You can read some more of the back story behind this legislative effort in the link below. Late last year Tom McGrath defended two motorcyclists in Crewe, Va. Both were charged with "reckless driving" for pulling away from a traffic signal side-by-side and riding two abreast for a short distance. The judge has put off the final disposition of the case pending the legislative session. One of the motorcyclists charged holds a CDL, so not only faces loss of license, but loss of livelihood as well.
http://www.abateva.org/121911vcomnews.pdfIn the Commonwealth, reckless driving can carry a maximum fine of $2500, potential license suspension and even jail time of up to a year. A reckless driving conviction carries six points that stay on your driving record for 11 years (just like a DUI.)
http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citiz ... ints_6.aspPersonally, I don't recommend riding two abreast under most circumstances, but I have pulled up next to a riding buddy while waiting at a stop light, for a short conversation. If a cop had been watching, we could have been cited in Virginia. It shouldn't be a "hanging offense" unless there are extenuating circumstances like aggressive riding or speeding. It's draconian to charge someone with "reckless driving" for doing so at low speed, especially since it's apparently legal in 48 states.
I think all of the above carries more weight than "if the motor officers can do it, why can't I." Police officers can do many things in the performance of their duties than are denied to ordinary citizens, either by law or simple prudence.