There is a fine ethical balance between enjoying some serious curve surfing and

[forester]

There is a fine ethical balance between enjoying some serious curve surfing and respecting other motorists' (typically car and truck drivers, or "cagers" if you will) rights to drive down the road at the "smell the daisies" pace.  Should sport-touring riders establish "suggested guidelines" for those to loosely follow?  Since hardly anyone ever follows public road laws strictly (maybe 1% of the population?), and Sport-touring riders have a tendency to follow the laws even less, why not come up with our own set of guidelines?

Poll and/or discuss.

[garry]

Behave yourself around civilization. Have some safe fun out in the boonies but don't be an asshat. I will pass anytime I feel it's safe (good sight lines, no/few driveways or intersections, especially on the left) out in the boonies if it's a good road. If the road doesn't warrant making an illegal pass, I'll just cool my jets, look at the scenery, and wait for a legal passing zone. If the pace is much less than the speed limit, I'm likely to pass at the first safe opportunity.

[Sarchi]

Don't pass at 2x the motorist's speed..it freaks them out.  Do pass when you can, most people seem to get nervous seeing you in their rear view for too long.  Wave as you go by.

[Snowbird]

Behave yourself around civilization. Have some safe fun out in the boonies but don't be an asshat. I will pass anytime I feel it's safe (good sight lines, no/few driveways or intersections, especially on the left) out in the boonies if it's a good road. If the road doesn't warrant making an illegal pass, I'll just cool my jets, look at the scenery, and wait for a legal passing zone. If the pace is much less than the speed limit, I'm likely to pass at the first safe opportunity.

Well said. That's about how I ride.  

[jschmidt]

Live a little!

[forester]

Live a little!

How so?

[forester]

My thoughts regarding this were stemming from group rides I've been on in the past.  If ma & pa are out for a country drive and are in a place that has frequent curves, but are approximating the speed limit, don't you think it might be a bad thing to do from a public relations aspect to blow by them in a double yellow?

I mean, can you imagine for a minute what they think/say to their friends "those crazy disrespectful kids on those crotch rockets passed us in a double yellow section of the road, they are completely nuts"... and their friends respond, "maybe we can get Representative Smith to sponser some legislation to get those dangerous sport bikers off of the road"...

Shouldn't there be some sort of consideration of how non-ST riders are viewing our actions to ensure that conversations like the above don't take place?  Is it a smart idea to just not give a shit what they think and treat the public roads like you own them and cars as if they're moving cones in an obstacle course?

From my own perspective, I think passing on a double yellow is okay (not legal of course, but certainly practical) if someone is really poking around and no other oncoming cars are present and conditions are good, but when cars are oncoming (even if you have enough "time" to get around the pokey car), I wouldn't do it simply because I realize most drivers do not like the idea of a car heading towards them in their lane.

I think that the intensity of one rider really putting thrills first (e.g. really, limitless curve surfing/speeding without respecting other vehicles) could stand a good chance to increase the negative perception of non-riders so that it will get people talking.  I also think the frequency of occurences of rider's disrespect for the road laws that non-riders witness will also get them talking.

Non-riders talking is a potentially bad thing for our sport.  How can we ensure that these people don't go out of their way to try and buck our curve-surfing enjoyment by supporting legislation that would restrict those experiences?  

Is it possible to come to some sort of universal agreement among sport-tourers?

[jschmidt]

 How so?

You decide. That's the point really. Tight-asses rule the world because fun-loving people concern themselves with not being offensive. Fuck 'em. When riding, I use a different set of rules than the ones on signs.

[bluepoof]

I don't pass on double yellow, and truth be told, I don't much like riding with people who do.  

Has nothing to do with the painted line, though, and more to do with knowing someone who died being hit head-on from a car rounding a curve over the center line.  We have LOTS of curves in the mountain roads I ride, and there are very very few times where a rider can actually see far enough ahead to know that a double-line passing is safe.

I fully realize this event has nothing whatsoever to do with normal riders out passing Ma and Pa Kettle on a straightaway; it's just an emotional reaction at this point.  

I guess I'm a tight-ass, really, because I generally obey all posted signs (with slight modifications in the area of speed limit, but even then, I'm usually pretty close).  I totally ride like a grandma.  

[Bodhi]

I don't like passing on double yellows either. I try to ride where car trafic is light and wait for the opportunity to pass. The only time I'll risk passing on a double yellow is if the car or RV or whatever is driving way below the speed limit.

