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Lane Sharing with Other Motorcyclists You Don't Know

by Mary
(East Bay, CA)

I bring this up because I was taught by my BF--with almost 30 years of riding experience--that pulling up beside a biker you don't know in the same lane was rude. Whether it be at a stop-light or while in motion, it's kind of impinging on someone else's personal space. Since learning this, I've applied it, but I find that there are many other bikers that don't. Is this a common courtesy or is this some sort of courtesy only a few know of or practice?

Comments for Lane Sharing with Other Motorcyclists You Don't Know

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Mar 24, 2011

Stay Back
by: Lois

I think keeping a proper distance is safe. It's easier to get out of the way of a car if you don't have someone beside you. You can turn to the side of the road to avoid an accident, and yes when I stop I check the mirror to make sure the guy in the car behind me is going to stop too.

Mar 18, 2011

It's Rude Unless Invited
by: BusaGirl

My hubby w/25 yrs experience taught me NOT 2 do that unless invited - even then I'm very leery. I find it rude sort of like when a car cuts in front of you with NO blinker displayed. Rude. Like sittin' in a restaurant & hearing a loud cell phone conversation while trying to enjoy your meal. Rude. Like riding to close on my tail & I don't Eee-ven know u like that. RUDE.

Mar 14, 2011

I think....
by: Original Poster

I think the advice comes from the days my BF was a road racer in the Bay Area (CA) back in the 80's and 90's. You stop at a light right next to an unfamiliar rider, then it meant you wanted to race them.

Personally I don't like it when another rider buzzes by me in my lane on the freeway or streets. There may be a reason for me to use the whole lane (avoiding a pot hole, etc), and to impinge on that space--even for a moment--puts both of us in an unsafe position! Especially if the person may be a new rider and you just freaked him out by buzzing by him! But it's happened to me several times and it irritates me!

Mar 10, 2011

I want some extra space.
by: Anonymous

I stay back unless a light won't change. I don't know if the other person is a safe rider and don't want them very close to me until I see how they ride. It makes me very nervous to have unknown riders "share" my lane.

Mar 04, 2011

Sharing
by: Anonymous

I kinda agree with both of you. I agree with the tripping of the light if it is necessary, But let him or her take off first, don't pull ahead, that would be more than rude. Otherwise, I would not pull up next to a bike I don't know. That space is reserved for friends.

Mar 04, 2011

Never Heard of It
by: Anonymous

We usually pull next to another bike at stops as a curtsey to the cars behind, it take ups less space and also if the tripper for the light is is not set for bikes it helps to that a car can get to it to set it off.

So no never heard of it.

If they are wearing colors you might want to stay back just a little for safety sake.

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