Need advice on biker coaching!

[Oyeaa]

A guy that works at the same place I do rides a BMW motorcycle and I think he is pretty fresh as I have never seen him on it before today.  We were on a four lane highway (2 lanes northbound and 2 southbound no median) heading north and I was slowing down due to a slower speed zone.  Because I was slowing down I had a huge SUV passing me in the left hand lane (the passing lane) and unfortunately crowding across the center lane into my lane from the left.  So then just as I was about to move over to the right 1/2 of my lane give myself some breathing space the BMW motorcycle whizzed past me on the right and we nearly touched. (BTW I really dislike bikes pulling up alongside me when I know they are there and always ride in a staggered formation).   The BMW then pulled across in front of me and into the SUV's lane, in front of the huge SUV and put on his brakes for the red light at the intersection.  I pulled up next to him and was about to talk to him about it when the light changed and he sped off.  What I need to know is...

1.  Should I just let it go and make an attempt to stay as far away from him on the road as possible and allow him to figure it out by getting hurt or killed?.
or
2. Should I talk to him about his unwelcome, stupid, unsafe, illegal driving habits and ask him to please keep his distance from me until he learns how to ride and maybe piss him off but make him at least think about being a little safer?

[9Ball]

I vote for speaking your displeasure....calmly and non-threatening.  Then if he ever does it again it's go time.

[Disco]

Valkpilot posted 3 links to very good information in this recent thread on the Texas Board.  Group Riding

[TGViper]

If you like the guy, be nice and talk it out.  If you don't care, tell him what needs to be said.  He put you at risk as well as others on the road.  Passing in the same lane, on the right is baddddd. 

Viper

[Joe Hummer]

I fully agree with passing in the same lane...whether part of a group ride or not.  You did right by not confronting him right then...your emotions would have ruled the situation.  I would definitely say something to him though...as stated...take the high road and inform him of his mistakes.  If he is a new rider, suggest a MSF class or at least the Ride LIke A Pro videos or a good motorcycling training book...such as those written by Pat Hahn.  Good luck on the talk...remember..if it gets confrontational...just say thanks for listening and walk away. 

Joe

[czuch]

 1, Talk to him and suggest a course for skills improvement.
2, Stay away from him and inform him that if he sees you on the road give you a wide berth.
3, when you come across his dyin ass, go through his wallett.

[fudgie]

Me being the shy one, I'd let it go. I been past and have passed in the same lane. But I always knew they were coming or they knew I was there and motioned me to pass. I'da stuck a boot in the SUV's door and held my ground. Or do what my HD bud does, take his hammer, which is conviently mounted on the crash bar, and let him know your there and he's in your lane. I've watched him swing it a few times and they move back over. 

[Quicksilver]

I've been thinking about your post and perhaps he was in his own way trying to protect you from a truck driver who wasn't paying attention. He saw what the driver was doing, got angry immediately , and reacted, perhaps unwisely putting himself in front of an innatentive driver, although I think he knew what he was doing. So I think he was covering your back. I know a few lads that would do more than just make the driver slow down and have to shift a few gears again.
IMHO

[Big Rig]

We get to be older riders by listening to those who know...you are one of those that know.

Make it nice and maybe over a beverage of choice. I have had several riders in my group do similar things. Some times new riders need help to live to ride another day. That is our task as was the task of those that helped us learn.

Pay it forward...

[highcountry]

Talk to him sternly and maybe save his life.

[Gator]

Ask him for his version of the event. Then you can adjust your communication accordingly. People are usually more receptive to coaching if you get them engaged and don't just download on them.

[Gunslinger]

I would probably lose my cool and tell him what needs to be said, but I believe that a calm sane approach would probably be better received.

Invite him out for a cool refreshing beverage of choice as has been suggested and get his interpretation of the event, Offer yours in a non-condescending manner and give him some constructive advice. Just understand that many people are unable/unwilling to accept criticism.

At least you know you tried.

[R J]

In a nice way, inform him that passing on th right in the same lane is illegal....

It is not recommended to pass in the left lane for that matter.....

[Oyeaa]

Thanks for the advice.  I did not want a confrontation.  I felt that discussing the issue face to face might allow either of us to show to much passion on the subject. I sent him a short and polite email, and no I did not ask him for his version of what happened.  I basically told him that a riders safety program may help improve his abilities and help him become a safer driver.  Then told him that passing within the same lane, especially on the right hand side, was viewed my most to be unwelcome and unsafe, plus it is illegal.  I asked him to please treat all motorcyclist, especially me, as if they were in Semi's when passing them and always use an open, left hand, passing lane or slow down.

I sent the email note to him a few days ago and he has not responded in any way.  I am guessing he is probably embarrassed, either he realized his error himself, or when I pointed it out, or at least when he asked the first fellow rider what they thought of the situation and he got the "what were you thinking" type of response from them as well.

[Momz]

Hell,...I'd let the air out of his tires .