2ND Bike Syndrome

[JamesW]

When riding as a second bike two or three carlengths behind the lead bike when riding as a pair I have noticed on several occassions vehicles at intersections eyeball the first bike, anticipate something, then roll out right in my path. I know frequently cage drivers cannot see one, let alone 2 in a row (staggered) so when you are the second bike be alert(lerts live longer).

 

[UHOH]

When riding as a second bike two or three carlengths behind the lead bike when riding as a pair ...

most of my buddy riding is out-of-town / rural so I'm not in this situation often, but seems when riding pairs around town I'm closer than 2-3 carlengths.

So, if 2-3 carlength spacing is a problem maybe tighten-up to help avoid situations?

Good general alert, though. Ride safe.

 

[Barry 07 FJR1300AE]

When riding as a second bike two or three carlengths behind the lead bike when riding as a pair I have noticed on several occassions vehicles at intersections eyeball the first bike, anticipate something, then roll out right in my path. I know frequently cage drivers cannot see one, let alone 2 in a row (staggered) so when you are the second bike be alert(lerts live longer).

When I am riding lead, I hate when the followers ride that far back. You are asking for someone to pull out in front of you when you are that far back. One or two motorcycle lengths at MOST. You need to seem as one GROUP when riding. That way cagers see you as such. When you ride far back it looks to cagers as if you are not together. They sometimes think you are slowing to turn.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Yup...It kinda sucks, but in the city, groups of bikes need to reduce space. Otherwise some knuckelhead will try to squeez in between the riders. As said above, if you space out too much, it not only becomes a hassle for the lead bike trying to keep track of everyone, but it pisses people off that 5 bikes are taking so much space and time to pass by.

 

[boomerang]

When riding as a second bike two or three carlengths behind the lead bike when riding as a pair I have noticed on several occassions vehicles at intersections eyeball the first bike, anticipate something, then roll out right in my path. I know frequently cage drivers cannot see one, let alone 2 in a row (staggered) so when you are the second bike be alert(lerts live longer).

I guess I'm confused. Are you stopped at a 4-way stop intersection, and then rolling off at the same time as the lead bike? Or are you passing through a 2-way and the cage is pulling out from a stop.

If it's the first scenario,then I can understand why. It's because you are not moving a unit. You are way too far back,you look like an individual instead of a group.The cage assumes that you are just pulling forward to take your turn at the stop.

If the 2nd.- Then maybe you need to reasses your riding position,( lane choice,distance between riders,general visibilities) I tend to use my whole lane.I like to be able to move to where ever I feel best about whats about to come. When approaching an intersection I most often move to the left lane and try to always make eye contact with guy that could be about to kill me.

 

[JamesW]

When riding as a second bike two or three carlengths behind the lead bike when riding as a pair I have noticed on several occassions vehicles at intersections eyeball the first bike, anticipate something, then roll out right in my path. I know frequently cage drivers cannot see one, let alone 2 in a row (staggered) so when you are the second bike be alert(lerts live longer).

I guess I'm confused. Are you stopped at a 4-way stop intersection, and then rolling off at the same time as the lead bike? Or are you passing through a 2-way and the cage is pulling out from a stop.

If it's the first scenario,then I can understand why. It's because you are not moving a unit. You are way too far back,you look like an individual instead of a group.The cage assumes that you are just pulling forward to take your turn at the stop.

If the 2nd.- Then maybe you need to reasses your riding position,( lane choice,distance between riders,general visibilities) I tend to use my whole lane.I like to be able to move to where ever I feel best about whats about to come. When approaching an intersection I most often move to the left lane and try to always make eye contact with guy that could be about to kill me.

2nd and usually 30-45mph in urban areas. I tend to watch the vehicles front wheel closest to me for ANY movement. Also I have had drivers look dead at me(no pun) and then pull out. In my second reincarnation I have been riding since 72 and am still around.

 

[oldryder]

I like 3-4 car lengths or more when outside town. trailing rider closes up when cross traffic is present.

what you don't want is a spacing that temps someone to pull out in front of the trailing bike(s)

In town much closer (maybe 1/2 a car length) so the visual presence is greater and to avoid the temptation for a cager to try to pull out between the bikes.

if there is a good argument for an alternate approach I'd love to hear it as I'm no expert.

 

[Silver Penguin]

I like 3-4 car lengths or more when outside town. trailing rider closes up when cross traffic is present.
what you don't want is a spacing that temps someone to pull out in front of the trailing bike(s)

In town much closer (maybe 1/2 a car length) so the visual presence is greater and to avoid the temptation for a cager to try to pull out between the bikes.

if there is a good argument for an alternate approach I'd love to hear it as I'm no expert.

That's pretty much the way I ride, since when I'm not riding alone, I'm riding with one other bike and he always rides in front. Good distance apart when the roads are quiet, then close up the gap as it gets busier. For four-way stops, especially in unfamiliar towns, I will pull up alongside and we cross the line together, before I drop back a little. That's probably not legal but prevents us getting separated.

As the second rider, I usually have more Hi-viz gear than the lead rider too.

 

[DELETE-PLEASE]

I think the 'recommended' lead time, if riding staggered, is a 1-second delay behind. Which should definitely be closer than 2-3 car lengths. Especially at around town speeds. Reasoning is that you want the person directly behind you (3rd in formation) to be 2 seconds back.