Common Sense of Winthrop, ME Hello!! Blue lights mean STOP not take off and run! No pity here!report abuse

BSisBS of Augusta, ME Here's a little "Biker 101" for those who don't know the deal and post assuming comments regardless.

Okay...Bikes have 2 wheels. Got it? Bikes are also not quite as wide or stable as your SUV. Now keep that in mind.

Ever follow a motorcycle and notice that the rider keeps their tires just a few inches from the center line in the road? Wonder why? Reason #1...Oil! Other vehicles drip oil onto the road. Not the right side of the lane and not the left side, but the CENTER. Take notice next time you drive on a paved road. The middle part of the lane is usually a little darker than the sides. Oil is slippery. Even when dry. Even if it's not darker, it's still slippery. Reason #2...Crowning. Roads are usually crowned most in the center (where the tires of your car do NOT spend the majority of their time). The more crown, the less contact that our TWO wheels make with the road. We strive for as much rubber to road contact as we can get!!! Next time you're behind a biker, take notice. You will rarely see them travel in the center. The left side of the lane isn't so much fun, either. It's more likely to have sand/dirt, rocks, broken pavement and bumps. So you see? There are many reasons for bikers to travel within inches of the center line. Now...When we're talking inches, it's pretty hard not to cross over the center line once in a while. Sometimes, we have to due to the condition of the road and other hazards (avoiding potholes, wet leaves, rocks, garbage, roadkill, dirt, etc.)

The article doesn't specify how much time the guy spent in the opposite lane and it doesn't tell us how far over he was either. Granted, his speed was completely unsafe and foolish. However, the cop simply stating that he was on the wrong side of the road doesn't hold any water.report abuse

BOOGIEWHOMP of Augusta, ME People run for a reason! They do not want to get caught for something they did or are doing wrong! Plain and simple! Common sense tells you you have to stop! So stop! Yet! Some people do not, I repeat, "DO NOT" use the common sense they have. The reason is not because they do not know! And, even knowing this, some people would rather take a chance and ultimately some pay the price! In this case, someone paid the ultimate price! Such a waste! A sad tragedy.report abuse

Yohon DesMajeski of Augusta, ME Pinecone I hope your not a cop. You added “high rate of speed” To the reason of Smith being pursued. Not True Dude. LOL@Ureport abuse