Out riding today there was a ton of blue hairs and gawkers out enjoying the fall colors in their own irritating way. People driving under the speed limit, not paying attention to the road.
So that got me to thinking. I'll pass on double yellows if need be - like if they aren't doing the speed limit. No big deal. Otherwise I'll try to wait for a passing zone.
I find that I have two passing modes. If someone is going the speed limit or over, and I just want to get by, I'm generally keeping it in a higher gear. If someone is going under the speed limit and/or swerving around, I drop a gear or two and hammer down.
So. Does that make me an asshole?
I think passing over the double yellow is what makes people think you are an asshole.
Be careful out there, quick way to get yourself dead.
Drivers aren't expecting you to pass when it is double yellow. Who knows, if their driving sucks that bad they might be making a left without signaling -- while you happen to be on their left door. I'd say ask the guy that did that infront of Two Wheels Only in GA last weekend, but, he won't be responding, ever.
In there eyes, most likely they think your an Asshole, but screw em!
I got stuck on the the local range road yesterday behind 2 idiots having an argument going between 20 to 40 KPH on the road, the Idiot up front was blocking the guy behind from passing in the passing lanes by sitting in the middle of both lanes and being a slim mountain road with lots of corners the guy behind was stuck.
and there is no room to pullover to let them all go.
They both swerved to the right (Allowing we drive on the left of the road here) The guy in front swerved right to block the guy behind him passing on the one straight section, I saw this was going to happen, I was in 2nd gear, cracked it to full throttle and passed them on the left (Illegal here in Australia with a very big fine)
To me it was the lesser of 2 evils, stay stuck in this fight between 2 Idiots with no regard to other road users and with a massive train of angry and very impatient drivers behind me getting throttle happy and no doubt someone will lose it and do something really silly, Or break a law and get out of a dangerous situation in about a second or 2.
I chose the latter, If I got a fine I'd be taking it to court in a heart beat.
I look after me first, If I think my personal safety is limited due to inattention/stupidity of other drivers or riders, I get the hell out of there. I would prefer to be alive with a fine or a court date than injured or worse.
But I don't just pass on double yellows (Double white over here) because I can, If I'm at risk or danger, then I'll weigh up all the options including pulling over and stopping or pulling out and passing, but if it's just a slow driver I'll normally just sit there and use the time to have a bit of stretch or reposition myself ready for when I can pass them.
Look after yourself first! because no one else will [thumbsup]
This is one of those occasions were my relativism comes out. Double yellow lines are there based upon the performance of an automobile, so given the performance of a motorcycle, it it completely safe in many instances to pass in a double yellow zone. Not all instances mind you, but many. If you are extremely careful, signal your intent, and don't push the limits I tend to think it's ok.
Of course no one else is going to appreciate that, so the people getting passed or casually observing are going to think you're an out of control hooligan recklessly endangering the general public on you motorbike that should be banned.
Who cares if someone thinks your an asshole. You think their an asshole for driving like a slug.
makes no difference just dont be a dumbass about passing and be safe. [thumbsup] ride safe
Quote from: He Man on October 11, 2008, 03:46:13 PM
Who cares if someone thinks your an asshole. You think their an asshole for driving like a slug.
makes no difference just dont be a dumbass about passing and be safe. [thumbsup] ride safe
+1
I pass in double yellows if it's safe...as long as there aren't any [leo]
Quote from: vwboomer on October 11, 2008, 02:41:34 PM
I find that I have two passing modes. If someone is going the speed limit or over, and I just want to get by, I'm generally keeping it in a higher gear. If someone is going under the speed limit and/or swerving around, I drop a gear or two and hammer down.
I mostly just hammer down. Get the pass over quickly. Plan the pass, double check it's safe, and then just go for it. [moto]
Quote from: vwboomer on October 11, 2008, 02:41:34 PM
So. Does that make me an asshole?
No. If they think you're an asshole, make the beast with two backs 'em. We didn't get into motorcycling for 'their' approval. [evil]
My rule for passing: early and often.