[forester]

You decide. That's the point really. Tight-asses rule the world because fun-loving people concern themselves with not being offensive. Fuck 'em. When riding, I use a different set of rules than the ones on signs.

 Man you're a tough bastage!    ...so are you a loose-ass (wide reciever maybe)?    So, what are your rules?

[forester]

I don't pass on double yellow, and truth be told, I don't much like riding with people who do.  

Has nothing to do with the painted line, though, and more to do with knowing someone who died being hit head-on from a car rounding a curve over the center line.  We have LOTS of curves in the mountain roads I ride, and there are very very few times where a rider can actually see far enough ahead to know that a double-line passing is safe.

I fully realize this event has nothing whatsoever to do with normal riders out passing Ma and Pa Kettle on a straightaway; it's just an emotional reaction at this point.  

I guess I'm a tight-ass, really, because I generally obey all posted signs (with slight modifications in the area of speed limit, but even then, I'm usually pretty close).  I totally ride like a grandma.  

My emotional reaction is that I would probably pass you.  
...but seeing as how I'm not a total asshole (maybe just 50%), I would do it in a passing zone.  

[TalkingHead]

I only have two comments: 1. Passing on a double yellow is fine provided the car you see in the distance isn't a state trooper. 2. The comment about not passing cages at double their speed is a good one, most people carry cell phones now.

[bluepoof]

My emotional reaction is that I would probably pass you.  
...but seeing as how I'm not a total asshole (maybe just 50%), I would do it in a passing zone.  

Fine by me!  If I see other riders coming up quickly behind me, I pull over onto the shoulder and wave them past. Just because *I* ride like a grandma doesn't mean everyone has to!

[forester]

Fine by me!  If I see other riders coming up quickly behind me, I pull over onto the shoulder and wave them past. Just because *I* ride like a grandma doesn't mean everyone has to!

   I wish more vehicle operators would do that!

[Stripes]

I will tend to pass on a double yellow if I can see there are no cars coming, especially when I know once I twist the throttle I'll be around the car in about a second and a half or so. I only will pass on a double yellow when I can see that the road conditions are in good order as well. Most everyone I ride with will pass on a double yellow, but if they wish not to, the group will slow down just a little so when the rider has a legal or safe chance to pass, they can catch up. I also do not pass on double yellows when I am leading a group larger than 3 or 4 bikes. Other than that I try to make my ride as enjoyable as possible, and if I piss off a few drivers in their cages, oh well, as long as it's not a cop!!!

[Dichotomous]

in VT the double yellow does not mean "do not pass" it means "passing is not recomended"  so its legal to pass the guy going 40 in a 50 as long as its clear and you are not speeding.  what does this mean to me?  means I make that line my B17cH!!!  huzzah!  
well ok not really, but if someone is being a dork in their speed I'll pass them if its PLENTY clear and I know its clear and all is well, otherwise I flash my lights and have a whole bunch of fun with the horn button.  BTW this comes from living on a commuter route and commuting 45 miles a day and 20miles of that is on a 50mph road where people drive 40 most of the time, so the horn and highbeams get plenty of work.  (I dont tailgate though, tailgating is invasion of safe space, not just annoying them into pulling over, in fact I throw things at people that tailgate me)

[kevin_stevens]

I don't pass on double yellow, and truth be told, I don't much like riding with people who do.  

Has nothing to do with the painted line, though, and more to do with knowing someone who died being hit head-on from a car rounding a curve over the center line.  We have LOTS of curves in the mountain roads I ride, and there are very very few times where a rider can actually see far enough ahead to know that a double-line passing is safe.

I don't disagree with the principle, I follow my own guidelines of not passing if I can't see the road clear for the distance of the pass.  Problem is that the double yellows are often so conservative that strictly honoring them virtually precludes passing on a lot of the two-lanes locally.  You just end up with stacked-up traffic.  I have begun treating double-yellows as warning signs, that the engineers think there may be an unexpected passing hazard.  It's also interesting that there are areas that are NOT safe to pass during the day that ARE at night because of headlights being visible.

On a similar topic, it's hard to consider speed limits absolute from a safety perspective when they post a single maximum speed for all conditions.  I remember when growing up in Houston that a lot of roads had separate day/night speed limits, haven't seen one of those since.

