What is a polite distance when you following someone on populated bike lane (like the one, that goes along Hudson in Manhattan)?

Far enough that you don't slam in to them if they make a hasty maneuver? Given the amount of traffic on that path and the wildly varying speeds, I just try to avoid it, unless I'm going to be content tooling along at 8 mph.

I ride that path a few times a week. As long as you find a competent rider (bike handling and crowd maneuverability) to follow, you can stay pretty close at whatever pace they're riding. I've literally drafted people riding 20-25mph for several miles at a time, and had people draft me similarly, without issue. Though YMMV.

two seconds behind, just like on the road.

If you're riding close enough to he drafting them, it's a good idea to let the rider in front know you're there. If not, then just stay back far enough you could avoid them if they suddenly stop.

So nobody is offended if they pass me at 22mph and I draft onto their tail for 10-15 miles?

I suppose it would be polite to offer to pull occasionally, if you're a strong enough biker. Otherwise I assume the original puller will understand, take pride, and enjoy being pushed a little harder that day (except those holier than thou who don't change their pace regardless of who's infront or behind them).

YOU DON'T! You go in to an epic sprint and pass them while yelling "OH YOUR LEFT, B*TCH!"

the members of this forum don't represent the thinking of the entire population of the world. the easiest way is to ask the person you want to draft for 10-15 miles if they mind.

This.

It depends on what I perceive to be the experience of the rider, if they can hold their line and aren't weaving around unnecessarily then I'll announce myself and ride grab the wheel then take turns pulling. If I see someone riding irresponsibly then I keep my distance until I can get around them.


Some do, some don't. I don't mind because when I go out I ride my ride so if someone is going to draft and be comfortable with the speed I'm going at then that's fine, but it is nice when they offer to pull. The wheelsuckers that annoy me though are the ones who will make an effort as if they're going to pass but for whatever reason don't which leaves me second guessing and those riders get dropped.

If the front bike stops quickly because a kid runs out in front of him or something, you should be far enough back that you don't crash into them.