common practice for motorcycles to stop traffic?

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The practice of civilian bikers (motorcycle and bicycle) taking control of RoW at intersections, etc, is becoming more common. It's also illegal; certainly in IN (where I'm at), and likely in most states. Just another example of the narcissistic human condition; it's all about them.

I have no argument with sanctioned, official, escorted rallies. Rallies that are legally registered and escorted are fine by me. Most of the time these are true charity rides, with the money going to a good cause of some sort (sick kids, cancer research, etc). And typically they are well managed and the routes are reasonably thought out in advance.

But these wanna-be cowboys will get themselves, or someone else, hurt. And what makes their precious time more important than mine anyway? In fact, there are times I think they are just out joy-riding with no "official" purpose other than they want to stay together as a group and not be split up. Hey - if they can do it, why not a group of Corvette owners out for a Sunday drive? Why not a family/friend caravan to the beach? Where does one draw the line? Who gets to break the laws; who has to obey them?

We've been instructed at the SO to stop/educate these folks, and if necessary, ticket them for failing to follow RoW, traffic signals, etc. However they won't typically pull this type stunt in front of my marked patrol car. But I've seen it more than once while in my own personal vehicle.

As a biker and a cop I abhor this type behavior; it is just another reason some people have a negative attitude towards bikers in general.
 
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Iv rode with some very large groups esp on memorial rides when I had my cruisers. You have to ride in a close pack to keep cars from getting between you and doing stupid [censored] that can make the whole pack wreck.500 bikes don't stop very well,and police can't be everywhere. Im a truck driver predicting stupidity is second nature to me,iv seen it all
 
Originally Posted By: tomcat27
yesterday morning I was in a truck pulling a large trailer, two lane highway, blind curve. some clown on a Harley pulls a "Jax Teller" and is in the center of my lane heading right for me, passenger waving her arms. It's all I can do to stop the truck and trailer without hitting them - we stopped about 3-5 feet from each other. I'm expecting an accident up ahead? no, they state that there is a "motorcycle rally ahead". rally? at this point I see 4 or 5 bikes that want to pull out from a side street. then he attempts a 3 point turn and I hear his passenger yell "look out!" then I hear and feel a thud. of course, they take off right away. damaged my truck and left the scene of an accident that they caused. not to mention they risked their lives by driving head-on into my lane.

regardless, a co-worker said that their group does this a lot.


They force you to stop.

Cause an accident.

Then take off.

For their convenience of riding together.

Nice....

I'm considering a dash cam more and more every day. At least with a dash cam, you would have evidence of their fault, not to mention a license plate and complete description, in order to sue and/or prosecute.
 
If you encounter the middle of one of these packs how do you know they don't have a police escort at the beginning, or a parade permit? Yeah, odds are good, until that one time...

The guys who stop cross traffic refer to themselves as "marshalls". That's a stretch.

My state is "nice" to the bike crowd as it's a form of tourism.
 
Originally Posted By: eljefino
If you encounter the middle of one of these packs how do you know they don't have a police escort at the beginning, or a parade permit? Yeah, odds are good, until that one time...

The guys who stop cross traffic refer to themselves as "marshalls". That's a stretch.

My state is "nice" to the bike crowd as it's a form of tourism.


They call the intersection idiot a "marshall"?
I thought that was the "newby", "prospect", "no great loss if he gets run over guy".
The 1% = 99% stoopid.
 
having recently been busted up badly in my own motorcycle accident, I say anyone on a motorcycle that does the stuff described... trying to control traffic, is making a mistake. Marked law enforcement motorcycles ridden by uniformed motor officers being the only exception, and even then some people don't even see the red/blue's on the police bikes when they're flashing. I don't care how much gear you're wearing, it rarely works out in favor of the rider in an accident.

If bikers or riders block me so their buds can pull out, I'm good with that I'm not going to worry about it and I'll abide their request even activate my four way hazard flashers, but they are still practicing bad judgment.
 
