Watch the cagers' wheels - Good tip

[rocketman1]

I read somewhere on the internet, that it is a good practice to watch a cagers wheels when at intersections and while passing parked vehicles you may suspect of doing U turns etc.
I thought it about time I raised it to the scooterboys!
I have got into this practice since I read it and it really gives you a bit more time to react to cagers intention when you see the wheels turn or move at all.
A cage can't move without its wheels turning, its a good headsup at intersections.
You become more aware of a vehicle moving by watching the wheels rather than looking at the vehicle itself.

Hope this advice helps

[Thaeos]

Sounds like a good tip. I'll make sure I try that out next time i'm on a ride. Which should be after I wakeup tomorrow! :)

[p.dath]

I also watch the angle the car is "parked" or stopped at (especially at intersections). Watch the head of the driver, especially if they are turning it (may be looking to see if the way is clear - but will they see you?).

If you can see the cager, see if they are talking on a cell phone, looking down (aka TXTing secretly), appear to be yelling at children, or talking to passengers. All signs they may be distracted and make sudden or abrupt changes.

[CookMySock]

After a few years, all these things become part of what sets your alarm off. That is, you get good at reading the traffic and knowing when you are at risk, without even knowing why.

Yeah so this sort of hazard identification is a good beginning.

Steve

[rphenix]

You become more aware of a vehicle moving by watching the wheels rather than looking at the vehicle itself.


I think most drivers do this already (even if sub-consciously) in Auckland the only way to work out what someone is going to do at a roundabout is to watch the wheels as many peoples use of the indicator is flakey at best.

[Rayray401]

When coming out of an intersection, also make sure there's no cars are in front of you. Happened to me yesterday (dunno what i was thinking ><), busy road, was checking both ways, then it was clear, was about to pull out, then realise theres a car right in my face. Was feeling abit bummed after that..

[wysper]

I read somewhere on the internet, that it is a good practice to watch a cagers wheels when at intersections and while passing parked vehicles you may suspect of doing U turns etc.
<snip>
A cage can't move without its wheels turning, its a good headsup at intersections.
You become more aware of a vehicle moving by watching the wheels rather than looking at the vehicle itself.

Hope this advice helps


I also watch the angle the car is "parked" or stopped at (especially at intersections).


Yep, the body language of cars is how I think of it. I look more at the car than the driver. The drivers can be looking right at you but not seeing you.

[george formby]

After a few years, all these things become part of what sets your alarm off. That is, you get good at reading the traffic and knowing when you are at risk, without even knowing why.

Yeah so this sort of hazard identification is a good beginning.

Steve

Radar on, all sorts of things get your attention after a while. Smoke coming from a parked car's exhaust, person in car moving around, wheels turning or rolling, driver leaning towards the door when parked. Good road craft!:scooter:

[KrazyGixxerBoy]

Yip, all of the above. After years of riding, everything comes into it when your out riding.