Why do bike riders tend to ride so close to the vehicle ahead?

[Old Steve]

Had to drive the cage to work the other day, Gloria was spending the day in hospital having a 20,000 km service and getting a cracked gear selector lever welded up.

Coming home along Levers Rd, Tauranga, I let a biker pass me, and then he followed the car in front just one bike length behind it's rear bumper. OK, he was off to the right with his wheels on the same path as the car's right hand wheels, his head was higher than the car so he could see ahead. He never passed the car in front, just followed like that for a km and a half.

But why do we bike riders tend to follow so close to the vehicle ahead? When I was back on Gloria I noticed that I did in fact follow vehicles much closer than I do in a cage.

Maybe the bike rider on Levers Rd, Tauranga, about 5.30 pm Thursday can tell me.

[98tls]

Whats with the "we" thing,so far theres only you and him.

[DIN PELENDA]

Who really cares, why ..... ..... ..... ?

[pc220]

Whats with the "we" thing,so far theres only you and him.

And me, have caught myself following cars alot closer than is healthy. Dont know why I dont even seem to realise how close I am. One of many things about my riding that needs more attention paid to.

[MIXONE]

And me, have caught myself following cars alot closer than is healthy. Dont know why I dont even seem to realise how close I am. One of many things about my riding that needs more attention paid to.

Please learn quickly.I can't afford any more rego increases.

[ellipsis]

....'cos they dont generally know what could happen next....all the talk and all the gear and all the cool bike you own , dont really mean fuck all if yer brainless...

[Big Dave]

Usually to capitalise on the next overtaking opportunity.

[nothingflash]

Please learn quickly.I can't afford any more rego increases.

Cough cough cough. Ah - that's better.

[Old Steve]

and all the cool bike you own

Cool bike? Hyosung GV250?

Just check yourself next time you're in city traffic. Bet you're surprised you're following a lot closer than you thought you did.

[ellipsis]

Cool bike? Hyosung GV250?

Just check yourself next time you're in city traffic. Bet you're surprised you're following a lot closer than you thought you did.

...my wife just sold hers....perfectly cool bike for her to learn on and classier than a few of the other introductory bikes....


....something im constantly aware of and am constantly amazed at those who aren't....see it on the highway too....

[JudaBaker]

Quite often I find myself following a bit closer than I probably should and have to back off, usually because I'm planning to get past the car in front but don't have the chance yet although sometimes I just creep up without initially realising.. Perhaps because I know I can stop faster I'm more worried about being hit by someone else than hitting the car in front of me.

[firefighter]

I've noticed it too. You are right, and it's not just you and him like someone else wrote.

I wonder what the sub-concious reason is for it (you know what I mean). There must be a perception issue or something as it's very, very common.

[98tls]

I've noticed it too. You are right, and it's not just you and him like someone else wrote.

I wonder what the sub-concious reason is for it (you know what I mean). There must be a perception issue or something as it's very, very common.

Yep me,ok its a few more it seems.At a guess i would say its because those that do havent yet felt the pain involved in connecting with one,cured me.

[YellowDog]

I only follow close when intending to pass, otherwise I try and keep a reasonable distance.

[avgas]

Slam the brakes on. Its great to see the 'rebels' shit themselves when they are riding outside their means.
Squids think they are rossi, and need a reality check.

[mashman]

Usually to capitalise on the next overtaking opportunity.

Tis about the only time i like gettin that close to the things.

[Dave Lobster]

Its because some people learned to ride in countries where the cops aren't such cocks about speed. Ordinarily, they wouldn't be sitting behind the car, they'd have carried on overtaking, but don't want to risk handing over a heap of cash to an officious little cock with a badge.

In reasonable countries, you're expected to overtake. Not only that, but cars actually pull to the side to let you by.

[pc220]

Please learn quickly.I can't afford any more rego increases.

ah another perfect rider, with nothingto improve on.

[MIXONE]

ah another perfect rider, with nothingto improve on.

No but I do tend to concentrate on my riding.

[Berries]

Being in the slipstream saves petrol.

[Conquiztador]

Well, I could add a few funny and/or sarcastic comments here...

But I won't. There is the "planning to overtake as soon as opportunity" reason as already stated, also the "I can see more from up here" reason and I would also argue that when on a bike we are more alert than when in a cage.

I think there is one more why we tend to do it: When on a bike we are used to that the traffic is next to our leathers; we squeeze between cars and trucks when filtering, we overtake in the same lane if there is just enough space and we dont ride over the yellow lines, we squeeze in the small gap between two cars when overtaking a line of cars and a car comes from the opposite direction.

[ellipsis]

....looks like there will be a bit of hair splitting coming up...gotta get the hairs in order, first...are we talking about drongos that feel safe while they are tucked in behind a cage dreaming of meat and three veg and maybe pudding on their way home from work ...or movers and groovers ....zippin here there and everywhere...completely in the zone....different dramas building here...

