Motorcycle Officers, riding in VERY close formation? WTF?

[Scott in Ok]

I've seen this before, but noticed it again yesterday on my way home from work.  I was on a 4 lane, divided highway and in my mirror I noticed two motorcycles riding side by side.  I slowed a bit and let them come around me and they were motor officers, on duty.  They were riding harleys, and their mirrors were literally 2 inches apart(and closer at times).  Now, I realize they have gone through some serious training and are very good at what they do, but good lord, why would you ride that close together?  What happens if one of them hits a pothole in the road?  Or even an imperfection in the pavement? Regardless of their obvious skill at operating a motorcycle, there seems to be to many things outside their control for that to be even remotely safe.  What purpose does riding in close formation serve?

Thoughts?

-Scott

[Bob E.]

I'd be interested in hearing what RJ has to say...since he'd be speaking from experience. 

[BamaDrifter64]

Sounds like they've watched one too many "CHiPS" episodes....and are now emulating "Ponch" & "Jon"....

Dave

[Whistler]

I agree with you Scott, although it seems when ever I have seen LEO's on motors they are always riding side by side. In the old days I would assume it was a communication thing, hand signals. But I would think in this techno society they have eliminated the need for hand signals so it must be an, dare I say, EGO thing? Being an ex-LEO I think I can safely say that especially with the quality, or lack of, in some of the new breed of Officers. Not all LEO's are in that catagory, but some are. JDW

[Tundra]

FHP always ride side by side in Florida. It is legal here.

[Blackjack]

I think they do it because they enjoy showing off, which I think most of us can understand. When I took a motorcycle safety course a couple of months ago put on by motorcycle policeman from Edmond, OK and the OK Highway Patrol, the same question was asked. The motorcycle cop said that, first of all, two bikes and two cops riding side by side present an authoritative profile. Second, he said that he trusts the cop riding beside him with his life, and vice versa. To me, that still doesn't quite explain it, but that's how he answered the question.

You could also ask why they wear shorty helmets and short sleeve shirts.

Here's a joke the same guy told: "When an officer in a patrol car sees an attractive woman on the street he drives around the block so that he can get another look. But when a motorcycle cop sees an attractive woman he rides around the block so that she can get another look at him."

[PAVALKER]

Not sure about the "showoff" thing, but I would agree that they do receive extensive training and those bikes are like an extension of their limbs.  I also agree that a side by side presence is an authoritative profile.  They can communicate easier, without the electronic hassle or possibility of being monitored.  And the trust issue would be almost second to none, trusting your life to your partner.  If those guys are in a bind and guns are a blazing, back and forth, those mirrors side by side seem like a small thing.

Plus ya gotta remember, those bikes they are on are much smaller and much lighter.... easier to handle.   

[Black Pearl's Captain]

All the cool kids ride 1x1. I like it. How else am I gonna get some knuckles?

Raymond

[JimL]

I hesitate to use the word "never" since sooner or later there is usually an exception...however I am going to break my rule and say that there is "never" a good reason for someone to be riding side-by-side only inches apart on a motorcycle.  I suspect BamaDrifter64 was right on point with the CHIPS/Ponch and Jon analogy.  Much like the mirror-lens sunglasses of "Cool Hand Luke" fame....it is all about show.

Taxpayer money and equipment should be used more judiciously.

[R J]

Hey Scott, where they on a trailer side by side with the front wheel off?

Also did they look like John & Ponch?   1 of the only times we allowed it.

They are not told to do this, however they have been trained to do it.

It is supposed to be used in Funeral precession's or when Dignitaries are being escorted.

So, my response would be, they are asking for a arse eatin by the Captain..........
When I was still working, they would have gotten it and 10 days in the Black
& White.


If they had of called in & wanted to practice, it would have been approved if it was on a basically deserted road.

Ya cant out guess em, on these procedures, and I wouldn't want to try.

[Daniel Meyer]

They do it here in Dallas as well...always. (and it's not legal in Texas!).

They don't wave either. And when you pull beside them at a light and say, "How's it going?" they won't even glance in your direction.

