The legalities of convoy

[jefferios]

Same deal for the Summer Rally this summer, when we "convoy" to the Dells we will meet in one area and possible include one stop in the middle. Then gather and take a potty break, then keep going.

[GHammerly]

Definetly just let the group break up, have every one carry maps, directions, and planed stops so that the group can come together every once in a while.

[jetfuel]

..yes the map + written directions is the way to go...always know where you're heading before you go...case in point...at one of our many Pony Trails with the Mustang club one member decided to go home after many miles...yep...he was "followed" home by some 30 cars....classic...

jetfuel

[TKADY]

Originally Posted by Suze

Thanks, Ken - this is exactly how I'm planning the Multnomah Falls run, which is only 36 miles. We'll meet at the dealer, get maps and directions and then meet at the falls sometime later. Easy-peasy!

I belong to a local Harley group, and was also the safety officer. Unless the group is under police escort. Everyone in the "convoy" must abide by all traffic laws. Even with police escort every driver must be constantly vigilant to all traffic conditions. When not under escort, we never run red lights, or block other vehicles from merging. We also pull off the road if necessary to regroup (not suggested for cars, and not alway possible on motorcycles).

Maintain a safe distance eventhough there is the temptation to keep the groups tight. With the motorcycles we typically ride in staggered formation with two rows of motorcycles occupying one lane. We maintain two second intervals within the rows and one second interval with the other row. (We never ride side by side unless in an escorted parade.) With cars you should maintain the minimum two second interval. Personally, I would maintain a greater interval since you do not drive together on a regular basis like we do on the motorcycles.

Your plan to meet, give out maps, leave as close together as possible and all meet at your destination is the way to go. You may also want to designate the last car/s as the "sweep" for the group. They would stop for anyone who may need help along the way. The sweep would also contact the lead with any situations that may develop.

Keep the rubber side down and have a safe ride.

[John_H]

Originally Posted by TKADY

Maintain a safe distance eventhough there is the temptation to keep the groups tight. With the motorcycles we typically ride in staggered formation with two rows of motorcycles occupying one lane. We maintain two second intervals within the rows and one second interval with the other row.

But we could do the exact same thing in the smarts - even cars right, odd cars left, one lane. Portlanders tend to commute with half-second following distances normally anyway.

[Hedders]

Keep the map and instructions simple. People have a tendency to want to follow and not think on there own. I once went on a poker run with a map of directions. Decided to hit a yard sale along the way and took 6 other cars along with me. Just my 2 cents.

[Dunerunner]

LOL, Fredders....Shades of Prosser! Remember when you went home and we all followed you and parked in your neighbors yard!!

[jediknight36]

We did a small convoy saturday for the Fort Worth grand opening. It was just a few blocks. I led, and we drove school bus field trip style: Keep speed under limit and pull over if we leave anyone behind. For longer ones, I sugest keeping an experenced person at lead, middle, and rear, and at all have each others cell numbers.

[kwagar]

Originally Posted by jediknight36

We did a small convoy saturday for the Fort Worth grand opening. It was just a few blocks. I led, and we drove school bus field trip style: Keep speed under limit and pull over if we leave anyone behind. For longer ones, I sugest keeping an experenced person at lead, middle, and rear, and at all have each others cell numbers.

I may take some shots for this but I will share my experience anyway. I quit riding my Harley in group rides where the lead Bike ran below the speed limit in order to keep the group together. On state highways running below the speed limit frustrates the other people on the road trying to run at the speed limit and ends up with them trying to pass the convoy and then frequestly having to dive into the middle of the convoy when on-coming traffic approaches.

It's dangerous enough to try to convoy, it's even more dangerous and disruptive to other traffic to run below the speed limit.

I have much less objection to the tactic in the right hand lane of a multi lane highway but would never try it on a two lane road. Just my opinion!

[jediknight36]

Originally Posted by kwagar

I may take some shots for this but I will share my experience anyway. I quit riding my Harley in group rides where the lead Bike ran below the speed limit in order to keep the group together. On state highways running below the speed limit frustrates the other people on the road trying to run at the speed limit and ends up with them trying to pass the convoy and then frequestly having to dive into the middle of the convoy when on-coming traffic approaches.

It's dangerous enough to try to convoy, it's even more dangerous and disruptive to other traffic to run below the speed limit.

I have much less objection to the tactic in the right hand lane of a multi lane highway but would never try it on a two lane road. Just my opinion!

Well, you are gonna get passed in a smart nearly every time you drive!

I did it this way for three reasons:

1. It was what I wa trained to do. Never go over the speed limit.

2. We were not leaving the right lane, no hiway.

3. Only three car's had experence in this. Better to get them used to this kind of event.