most of them stay behind me.

I will usually pull up, it's legal and a good way to make a new friend! You can tell right away if they will be friendly or not, and also decide where to ride. If they are going slower than you, it makes an easy pass. If they are friendly, assume the staggered position appropriate to what side of the lane you are on...then you can chat some more at the next light. If it's a 1%, you'll see the colors displayed, and know to stay away...unless you want to pledge(not highly recommended in my book, but to each his own).

later, Tom.

A. Two abreast in the same lane in Virginia is illegal. I don't need to be pulled over and have the "man" decide my treads are below standard and get slapped with a $350 non-arguable Civil Remdeial fee for road improvement.