Being nice doesn't count

**nobbie48** · 03-31-2012, 11:36 AM

We were out on a ride with a bunch of bikes and as we were coming to a stop sign a very courteous cager waved us through as not to break up the ride. Thinking about it after I wondered if that had any effect on the bikes not actually stopping for the sign. I strongly suspect that if a cop was around and wanted to fill his quota there would be a lot of fines.

On several occasions when riding the Goldwing I've stopped at a red light and hearing a sport bike or two behind me waved them to, basically filter to the front, and leave me in the dust.

I will also, when conditions warrant, pull to the right on a two lane and wave faster bikes through in my lane. The right thing to do would be to pull onto the shoulder but sometimes it isn't friendly or the traffic is such that I would have problems getting back on course.

I would hate it if my being nice got someone else nailed. Thoughts on the legalities? I don't think a civilian has the right to overrule traffic laws.

**Kuro** · 03-31-2012, 11:49 AM

Originally Posted by nobbie48

I will also, when conditions warrant, pull to the right on a two lane and wave faster bikes through in my lane. The right thing to do would be to pull onto the shoulder but sometimes it isn't friendly or the traffic is such that I would have problems getting back on course.

I would hate it if my being nice got someone else nailed. Thoughts on the legalities? I don't think a civilian has the right to overrule traffic laws.

If you gave them space, it is ultimately their decision to scoot up ahead. They're likely to do it anyway, IMO, you're just making it a bit safer.

I think its good that you're courteous to think that way... and to even think it might screw over another rider.

**RetroGrouch** · 03-31-2012, 11:54 AM

Waving faster bikes to pass you is nice and a cool thing to do. Being concerned if the faster bikes get pulled over is too nice, you don't want to be too nice. You are not responsible for the action or consequences of others.

**braveheart** · 03-31-2012, 12:17 PM

AFAIK no one has the right to blow a stop sign or red light, everyone must stop.

**OpenGambit** · 03-31-2012, 12:35 PM

they still have to stop. you can allow them to go ahead of you but they still have to stop.

**omnivore** · 03-31-2012, 01:08 PM

Personally, I prefer the traffic ahead of me to just concentrate on their own ride/drive. I perfer to pass in the other lane where I have full control and responsibilty for what happens. I don't like to squeak past someone in their lane.....even places like Deals Gap where I will catch another motorist every minute or less, I do not share their lane even when they wave me by. In fact I fear for their safety when they are so busy looking in their mirrors at me behind them, and should be looking ahead.If I want to pass, I will take neccessary precatuions and make it happen the right way, when I am certain it is safe to continue...otherwise I will stay put behind slower traffic ( even those horrendous HD and Goldwing trikes) regardless of whether or not they are trying to be nice and let me squeak past.

**iFly55** · 03-31-2012, 03:17 PM

then there's this

**AF4iK** · 04-01-2012, 12:38 AM

Originally Posted by iFly55

then there's this

lol would you filter past a cop if he waved you through?

Nobbie, you sound like a courteous rider, don't change

. If you waved me through I would pass and wave back. It's my choice to take you up on your offer at the risk of a ticket.

**thedude** · 04-01-2012, 02:55 AM

I may be wrong, but depending on where you are If you are part of a procession (funeral, large riding group etc..) and the first vehicle enters an intersection legally the rest in the procession can continue through without stopping. I'm pretty sure Ontario does not allow this. correct me if I'm wrong.

**nobbie48** · 04-01-2012, 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by thedude

I may be wrong, but depending on where you are If you are part of a procession (funeral, large riding group etc..) and the first vehicle enters an intersection legally the rest in the procession can continue through without stopping. I'm pretty sure Ontario does not allow this. correct me if I'm wrong.

At the last two funerals I attended the directors made it very clear to everyone that they had no special powers or rights. If they need to run lights they hire a police escort. In less self important times people would allow funerals to pass as a courtesy. Don't count on that today.

Rides are the same thing only with less expectation of courtesy. One of the reasons I dislike rides of more than a couple of well known friends. Some riding clubs have ranks that sound quasi police / military. Doesn't mean squat.

The only reason more bikers aren't killed pulling that trick is that all drivers are required to avoid collisions even if it means waiving their rights. (No Florida Stand your ground law).

**Rob MacLennan** · 04-02-2012, 06:59 AM

You have to stop at stop signs and lights. You could certainly allow other riders to filter up past you, but waving cross traffic through doesn't eliminate the necessity of those drivers to obey the law.

The only time you could possibly get away with it, is if it was by direction of an officer. I've told to both lane split and go through flashing red lights, under direction of an officer.

**Griffin** · 04-04-2012, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by thedude

I may be wrong, but depending on where you are If you are part of a procession (funeral, large riding group etc..) and the first vehicle enters an intersection legally the rest in the procession can continue through without stopping. I'm pretty sure Ontario does not allow this. correct me if I'm wrong.

You are wrong in the first part - it isn't legal anywhere..

The only way you can legally proceed through a stop sign or red traffic signal is if a cop directs you to.

I agree with Omnivore, above, in that I don't want you to be worried about waving me past in your lane. You worry about your ride, I'll worry about mine. I've had people try to wave me by in their lane - it's not gonna happen. I'm not going to take responsibilty for illegally sharing your lane. Forget the safety issues, if a cop sees it, I'm on the hook for it.

The number of close calls I've seen where someone waved someone else on is ridiculous. For example, people waving a car out of a parkling lot right into oncoming traffic. You should only count on what you know to be safe. ANd people should NOT be surrendering right of way. It leads to confusion and confusion leads to accidents. If it's your turn to go at the stop sign, go.

In the initial example, I would have pulled around the "good citizen" in frustration at being illegally held up. That could lead to a higher probability of an accident. Bottom line is that you really aren't doing the road going public a service by surrendering right of way. You're just adding to confusion and danger.