Obviously, speed limits are always a touchy subject; while I don't want to derail the thread TOO much, I think people may be able to agree on the following:
1. In general, speed limits in the U.S. *are* set lower than the road designs can accommodate, especially on the federal highway system.
2. As a result, most drivers/riders speed a little faster than the limits. And once one person does it, two people do it, i.e. there are many roads (particularly highways in urban areas) where going "only" the speed limit actually becomes dangerous given the flow of traffic.
3. There are always speed-demon outliers who go SIGNIFICANTLY above the speed limit. These individuals are dangerous simply because speed by itself doesn't kill, but *relative* speed increases risk. Out by yourself on an empty road, this is less of a risk-- but the road around that blind corner isn't always empty. In actual traffic, however, excessive speed relative to other traffic reduces your reaction and braking time, and creates more distractions for drivers around you, i.e. the safest way to ride your bike/Spyder in traffic is to be *visible and predictable* to other drivers, and relative speed quickly spooks other drivers. If you find yourself needing to do that to enjoy yourself, get theeself to a track day, stat. :thumbup:
4. Bottom line: on bikes/Spyders, the best strategy is the best strategy. Meaning, speed is always situational, and should be constantly adjusted.
The primary distinction between bikes and cars, however, is that pacing traffic increases risk more for bikers than for cars. Relative speed is less of a risk for bikers given our maneuverability/braking abilities, but being trapped in blind spots or between vehicles is deadly.
I admit-- have spent a lifetime living in cities, I've been conditioned to accept "flow of traffic" as the actual, practical speed limit. Since pacing cars & trucks means riding in blind spots, and going slower than traffic risks being rear-ended, I tend to always go about 5 mph more than the flow of traffic, which in reality often ends up being anywhere from 5 to 15 mph above the speed limit.
I modify that according to weather and road conditions, and happily slow down for "dodgy" drivers ahead of me, i.e. somebody ahead of me who looks like they're not paying attention/on the phone/tired/drunk (!), until I can safely pass and quickly get FAR away from them, I prefer having them in my front where I can see them and have time and space to react.
Anyway, a little relative speed is often a safety technique for bikers. A lot of relative speed? You start rolling dice.
P.S. I admit that I may one day suffer a speeding ticket for going faster than the flow of traffic. That said, I try not to go any faster than I can logically defend, i.e. I may lose out in court to the letter of the law, but it won't be because I was a reckless and unsafe rider.
I was talking about the other crazy stuff people do. Do you think it's ok to to pass me on the shoulder at 70 mph, which was my speed not theirs? A right turn on a Red Light is legal, but only if you stop first, and it doesn't matter if you can see that everything is clear or not, and don't get me started on which lane they should be turning into, how about crossing 3 lanes of traffic to take an exit or when you get on to get in the left lane. I think it boils down to a general lack of respect for other drivers. I am not saying this includes all Texas drivers by any means, but it certainly seems like a large number, at least within the Dallas, Fort Worth metroplex. There are some roads I will not ride/drive on because of how reckless people drive on them. As far as speeding goes I've always liked the way Oklahoma does it, there are signs listing the fines, so you can go as fast as you can afford, even though I don't think that is the purpose of the signs.
Back to the Flasher issue, while not totaly against the idea I think the only safe thing is, if you can't see Stop and get out of the way. I have stopped and just stood in rain more than once because I couldn't see.:sour:
