Letting motorbikes overtake

[Lois]

Yesterday coming home from work I saw a motorbike approaching in mirrors so I moved over slightly nearer the curb to make it easier for him to overtake (some often thank me as they do so).
Anyway, the car in front then proceded to move as far right as he could! Motorbike still over took him but just had to wait a bit longer?

Is it just me or is that a bit ignorant?!

[Plotloss]

Takes all sorts...

I do much the same as you, move over and when on a motorway indicate right so he knows I've seen him and he can undertake safely.

However something I have noticed.

If the rider is on:

A sportsbike - 9/10 times they say thank you
A bike with panniers - 9/10 times they dont say thank you

I have no idea why this is.

Do panniers make you ignorant?

[Soundwave]

That was totally ignorant...I do much the same as you pull over as far as I can safely to let them pass & your right generally most of them will thank you.

But to pull into the centre to obstruct him just because he can get home a bit quicker than we can is just utter rudeness IMO

[s2gonzo]

I always move out the way. If in traffic on the motorway I will move whichever direction gives the most room/safest gap to pass. If possible I will always try to indicate I have seen them (Always think it must be pretty "adrenalin stirring" riding a bike through heavy traffic).

Noticed the same thing about panniers too, but usually its the big courier style box on the back that gives it away. Some of these guys are obviously "touched" in some way.
The other day whilst driving home a Panier/box equiped bike passed me on the left whilst I was in traffic in the right hand lane. I was doing about 20 or so with the bumper to bumper flow... he passed by so fast down the middle of the road my car rocked on its suspension* !!!!!

*I drive a smart Roadster so the suspension ain't exactly soft

[big_treacle]

Plotloss said:

...when on a motorway indicate right so he knows I've seen him and he can undertake safely.

Thats good thinking - might bear that one in mind in the future.

[Guzzi Steve]

I will usually raise my left hand,(too say thanks)if someone moves over for me safely.Although bear in mind,riders have to take safety,as the priority,& if there is lots going on.Then bike control & observation comes first.I have also had drivers move over to prompt an overtake.Where it would be clearly unsafe for me get past safely! I can make my own decisions,& if it ain't safe I will stay put!

>> Edited by Guzzi Steve on Thursday 24th March 12:54

[Hayes]

If I can, I will move over a little, and most of them thank you for it. It's just a courtesy (spelling right?) thing.

[birdbrain]

I would also move over to allow bikes through. IMO, deliberately blocking them is just ignorant and childish, i.e. "I can't overtake so why should you?"

[AC79xxx]

Plotloss said:

If the rider is on: A sportsbike - 9/10 times they say thank you A bike with panniers - 9/10 times they dont say thank you

A scooter - 10/10 thay don't say thanks

[Lois]

AC79xxx said:

Plotloss said: If the rider is on: A sportsbike - 9/10 times they say thank you A bike with panniers - 9/10 times they dont say thank you A scooter - 10/10 thay don't overtake

[egoboss]

AC79xxx said:

Plotloss said: If the rider is on: A sportsbike - 9/10 times they say thank you A bike with panniers - 9/10 times they dont say thank you A scooter - 10/10 thay don't say thanks

i ride a harley. i can't go fast enough to overtake.

tractors, sometimes.

[Plotloss]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

You dont live in London do you Lois...?

Perfectly valid point regards to bloody mopeds, ignorant in extremis.

As for the indicating right thing, thanks but I cant claim it as my own, 'er indoors is a biker...

[NiceCupOfTea]

Plotloss said:

A sportsbike - 9/10 times they say thank you A bike with panniers - 9/10 times they dont say thank you

Funny, I've noticed it almost exactly the other way round - most of the sports bikers I see in babygrows just blast past everything irrespective of whether it's safe or not, whereas people with panniers (excepting couriers) tend to be a little more careful.

Ofc, I don't expect a "thank you" - easy in a car, but when each hand/foot has several jobs it can't be easy, plus do you thank every car you filter past?

I tend to move over if possible, but I'm mindful of what crap I might kick up from the gutter if the bike is actually tucked in behind me.

[The GMan]

He was being a t**t as well as being ignorant!

I passed my direct access test back in September, and it's honestly opened my eyes as to how some drivers treat me and other bikers!!

I always thought I was considerate to bikers, but I discovered I was not as much as I should have been!

Anyway he was being a T**T!!!

[Plotloss]

I dont expect it but a kicked out leg or a nod or an extension of the hand doesnt take much.

Bikes with panniers though just never seem to do it.

[Hayes]

Yeah, usually they lift their right foot a little to say thanks. I actually appreciate that, but don't expect it.

[dern]

Plotloss said:

I dont expect it but a kicked out leg or a nod or an extension of the hand doesnt take much. Bikes with panniers though just never seem to do it.

In any given journey of notable length I must overtake nigh on a hundred cars. If someone has gone out of the way I'll try and say thank you but my main priority is not falling off.

[Plotloss]

Right, I'll say it again.

I dont expect it.

If sports bikers are capable of doing it then be-panniered bikes should be able to.

Do I take from the responses thus far that bikes with panniers are more likely to be ridden by people who have a propensity towards falling off?

[egoboss]

Plotloss said:

Right, I'll say it again. I dont expect it. If sports bikers are capable of doing it then be-panniered bikes should be able to. Do I take from the responses thus far that bikes with panniers are more likely to be ridden by people who have a propensity towards falling off?

bikes with panniers are usually ridden by people who are too busy thinking "wish i'd bought a car" ...

(to any pannnier-laden bikers out there - just a joke, chaps!)

[mrmaggit]

Plotloss said:

I dont expect it but a kicked out leg or a nod or an extension of the hand doesnt take much. Bikes with panniers though just never seem to do it.

They think they're "cool". They're on another planet, ignore them. I'll give you a wave for letting me through if I'm on the Rex, mind, if it's safe.

FWIW, when on my Harley, I always acknowledge courtesy, Dude.

>> Edited by mrmaggit on Thursday 24th March 13:42