Today I was coming home on my rural road when I came to a 4 way stop that a group of about 10 or 12 Harley riders were coming to about the same time. They were on my left. The first biker did stop before I did so I let him go as the law reads. He then pulls in front of me and blocks me so the rest of the bikes plow through the intersection without stopping!!! He then got indignant when I blew the horn!
Am I missing something??? Do the rules change when it's more than 2 bikes? I should have gone AROUND the SOB!
Or are bikers the illegal aliens of the vehicle world? Rules are only for the rest of us a-holes?
HK/KS: That's not the question. Do the rules apply to all or not? Next time maybe I shouldn't even bother stopping like they seem to think they have a right to do.
And what's THEIR hurry? There was no one else on this road, so why couldn't THEY have let ME just go ahead of them and then they could hang with their butt-buddies all they like and act like they're important without being a**holes about it?
As you stated they could have just as easily let you go first! The guys I ride with are considerate to other motorists and we have let others through so we could remain as a group.
I know someone that refuses to look when leaving a grocery store and walking across traffic to the parking lot (I see others do it often as well). She says she has the right of way and they can just use their brakes. I have tried to explain that having the right of way doesn't do much good when you are dead and the guy in the car just has a scuff on his bumper.
If you knew me you'd know that I'm an easy going guy who will go out of his way to give people the benefit of the doubt and will lend a helping hand to anyone in need of it. All I ask in return is to be treated with the same courtesy.
The sad truth that I've learned not only with bikers but any one who rides with two wheels is that they somehow get this attitude that they are special and don't have to abide by the same rules as the rest of us. It's almost like they get a license to be an a**hole when they buy a bike or bicycle.
So when 4 of my buddies meet me to go to a 3D shoot we can drive all 5 pickups as a group? I mean why should bikes get a pass on this and trucks don't?
I'm also not surprised at the responses I've gotten here either and it just proves my point that when some people mount a two wheeled vehicle their asshole becomes the most prominent part of the anatomy, and an inconsiderate one at that. Not all of them, but a lot.
And the SOB that blocked me had NO markings or signs or lights of any sort that would indicate the situation that you allude to with the exception of his "I'm An A**hole" banner. That was QUITE visible. Where did you get the idea that they were? Or are bikers never wrong? Trust me, if they were, I'd not have made this thread. And this also is not the first time this kind of sh*t's happened, far from it.
But once again, why do you bikers think you can ignore the laws that the rest of us must follow??? I mean other than, "we're special because we think so"?
Except those little a holes on two wheels!
I must say this, as much as this biker PO'ed me today, overall bikers are WAAAAY more courteous (aside from the "group hug" mentality they have) than bicyclists. I mean they completely disregard ANY rules of the road and then act all offended when you call them on it. And then if a car does hit one it's always OUR fault.
they all went, like lemmings, and the last few missed their demise thanks to an alert oncoming driver, it was an odd scenario, unlike any before
they were all pulled over at the gas station where I was headed, it all made sense then, Canadian tags
should have known by all the three-wheeled bikes
But you still haven't answered my question...what gives them the right to ignore the rules of the road that I have to abide by? What makes them so &%#ing special? What's next, "sanctuary roads" for bikers and bicycles? It's the exact same crap that goes on with illegal immigration.
Two-wheelers have this attitude that they can do whatever they like and if you call them on it they get all indignant and start name calling (OMG a Bikaphobe!...Stalker). My question is WHY do they think they can do it but no one else can? And they'd probably get all p*ssed off if I happened to be an unmarked LEO and wrote them up right then and there!
I agree SB about the phones. I parked mine also.
Give me a freakin break! I'm on the road all day everyday and 99% of the idiots I encounter are driving vehicles with four wheels!
I rode with friends and we never pulled crap like that. When you're on your bike, you have the same rules just everyone else on the road. WW, I'd wager the guys on those bikes would lose their friggin' minds if someone in a car blocked them at an intersection to let a bunch of other cars pass.
It's simple. If you drive - by yourself or in a group - like you have special privileges to cut people off or do whatever you like, you're being an a-hole.