KeS

[Snowbird]

We have LOTS of curves in the mountain roads I ride, and there are very very few times where a rider can actually see far enough ahead to know that a double-line passing is safe.

The curves where I usually ride are more sweeping, so I pass (if "safe")... but in you case (tighter curves) I do not.

I also do not pass on double yellows when I am leading a group larger than 3 or 4 bikes.

Agreed. Smaller groups ar better in this regard.

Problem is that the double yellows are often so conservative that strictly honoring them virtually precludes passing on a lot of the two-lanes locally.  You just end up with stacked-up traffic.

Yup.

otherwise I flash my lights and have a whole bunch of fun with the horn button.

I don't warn them... they just notice they were just passed. Warning them gives certain asses the opportunity to try something stupid to block you. The previously  initiated usually see me coming and allow me to cruise by... I never make a high rpm full throttle pass. Sorta like this:

I will tend to pass on a double yellow if I can see there are no cars coming, especially when I know once I twist the throttle I'll be around the car in about a second and a half or so

Watch for driveways and intersections... if present wait. (As previously stated.)

And, if the law is reading... No, I never pass on the DY, why?

[atypical1]

Is it possible to come to some sort of universal agreement among sport-tourers?

Funniest line ever!

I consider myself pretty safe but I do ride at a pretty good clip. I will definitely pass on a DY if it is safe to do so and if the slower vehicle won't move over for me. I always wave and someone who let's me by. That shows a lot of common courtesy on their part and I truly appreciate it (especially when lane splitting!).

I think there is a big difference between passing on a DY that is around a blind curve and a DY in an area that has good visibility. I absolutely agree on the DY's being ultra conservative. Even a mildly powered bike has enough power to make some pretty quick passes.

[M.Brane]

 If it's safe for me to pass I pass, and I always wave or give a thumb-up to people who pull over or wave me past. I do the same for those that wish to go faster than me.

[Tony T]

Don't pass at 2x the motorist's speed..it freaks them out.  Do pass when you can, most people seem to get nervous seeing you in their rear view for too long.  Wave as you go by.

Well-put.  

I have no problems passing on the double yellow, but I never do it in a turn unless it’s a long sweeper. I want to see the road is clear all the way up to the point I will be re-entering the proper lane.

[Busy Little Whiner]

I prefer to pass in between the Lookie Loos and the double yellow lines... it's legal and safe when done
doubly quick that is... out west the idea is to lane share...

 

[FastCat]

Maybe the real "solution" to this whole "question" (as if it were that simple) is to write to local LE officials and lawmakers and demand enforcement of current laws regarding inattentive drivers and slow-moving vehicles that obstruct the flow of traffic.

It'd also be nice if the double-yellow lines were only used in places where it is appropriate - I think that the entire length of FS-25 and FS-99 are double-yellow.

It'd also be nice if speed-limits and traffic-signs were more accurate and representative of conditions... when was the last time anyone here actually took the suggestion of a "maximum safe speed" warning-sign at the entrance to a corner?  ...and is that "maximum safe speed" supposed to apply equally to all vehicles on the road?  Can gramma's station-wagon negotiate that corner in the rain as well as a Ferrari on a clear day?

Public roads are not private racetracks, and people should not use them in that manner.

...at the same time, the public roads are not personal scenic-vista-parking-lots either.

Either mis-use can cause dangerous conditions for those of us who are simply trying to use public roads for their intended purpose (travel from one place to another).

[Snowbird]

Unfortunately, FC, most hwy depts can back up their signs and striping with hard data. The problem is that the criteria are set for the least common denominator. Worst expected performance of a *car* in the worst regularly expected visibility. The criteria is very conservative. Cops tend to realize this as many also ride.

I have seen cases, though, when the deciding factor was "I'll never get in trouble for marking this Do Not Pass..."

Near me is a long uphill where I like to do "dyno runs." It's marked DY, even though I can pass cars easily on just about any motorcycle... and I do. The way I look at it, if I didn't see a cop, I wasn't safe to pass.
Overall, I figure I must've passed on the DY about 30k+ times. Just one ticket for it many years ago when I did not happen to see the cop.  

Everyone keep this in mind: if you do follow the striping, you may eliminate an instance where you ought to have waited. Patience is a virtue.

[FastCat]

...

