Question about riding in traffic By skunkhome (Read 1,432 times)

[skunkhome]

When you're riding in stop and go traffic and traffic is stopped, how do you position your bike in relationship to the car/truck in front of you?  This question is of course for those of us who ride where lane splitting is not allowed. 

[jerryscript]

I go to the side without exhaust if possible, then angle towards the next lane for an easy exit. I then watch my rear view mirror till the vehicle behind me stops. If I do get rear ended, I'll be pushed towards the next lane rather than being crushed between two vehicles.

[Guitarman]

May 29, 2015 19:21:18 GMT -6 jerryscript said:

I go to the side without exhaust if possible, then angle towards the next lane for an easy exit. I then watch my rear view mirror till the vehicle behind me stops. If I do get rear ended, I'll be pushed towards the next lane rather than being crushed between two vehicles.

EGG-XACTLY.

The only thing to add is if the vehicle coming up from behind doesn't stop, forget the law and split that bugger and quick!

[skunkhome]

I agree with you guys. I do not relish becoming a skunk sandwich. Back when I took my test for motorcycle endorsement this is what we had to regurgitate from the official Louisiana motorcycle study guide. (Left column)




I think this is wrong on a number of points but I spouted it off for the test but always rode to the edge of the lane to give myself an exit. I am not really concerned about the person in front of me running over me. Yes it could happen but how many of you have been hit by the guy in front of you? Also typically the only time I run in the grease (middle of the lane) is to avoid obstacles or cross RR tracks or rough pavement transitions.

[Guitarman]

Yep, you can wind up dead from the grease strip. And then sometimes, it's the best place to be. The rule I follow is: Adjust to fit the situation.

Strange is it may be, what you posted from the book is correct, as far as it goes.  And that's where experience comes in.  You MUST CONSTANTLY make choices on what part of the lane you are using and other factors in order to be safe.

[jerryscript]

Even motorcycle cops will tell you the grease strip is bad.

[skunkhome]

The point is, for me, the least of my worries is what the driver in front of me sees unless my intention is to pass him. There are people who never look in the rear view mirror; my wife being one. I personally believe the safest place to control the lane is from the high side track. IMO, when riding staggered in groups the trailing bike should take the high position to command the lane for the group. Riding in the low track by yourself or at the rear of a group encourages the 4 wheeler behind you to treat you like a bicycle. If they are hell bent on lane sharing I would prefer them passing on the low side as they are less likely to clip you with the drivers side. As you say you have to tailor your position to match the situation but I think it is categorically wrong to teach novices the the middle of the lane is the best place to ride.

[jct842]

The most important advice I could give a new rider is to ^{ride like you are invisible}. In other words you watch your arse and assume that every one out there can not see you. You may be right in a situation but don't be dead right by standing your ground!

There is no contest between a 3000 lb car and a 300 lb bike, the car always wins.

[novaraptor]

yeah, there is no one 'best' place. But there is one 'worst' place, no matter what Nevada DMV says: the middle of the lane..I prefer left of middle, but depends on other factors.

[cyborg]

When i'm riding with a group,,,i always ride the back,,,the back back,,,so much so the guys call me "the caboose",,,,as far as grease,,on my stella i steer clear,,,on my dr i look for it to roost a bit on,,,good fun,,,never try and stop on it tho,,,that would create a peekaboo squirl condition

[Guitarman]

I usually take a spot just left of the grease strip. That way I show up in two mirrors. Also, I usually have a greater space to do an escape on that side.

If I'm riding with my group, then I want the right track.  I usually lead and it's easier to give signals to the rest of the group from there.

And speaking of signals.....

Motorcycle Hand Signals

[novaraptor]

Really?? That's the sign for "comfort stop"

[cyborg]

,,,i didn't know that either,,,,that's a riot!!!!

[jerryscript]

Not sure I would follow the leader who flashed that signal. ~

[skunkhome]

For "Comfort Stop" I put out my left arm out and down at 45° angle and wiggle my index finger.