The Rock
The Rock
2 years ago I completed the training for being a school bus driver and to say the least it was intense and detailed. At NO time was there any mention whatsoever about motorcycles being able to do what you say for something other than a parade or whatever.
I think the main reason why they did what they did today wasn't for "safety", but to show how cool they think they are when they ride around like they own the road, and how DARE anyone question them on it.
But you're right, I don't get it. I can read and comprehend though, and I've never read anything like that.
One of you needs to drive a hearse, the rest drive with their lights on - problem solved.
The Rock
You know, if these bikers today had simply held their hands up in a "stop" gesture and then went through the intersection (this was out in the corn land and not a car in sight for a mile or more) waving a "thanks" to me as they went by I'd of waved back and wished them well. But when someone has the gall to stop in front of me and BLOCK me without so much as a wave, then it tend's to p*ss me off. Call me a crabby old man if you like, I've earned it.
Here's another tip for you bikers.......if you don't want people to act like a-holes, then DON'T TREAT THEM LIKE ONE! Doing what this guy did to me today is about like spitting in someone's face. So don't get all wired up when people react accordingly.
I'm with you WW. I won't get all into it, but I'm with you.
My wife and I did a big Teton/Yellowstone/Badlands/etc. loop about 5 years ago a week or two before Sturgis. I'll never do it again at that time. The motorcycle antics we observed over a week long trip were too many to relate. Some lone riders were very courteous and would get out of the way while going through the Bighorns, and at other times on the little two lane roads. But the groups didn't care. I actually had one guy block one of the very few passing lanes so I couldn't safely pass a group of 10 or so while going through the Bighorns. Apparently it's safer to have a pissed off driver behind you than a happy driver miles in front of you as you toodle along at 45 miles an hour.
And the NOISE!!!! I know they claim loud pipes is a "safety" thing so others know they're around. . . . whatever. I don't buy it. It's the same mindset behind big pipes on a big truck. . . . "Look at me!!!"
"South Park" did a whole episode on this a few years back. Was pretty spot on in a couple places
" what makes them so special?" Nothing. You are the only one insinuating that!
"whats next..sanctuary roads for bikers and bicycles? Really? Now motorcycles and bicycles are in the same group? Great liberal spin on that one but it gets better!
" Its the exact same crap that goes on with illegal immigration." Are you saying that bikers are like illegal aliens? You could work at CNN or MNSBC with that kinda of spinning!
"Two wheelers have the attitude that they can do whatever they like and if you call them on it they get all indignant and start calling names (OMG a bikeaphobe!....Stalker"
That was me trying to be humorous. Guess that didn't work although I didn't take you as that fragile of a guy.
I may be indignant but you my friend are a hypocrite! You may want to go through your posts! You have no problem calling bikers Mexicans or a holes!
" Everyday you have people purposely bar your way so that a dozen of them can run a stop sign/traffic light right in front of you as a group? Sorry but I call BS on that one." Nope. Two years ago there was a group of around 8 and I let them pass. How many times a week has this happened to you?
I agree that they could have been a little more courteous but that doesn't represent everyone out there who rides. I have never denied anyone their right to proceed but have been waved through numerous times!
.
I/we (wife) don't ride in groups very often. We ride respectful of both drivers and bikers. We wish everyone did the same. Just this weekend we were on a stretch of nice road curving through big hills, and averaging 60 mph. A car load of....whatever....pulled up behind us and wanted to pass. They got within a car length of us and were pushing to go around on a double-yellow at 60 mph. I brake-checked (flashed) them briefly and waved them back. A mile later they passed in a passing zone. Zero concern for two lives; only concerned for their desire to gain a few seconds. That's one way bikers get killed...drivers generally oblivious to anything except their immediate wants, and not paying close attention. The end result of such encounters is motorcyclists having a low degree of trust (of vehicles) and a tendency to push back at times...such as blocking an intersection, blocking a lane, etc. Unfortunately it sometimes makes for more tension. Personally I don't sweat it. Life is too short to be upset by it...I'll save it for situations where my health is at risk.
