| Author | Message | ||
     Dr_greg |
Was (am) going to post this on Advrider.com, but their server is down now, so I'll post it here first. Just got back from some great riding in SW Colorado, but I was presented with a dilemma. I encountered several construction delays; you know, the road is down to one lane and they let groups of vehicles go through alternating directions (often with a pilot car). Well, I encountered one of these about five miles south of Silverton, CO. When I pulled up to the line there were twenty vehicles in front of me (I counted). They were the "usual suspects:" SUVs, family sedans, two different pairs of Harleys, etc. So I get off the Uly and wait in line... Then it occurs to me that there is plenty of room between the flagger at the front of the line and the first car for the Uly to fit at the head of the line. And going to the head of the line would have two distinct advantageous: (1) Improved safety! I'm going to pass ALL those vehicles anyway, so why not pass them all right now, with no danger to any of us! (2) Improved enjoyment for "Dr. Greg!" With many miles of clear twisty CO mountain road in front of me I'll have a great time! And only one disadvantage that I can think of: (1) The motorists will think "d*mn motorcycle"...he's too good (or insert your choice of adjective) to wait in line like the rest of us! Seemed to me that going to the head of the line is clearly preferable. But, alas, my innate sense of "fair play" got the better of me and I waited in line. However, I did pass all the vehicles in pretty short order and had a great ride! So whaddya think? Go to the head of the line? | ||
| Wolffone2000 |
I think I did one better recently. Gridlock traffic because of an accident. Semi's, Trucks, SUV's and cars even on the shoulder to create an additional lane. Except me. On the grass to the right of the shoulder many times and moving into the shoulder when there was room. It was about a 10 mile backup of traffic. I was cruising about 15-20 MPH. The other drivers can only complain that they are not on a bike. But then, they also have air-conditioning in their car --- while they wait. Even the sportbikes didn't follow me on the shoulder. | ||
| Fubar |
I have usually gone to the front without incident. However...one time the flag-wench sent me to the back of the line. Does a reflective vest and a hard hat count as a uniform? Your tax dollars at work. fubar | ||
| Teeps |
I guess it depends on whether lane splitting is allowed. If so, then yes, by all means go to the front of the line, 'specially if the traffic is stopped. I go to the front all the time at traffic lights that are red. If the light turns green before I reach the front I take my place in line. | ||
| Mrvvrroomm |
I've actually been waved to the front of construction lines, more than several times infact. | ||
| Court |
 After leaving the road they couldn't cite him for a traffic violation....so he got "trespassing" | ||
| Aeholton |
Welcome back Court. | ||
| Mramsey |
If you are going to the front any way don't wait in stopped traffic for 2 hours in the blazing hot sun first like we did on our way back from Myrtle Beach, S.C. Went to the side of the road and passed 5 miles worth of stopped traffic in about 15 minutes. Why didn't we do that 2 hours ago? I guess the hot sun drove us to madness. | ||
| Debueller |
On the WA state ferries they load pedisterians first, then bicycles, then motorcycles. It does not matter how long the line is, the cars wait and the bikes and people go to the front of the line. I LOVE IT.  : BTW, it's great to hear from ya again Court. | ||
| Snub13 |
On the "Lake Shore Express" from Muskegon to Milwaukee (and back) they loaded the bikes first. | ||
| Lovehamr |
"However...one time the flag-wench sent me to the back of the line." LOL The flag-wench can eat the peanuts out of my...........well you get the idea. She can just be really pissed as I go by anyway. It's not like you're holding traffic up or causing an unsafe situation. Flag persons are there only for safety, not as hall monitors. BTW, did you have your hall pass with you? LOL | ||
| Fubar |
Yeah... I had the same thought (and man-shame) as I was riding away. I guess I'm just used to doing what wimin tell me. | ||
| Danger_dave |
I go to the front of every line of stationary traffic - regardless of circumstances. | ||
| Phatkidwit1eye |
The only time I've done something like that was in the dead of summer, while stuck in construction traffic. I pulled up onto the sidewalk, turned my bike off, got off and pushed it down the side walk for a couple blocks. Once I got past the construction, I started her up and went about my way. It's pretty sad when you can push your motorcycle and still move faster than traffic. |