FYI, I have this (http://www.legalspeeding.com/HARD.htm) setup with a Valentine One and it has paid for itself 10x over ... [wine]
Adam
Wow! What a timely post. I was out riding today and had the SAME exact thoughts. I knew there would be opinions on both sides.
I saw a guy in front of me on a bike today, and he just went ahead and passed the cars on the double yellow line. He did it quickly and safely (in my opinion). But some might think he was driving like an asshole. I typically don't pass in those conditions unless someone is going under the limit, or talking on their phones, swerving around, just acting like an idiot. Actually, that happens a lot, so I do end up passing quite a bit. Especially when out for an actual ride, as apposed to just doing an errand around town, or going somewhere close to my house. But I have no problem if another rider does it as long as they aren't freaking people out. In other countries, riders seem to do whatever they can to safely get around cars and it seems to work out OK.
You must be careful though. If you pass and it pisses the wrong person off, then you have to stop in a few miles to get gas, it could get ugly. I'm 6'4" and had an angry, short, fat soccer mom get out of her SUV at a stop light a few years ago, and slap my helmet because she was pissed at me (long story and I never saw it coming). That's better than some nut job with a gun though.
A lot of roads in my area had passing zones and then were painted over double-yellow, so I most definitely pass in those areas. And I'm old and conservative.
When I was a kid, my Grandfather would commonly pull over to let others pass. Now it seems people take it as a personal challenge if you pull up behind them.
Quote from: Jeff_S2R1K on October 11, 2008, 05:15:46 PM
When I was a kid, my Grandfather would commonly pull over to let others pass. Now it seems people take it as a personal challenge if you pull up behind them.
I've found that the best way to help a cager find their gas pedal is to pass them [laugh]
Adam
I pass in a double yellow rarely.
When I do, I put the blinker on, and beep the horn in a "friendly" way to get their attention.
However, I have a headlight modulator, and it is VERY often that people move over as I am approaching them from behind. That was $70 well spent.
There is always the shoulder [moto]
Quote from: ducatizzzz on October 11, 2008, 06:11:19 PM
I pass in a double yellow rarely.
When I do, I put the blinker on, and beep the horn in a "friendly" way to get their attention.
However, I have a headlight modulator, and it is VERY often that people move over as I am approaching them from behind. That was $70 well spent.
What kind did you get? Not that there's a huge difference between them I'm sure [moto]
Adam
Do you guys pass other people on motorcycles if they are going slow or are all over the place? Just curious because if someone is riding behind me and they are close I let them pass but if I pull up behind someone and I'm going faster then them very few have pulled off to the side a little and let me pass.
Quote from: pintsizejesus on October 11, 2008, 07:43:58 PM
Do you guys pass other people on motorcycles if they are going slow or are all over the place? Just curious because if someone is riding behind me and they are close I let them pass but if I pull up behind someone and I'm going faster then them very few have pulled off to the side a little and let me pass.
Yes. If you're on a bike and you don't get out of the way for another bike --
LATER! [wine]
Adam
Great topic! I do pass on double yellow if it is safe to do so. It seems to be the only straight stretches that people don`t speed up in. I don`t know if it`s just my perspective or if others have noticed, but it seems like everyone thinks that passing lanes and unstriped straights are for trying to keep people from passing you. You follow someone through curves and they go 10 mph below the posted speed , but give them a straight stretch or come to a passing lane and that same person will do 15-20 mph over the speed limit. [bang] Burns my butt! [evil]So yes I do pass anytime it is safe to do so, damn the double yellows. ;D Ok, of my soapbox now ;D All vented out. ;D
Quote from: pintsizejesus on October 11, 2008, 07:43:58 PM
Do you guys pass other people on motorcycles if they are going slow or are all over the place? Just curious because if someone is riding behind me and they are close I let them pass but if I pull up behind someone and I'm going faster then them very few have pulled off to the side a little and let me pass.
I'm much more respectful to other motorcyclists. The consequences of scaring them or upsetting them are potentially much more severe than if a cage is in front of you. I try to make them aware that I'm there and only pass when it's really, really clear. Preferably on a straight. So, as much as I get annoyed when motorcylists don't check their six in the twisties (I expect it from cagers but not from motos), I give them a benefit of the doubt. You're right, though. Many aren't even aware that you're there, which I find mindboggling consider how loud Ducs are. I also don't pass people in my own group unless I know them well. FWIW, I try to give bicylcists more room too.
I've been in group rides where motorcyclists come through way too fast and with too little patience. It really pisses me off. They have no idea if I'm a douchebag, a complete make the beast with two backstard newbie or a racer, and no idea how I'm going to react to a Gixxer six inches from my elbow. I've even chased people down and lectured them before for coming through a group in what I thought was an unsafe manner. Needless to say, they rarely appreciate the lecture, but <shrug>.
Quote from: Spidey on October 11, 2008, 08:56:35 PM
I'm much more respectful to other motorcyclists. The consequences of scaring them or upsetting them are potentially much more severe than if a cage is in front of you. I try to make them aware that I'm there and only pass when it's really, really clear. Preferably on a straight. So, as much as I get annoyed when motorcylists don't check their six in the twisties (I expect it from cagers but not from motos), I give them a benefit of the doubt. You're right, though. Many aren't even aware that you're there, which I find mindboggling consider how loud Ducs are. I also don't pass people in my own group unless I know them well. FWIW, I try to give bicylcists more room too.
I've been in group rides where motorcyclists come through way too fast and with too little patience. It really pisses me off. They have no idea if I'm a douchebag, a complete make the beast with two backstard newbie or a racer, and no idea how I'm going to react to a Gixxer six inches from my elbow. I've even chased people down and lectured them before for coming through a group in what I thought was an unsafe manner. Needless to say, they rarely appreciate the lecture, but <shrug>.
+1, I was referring to the "F.U. I'm riding here, 10 MPH below the speed limit" Cruiser Brigade in my earlier post.
Adam
I'll pass if i think it is safe to do so and that it won't scare the living shit out of the driver in front who is being distracted by his/her phone or direction etc. I usually get their attention before hand by using the high beam flasher. When I ride at night I use high beam all the time so I'll toggle the high and low beam. If they pull over a little to let me by I'll give them a thank you wave.
Disclaimer: Just dont flash anyone who is signaling trying to move into your lane as most will take your two flash means you are letting them move over in front of you. On a side note, I notice truckers are very motorist friendly, both towards riders and drivers.
I'll pass bikes or cars or trucks or Amish buggys...whatever if they are going slower than I want to go, without respect to the color or style of the line dividing the lanes.
My only rule is that I have to be able to see where the pass will end prior to starting to pass.
Briefly the reason for the rule. I started passing a car once and there was a dip in the road ahead so I really couldn't see the actual raod and where I would end the pass. Long story short: As I was along side the car I was passing a car appeared in the other lane. Braking, locking, off brake, beginning of a wobble, scary...anyway as the oncomming car went past, we were all three sharing the road in one place for a brief moment with me riding the line. Thus "my rule".
Plus no matter who or what I am passing I get it done quickly. I don't care what the other people think, I just want to have the least amount of time possible beside the other vehicle. Exception: The Amish buggys...I pass slowly so as to not have the loud pipes scare the horse...but then again, ya really don't have to be going too fast to pass a horse drawn buggy. BTW I think the Amish kids love it.
Quote from: DrDesmosedici on October 11, 2008, 07:17:27 PM
What kind did you get? Not that there's a huge difference between them I'm sure [moto]
Adam
pathblazer (kisantech).. i am happy as a clam with it.
I'm from the mountains and if you don't pass on the double yellow .... you don't pass. Observe all the rules of the road otherwise though.