Not all motorcyclists are a-holes. I'd put the percentage at exactly the same for vehicle drivers. I've never had a motorcyclist put me in danger on the road, but I've FOR SURE used up all nine lives avoiding terrible wrecks that would have been initiated by cars, trucks or semi-trucks. Even as a vehicle driver I have very low trust of others and am amazed at some of the brazen / stupid behaviors I see from those who grab a steering wheel.
***Of course I have. But what I've NEVER done is physically BLOCK another motorist so my buddies can roll on through against his will, and then cop an attitude when that motorist takes exception to it!! That's what the whole point about what this thread is Stalker.***
" what makes them so special?" Nothing. You are the only one insinuating that!
***LOL! My "insinuation" is based on their ACTIONS. And this is NOT the only time this has happened, not by a long shot. Their actions and RE-actions illustrate perfectly that not only do they believe they have a right to do this but that I am being unreasonable when I object. YOUR comments are further proof of this.***
"whats next..sanctuary roads for bikers and bicycles? Really? Now motorcycles and bicycles are in the same group? Great liberal spin on that one but it gets better!
***Liberal??? Since when do liberals want to abolish sanctuary cities and don't want certain groups of people to be able to ignore the laws? And in one sense bikers and bicyclists are indeed in the same group because they BOTH violate the law and then get p*ssed off when someone calls them on it like you are. But I do concede that bikers don't hold a candle to bicyclists in the scope of what they do as far as totally ignoring the basic rules of the road and putting their own safety at risk. And...bikers don't wear those idiotic looking "turtle" helmets that bicyclists do and the God awful stretch underwear they ride in (except for the women!).***
" Its the exact same crap that goes on with illegal immigration." Are you saying that bikers are like illegal aliens? You could work at CNN or MNSBC with that kinda of spinning!
***That's EXACTLY what I'm saying. Illegal aliens break the law and then want amnesty for it and think they have a right to do it. Tell me how that's different than what this a-hole did to me??? At least illegal aliens don't cop an attitude about it right in my face.***
"Two wheelers have the attitude that they can do whatever they like and if you call them on it they get all indignant and start calling names (OMG a bikeaphobe!....Stalker"
That was me trying to be humorous. Guess that didn't work although I didn't take you as that fragile of a guy.
*** LOL! Just don't quit your day job! That comment in and of itself means nothing. It was the other comments that fired me up more. Seriously, if someone did to you what that guy did to mean that wouldn't p*ss you off??? Really? I mean my comments fired you up, and they weren't even about you!***
I may be indignant but you my friend are a hypocrite! You may want to go through your posts! You have no problem calling bikers Mexicans or a holes!
*** I already explained the Mexican comment. If you don't make the connection I can't explain it any better. And if someone...ANYONE...acts like an a-hole I damn sure have NO problem describing them as such. And if you were honest you'd admit that I was NOT calling ALL bikers a-holes (bicyclists maybe, but not bikers), just the ones that act like this turd did. In fact I even stated that...".I must say this, as much as this biker PO'ed me today, overall bikers are WAAAAY more courteous (aside from the "group hug" mentality they have) than bicyclists. I mean they completely disregard ANY rules of the road and then act all offended when you call them on it."
" Everyday you have people purposely bar your way so that a dozen of them can run a stop sign/traffic light right in front of you as a group? Sorry but I call BS on that one." Nope. Two years ago there was a group of around 8 and I let them pass. How many times a week has this happened to you?
***OK! The we agree that your comment about people in cars blocking your way so that his buddies in other cars could break the law was BS. Good! We're making progress! And the frequency of this is irrelevant. Are you telling me that if someone PHYSICALLY blocked your way like this you'd have no problem with it if it only happened "infrequently"? ***
I agree that they could have been a little more courteous but that doesn't represent everyone out there who rides. I have never denied anyone their right to proceed but have been waved through numerous times!
***And I never said it did! At least not with bikers. And what we agree on is the whole point here Stalker. If you don't do what this guy did to me then we have no issue. And like I said, if they had put up a hand to tell me to wait and then all went through with a "thank you" handwave I'd of waved back as they passed. Not only did he block me but no one even waved or nodded as they sped through. This leads me to conclude that they either think they had a perfect right to do what they did, or they KNEW it was wrong and they didn't want to acknowledge it. Either way, they're inconsiderate a-holes. And that's NOT name calling but a statement of fact based on ACTIONS.***
This may explain why I'm a tad testy I guess. HURRY WINTER!!!!
g
Feelings rule, critical thought goes unused....
