Blocking intersections

[cactusjack]

Ever ridden in a group that blocks cross traffic in intersections so the group can make it through without getting separated? I have. Having said that, the practice is illegal.

I found this article regarding the subject:
http://www.timesunion.com/local/arti...#ixzz20q8553Zl

[ringadingh]

I figured its probably illegal, but Ive been in plenty of rides where its been done when starting the group off. I don't really see it as a big deal as it only a few seconds to a minute long most times.

[collinr]

Saw a Mongol do it where a police car was in the first position. He acted as though he had mechanical issues that magically resolved themselves once all the bikes passed.

[Monkeyman]

Go ahead and block the intersection. I hope the ambulance going to help your grandmother isn't the vehicle being blocked. There are group ride rules. Blocking an intersection isn't one of them.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Never seen it happen.

[jlreeves]

Truthfully here most folks will wait for a group of bikes to all pass through without blocking. If not, you just hang slow and wait to reform. Blocking is a bad idea and should only be done by a LEO.

[Top Cat]

We blocked two intersetions yesterday at the regional.
Nobody got pissed, they just waved as we waved a thank you.
Also I did not read in the morning paper of anyone's grandmother passing away as a result
Really Chris, don't you think we would have gortten out of the way of an ambulance

[Monkeyman]

I think good riders would TRY to get out of the way but by the time you have a bunch of bikes in the intersection, a few on their way and 3 or 4 stopped dead, it might take a minute. Seriously, a minute might make a difference. I just think it's a bad idea.

[glwilson]

Common sense would prevail in that situation Chris... Geez...

We block all the time without much problem, however we also try to be courteous. Haven't had problems.

Most places I ride, people actually wave the group through. Large groups means dollars for some of these areas, and they like it.

[chainsaw]

That's just the reply I'd expect from Chris, and Gene, you haven't been to a rally with Trip blocking the road for you. He is a Blue Knight, does that count?

[jandreu]

First I don't ride in the large groups around here for any reason. The few times I've broken down to the peer pressure and joined a large ride I was always disappointed and regretted it. Around here the large rides are usually some event, toy run, etc, organized by the club I belong to, Street Bikers United, which invites anyone on anything to join. SBU is mostly a watch dog group here that keeps an eye on issues that affect bikers in the state legislator and the riders are not use to riding together, very dangerous. At least one bike on bike rear end every ride. Also one of the local so called bad ass clubs always rides security, blocking intersections, and then they ride up the shoulder at a high rate of speed to get to the next intersection before the group does.

Last big ride this happened and the "blocker" was going so fast he could not make a curve, side swiped a truck heading in the opposite direction which veered across the yellow line into the rest of the group. Two people dead! Five bikes involved and 6 people hurt.

No groups, no way for me. I love to ride and always ride packing my wife. She's a trooper and trusts me to ride the way I want. I could not live with myself if I hurt her on the bike!

So as far as blocker's go I have no need for them. Even if I'm with a small group of friends I always obey the traffic signals. Heck on Maui you just can't get that far away from the group that you don't catch up.

[Monkeyman]

Originally Posted by glwilson

Common sense would prevail in that situation Chris... Geez...

We block all the time without much problem, however we also try to be courteous.

IMO, it has nothing to do with courtesy. It's more logistics. Ambulance, fire truck, cop car pull up with their sirens on and lights flashing and it induces a moment of panic. More in some, less in others but rarely does someone NOT get at least a tiny shot of adrenaline. That causes people to act in ways they normally wouldn't. Bunch of bikes in the road, some getting ready to cross, etc. Do you rush across? Do you slam on the brakes? Do you run into someone else? Too many variables involved. Do as you wish. I tend not to ride in groups anyway.

Originally Posted by chainsaw

That's just the reply I'd expect from Chris...

No idea what that means so I'll just say, 'Thanks'.

[glwilson]

Not surprised at some responses to "group rides".

I have to admit, I am not entirely fond of them myself. I do prefer to be in smaller groups with riders I am familiar with their skills - therefore you won't likely see me joining group rides where you have a variety of "unknown skills".

A couple of larger group rides I did participate in we're also coordinated with law-enforcement along the entire route - plus a trailer vehicle following, in the event a bike needed to be hauled.

Those rides are far and few between though. And for reference, these rides had over 200 bikes.

In the end... YOU are the one responsible for your own safety, and are ALWAYS responsible for yourself and the consequences of your actions.

[Loafer]

I believe most people don't want to be sandwiched in with a bunch of bikers.
So they will gladly wait for the parade to pass. I have been on many rides
with between 8 (friends) to 987 bikes (toy runs). After witnessing a
couple of preventable accidents, I choose not to ride in the parades any more.
I also limit myself to riding with people I deem to have common sense.

I have blocked an intersection or two over time, and I find most people to
be very understanding.

One ride I did, got dangerous when the line of bikes was about two miles
long. People became unruly and started cutting in to the line of bikes, by
just driving out into the intersections knowing the riders would yield rather
then have an accident. Which then started some road rage.

The police were not very nice to the riders after they got some witnesses
comments.

I believe that road signs being put up as to when such an event is going to
happen helps the locals decide ahead of time to avoid that area while the
ride is happening.

Tourists get a chance to see how many riders are in the area and maybe watch
out for them the rest of the time they are in that area. (just my thoughts)

[fish]

My wife did blocking a couple time during our rally with out a problem. just have to use commen sense.

Although a white buick = old lady pulled out infront of me so the sabel horn was used for a couple of seconds