LA
Quote from: He Man on October 11, 2008, 03:46:13 PM
Who cares if someone thinks your an asshole. You think their an asshole for driving like a slug.
makes no difference just dont be a dumbass about passing and be safe. [thumbsup] ride safe
+1.
Not enough passing zones on most of the country roads I ride so it's either pass on double yellow or fall asleep riding SLOW.
I live in the land of curvy roads and slow moving leaf lookers, tractors, flat-landers etc. I don't like to pass on the double, but I'd never get anywhere on the bike if I didn't. I just choose carefully and try not to just blast past and startle them ~
JM
double yellows alone...pass.
lots of places and driveways for the car you're passing to turn left...don't pass.
It's all about the environment and conditions, not the paint on the road.
I'm the same as most people here it seems. I pass on double yellow, irrespective of the type of vehicle, as long as I know the road well and(/or) can see that the pass is safe. In most cases it's due to the person in front going 10+ mph under the speed limit but I'd like to echo the comment made about double yellows being designed for the lowest common denominator, not motorcycles. That's not to say that it's always safe to pass - often I don't - but that the space required for a relatively quick bike to pass with an aware and competent rider is much shorter than most cars. I always err on the side of caution though because it can be risky. Often, on road I know, if there's a passing lane coming up I'll just deal until we get there & then pass. I also only do this in areas that aren't built up. In more built up areas I'll just slow down a lot to give myself room to have fun in the approaching twisties. Sucks when you make a gap & someone pulls into it though. :'( ;)
Quote from: Dirteagle on October 11, 2008, 08:37:27 PM
Great topic! I do pass on double yellow if it is safe to do so. It seems to be the only straight stretches that people don`t speed up in. I don`t know if it`s just my perspective or if others have noticed, but it seems like everyone thinks that passing lanes and unstriped straights are for trying to keep people from passing you. You follow someone through curves and they go 10 mph below the posted speed , but give them a straight stretch or come to a passing lane and that same person will do 15-20 mph over the speed limit. [bang] Burns my butt! [evil]So yes I do pass anytime it is safe to do so, damn the double yellows. ;D Ok, of my soapbox now ;D All vented out. ;D
Yeah this happened a lot to me and my wife on our 2000 mile summer trip. We'd come up on someone in the twisties and then when the road straightened they would punch it! Very annoying... still passed them. Even our lil 620's out accelerate most cars.
As for the original poster, I do pass on Double yellow, though normally I wait and give them a fair chance to pull over for me first... but once they pass a turn out or two.. I'm done and I pass them at the next safe section of road.
Quote from: cynic13th on October 14, 2008, 09:55:01 AM
Yeah this happened a lot to me and my wife on our 2000 mile summer trip. We'd come up on someone in the twisties and then when the road straightened they would punch it! Very annoying...
My fiancée and I were in a group ride in WV. We were the slowest in the group (only bike 2-up) and on the least powerful bike on the trip (62HP M750) the closest bike power-wise was the 900SS so we had our work cut out to keep up to begin with. We get behind in a really technical section and a F-250 or 350 pulled out between the 2nd to last rider and us. In the straights, I was indicating 80-85 to stay up with the truck. In the twisty sections, it was crawling. So... On a deserted stretch of WV (no sideroads/driveways to worry about) we came out of a twisty section I could the the about 1/4 mile straight and finally was able to pass. Funny thing was, the dude throttle the truck to try to keep me from getting around him. Jealous drivers suck ~
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on October 14, 2008, 10:24:20 AM
. Funny thing was, the dude throttle the truck to try to keep me from getting around him. Jealous drivers suck ~
JM
I don't think they are jealous...of course they are idiots but what I really think the motivation is, is that you insulted their manhood by passing them! How dare you!?
Lamebrained nitwits...I loooove passing them and just chuckling in my helmet!
Quote from: Statler on October 14, 2008, 07:29:43 AM
double yellows alone...pass.
lots of places and driveways for the car you're passing to turn left...don't pass.
It's all about the environment and conditions, not the paint on the road.