After half a century on cycles, I have observed the following:

There are old bikers,

There are bold bikers,

But, there are no old bold bikers
 
Originally Posted By: HouseTiger
After half a century on cycles, I have observed the following:

There are old bikers,

There are bold bikers,

But, there are no old bold bikers


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So if a large group of motorcyclists want to get to the same location SAFELY and need to block an intersection to do so, without having distracted car drivers pulling out in front of them doing all kinds of stupid maneuvers, I'm OK with that. Does everyone get all worked up when a crowd of people cross the street at the same time and you have to stop? or what about a school bus? The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.,,
 
Originally Posted By: tomcat27
yesterday morning I was in a truck pulling a large trailer, two lane highway, blind curve. some clown on a Harley pulls a "Jax Teller" and is in the center of my lane heading right for me, passenger waving her arms. It's all I can do to stop the truck and trailer without hitting them - we stopped about 3-5 feet from each other. I'm expecting an accident up ahead? no, they state that there is a "motorcycle rally ahead". rally? at this point I see 4 or 5 bikes that want to pull out from a side street. then he attempts a 3 point turn and I hear his passenger yell "look out!" then I hear and feel a thud. of course, they take off right away. damaged my truck and left the scene of an accident that they caused. not to mention they risked their lives by driving head-on into my lane.

regardless, a co-worker said that their group does this a lot.


You get bonus points for the Jax Teller reference!
 
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
So if a large group of motorcyclists want to get to the same location SAFELY and need to block an intersection to do so, without having distracted car drivers pulling out in front of them doing all kinds of stupid maneuvers, I'm OK with that. Does everyone get all worked up when a crowd of people cross the street at the same time and you have to stop? or what about a school bus? The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.,,


IF they have an official uniformed Police escort, that's fine. Otherwise, obey the rules of the road like all motorists are supposed to. We don't get special privileges to arbitrarily control traffic, just because we're on bikes. Unauthorized blocking of other legal road users just makes ALL Motorcyclists look bad.
 
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
So if a large group of motorcyclists want to get to the same location SAFELY and need to block an intersection to do so, without having distracted car drivers pulling out in front of them doing all kinds of stupid maneuvers, I'm OK with that. Does everyone get all worked up when a crowd of people cross the street at the same time and you have to stop? or what about a school bus? The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.,,

People who refuse to use crosswalks and buses that stop traffic despite no children being present (to let other buses pull onto highways usually) do annoy me, yes. When people inconvenience me simply because they are too lazy and feel entitled to the point that the rules do not apply to them, yes it is irksome.
 
Most police don't want to be involved with escorted rides. They won't give permission for any group to do it, but they won't go out of their way to stop it. Some departments don't have the personnel to do the escort, even if they wanted to. So in the name of safety, the groups do it themselves. Do you guys that get all upset about being held up for 5 minutes of less, call the Police to complain about when there's an accident and people slow down to gawk at it?. Or when you behind a non-police driven school bus that stops every 50 ft to let kids off or on the bus? How about when there's a detour that takes you out of you way for miles when you can clearly see there's nothing goin on?. Or a group of bicycles that are riding in your lane and won't pull over? Here's an idea for everyone who thinks what they have to do is so important that they can't give up a few minutes of their time, call your local Police and request a personal escort. let us know how that works out for ya.,,,
 
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
Most police don't want to be involved with escorted rides. They won't give permission for any group to do it, but they won't go out of their way to stop it. Some departments don't have the personnel to do the escort, even if they wanted to. So in the name of safety, the groups do it themselves. Do you guys that get all upset about being held up for 5 minutes of less, call the Police to complain about when there's an accident and people slow down to gawk at it?. Or when you behind a non-police driven school bus that stops every 50 ft to let kids off or on the bus? How about when there's a detour that takes you out of you way for miles when you can clearly see there's nothing goin on?. Or a group of bicycles that are riding in your lane and won't pull over? Here's an idea for everyone who thinks what they have to do is so important that they can't give up a few minutes of their time, call your local Police and request a personal escort. let us know how that works out for ya.,,,


In the name of safety? Really?
Attempting to block vehicles large enough to squash a motorcycle like a bug is safe?
Maybe in NJ it is different, but in Texas it is the LAW to stop for school buses loading or un-loading children. It is for safety.
Maybe in NJ it is different, but in Texas it is the LAW that bicycles are NOT required to pull over, they have the same rules as motorists. It is for safety.

what you wrote ....
"Here's an idea for everyone who thinks what they have to do is so important that they can't give up a few minutes of their time, call your local Police and request a personal escort. let us know how that works out for ya"

Here is an idea for the biker wanna be traffic cops........
what makes what you want to do so important that you can't give up a few minutes of your time to obey the LAW?