[Willow]

... The motorcycle cop said that, first of all, two bikes and two cops riding side by side present an authoritative profile. Second, he said that he trusts the cop riding beside him with his life, and vice versa. To me, that still doesn't quite explain it, but that's how he answered the question.

You could also ask why they wear shorty helmets and short sleeve shirts.

I think the motor officer's answer was dead on.  I've not noticed pairs of motorcycle police riding any other way.  Is it for everyone?  Definitely not!

As to the safety, I would look to the statistics.  I don't pay much attention to the news, but I don't recall many, if any, stories of motor officers in close formation crashing because one hit a pothole. 

We all have our lists of issues focused and ignored.  Many of us, maybe most, wrap ourselves in protective gear and climb onto a motorcycle with which we have a less than intimate relationship and on which we have marginal skills.  Some of us even strap on a helmet and then light up a cigarette.

I'm pretty sure that those motor officers are safer in their shorty helmets and shirt sleeves than I am in all my body armor and full face helmet.

YMMV (but my opinion is correct  )   

[asfltdncr]

If there is no tactical reason for them riding side by side, then it is just another example of an abuse of power--nothing new and not regional.

[Scott in Ok]

I wasn't suggesting they didn't have the skill to ride like that, nor did I care what the law said.  And I'm of course not suggesting I haven't done similar things, or even more stupid stunts...like say, ride a wheelie without a helmet or long pants maybe? I just think the odds are not on their side, from a safety standpoint.  And I think they should be setting a better example for other riders and to the general motorcycle hating public in general.

All the cool kids ride 1x1. I like it. How else am I gonna get some knuckles?

Raymond

You know I'm down with some knuckles!

-Scott

[BamaDrifter64]

You know, this is a little off-topic, but I do agree with setting a good example.  Not only the police, but anything having to do with motorcycling.  The reason I bring this up is that I was watching a rerun of "Wild Hogs" the other night and they continuously showed those knuckleheads riding side by side and the four of them in formation pretty much within an arm's length of each other.  I just thought that was pretty irresponsible of Hollywood - wait, like I was thinking Hollywood acts responsible anywhere....nevermind...

Dave

[Al in AK]

Hello All,
I'm in the office today and just had to check in. Thought I would chime in.

The first time I was out of state with the Valk, Deb and I sort of got lost down in Seattle area and came upon a MC cop. Asked for directions and he said follow me. Up onto the freeway we went and he motioned me right by his side. We rode down the freeway like that for about 5 miles, it was actually great geting the looks from the cagers.

Upon coming up to the exit we were to take, he pointed over to it and as we seperated he hollered over to us, Get a Harley!

Have a good day everyone, 

Al Brown

[RedValk]

i know someone will (or will want to) flame me on this.....but..........

From time to time ....depending on the situation/road/traffic....Sherry and I....my LIFELONG RIDING PARTNER....do indeed ride side by side on our bikes (but not THAT CLOSE!). we don't do it in tight curves....and we don't do it when we feel the traffic or situation makes it too risky.

but...for instance...going down the interstate we often do it. in fact, i think it was Highbinder ....who had to warn us when we visited them in VA...that it was actually illegal in their state.

anyway, i wouldn't do it with someone i didn't know there riding skills/characteristics inside out.....nor someone i didn't trust exceedlingly. i taught Sherry how to ride in 1978 ....when i was a Motorcycle safety instructor at San Bernardino, CA. i was the instructor for the course at Norton AFB...i had the use of the course and the bikes after hours...and i taught her after hours in her own little "private course". i've ridden with her now....well...since 1978. i know her pretty well, i guess you could say.

So....on occassion....we do it. we don't do it (eh, i'm talking about riding side by side....get your mind out of the gutter   ) when we're in a group riding situation....or ...when road/traffic/environment dictate the risk to be too high.

That said, it DOES have more inherent risk, i'll admit. But like others have said, just riding a bike is a risk. we all take risks. We're all willing to take different levels of risk. some wear no helmet. Some push in the corners to the BITTER edge of the envelope. Some.............ride side by side...from time to time......

[Valkhound]

Kinda reminds me of a few years back when I witnessed these loons performing high speed precision riding on Deals Gap!  

