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Motorcycle Commuter Gathering Spots

Join with other riders in parking lot outside city for morning ride to town
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Some of the accidents and danger associated with motorcycling can be avoided by travelling in groups. What I suggest is that there be parking areas (like park and ride), but for motorcyclists to rally together in the morning rush hour and enter a city in a group. That way the commute would be safer, and probably more fun. For that matter, you could cheaply establish similar rally points along most major highways if safety in numbers catches on.
cloudface, Jan 06 2004

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       So every morning would look like a Hell's Angels convention? I like it +
theircompetitor, Jan 06 2004
  

       they are often a spotty bunch (our Fort excluded of course)   

       hey this is a *good* idea.
po, Jan 06 2004
  

       Very nice, [cloudface]. However, I can foresee only one problem. Asshat riders. From previous experience, I learned that there are some folks out there that just shouldn't be riding a motorcycle. On the other hand, there are many great folks to be met with similar interests. I personally don't ride in a group since my move because everyone arround here seems to like nothing more than the flashyness of riding a sportbike. This can lend to some pretty stupid, preventable mistakes, poor riding, and group endangerment. But if they're co-workers, buddys, folks you trust to ride along side of you, then by all means ... sadly, I could only press my "croissant release" button but once.
Letsbuildafort, Jan 06 2004
  

       This calls to mind the pack of Hell's Angels we passed in Connecticut early December: at the back, one had white hair and a flowing beard, and was dressed as Santa. One of those times I really wish I'd had a camera ready.
DrCurry, Jan 06 2004
  

       cars with cameras -- must be here somewhere
theircompetitor, Jan 06 2004
  

       Shirt: "If you can read this I wheelied Mrs. Clause off."
Letsbuildafort, Jan 06 2004
  

       Hey, this is a "bad" idea. It's a nice experience to meet in the morning with a friendly group of fellow motorcycle riders and do that poker run or whatever. Riding together out in the country is good fun. Taking a group into the city in the morning rush hour is likely to be no fun at all and more dangerous as well. Riding in a group adds hazards such as: Trying to make it through that yellow light with the group, keeping up with Joe Rocket, being involved in the accident Mr. Newrider just had, hitting that humongous pothole because you could not move over because another rider was beside you. A couple of friends riding in together is fine, otherwise I'd rather ride solo.
hangingchad, Jan 06 2004
  

       I like the idea personally, would make morings way more interesting for me, although annoying for those people sleeping along the route.
Actually Hanging there might be less danger, as large groups moving together can take advantage of DOT (Department of Transportaion for those not in the States) convoy rules and have outriders block side streets so everyone moves as a group (I believe you can even use this to get around stop signs and stop lights).
'Fort, are you familiar with these rules andd do you know if they apply all over the US?
I know here in Minnesota we take advantage of them whenever we get together for poker runs and large group rides.
soundman, Jan 06 2004
  

       So I guess the idea should be motorcycle commuter buddies...?
DrCurry, Jan 06 2004
  

       TO my knowledge you have to call ahead and get it arranged which may be impractical for everyday use. Things like poker runs, funeral precessions, and parades all use the local authorities to get the job done. And even then its not at any time-effective speed.
Letsbuildafort, Jan 06 2004
  

       DrCurry -- that's fine but please don't bring up Phaedros again :)
theircompetitor, Jan 06 2004
  

       You're probably right 'Fort. I do believe there have been times we didn't have law enforcement escort, but probably only about 1/3 of the time (and was still probably arranged in advance).
Of course you do learn to appreciate the police escort when the lights are running in front of you!
soundman, Jan 06 2004
  

       The group I used to ride with was arround 30 strong on the nice days, but I don't think I could muster the cajones to just run-out and block-off every day traffic without some official looking lights and a black and white paintjob ...
Letsbuildafort, Jan 07 2004
  

       Well, you can always go the other route and stare everybody down with a nice big dose of stinkeye and a nice big gun snug in a holster.   

       What is it with me and "nice" tonight...? Oh well.
Eugene, Jan 07 2004
  

       [eugene], you only have to shoot the first one, after that the rest just fall in line.   

       [cloudface], good idea+
ato_de, Jan 07 2004
  
      
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