I have seen cases, though, when the deciding factor was "I'll never get in trouble for marking this Do Not Pass..."

...

Everyone keep this in mind: if you do follow the striping, you may eliminate an instance where you ought to have waited. Patience is a virtue.

Yup, I had a close-call a few years back when I was riding an unfamiliar road and I blitzed two slow-moving cars down a long, long straightaway that was DY as far as the eye could see.  ...problem was, there was a hidden left-turn and the slow-mo in front wanted to take it.

EEK!

This is the kind of situation that was completely my mistake/mis-judgement, and luckily for everyone (most of all me) my braking-skills were up to the task.

The thing is, this is also EXACTLY the kind of situation that gets created when the DY is over-used by the powers-that-be.  If the DY was applied more judiciously then I (and others, I am sure) would not be so sorely tempted to ignore it on occasion.  It's like "the boy who cried: 'wolf!'".  A warning of any kind is useless when it is un-necessarily over-used.

[UFO]

Follow all road signs except speed limit.  I will pass on the double yellow if I'm behind someone who's driving well below the speed limit.  If they are doing the speed limit I will wait for a "legal" passing opportunity...that's when the triple digit sightseeing comes in.

Bottomline:  We DO share the road with cars.  Just as we expect them to respect out space, we should do likewise.  To do otherwise is the way of the asshat.  

[jed]

Follow the road signs except speed unless in a neighborhood.  I decided double yellows are generally there for a good eason so I  don't pass on them unless it is exceptionally safe to do so.  Don't spook the drivers.  Pissing off cars is bad for everyone on a motorcycle.

[Ant]

Follow the road signs except speed and except when I'm in residental area with 20/30mph zones... I disagree with a lot of those postings but generally they're in areas where anything can happen, kids running across the streets etc

Crossing double lines (white here in the UK ) is generally right out, the way I see it I don't want to give the authorities any excuses to further limit our freedoms on motorbikes. I've just heard that the Czech Republic has revoked permission to lane split, something that pays for my bike in my mind time after time when I'm riding around here, if you break the laws that you don't really need to (its usually quite easy to wait for a legal passing area) then they'll start clamping down on the things that make our life easier.

I always wave or give a thumb-up to people who pull over or wave me past. I do the same for those that wish to go faster than me.

 
I think thats one of the top rules, if someone suddenly appears in your mirrors - let them past. If someone pulls over, I always wave and thank them (so long as I can safely do so obviously  ). It all helps with the PR effort

[1KPerDay]

Behave yourself around civilization. Have some safe fun out in the boonies but don't be an asshat. I will pass anytime I feel it's safe (good sight lines, no/few driveways or intersections, especially on the left) out in the boonies if it's a good road. If the road doesn't warrant making an illegal pass, I'll just cool my jets, look at the scenery, and wait for a legal passing zone. If the pace is much less than the speed limit, I'm likely to pass at the first safe opportunity.

 

[bluepoof]

Oh, this is a good opportunity for me as a representative of all grandma riders/drivers to ask a favor --

Please do give us a chance to pull over in a safe place for you before you just wick it up and blow past us.  

Granted, some drivers are just clueless and won't pull out, but I HATE it when a motorcyclist passes me in my own lane during a blind curve just because they wouldn't wait 10 seconds for me to pull into the turnout up ahead...

[Req]

I basically ride like a grandma as well, at least compared to some of the folks in my neighborhood.    I very, very occasionally pass on double yellow - basically, only if I'm stuck behind someone who's waaaaay too slow and won't let me by even after flashing brights, weaving around, beeping the horn, and generally acting annoying.  Or if I'm trying, unsuccessfully, to keep up with TalkingHead.  

I also tend not to be too much above the speed limit. 10-20 above is my usual top end, unless I'm way out in the desert and feel like proving something.  I tend to prefer the twisty roads where this speed is a still-exciting pace.  This is helped along by the fact that my Vstrom is really not a speed demon; at around a hundred things get kinda shaky and not confidence-inspiring.  I know of at least one Strommer who lost his (new, in very good shape, good tires, etc) Strom to a tankslapper at 130 indicated, and so I tend to give those speeds a wide berth.

[Snowbird]

Yup, I had a close-call a few years back
EEK!

This is the kind of situation that was completely my mistake/mis-judgement, and luckily for everyone (most of all me) my braking-skills were up to the task.