[fudgie]

i know someone will (or will want to) flame me on this.....but..........

From time to time ....depending on the situation/road/traffic....Sherry and I....my LIFELONG RIDING PARTNER....do indeed ride side by side on our bikes (but not THAT CLOSE!). we don't do it in tight curves....and we don't do it when we feel the traffic or situation makes it too risky.

but...for instance...going down the interstate we often do it. in fact, i think it was Highbinder ....who had to warn us when we visited them in VA...that it was actually illegal in their state.

anyway, i wouldn't do it with someone i didn't know there riding skills/characteristics inside out.....nor someone i didn't trust exceedlingly. i taught Sherry how to ride in 1978 ....when i was a Motorcycle safety instructor at San Bernardino, CA. i was the instructor for the course at Norton AFB...i had the use of the course and the bikes after hours...and i taught her after hours in her own little "private course". i've ridden with her now....well...since 1978. i know her pretty well, i guess you could say.

So....on occassion....we do it. we don't do it (eh, i'm talking about riding side by side....get your mind out of the gutter   ) when we're in a group riding situation....or ...when road/traffic/environment dictate the risk to be too high.

That said, it DOES have more inherent risk, i'll admit. But like others have said, just riding a bike is a risk. we all take risks. We're all willing to take different levels of risk. some wear no helmet. Some push in the corners to the BITTER edge of the envelope. Some.............ride side by side...from time to time......

I wonder when someone would fess up and admit to doing it! I've done it plenty of times. Not sure if its illeagal in Ind or not. We would do it when we would need to chat back and forth. We each stay in our lane. Most of the time i am straddled at his back wheel. I don't do it our county roads or in curves. Now I won't do this with everyone, just a very few that I have ridden with over the years.

[stude31]

I have rode side by side w/ my cousin on his vtx but since he put those highway bars on his bike and my I/S w/ highway pegs we are just too close for comfort now.  We use to ride side by side on straight aways and then when we would get in curves or other high risk areas one would fall back to a stagger formation.

So yes I have done it and still do on occasions but only next to the VTX I don't know anyone else as well as Justin....

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I've done it with Lucky 13, Big Al and Highbinder ...Very few I trust enough to ride side by side with. Big Al and I have done The Dragon side by side and The Beast also.

[BudMan]

Wow.
That just took me back almost 40 years.
My roommate in college and I used to ride line abreast all the time.  There were three of us that rode in close formation all the time.  The roomie and I never gave it any thought, we just did it.  We were far to invincible to worry about it then.
 I honestly have not thought about those rides from then to now.  Looking back, I can't believe we did it.
I think I'll call Kent and see if he remembers how crazy we were.
He is the same guy that would hit me with his Volkswagen, have the third guy in our group jump out and drag me into the back seat and tear off across campus!
Ah, to be young and stupid...
(But ya’ know what, I'd try it again tomorrow given the chance.) 

[Hoser]

It is legal in Kansas, did it all the time when I was a young sprout, but the bikes were so much smaller then!  hoser

[fiddle mike]

They do it here in Dallas as well...always. (and it's not legal in Texas!).

They don't wave either. And when you pull beside them at a light and say, "How's it going?" they won't even glance in your direction.

You may be more up on Texas law than I am, but I believe motorcycles can share a lane, but cars cannot.
Some of the long-time H-D riders I know ride parade ("You got to be able to law a broom handle between the handle bars, man."). I believe there were 26 motorcyclists who ride this way piled up on a highway, last week.

[MP]

One of our group asked the ex Police Motorcycle head Instructor who was our instructor at the week long class in Seattle that question this summer.

His answer was basically they are trained to do it.  They have years of practice and training to do it.  Since they ride with the same partner all the time, all it takes is a look, and they each understand what the other will do when something happens.  Versus taking seconds to call on the radio, which is too long in most situations.  And that is the way the public expects them to ride.

And, he said, do not ride that way!  Without all the training.  Plus, it is illigal for civilians to do it in most places anyway.

MP

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Cops riding illeaglly? Is that possible? I thought they could do whatever they please!! Who else can park in the median of a 70 mph highway and get away with that?

Take it easy, i'm kind of joking. 

