Strange Cager Behaviour

[skelstar]

Its a slow morning so I thought I would chuck this observation up on here.

I have noticed recently that when I am in a line of traffic and I pass the car infront of me and continue on my merry way (still in the traffic), the car behind will drop back a fair bit. It doesnt matter if its 50km/h traffic, or 100km/h traffic they will still drop back.

My passing manouvres arent abrupt, dangerous, or violent...

This has perplexs me a little. The cage was actively in the line of traffic, ie keeping in touch, looks like it would rather be going faster...but still drops back.

It seems to me that there more to it than the cager worrying about hitting a motorcyclist.

Just a thought.

[edit] - Green going to go to best explaination. Good humour rewarded.

[Hitcher]

Behaviour to be encouraged. Good skills!

[flame]

It may be because a few radio announcers have been suggesting that car drivers should try to give motorcyclists more room with the high winds at the moment, I heard it come over the air again this morning on my way to work (in my cage). Maybe cage drivers think we might take off their mirrors or something.

[RantyDave]

I have noticed recently that when I am in a line of traffic and I pass the car infront of me and continue on my merry way (still in the traffic), the car behind will drop back a fair bit.

I suspect that the act of you passing acted as a bit of a wake up call. The car had no idea you were behind (since they never use their mirrors) and once you'd passed along with the 'I better make some room' thought came a small rush of 'y'know, I am following too close'.

It's a theory, anyway.

Dave

[skelstar]

Good theorys.
This has happened for a while. Quite often it happens out on the very open roads. Quite like the 'wake-up call' theory.

Green going to go to best explaination. Good humour rewarded.

[Buster]

Do you have a patch on your jacket? LOL!! That never happens up here. Tailgating is the order of the day. They get so close I can turn around and give them the "what the?" look. Then Im like "sorry for interupting your texting."

I feel bad for being on their road too.. NOT!!

[skelstar]

Ha! I have a Shift leather jacket. On the back, along the bottom is bright white lettering that says "SHIFT". Maybe something in that?

[Jonty]

maybe they are scared of taking you from behind

[Blairos]

That "give us room" behaviour is to be applauded

In my limited experience to date, I am quickly learning that the 4WD cagers seem to be the most troublesome - what is it about sitting on a bikes pillion seat at speed that gives them their kicks?

I happen to own a 4WD as well, and always give good amounts of room for the vehicle (bikes included) in front, as these lumbering beasts take a bit more road to slow down, having the handling characteristics of the Titanic doesnt seem to give these people any less respect, particularly at speed...

[Ixion]

The explanation is simple. Many people (by no means all, so extinguish the flames) buy SUVs as a form of passive aggression. They want to intimidate people. Lacking the nerve to try it directly they figure that driving a big SUV they will be able to (literally) throw their weight around.


What better to intimidate than a bike? Easy target. It's little. Bullys like intimidating smaller people.

[Pwalo]

Skelstar, is this on the 250 or the 919? Followed a red 919 down the Gorge today, and it's surprising how much effect the double under set pipes have on drawing your attention.

But I think that it's probably the oil that you pour down the exhaust before you head out each morning.

Seriously though I've noticed that a lot of the cars seem to do this in Wellington. You get the occassional twat who seems to want to keep up with you at all costs, but on the whole most cagers seem pretty reasonble. Mind you there seems to be an awful lot more people riding these days which probably helps.

[skelstar]

I would have to agree Blairos, some of the poorest most inconsiderate driving I have seen on the road have been from 4WD-ers.

[skelstar]

Pwalo - this morning I was on my black 919, but has happened when Im on the 250. Has happened in 50 zones, also on the Himitangi straights, West Coast, you name it.

[XP@]

Well, blow me down!
I noticed it this morning from 2 cars! I looked back and thought ... strange... I'm being given room... kinda unnerving really, but I am not complaining!

If it is due to the radio asking them to back off then what station, I want to applaud them :-)

[Genesismatrix]

I would say that the drivers behind you have just realised that you sitting on you vehicle not secured inside it. I think most drivers are scared shitless about knocking a biker off.

Either way giving us space is defnitally a good thing.