On my home from work tonight I observed an incident that made me start thinking about other cyclists. I normally travel the Interstate from my job to my home, but today I decided to take the scenic route home. First because I wanted to just relax and drive, second the route is a very polular bike route and I enjoy seeing the other cyclists out and about. On this one section of the route there is a 1.5 mile climb out of the river valley leading to a long straight flat section. While in the car about 4th back in a line of about 10 cars we were going about 10 mile an hour. After rounding a bend I could see a group of cyclist on the road 2 abreast. We continued further at the same speed when a car went into the left lane and started to pass, the cyclist continued 2 abreast and one cyclist moved even further towards the center of the lane. We continued about another half mile at this rate when 2 cars behind me a Silver Dodge Charger pulled into the left lane got up about beside me and actived his blue lights. (Unmarked State Trooper) The Trooper passed the line of cars and pulled along side the cyclists and said something to them as he was beside them then backed off and pulled in behind the cyclists. Once they got to a church parking lot the cyclists all exited into the lot with the trooper behind them. I then continued home. Since I am retired from govenrment law enforcement, I know the trooper. So once I got home I called his cell phone and told him I was in the line of cars. He told me all he did was remind the cyclists that here in NC the statute states that cyclists do have a right to be on the road, but the statute states you must ride to the right as far as practicable and that 2 abreast is lawfull only in situations where a vehicle can safely pass a group that is 2 abreast. He did not issue any citations this time but did advise the riders he would in the future.

this was a good reminder that respect earns respect.