In your situation as stated I will wave bikes on through and stay far away from them. Like other protected classes that break the law it is your fault when they pass you on a double line curve and run off the road. As long as you remember these rules you will be fine....
Matt
Ever been in busy bumper-to-bumper traffic on a freeway and had someone block a merge lane with their car or truck? I've seen it many times. Drivers playing road-cop trying to prevent other drivers from moving up (ahead of them) in a merge lane where they will eventually slip back in line? I've seen that turn into sparks and bent metal.
I ride a Harley and I don't think I can do anything I want on the road. I obey the traffic laws.
On the other hand, I have run into plenty of asshole car/truck drivers who think because my bike doesn't take up the whole lane they can share it with me. I've had Jackasses like WW lay on their horn while tail gating me as I drive the speed limit and try to avoid being hit by these jackasses who are driving their enormous SUVs and pickup trucks to the grocery store because they are in in HURRY and I am just in their way...
Cry me a river ya big whiner...Never heard a grown man whine as much as this guy does...
"I ride a Harley and I don't think I can do anything I want on the road. I obey the traffic laws."
And if you do then I have no issue at all with you. But tell me the truth, if you were in a shopping mall or the like and you were walking down a passageway and some guy walked right up to you in your face and stood there blocking your path so his friends could go ahead of you without so much as a "please"or "can do me a favor" you'd have no problem with it? And when they did pass not a "thank you" or at least a wave or a nod?
And again just because some car drivers act like a-holes that justifies what this guy did? Sorry, that doesn't hold water. Wrong is wrong, no matter what you drive. If that makes me a jackass then so be it. It's better than being a biker a-hole with no regard for the law or courtesy of others. Treat people like YOU want to be treated. It's not THAT hard a concept to grasp is it?
In hindsight, I guess I should have started a thread whining about how all soccer moms with cell phones are inconsiderate a-holes. (sarcasm)
Take a deep breath, WW, and quit generalizing about all bikers over the actions of a few.
Matt
You prove my point as being a big ass whiner....whine away little man...
MT you avoided the question I put to you so buzz off. If I want to get called childish names I'll go argue with my wife. You REALLY aren't helping the biker image you know.
I have noticed a trend here though. All of the self professed motorcycle riders here, with the exception of Rocco, have stated that they obey all the laws and would not do what this guy did to me. However, I also notice that they don't condemn what this guy did either and think that I'm the one being unreasonable. Whyzzat? Could it be that maybe they're fibbing a bit? I give Rocco credit for being HONEST about it. I don't agree with him on some of it but at least he's forthright about it.
Some of the responses I've gotten here have only sadly reinforced my initial perceptions.
To those who think safety is not a concern when riding a motorcycle having to deal with people on cell phones and texting keep your opinions to yourself until you saddle up and give it a try. Then come back and tell us all about how many A$$holes were in cages that day totally disregarding your RIGHT on the highway and the "I did not see him" mantra when they hit a bike. Hell road rage alone should tell you something about caged vehicles and their occupants. Half of them should be banned from the road and the old ones should be out out to pasture who can't see the difference between a corvette a motorcycle. BTW...riding is James Dean cool and always will be.
The Rock
Dave G. 's Link
Agreed, unless you ride like these asshats, which is rapidly become pandemic here in the D.C. area, and will eventually lead to a bunch of hoodlums being run over or gunned down. Advance the video to about 1:30 or so to get into the action. :^)
BLM, BTW. :^)
Jim Moore's Link
Back to WW's original post, I'd be annoyed myself. I can see why it's done per Rocky, but if it's illegal, it's illegal. I doubt too many citations are passed out though due to the sheer number of them one or two LEO's would have to handle. Just my thought.
Here is a blurb from a site called roadguardians.com. It is saying it is legal in Illinois and Minnesota
"Your organization is doing a charity ride of some sort and you have to get 100 motorcycles through town without breaking the pack up. You contacted the local law enforcement agency, but they refused to help out. So you decide to have some road guards stop traffic at intersections to keep everyone moving and together. Is that legal?