That's a damn good summarization counselor [thumbsup]
I was driving in WV this weekend and I passed a truck (number 1) on a very long (2 mile or so) straight. There was a truck (number 2) coming down the road towards us at the other end of the road (so at the other end of the 2 mile stretch). Long after I passed truck #1 and was back in my lane the 2nd truck (#2 coming towards me) crossed the line into my lane about 200 yards in front of me. For no reason at all. Just for a second but it freaked me out.
Quote from: MTBryan on October 11, 2008, 05:02:19 PM
Wow! What a timely post. I was out riding today and had the SAME exact thoughts. I knew there would be opinions on both sides.
I saw a guy in front of me on a bike today, and he just went ahead and passed the cars on the double yellow line. He did it quickly and safely (in my opinion). But some might think he was driving like an asshole. I typically don't pass in those conditions unless someone is going under the limit, or talking on their phones, swerving around, just acting like an idiot. Actually, that happens a lot, so I do end up passing quite a bit. Especially when out for an actual ride, as apposed to just doing an errand around town, or going somewhere close to my house. But I have no problem if another rider does it as long as they aren't freaking people out. In other countries, riders seem to do whatever they can to safely get around cars and it seems to work out OK.
You must be careful though. If you pass and it pisses the wrong person off, then you have to stop in a few miles to get gas, it could get ugly. I'm 6'4" and had an angry, short, fat soccer mom get out of her SUV at a stop light a few years ago, and slap my helmet because she was pissed at me (long story and I never saw it coming). That's better than some nut job with a gun though.
you should have totally pimp slapped that lady for touching you. nobody, i don't care how old or frail or female thy are has no right in touching someone unless they are fully prepared to have a fist fight right then and there.
Figure as long as I'm not making anyone brake or swerve then I've got enough room to pass regardless of what the lines say. Otherwise I'm being a bad rider (again, regardless of what the lines say). There are few enough curvy roads here. There's usually a lot of places on those roads to pull over. If they don't take the opportunity to let me in front, I'll use my opportunity to get there.
Quote from: sbrguy on October 14, 2008, 04:27:18 PM
you should have totally pimp slapped that lady for touching you. nobody, i don't care how old or frail or female thy are has no right in touching someone unless they are fully prepared to have a fist fight right then and there.
Yeah, it's generally pretty intelligent to walk up to a stranger and hit them because they cut you off. Because no one ever hits back (or has a gun) [roll]
Adam
Quote from: sbrguy on October 14, 2008, 04:27:18 PM
you should have totally pimp slapped that lady for touching you. nobody, i don't care how old or frail or female thy are has no right in touching someone unless they are fully prepared to have a fist fight right then and there.
You know, normally I would have NO tolerance for that behavior. But it completely caught me off guard.
I was driving home one evening. I was going through one of those areas where the speed limit is 55, but the people driving can never seem to go more than about 35 to 40. I always called it a 'stupid stretch'. So, rather than fight for my speed like I normally do, I was pretty much taking it easy in the right lane. But this gal was going about 60 to 65, and for some unknown reason of human consideration that I have rarely experienced, the traffic opened up for her since she was obviously in a hurry. So, I figured HEY, count me in on the increased speed.
So, I followed her for a mile or so going 65 (not that much over the limit, but a lot faster than the dummy's going 40). She weaved, and I weaved, and people got out of her way.
So, I was enjoying the pace, and yelling, "You go girl!".
We got to a point where it was time for her to weave around another vehicle, but for some reason she slowed down. I have no idea why. She slowed to about 50mph right behind the vehicle.
So, now that I was in the mood for more speed, and since this was the last vehicle in the line, and it was clear sailing from that point on, I went ahead and changed lanes, into the left lane, and put on a pass.
Well, right as I turned into that left lane, she decided she WAS going to pass that truck, and she pulling right in front of me. Well, actually, on top of me. But no worries, I am always prepared for that from drivers. Instead of slowing down, I made the quick decision to punch it, and get around her. And, I used a little of the narrow left median in doing so. But really, it was no big deal and I knew exactly what I was doing, and that I could pull it off.