The thing is, this is also EXACTLY the kind of situation that gets created when the DY is over-used by the powers-that-be.  If the DY was applied more judiciously then I (and others, I am sure) would not be so sorely tempted to ignore it on occasion.  It's like "the boy who cried: 'wolf!'".  A warning of any kind is useless when it is un-necessarily over-used.

First I agree with the bold. Now, let me tell you about my shorts shitting story.

Last spring, I rode to Pittsburgh and back, a couple of hundred miles each way and the days were still short and it was getting chilly late in the day as I returned.
I come up on a semi and I'm going pretty fast, but the road looks ok, despite the DY. All except one thing: a "tiny" dip in the road ahead. I violate my rule that says NEVER pass if you cannot see ALL the pavement. I pull out and while alongside the semi a Chevy appears out of the dip. First inclination was to brake, and I did. It wasn't going to be enough. So I move closer to the semi, but on the DY and on the brakes, the bike gets all squirrelly. I let off the brakes, the bike stabilizes, the Chevy moves a bit to the left and I pass between the two at hyperspeed. Now you see why I say patience is a virtue and don't get carried away. Shjt can and does happen.

Oh, yeah, I completed the pass and went on my way, never to see the truck again.

[steve.ski]

I'll pass over the DY if it's REALLY safe to do so, and always give a "thank you" wave whether or not the driver ahead of me moves over or not.

I NEVER pass another bike unless he indicates it's OK to do so with a wave or a shift to the right side of the lane. Some years ago I was riding on 76 when a rider clipped another whilst pulling out to pass. He was behind another rider, and they both had the same idea to pass a car that was ahead of them. The dude never gave the rider ahead of him time to pull out and make the pass. Bad news...

Also, I have the stock exhaust on my bike, which works fine for me. Excessive noise is the #1 enemy of our sport. If you are running a louder system, it's good to short shift it as you pass cars IMHO. Whilst driving my truck, I always look out for bikes on the road and I have had the living crapola scared out of me by noisy bikes. Not the best PR campaign...

Guess it's about riding spirited but courteous...

[Busy Little Whiner]

opportunity...that's when the triple digit sightseeing comes in.

Mercy Skipper... Triple Digit Sightseeing... I'll do my best to keep up... 8-)

[Tar Snake]

Bottomline:  We DO share the road with cars.  Just as we expect them to respect out space, we should do likewise.  To do otherwise is the way of the asshat.  

Well said, I've been on some group rides where that hasn't been happening so I dropped back. Looking back from now on I'll most likely just opt out if I feel things getting out of hand.

[Longpath]

 

too, but I admit I pass full-throttle nearly every time.  I really don't like hanging my ass out in the wind any longer than I have to.  Am I "wrong" for this?  Seems logical to me, but I know quite a few of you folks don't do full-throttle passes.

[meanstrk]

Behave yourself around civilization. Have some safe fun out in the boonies but don't be an asshat. I will pass anytime I feel it's safe (good sight lines, no/few driveways or intersections, especially on the left) out in the boonies if it's a good road. If the road doesn't warrant making an illegal pass, I'll just cool my jets, look at the scenery, and wait for a legal passing zone. If the pace is much less than the speed limit, I'm likely to pass at the first safe opportunity.

That says it about as good as I can. Ditto to everything!

[Windblown]

Behave yourself around civilization. Have some safe fun out in the boonies but don't be an asshat. I will pass anytime I feel it's safe (good sight lines, no/few driveways or intersections, especially on the left) out in the boonies if it's a good road. If the road doesn't warrant making an illegal pass, I'll just cool my jets, look at the scenery, and wait for a legal passing zone. If the pace is much less than the speed limit, I'm likely to pass at the first safe opportunity.

That says it about as good as I can. Ditto to everything!

+2  Nothing gets folks more riled up than blowing thru their neighborhoods.  Once the houses and driveways disappear I run as my mood suits me.  That occasionally means a double yellow pass.

[M.Brane]

too, but I admit I pass full-throttle nearly every time.  I really don't like hanging my ass out in the wind any longer than I have to.  Am I "wrong" for this?  Seems logical to me, but I know quite a few of you folks don't do full-throttle passes.

 I guess that depends on how loud your pipes are, and your passing etiquette. My bike has stock pipes, and I don't cut back in too close.

[Longpath]

I have kept my stock pipes for this very reason.

