Theoretical question about pacelining

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Anonymous's picture
Anonymous

If all vehicular traffic laws apply to bicycles, can you get a summons for tailgating while pacelining? I am just curious, I am not worried about getting a ticket.

Anonymous's picture
"Chainwheel" (not verified)
Following too closely

"No. Here's what the NY Vehicle and Traffic Law has to say about tailgating (a.k.a. Following too closely).

Article 25 § 1129. Following too closely.

(a) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.

(b) The driver of any motor truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district and which is following another motor truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger, except that this shall not prevent a motor truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any like vehicle or other vehicle.

(c) Motor vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district in a caravan or motorcade whether or not towing other vehicles shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy such space without danger. This provision shall not apply to funeral processions.

So it only applies to motor vehicles.

All the same, I don't think the benefit of pacelining (i.e., going ~2 mph faster) justifies the increased risk of crashing for recreational riders.

""Chainwheel""

"

Anonymous's picture
J (not verified)
Re: Benefits of pacelining

While it is true that you go faster in a paceline, the real benefit (to me, at least) is that you get to save energy.

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