Raymond

[Joe Hummer]

I have actually left group rides before for people passing me on the right side of my lane...or riding there.  And just try to share my lane when you are in a car and see how far that goes...but that is a different topic.  The ONLY places I will accept another bike next to me is at a stop light or really slow speeds.  There is no telling when you will need that extra ground and if someone is riding next to you...where are you going to go?   Now...I have ridden in the opposite lane in order to talk to another bike when traveling...but the road has always been empty (both ways) when doing it. 

Training and skill will never replace luck.  And when it comes to luck, you need all the room you can get. 

Joe

[RedValk]

Since they ride with the same partner all the time, all it takes is a look, and they each understand what the other will do when something happens. 

after riding with SHerry since 1978....most times...i don't even need THAT look. I know what she is going to do 99.99% of the time. The other .01%, she gives me THAT look.......

hey, i don't do this with ANYONE else. Just my wife....my riding partner since 1978. And only in situations where the road/traffic permit.

but then........i wouldn't think of riding without a helmet...and some of you do. I USED to push in the mountain curves at death defying speeds. Ask some who have ridden with me.....alone (i'm NEVER, EVER going to be responsible for leading a group of people on curvy roads AT HIGH SPEEDS...so those of you who have only ridden with me in group rides, may THINK....i'm a conservative rider. nothing could be further from the truth..........). But now days...........i find myself holding back just a little much of the time....as i watch other of my old friends continue to push the envelope...and ...some crash!

again, my point is..............i don't judge YOU for not wearing a helmet. You have decided that is a risk ....all or some of the time...YOU can accept. I don't judge those who ride EXTREMELY fast in the curves....with or without a group (yes, i sometimes still do it.....push the envelope...but...just a little less than the old days). I don't judge those that put on a car tire....but...i'd NEVER do it (that's another discussion for another day).

So....judge me and Sherry ....if you will............but frankly, it doesn't matter to me! Whether it's trailering, riding side by side, putting both feet down at a stop light in some cases (sorry, couldn't resist  )....i don't ride or conduct myself to meet someone else's criteria. I do it for MY enjoyment/pleasure/satisfaction.

Sure beats talking politics...........

[fudgie]

Since they ride with the same partner all the time, all it takes is a look, and they each understand what the other will do when something happens. 

after riding with SHerry since 1978....most times...i don't even need THAT look. I know what she is going to do 99.99% of the time. The other .01%, she gives me THAT look.......

hey, i don't do this with ANYONE else. Just my wife....my riding partner since 1978. And only in situations where the road/traffic permit.

but then........i wouldn't think of riding without a helmet...and some of you do. I USED to push in the mountain curves at death defying speeds. Ask some who have ridden with me.....alone (i'm NEVER, EVER going to be responsible for leading a group of people on curvy roads AT HIGH SPEEDS...so those of you who have only ridden with me in group rides, may THINK....i'm a conservative rider. nothing could be further from the truth..........). But now days...........i find myself holding back just a little much of the time....as i watch other of my old friends continue to push the envelope...and ...some crash!

again, my point is..............i don't judge YOU for not wearing a helmet. You have decided that is a risk ....all or some of the time...YOU can accept. I don't judge those who ride EXTREMELY fast in the curves....with or without a group (yes, i sometimes still do it.....push the envelope...but...just a little less than the old days). I don't judge those that put on a car tire....but...i'd NEVER do it (that's another discussion for another day).

So....judge me and Sherry ....if you will............but frankly, it doesn't matter to me! Whether it's trailering, riding side by side, putting both feet down at a stop light in some cases (sorry, couldn't resist  )....i don't ride or conduct myself to meet someone else's criteria. I do it for MY enjoyment/pleasure/satisfaction.

Sure beats talking politics...........

[vanagon40]

fudgie,

Legal in Indiana.

"A motorcycle is entitled to the full use of a traffic lane and a vehicle may not be driven or operated in a manner that deprives another vehicle of the full use of a traffic lane.  Motorcycles may, with the consent of both persons who operate the motorcycles, be operated with not more than two (2) abreast in a single traffic lane."

Indiana Code § 9-21-10-6