Well if you live in Minnesota or Illinois it is. And hopefully Ohio will be added to that select list. Of course there is a condition that goes along with this; you must be a certified motorcycle road guard.
Motorcyclists are some of the most generous people around and often participate in fund raising activities for various community groups, food banks, veteran’s causes and more. Because we ride, our bikes are included in the fund raising activities by means of a group ride. Lately, police have been more reluctant to assist with traffic control, citing manpower and overtime issues. The refusal to help rides is epidemic and nationwide. Being bikers, we just do what we’ve always done and that’s take matters into our own hands. The problem with that is it’s illegal. If a road guard were injured while stopping traffic, he probably wouldn’t be covered by his vehicle insurance either because of the illegal activity. Even with that said, we know the safest and most expeditious way to move a large pack through town is to block the intersections and control traffic."
So there you have it, WW. It is legal in your state "if the people doing the blocking" have been through the certiifed program put on by the state. I would assume that those "blockers" would have to be wearing some kind of gear such as road safety vests and flags if they were in fact trained.
That's a good thing, from where I come from. :-)
These clowns were NOT on a charity run. They were on a "****-you I'm a cool biker" run. Do NOT try to tell me what happened. Unless you too are of the opinion that if a biker does it it's always OK. It's not. These guys were a**holes, pure and simple.
Well if that is directed toward me, I just merely cut and pasted what I saw on a national motorcycle web site. As I mentioned in my post, I'm not in favor of it. Either way, try and have a better day. ;-)
I am impressed. Try that sometime and find out who will learn a lesson. That was foolish and dangerous advice if you have a family thinking you are on your way home with a story about a group of bikers and your 4x4 and you are late. Not funny.
The Rock
The Rock
You bikers choose to do it and, as a consequence have the same raw deal of sharing the road with all careless drivers. It is what it is and, is in no way an excuse for the actions of others. Not that some of you were saying it was. But, here is the gist of it all. No one is blaming all bikers. No one is saying what some of you are suggesting. And, if you choose to ride instead of drive, deal with it appropriately and follow the rules.
It's the people factor that makes this hard for every commuter. But, as that video Dave posted shows, it is more apparent when 2 wheeler's decide us common folk got to get inline with their choices. I really don't know what I'd done in that situation. I'm glad I wasn't there and, pray for a level head if I'm ever present to such actions.
But, there is no denying that bikers statistically do things on shared roadways that automobile drivers could not do without getting the "reckless" tag. It is what it is but, denying it or trying to give justification for it simply shows a bias. A lot of people buy and ride motorcycles for the freedom from normal they offer. And, exhibit that mindset when riding them. If that doesn't apply to you, then don't take offense. But, if it does, it's in your best interest to not do it here in WV. We are big on mutual decency and respect. God Bless men
I'm not justifying any illegal behaviour, but it won't be long before you see EVERY 4 wheeled cage as a threat to your well being. It's why I don't ride as much as I used to. Way too many idiots, and biker haters to risk it. And there are the people that just have an issue with you simply because you ride a motorcycle. Go rent a Road bike for a week and you'll understand. Otherwise, just happy you have all that metal surrounding you. At least when you run them over for being themselves, you'll be able to finish your egg mcmuffin as you call 911 on your cell phone while the riders bleed to death in front of you.
.
WVM....thanks for a rational post on this. Excellent.
As a motorcyclist (I seldom refer to myself as a "biker") a vehicle owner/driver and business owner I see plenty of good and bad people on the road. I get it: a few bad apples tends to taint people's opinion of the whole tree. Whether a metric cruiser, rice bike, hog or finely appointed touring machine there is opportunity to ride in an appropriate and sane fashion without being obnoxious. You can express your personality without showing your ass...same as you do in all things. Right or wrong, it's understandable that a perceived bad encounter with bikers often results in people blaming bikers in general. The next bike encountered is just another negative.
The same exact thing is true in the hunting world. One screwball hunter (or a group of them) acting badly can adversely affect people's opinions and support for ALL hunters they encounter. I dunno about you, but I resist being judged according to the behavior of some person who broke the law sometime in the past and/or miles away and has no bearing on how I do things. Hunt responsibly. Drive responsibly. Ride responsibly.
