This evening as I was driving to work, I noticed 2 cyclists in the bike lane, riding abreast. Well, one was in the bike lane. The companion, riding next to her, was not in the lane at all but taking up a vehicle lane. This was rush hour, with lots of traffic around, on a one way street.

While I was initially happy to see fellow cyclists, I admit I was peeved that the cyclist outside the lane wouldn't ride in front of or behind his companion. The bike lane is only big enough for one cyclist to ride safely in without the other one leading or following.

I also noticed that as they came to a stoplight, they waited to see that traffic had disappeared in the right of way lanes, then blew through the red light.

What's your opinion? Was it ok for the cyclist to not ride in the bike lane and instead take up a vehicle lane because he was with a companion and 2 abreast is ok here?