Why do motorcyclists ride in formation

223rem

Think about it. If they were single file and maintaining the same distance to the bike ahead, it would take *twice as much* space. This way, the line is more compact while leaving each bike the same amount of braking space (You can brake *past* a bike ahead of, and to your side).

The reasons for not riding in the middle also include the 'grease strip', but the reasons *I* ride in staggered formation are above and below.

In addition, you will normally find the lead bike near the center line, for the best view ahead of, and *around*, leading traffic. If the line pbuttes (as mine often do; we're not *slow* cruisers), the lead bike pbuttes and then moves to the right side of the lane so the following one can see and-or have room to move in beside-behind quickly. The bikes remaining behind the pbutted vehicle will shuffle to reform the original configuration (lead bike left; others staggered behind). In fact, sometimes the lead pbutter will even hold up a hand with one (just him) or two (one more guy behind - who can't actually see from his side of the lane) fingers to indicate how many can be pbutting before encountering oncoming traffic. It's damn near ballet ... ;^) -- C.R. Krieger (Been there; done that)