How about this......proceed through the intersection safely and obeying the traffic laws, wait in the nearest parking area, and then re-group and ride on!
What? Takes up your precious time, for a obvious leisure ride?

This is not done for safety, it is all about the arrogant attitude,
all about me me me me me me me me me..........
Bikers stopping traffic so the group can proceed is the sum of all stupidity.
 
Originally Posted By: BalticBob
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
Most police don't want to be involved with escorted rides. They won't give permission for any group to do it, but they won't go out of their way to stop it. Some departments don't have the personnel to do the escort, even if they wanted to. So in the name of safety, the groups do it themselves. Do you guys that get all upset about being held up for 5 minutes of less, call the Police to complain about when there's an accident and people slow down to gawk at it?. Or when you behind a non-police driven school bus that stops every 50 ft to let kids off or on the bus? How about when there's a detour that takes you out of you way for miles when you can clearly see there's nothing goin on?. Or a group of bicycles that are riding in your lane and won't pull over? Here's an idea for everyone who thinks what they have to do is so important that they can't give up a few minutes of their time, call your local Police and request a personal escort. let us know how that works out for ya.,,,


In the name of safety? Really?
Attempting to block vehicles large enough to squash a motorcycle like a bug is safe?
Maybe in NJ it is different, but in Texas it is the LAW to stop for school buses loading or un-loading children. It is for safety.
Maybe in NJ it is different, but in Texas it is the LAW that bicycles are NOT required to pull over, they have the same rules as motorists. It is for safety.

what you wrote ....
"Here's an idea for everyone who thinks what they have to do is so important that they can't give up a few minutes of their time, call your local Police and request a personal escort. let us know how that works out for ya"

Here is an idea for the biker wanna be traffic cops........
what makes what you want to do so important that you can't give up a few minutes of your time to obey the LAW?

How about this......proceed through the intersection safely and obeying the traffic laws, wait in the nearest parking area, and then re-group and ride on!
What? Takes up your precious time, for a obvious leisure ride?

This is not done for safety, it is all about the arrogant attitude,
all about me me me me me me me me me..........
Bikers stopping traffic so the group can proceed is the sum of all stupidity.
OK, on a weekend usually a Sunday when these runs take place, what are YOU YOU YOU doing that's so important that you can't wait a few minutes to let a group pass you in the name of safety?. A large group of bikes is alot easier to see then a single rider.The single most used excuse car drivers use when involved in an accident with a bike is "I didn't see them", is getting old. I can't imagine how mad people must get when they drive thru town and catch every red light, and there's no other traffic around. but have to stop anyway. That's the stuff keeps the companies that make high blood pressure pills in business.,,
 
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
Originally Posted By: BalticBob
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
Most police don't want to be involved with escorted rides. They won't give permission for any group to do it, but they won't go out of their way to stop it. Some departments don't have the personnel to do the escort, even if they wanted to. So in the name of safety, the groups do it themselves. Do you guys that get all upset about being held up for 5 minutes of less, call the Police to complain about when there's an accident and people slow down to gawk at it?. Or when you behind a non-police driven school bus that stops every 50 ft to let kids off or on the bus? How about when there's a detour that takes you out of you way for miles when you can clearly see there's nothing goin on?. Or a group of bicycles that are riding in your lane and won't pull over? Here's an idea for everyone who thinks what they have to do is so important that they can't give up a few minutes of their time, call your local Police and request a personal escort. let us know how that works out for ya.,,,


In the name of safety? Really?
Attempting to block vehicles large enough to squash a motorcycle like a bug is safe?
Maybe in NJ it is different, but in Texas it is the LAW to stop for school buses loading or un-loading children. It is for safety.
Maybe in NJ it is different, but in Texas it is the LAW that bicycles are NOT required to pull over, they have the same rules as motorists. It is for safety.

what you wrote ....
"Here's an idea for everyone who thinks what they have to do is so important that they can't give up a few minutes of their time, call your local Police and request a personal escort. let us know how that works out for ya"

Here is an idea for the biker wanna be traffic cops........
what makes what you want to do so important that you can't give up a few minutes of your time to obey the LAW?