Fascinating stuff. ;-/
Matt
Amen to that! Around my neighborhood, which is rural, bicyclists ride in packs of 20 or more and block an entire lane of a two-land country road. They pay no road use fees, no license plates, no property tax on their vehicles, but yet they act like they have the right of way. I drive a diesel truck and I can make it smoke. So these weasel-squeezer wearing, alien-head helmeted assholes get some chocolate rain whenever I pass them.
The Rock
And, no, my place is not available if you want to come to Sturgis, unless you have a horse instead of a bike.
And the time frame of how long it took is irrelevant. They NO legal right to do what they did. If someone wanted to rape your wife it'd be OK with you as long as it only took a minute or so? I know that's a wide comparison but the basis is the same.
And OkieJ........
"I like the way you didn't say crap to the bikers and then run home and start this rant to a bunch of people who weren't involved. Call bikers A holes and don't like it because everyone doesn't agree with you. Too funny."
I didn't say anything to the biker turd that blocked me because the POS ran OFF before I could. He was probably worried that I'd take a pic of his license plate. Maybe that's why he sped right out of there and then CROSSED THE DOUBLE LINE ON A BLIND HILL so he could pass all his butt buddies and get to the head of the turd pile. And are you insinuating that if I DON'T confront them then they can do anything they like? You are WAAAAY off on that one my friend.
An MT, I think that many of you bikers who think this kind of behavior is just fine (although YOU never do it...so you claim) and get all offended and start calling names to people who have to put up with this crap are a bunch of brain-LESS inconsiderate, arrogant assholes who gotta ride as a pack to get to your circle jerk to show how cool you think you are. I can name call too!
And you STILL haven't answered the question I put to you, just childish insults that reaffirm the impression that many people have about bikers.
And one more time......if they had ASKED me by holding up a hand and I would have let them pass, but the lead a-hole had to purposely BLOCK me without even a glance my way. How can that not bother you? What if someone did that to you in a mall face to face? The next time you go to a movie and you get up to use the can or whatever how would you feel if when you got back some a-hole is sitting in your seat right on your coat? Not a big deal?
Grey Ghost for the win!!!!!!!
No, I see EVERY driver, bike, car, or 18 wheeler as a threat, even in my 3/4 ton dodge p/u. Plus I currently live in Albuquerque which raises the stakes even higher.
None the less, I'd much rather get hit from behind by a cell phone sucking school kid in my truck than on my bike. Hit a bike from behind at 10 mph and the rider can die instantly. I know because I've seen it. A new chrome bumper is a lot cheaper than a new chrome casket!
As for the original question, it reminds me of the animal rights folks that harass and threaten celebrities who wear fur. But they don't have the balls to confront a group of bikers wearing a cattle herd worth of leather. If you were so bent by the fact that they "took from you", you should have acted accordingly and reported it.
If you see a drunk driver on the highway, do you report it, or let it go and then complain on the CF that he potentialy could have "taken something" from YOU??
Were you by any chance driving a Toyota Prius when this happened?!
The only issues I have had with WW is his blanket statements about anyone who rides, his attempts to make this issue bigger than it is, and then backing that up with suggesting that I am a liar...He can go pound sand as far as I am concerned.
You owe me a keyboard, seriously....
BLUF
If you are not a biker, you are assumed to hate bikers.
If you object to special classes of people breaking the law you are against them.
A rude little punk breaking the law and thinking he is a badazz because he is riding with his friends is what it looked like to me. Take him away from his group he would be a punk too.
Some of you insinuate the poster is a punk because he didn't confront a group of people by himself. I call that smart....especially something that could escalate to a shooting over a punk and a minor traffic violation.
Funny how these protected class threads are good for bunches of posts with "feelers" (as opposed to thinkers) chiming in for days. Keeps the place exciting, Carry On.....;^)
Anyone who thinks riding right on top of the centerline is an enhancement in "safety" when there is oncoming traffic, is either lying to themselves or is seriously lacking in the intelligence department.
I haven't rode in a lot of years, so no I'm not what you would call a biker.
The Rock
