Group riders marking the exit at a roundabout

[Graham62]

A group of bikers that come past my way on a regular ride out mark the exit at roundabouts in a different way than we do. The group is made up of mainly Harleys, Trikes and the odd Goldwing. What they do is the second bike in the group blocks the traffic that is coming onto the roundabout at the junction before the exit that they are taking, they stay there until all the bikes have taken the exit even if there is a long space between riders. This tends to upset the other vehicles that are trying to go around the roundabout.
Is it me or is this not the best idea. 

[grumps]

Very selfish. What gives them the right to delay and disrupt others?

The drop off system works well so use it.

[Brockett]

No. I wouldn't want to plant myself in a lane to block the roundabout and hope someone doesn't try and squeeze past. Also not sure it would work on a dual or even a three lane road. Some roundabouts give a "clear path" from the inside lane approaching the roundabout onto the first exit.  A rideout group must use the roads with consideration to others - after all we are not bloody selfish, lycra clad, cyclists. 
PS sorry Graham, I still luvyalots.

[Rusty Nuts]

The only time I've ever been in a ride like that was a 1,000 strong Satan's Slaves funeral. One car driver did try to push in, two large gents got into his car and politely explained what was going on.

[crump]

Sounds like a crap idea to me, just irritates other road users for no real benefit.
Suspect its designed for the badass bike types who seem to feel the need to ride nose to tail with their mates all the time.

[Graham62]

@Brocket they do it on a two lane junction. I forgot to say that the group is always at least twenty bikes and sometimes forty plus.

[UK_Vstrom650]

Ride of Remembrance/Honour did it a bit on the last run out from Squires but not on every roundabout - more often than not it was just a marshal parked up pointing the way.

I'm not convinced blocking roundabouts is necessary even for the hundreds who take part.

(Brockett, no need to cyclist bash)

[TLPower]

  you lucky boy Graham, you unknowingly stumbled upon the realm of the ROAD CAPTAIN.

You were so very lucky to witness the splendor of their two wheeled ballet and lived to tell the tale. Did you notice none of the lemmings was smiling, they have to practice the "I'm a badass" frown to ensure inclusion in the theatre of a HOG ride.

Mess with them at your peril!

https://belfasthog.com/pdfs/HOG_Road_Captain_CM.pdf

[jabmotorsport]

As far as I'm aware that is technically illegal unless its a properly "organised" ride ... Are you sure they hadn't just coincidentally broken down?

[Mr Nick]

I read the responsibilities of Captain Kremmen with some degree of mirth.

§ Place organise riders into groups according to ability or special needs

Yup, lots of special needs people there..

§ recognise and adjust the ride to the experience and skill level of the entire
group being led

Staying in the car park is probably the only possible answer to that one.

§ Negotiate a group through an urban environment

Loudly as possible, and ignore the coloured lights you might see.

§ Show proper acceleration and slowing technique

Full throttle & hope you keep up with the joggers. Drop the supplied anchor when approaching a bend as the bikes are not designed to turn.

§ Execute lane changes in urban and highway environments

The entire road is yours, any other users should get out of your way.

§ Exhibit the proper technique for passing other vehicles on both two lane
and multi-lane roads

You may come across a traction engine on your travels: allow plenty of space for your run-up. Maybe best to wait for a downhill section.

[mr_diver]

Josh would be correct in saying "illegal"

Unless you have written permission from local authority/highways agency (think roadworks, cycle race on closed road or IOM TT) or a member of the emergency services or military on official business you do not have the right to stop traffic unless it is to warm others of danger or requesting help in an emergency.

Most Harley owners groups or large clubs generally are a law unto themselves anyways, but if plod sees them it will be the riders sitting a car and having the situation explained to them.

[Rusty Nuts]

The police were fully aware and assisting, in my example. But yes, definitely illegal and slso bad form on a ride out.

[Barbel Mick]

So, who's applying for the places of Road Captains for the VOC?

[Graham62]

I think that would be Mr Diver in August. 

[Joe Rocket]

I have no opinion on the legal status or views on the roundabout action taken in the UK by your organised rides.

The practice is used over here and in my experience has no real dissent from other road users. It may be that we have much less circulation on roads and maybe it's a run in the countryside at the weekend. Small groups of riders can organise runs and usually ride as a group (not drop off system) up to 20 bikes. Beyond that number the ride must be logged and route approved with the authorities. The organisers then run security riders to block junctions and roundabouts as required. (For very large events the police run the security and close roads but that would be for hundreds or thousands of bikes.) It's a system that has evolved here and, as far as I have witnessed, is acceptable to  4 wheelers.

Anyway, here it's allowed, regulated from a certain level up and seen by most as a cultural norm. Hunting in communes across most of France in the winter is another traffic hazard btw, and you are just as likely to get stopped by two locals having a chat along a road, they'll give you the eye if you threaten to break their right to talk!

[Robotstar5]

I must admit to blocking an island once, but I think it was in a good cause. While approaching it I was watching a paramedic car on blues coming up behind me so I pulled to the right and stopped on the island blocking any traffic coming round to allow the paramedic clear passage through.

[purplebikeunicorn]

There was a similar thing here end of last year, a large biker group was blocking traffic light junctions to let their mates through (may I point out, through multiple red lights).

Disgraceful behaviour, and they didn't get all that far ahead as I caught up with them at the next set of lights where they were flummoxed by a few tractors!

[Upt North]

They're stupid, no more, no less.....but it's quite popular these days......stupidity that is. If it was I in my 4 wheeled vehicle I wouldn't wait, plain and simple. Peep, peep, I'm coming through.

[The Doctor 46]

It's strange how some w*****s make it so easy for some motorists to hate us even more. 

[mr_diver]

Graham, if anyone calls me a Road Captain they will have to find their own fecking way home from the middle of nowhere when I ditch em and ride off up a dirt track.