Riding etiquette question

[CatatonicBug]

I'm rather new to the world of riding, and I've recently had a few opportunities to do something, and I'm not sure if it's "ok" to do it.

While riding down the highway, I will often come up on another rider (or 2 or 3) ahead of me going the same direction. Is it acceptable to simply fall in behind them as though we were going somewhere together? Or should I change lanes and go around or maintain a bit of separation? I just want to be sure I'm not pissing off some other rider on the road - especially when he's in a position to throw something at me!

[Crazcnuk]

I assume, if you caught up to them you are travelling slightly faster than they are. If it is a multiple lane road they may wonder why if you just sit behind them, but I doubt they would throw anything at you.

If it is a multi-lane, then I would lane change and putt past at whatever speed you were doing, and wave as I go by.

If it's a single lane then you can sit back there all day if you like. Some people just don't like to pass.

[CatatonicBug]

Well, I don't tend to stick to the same speed all the time, but the idea of riding in a group kinda gives me a feeling of togetherness, as well as "safety in numbers". This is usually on a multi-lane slab, so going around is always an option, but I rather enjoy riding together. Like I said, I just didn't want the other rider(s) to get upset at me for riding with them uninvited.

[Wildkat]

Just depends on the other riders...

I'd think that most of the time they wouldn't mind...

I've often ended up behind another rider or two... usually passing when I get the chance... but sometimes end up being part of the pack for a bit...

Several times people have fallen in with us when riding... no big deal... the more the merrier as long as they leave room for maneuvering... just in case...

[tarzan]

Its optional as far as Im concerned.I have had the same thing both ways.Ive joined other people(s) and occasionally someone will fall into the back of our formation.If it isnt my group I consider it fine to pass at a safe and opportune time.
Rick

[DeanR]

I'm pretty much by as soon as possible.

[Trainzz]

Depends

It all depends on how much of a hurry I am in. Most of the time, people just wave me around if I come blasting up on them. The one thing I try to do is get some separation from them as quickly as possible to allow them plenty of room.

[psycoreefer]

Heres an idea, instead of falling in behind them, pass them and let them decide if they want to ride with you. Plus then your not behind someone that you have no idea of their skill or bike condition.

When that happens to me, on a multilane I'll pass and leave it up to the other rider, if its a single lane, or I'm not able to pass then I'll leave double or tripple the following distance and fall in staggered so I'm easier for the other guy to see in his mirrors. I'm always thinking that what if the person in front is brand new and has an accident, or makes a stupid decision, or whatever I want to make sure I've got plenty of room to avoid their mistake.

[DJinNH]

I fall in with other riders all the time here in New Hampshire. No one I've ever come across seemed to mind. Same with if I'm in front, I've had others drop in behind me plenty of times and I don't mind in the least.

Just make sure it's not a Highway Patrol or State Police bike you're creeping up on.

Don

[CatatonicBug]

I fall in with other riders all the time here in New Hampshire. No one I've ever come across seemed to mind. Same with if I'm in front, I've had others drop in behind me plenty of times and I don't mind in the least.

Just make sure it's not a Highway Patrol or State Police bike you're creeping up on.

Don

Would the cop care if I was following him? At least I'd be following a well-trained (I would hope) professional rider. I always follow in a staggered formation anyway. I completely agree about the following distance, and I always make sure I maintain a 2-second space in front of me, even when staggered. However, I'm the one the other riders should be concerned about as far as experience and safety, considering I've been riding less than a year, and I have a 30-year-old bike who's side covers (ahem...) might come flying off!

[79XS11F]

I just do my own thing. If I come up on a bike or group of bikes when I am traveling faster then they are, I continue past them if / when safe to do so. Same thing if a bike or group of bikes comes up on me, I let them pass if they decide to and go about my business. In ether case I usually nod or flag a hand as I pass or get passed to acknowledge them and it is usually returned.
Rob

[madmax-im]

Would the cop care if I was following him? At least I'd be following a well-trained (I would hope) professional rider. I always follow in a staggered formation anyway. I completely agree about the following distance, and I always make sure I maintain a 2-second space in front of me, even when staggered. However, I'm the one the other riders should be concerned about as far as experience and safety, considering I've been riding less than a year, and I have a 30-year-old bike who's side covers (ahem...) might come flying off!

There are no set rules for falling into a line of other bikes as far as wether its alowed or accepted...people just seem to do it..or not...I passed a group of cruisers of various makes on the the slab and never once gave any thought to following...just the other day and none of them were the waving types so off I went. Once in a while I will have to fall into someone else's line. I usually stay back more than 3 seconds and also ride in a staggered pattern. If the group I am following isnt too large I will pass them when the opportunity arises...but I have also stopped off the road and waited a few minutes to allow the larger group to disperse away from me...

[Crazcnuk]

The other day a group of us (3 bikes) were going into Jasper National Park, to a restaraunt for coffee, when 2 beemers slowly caught up to us.

When we got to the park gates, I was in front so i stopped, and told the attendant that the park pass (you need one for every 10 people, regardless of how many bikes) was 'on the red harley back there'.

The two beemers were probably wondering what was happening when the park attendant waved them through the gate....

[Special Ed]

On a ride in the Sierras on one of our Rallies one year, I remember our pack merging with a pack of Harley’s. We simply road through them, over several miles, and kept going. No problem! I think most riders realize that more bikes means more visibility. If they don’t they are ********s and don’t deserve worrying about.
Special Ed

[oldyam80sg]

I recently wrote a post about a bunch of riders who i think were the Hells Angels who were behind me.I simply acknowledged their presence and turned off where i intended to.They did their thing,i did mine!