A question for motorcyclists

You're on your bike behind another vehicle, which is going a reasonable speed for the street. There is traffic coming the other direction in the other lane. The street has a pretty wide shoulder.

Is it good practice to pass the car ahead of you on the right?

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WindTherapy · 56-60, M

I personally would NEVER pass a moving vehicle on the right (or any shoulder) unless it was an emergency maneuver. So I would answer "no" it's not good practice and go as far as saying it's unsafe.

I am curious about your question however. You mention the other vehicle is traveling at a reasonable speed. So why the need to pass? I was in a situation a couple years ago where I passed a vehicle on the left shoulder (divided 4 lane). Coming to an intersection about 2-3 seconds away at ~50MPH. As approaching the light turns yellow, both car and I following should be able to clear before turning red. Driver in front suddenly notices yellow and stands on the brakes. I brake hard but will not stop without impact (or laying bike down) so I get off the brakes and roll on the throttle and pass along the left on the shoulder. Wasn't my ideal situation but was the lesser of evils presented to me.

DunningKruger · 61-69, M

@WindTherapy We were going through a green light. The bike followed me through the intersection, but as soon as we were on the other side, he blew around me.

WindTherapy · 56-60, M

@DunningKruger From the way the question was phrased I thought you may have been the car driver. Unfortunately there are a few folks that give the rest a bad reputation. That guy is riding faster than his guardian angel can fly. It will most likely catch up to them. It will be unfortunate, not so much of what happens to them (they chose their fate) but for those involved and those left behind. :(

fakable

@WindTherapy

That guy is riding faster than his guardian angel can fly.

ahahah

JimboSaturn · 56-60, M

I'm not a biker, and I drive on the right hand side of the road in Canada. If I am driving on a two lane street, one lane going either direction, I would never pass on the right or do anything that is unexpected. Car drivers often don't notice bikes to begin with, doing unexpected things puts you at risk.

Sapio · 51-55, M

Passing on the right is never a good idea no matter what you're operating, bike or car.

wildbill83 · 41-45, M

that's like playing russian roulette...

you might make it around on shoulder, or you might plow into the back of a vehicle sitting in the shoulder that you didn't see in advance...

Petruk

Not a good idea

Hatt94 · 56-60, MVIP

Nope. Not a good idea.

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