How about this......proceed through the intersection safely and obeying the traffic laws, wait in the nearest parking area, and then re-group and ride on!
What? Takes up your precious time, for a obvious leisure ride?

This is not done for safety, it is all about the arrogant attitude,
all about me me me me me me me me me..........
Bikers stopping traffic so the group can proceed is the sum of all stupidity.
OK, on a weekend usually a Sunday when these runs take place, what are YOU YOU YOU doing that's so important that you can't wait a few minutes to let a group pass you in the name of safety?. A large group of bikes is alot easier to see then a single rider.The single most used excuse car drivers use when involved in an accident with a bike is "I didn't see them", is getting old. I can't imagine how mad people must get when they drive thru town and catch every red light, and there's no other traffic around. but have to stop anyway. That's the stuff keeps the companies that make high blood pressure pills in business.,,


Time for your chill pill?
 
Again - this is about arrogance, at it's root. "Safety" is their cry when they are challenged; it's their go-free card being played. (Not unlike the phrase "it's all about the children ... "). What monster of a person would dare challenge the concept of "safety"? But safety isn't why these scofflaws do this; it's about their conveniences.

Why should bikers (both MC and pedal-power) get preferential treatment by being above the law? Why not your local Corvette club on their Sunday drive; they can all group together, too, right? Why not a collection of any group, being able to usurp the traffic laws.

Traffic laws exist for a reason. That encompasses a large total of issues rolled into one. I've witnessed this type of thing happen a few times, and the bikers are anything but safe. They block the intersection as a matter of their convenience, not to be "safe". Traffic signals and signs exist for the smooth transition of flow for all, not just for some.

Again- escorted official parades and rallies I have no problem with. It is the impromptu wannabe's that annoy me to no end.

As for Indiana, I'm confident that the State Code (9-18-8-32) does not have an exemption for groups wanting to be "safe" and stay together.
Stop signs at intersections; duty to obey Sec. 32. A person who drives a vehicle shall stop at an intersection where a stop sign is erected at one (1) or more entrances to a through highway that are not a part of the through highway and proceed cautiously, yielding to vehicles that are not required to stop.
And this for traffic stop lights from IC 9-21-8-41:
Traffic control devices; obeyance of instructions; highway worksites; extraordinary care; safety controls Indiana Code 2016 Sec. 41. (a) A person who drives a vehicle may not disobey the instructions of an official traffic control device placed in accordance with this article unless otherwise directed by a police officer. .
(note: a "vehicle" in this IC is any manner of propelled conveyance, so this includes bicycles as well as motor-driven equipment.)

Nothing in the Code says "Hey - if ya'll want to be "safe" then go ahead and do what ya want, and make others wait on you because your interests and time are just more important that others, go ahead and presume special privilege above any and all Indiana Statutes." And I suspect it's about the same for all other States.


And yes, my time and safety (and that of those behind me) are just as important to us as those in front pulling these kinds of stunts.
 
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Originally Posted By: dnewton3
Again - this is about arrogance, at it's root. "Safety" is their cry when they are challenged; it's their go-free card being played. (Not unlike the phrase "it's all about the children ... "). What monster of a person would dare challenge the concept of "safety"? But safety isn't why these scofflaws do this; it's about their conveniences.

Why should bikers (both MC and pedal-power) get preferential treatment by being above the law? Why not your local Corvette club on their Sunday drive; they can all group together, too, right? Why not a collection of any group, being able to usurp the traffic laws.

Traffic laws exist for a reason. That encompasses a large total of issues rolled into one. I've witnessed this type of thing happen a few times, and the bikers are anything but safe. They block the intersection as a matter of their convenience, not to be "safe". Traffic signals and signs exist for the smooth transition of flow for all, not just for some.