[06ST1300A]

My friends and I have this little talk with anyone riding with us the first few times. The gist of it is that everyone is an adult and they ride their bike how they want.

But we all agree that we will not pass unless we feel it is safe to do so and we will signal the car that we are passing  and wave as we pass. So far we have never had any close calls and if there are several cars, we just wait. It is not worth risking our lives or anyone else.

Most people that don't ride think we are crazy and wild anyways so you are wasting your time trying to change any minds.

[RickC1957]

Most will laugh...but I really try to obey the traffic laws around civilization, I really do   Out on the backroads...I apply my version of common sense....which has nothing to do with the traffic laws. I do ride safe....and I try not to piss off cagers....because every Tom, Dick and Harry has a cell phone and will report your antics to the local LEOs. On Vivid's Flat 4 Run, there was a ride leader (who will remain nameless) who always managed to attract every LEO in a 4 county area to our presences, why because he would lead "the fast group" 7 to 10 bikes, past cagers on a Sunday drive at Mach 10 speeds, just annoys the crap out of cagers.....I always told my group...."pass one at a time....wave to the cager when you have gone by" Funny my group has never had the local LEOs waiting to talk to us at Rockton

[falcofred]

In town I try to behave and show a positive motorcycling image. Out in the countryside I ride more aggressively . I'll pass cagers or other motorcyclists (especially Harley's) only after following them for enough time for them
1. Realize that I'm in back of them and want to ride faster then they are traveling.
2. Give them the opportunity to pull over or wave me by.
Then I pass when and where I feel that I can execute a clean safe pass.
When leading or riding with a group I exercise extra caution, and make sure the others in my group only pass when it's safe for them as individuals to pass, and not to make a pass just because the rider in front of them passes.

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

Behave yourself around civilization. Have some safe fun out in the boonies but don't be an asshat. I will pass anytime I feel it's safe (good sight lines, no/few driveways or intersections, especially on the left) out in the boonies if it's a good road. If the road doesn't warrant making an illegal pass, I'll just cool my jets, look at the scenery, and wait for a legal passing zone. If the pace is much less than the speed limit, I'm likely to pass at the first safe opportunity.

This is very good.

[ST-DocLizard1]

I believe that 10-15 mph over can certainly be safe under the right conditions. I also have developed a sixth sense with respect to a "Righteous Pass" on a double yellow with a judicious "Twist of the Wrist." I do a lot of group riding especially up on the point and I can execute a safe pass at the right moment for not only myself, but for the group as well. It has taken 29 years to develop this feeling, but it has been worth the wait.

Doc

[Sameraz]

This is a good thread!  Lots of good takes on this issue!

I'm sort of with Bluepoof.  I really like what Gary wrote.

But honestly, its probably mostly my little bike.  Sure I can get it up near 100, and on most of the highways I tool along 5-10 over.  I've passed a couple times on DY, but those dealt with cars doing about 12 in something like a 35 with clear sight lines.  I just don't have the instant acceleration to take a pass that is at all iffy above about 65 MPH.  I have to plan it, see through it and really dedicate myself to it.

I might be going all out on some highway and not be keeping up with some of your grandmas.  But hey, I ride my ride, I has my fun!  I also know if I screw up I could get killed with my little bike at 70 mph just as easily as riding some supersport bike at 70 mph...physics has no favorites with brand, model or displacement.

I guess I don't have to worry about the draconian speed laws Oregon has for speeding over 100MPH...'cause I am 2slo4U Mr. LEO.

Hell, even out in the outback I tend to be a little careful, would not be too fun to be tooling at near max speeds and get taken out by a suicidal stealth antelope.  In some spots you'd be lucky to have a car pass in a few hours.

[Nny]

Funny thing, once I started riding I had a group of 3 sport bikers pass me while I was driving my car on a medium blind right hand turn out of nowhere and before I started riding I never had a bike pass me on a DY.  Guy was right outside my window.  I was driving at about 6/10ths and to me that was just plain stupid.  What happens if I hadn't noticed him and went to fiddle with the radio or something mid turn and unconsciously drifted left?  

Calamari!  That's what.  

I don't care what the lines say personally, but there were a lot of things that could have gone wrong in that situation that would have meant dead squids.  The situation trumps the lines.  If it's safe go, if it's not, don't.  That said, I find the line painters around here not too bad at figuring out safe visual distances and not being DY Nazis...