So, after I accelerated and drove on the inside shoulder, she swerved HARD back into the right lane as if to suggest she didn't know I was passing. I suppose that is possible.
Whatever.
At the next light is when she slapped my helmet and started yelling at me.
Normally, I would have put up the kick stand and slapped her back. However the irony of sitting calmly at a traffic light, looking at the clouds on a nice day while waiting for the light to change, then having some short, fat soccer mom with a bright red angry face slap my helmet, with her SUV door wide open at a left turn signal, COMPLETELY cracked me up. The only thing I could muster up in my laughter was something to the effect of, "Lady, you need to go on a diet and take some anger management classes".
HAHAHAHAHAHA! My wife about died when I told her what happened, and what I said.
One of those experiences where you just walk away with a unique life experience.
Sorry to hijack this thread.
Funny story!! Thanks for the hijack. [clap]
Give them time to accelerate or pull over. If neither, pass at the next safe opportunity. Double beep as I start to accelerate.
Pull in the clutch when passing Amish (or any horses). Quiets the duc and keeps the horses happy. Always smile at the Amish - wave if they smile back.
Quote from: lauramonster on October 15, 2008, 10:51:36 AM
<snip>
Pull in the clutch when passing Amish (or any horses). Quiets the duc and keeps the horses happy. Always smile at the Amish - wave if they smile back.
Thank you for mentioning this!! Guys, when passing horses, especially with dry clutches or really loud bikes, please pull in the clutch and try to take it easy. I'm a rider and I see this all the time in rural NC. It seriously spooks the horses when you haul ass going by us.
Great topic and questions. I came from Wisconsin, with alot of country roads and I rarely passed on double yellows. Just had to sit back and suck it up alot of times until a passing zone came up.
Well I live near the mountains (Denver), and ride with total Hooligan's now!!! JK But the group out here has shown me the mountain riding and how common place double yellow passing is even among the cagers.
Interestingly enough you get all three types of cager/motorcycle interaction. You get many of the local mountain dwellers or motorcycle friendly driver's who don't care that you pass and usually pull over to accommodate your passing. You get the totally oblivious, who never know you are there -no matter what speed they are going. Lastly you get the angry mountain man in a jacked up truck, soccer mom in anything, sporty/sports car type that doesn't want to be passed. In this last group I have seen the "mountain man jacked up truck" try to stop our group from passing and then purposely pull out into the lane to prevent passing and trying to ram into the side of a rider passing!!!!!!! ...... since I was last in the group I thought long and hard before eventually waiting for a legal passing zone before I cautiously approached passing him, which I did do, still maybe not my best choice-but by then he may have realized what an @## he was.
Anyway, now that I am a more skilled and experienced rider, I take into account the enviorment and riding area to determine passing. In the mountains, double line or not I pass when it is safe----and the absence of [leo]---- riding in more pedestrian area's I rarely pass on double yellow's.
The only thing beside the mountain man driver that get's me is the rolling roadblock Harley cruiser groups....
My .02 at today's exchange rates ~0.0012653 ;D
We have a slight issue with [leo] over here (Australia) that he finds a spot up on the mountain ranges where he can see down over the lower sections of the range and he waits for you to get up to where he is and gives you a fine for crossing the double lines.
Doesn't happen very often (from what I have been told) maybe it's a bit of an urban myth.
We have a really bad issue with people trying to slow everyone else down, you can be in a 100KPH zone and people do 80 to make everyone else slow down, and then the suicide drivers come out trying to get past the slow drivers, The Guv ment over here has bashed the speed kills line into the population so much that everyone is scared to even drive at the speed limit. We are over policed for speeding, but not enough for poor driving, unroadworthy cars/bikes/trucks, poor roads with pot holes you could lose your house in!
But as long as your not speeding, you'll be fine!
make the beast with two backsheads [roll]