Again- escorted official parades and rallies I have no problem with. It is the impromptu wannabe's that annoy me to no end.

As for Indiana, I'm confident that the State Code (9-18-8-32) does not have an exemption for groups wanting to be "safe" and stay together.
Stop signs at intersections; duty to obey Sec. 32. A person who drives a vehicle shall stop at an intersection where a stop sign is erected at one (1) or more entrances to a through highway that are not a part of the through highway and proceed cautiously, yielding to vehicles that are not required to stop.
And this for traffic stop lights from IC 9-21-8-41:
Traffic control devices; obeyance of instructions; highway worksites; extraordinary care; safety controls Indiana Code 2016 Sec. 41. (a) A person who drives a vehicle may not disobey the instructions of an official traffic control device placed in accordance with this article unless otherwise directed by a police officer. .
(note: a "vehicle" in this IC is any manner of propelled conveyance, so this includes bicycles as well as motor-driven equipment.)

Nothing in the Code says "Hey - if ya'll want to be "safe" then go ahead and do what ya want, and make others wait on you because your interests and time are just more important that others, go ahead and presume special privilege above any and all Indiana Statutes." And I suspect it's about the same for all other States.


And yes, my time and safety (and that of those behind me) are just as important to us as those in front pulling these kinds of stunts.


+1

If it was about safety, they'd break up into smaller groups and obey the law.
 
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
..... OK, on a weekend usually a Sunday when these runs take place, what are YOU YOU YOU doing that's so important that you can't wait a few minutes to let a group pass you in the name of safety? ......


It's none of your business and none of your concern. Licensed drivers have the privilege of using the roads in accord with the rules of the respective jurisdiction, and have every right to expect others to do so in a like manner.

Period.

Indeed, safety of all users is at its highest when everyone follows the rules. It is at its minimum when people feel like the rules apply to someone else.

So, spare us the safety baloney.
 
Originally Posted By: SlipperyPete
Originally Posted By: dnewton3
Again - this is about arrogance, at it's root. "Safety" is their cry when they are challenged; it's their go-free card being played. (Not unlike the phrase "it's all about the children ... "). What monster of a person would dare challenge the concept of "safety"? But safety isn't why these scofflaws do this; it's about their conveniences.

Why should bikers (both MC and pedal-power) get preferential treatment by being above the law? Why not your local Corvette club on their Sunday drive; they can all group together, too, right? Why not a collection of any group, being able to usurp the traffic laws.

Traffic laws exist for a reason. That encompasses a large total of issues rolled into one. I've witnessed this type of thing happen a few times, and the bikers are anything but safe. They block the intersection as a matter of their convenience, not to be "safe". Traffic signals and signs exist for the smooth transition of flow for all, not just for some.

Again- escorted official parades and rallies I have no problem with. It is the impromptu wannabe's that annoy me to no end.

As for Indiana, I'm confident that the State Code (9-18-8-32) does not have an exemption for groups wanting to be "safe" and stay together.
Stop signs at intersections; duty to obey Sec. 32. A person who drives a vehicle shall stop at an intersection where a stop sign is erected at one (1) or more entrances to a through highway that are not a part of the through highway and proceed cautiously, yielding to vehicles that are not required to stop.
And this for traffic stop lights from IC 9-21-8-41:
Traffic control devices; obeyance of instructions; highway worksites; extraordinary care; safety controls Indiana Code 2016 Sec. 41. (a) A person who drives a vehicle may not disobey the instructions of an official traffic control device placed in accordance with this article unless otherwise directed by a police officer. .
(note: a "vehicle" in this IC is any manner of propelled conveyance, so this includes bicycles as well as motor-driven equipment.)

Nothing in the Code says "Hey - if ya'll want to be "safe" then go ahead and do what ya want, and make others wait on you because your interests and time are just more important that others, go ahead and presume special privilege above any and all Indiana Statutes." And I suspect it's about the same for all other States.


And yes, my time and safety (and that of those behind me) are just as important to us as those in front pulling these kinds of stunts.


+1

If it was about safety, they'd break up into smaller groups and obey the law.


They would also wear full helmets and protective gear, instead of beanies, denim vests, and chaps.
 
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