[DEATH_INC.]

Being in the slipstream saves petrol.
This is the correct answer :)

Reminds me of a sticker the sales manager of the local holden shop had on his rear window.... 'I'm not tailgating, I'm drafting'

But I'm glad I'm not the only one to notice this, it's pretty common.

[MSTRS]

... Perhaps because I know I can stop faster ...

Oh really? Good luck with that.

[Bonez]

Oh really? Good luck with that.Well if the car stops the bike stops. Simple really :blink:

[george formby]

My favourite is the rider who nips past traffic but sits hard on the arse of a campervan or truck, totally blind & weaves out to see whats coming. Fascinating waiting for the combination of weaving rider & corner cutting car to meet.

[MDR2]

I was left pondering this particular question just last week, I was in the car waiting to turn right onto a main road (from a side road)

To my left a ford explorer with his indicator on to turn left into my road was approching (was maybe 30 meters away) behind him approx 4 lengths was a another car (not indicating) I held off pulling out till i saw the ford moving over to turn and then start rolling forward to make a move onto the main road before the rest of the traffic behind him caught up.

just as i crossed over the white give way lines something caght my eye, movement behind the ford tinted windows, i jumped on the brakes and I came to a halt just as a street triple with pillion riding down the centre line scoots round the ford and down the road oblivious to the fact he nearly featured as a hood ornament.

So much was wrong with that particular situation it seemed to me a culmination of everthing that could go wrong... was at that particular moment, rider to close to car infront and sitting in the right wheel track I couldn't see him because of his position and he would never of seen me due to the car in front blocking his view of the left hand side of the road.

Well I doubt he learnt anything from the matter because to this day I doubt he even realised what might have eventuated. I on the other hand (while i usually hang back a few lengths) tend to sit in the middle of the road now.

[Dschubba]

only a fule breaks the 2 second rool

[JudaBaker]

Good luck with that.

Thanks. Much appreciated ;)

[Harvd]

... Perhaps because I know I can stop faster...

No You Cant

[JudaBaker]

No You Cant
To be honest you're probably right.. Stupid statement on my part :sherlock:

[Katman]

To be honest you're probably right.. Stupid statement on my part :sherlock:

You'll fit in well 'round here. :eek:

[varminter]

I think tailgating is a 'comfort thing' I honestly think some folk feel safer like that, sort of pack mentality. I drive a lot and I notice that while women drivers will happily sit close behind for ages, guys will move up close then overtake (often weather it's safe or not) then, when they have pissed past they feel obligated to continue in a like manner.

Watching drivers, it's often easy to know what they will do next. But the one's that amaze me most are the one's that sit close behind a truck continually on the brakes, tap, tap, tap, when it would be a hell of a sight easier to just fall back a bit and wait.

I sometimes think I live in a 'Matrix' world where most of the other people are (poorly) computer generated. It would explain a lot.:facepalm:

[shrub]

I think tailgating is a 'comfort thing' I honestly think some folk feel safer like that, sort of pack mentality. I drive a lot and I notice that while women drivers will happily sit close behind for ages, guys will move up close then overtake (often weather it's safe or not) then, when they have pissed past they feel obligated to continue in a like manner.

Watching drivers, it's often easy to know what they will do next. But the one's that amaze me most are the one's that sit close behind a truck continually on the brakes, tap, tap, tap, when it would be a hell of a sight easier to just fall back a bit and wait.

I sometimes think I live in a 'Matrix' world where most of the other people are (poorly) computer generated. It would explain a lot.:facepalm:

Women are the worst for tailgating, and as for bikes tailgating - I can't say I notice it myself. I have learnt that other road users do weird and unpredictable shit, so I try and stay as far away from them as possible. That means I filter and get ahead of the traffic where I can, and where I can't I drop back and let them have space to do their thing.

And I especially avoid group rides with more than half a dozen riders.

[yungatart]

I was cured of tailgating very early in my riding career.

We came home from a ride one day and Mstrs said to me, "Do you like being a nappy?"
"Huh?" says me.
He replies" You know, so close to someone's arse, you may as well be a nappy"

Well, having changed a few not very pleasant nappies over the years, I decided I certainly didn't want to be one of those.

Doubt that I have ever tailgated anyone since!

[Duke girl]

Maybe they think by sitting closely behind a car it will make the driver pull over to the left to allow the bike to go past. Absolutely bloody dangerous way of thinking as well as riding and so is motorcyclists who still overtake on double yellow lines on a blind bend or on a crest of a hill. Crazy.
Dont value their own lives nor those who also use our roads.
Ride to survive.

[avgas]

Well, I could add a few funny and/or sarcastic comments here...

But I won't. There is the "planning to overtake as soon as opportunity" reason as already stated, also the "I can see more from up here" reason and I would also argue that when on a bike we are more alert than when in a cage.

I think there is one more why we tend to do it: When on a bike we are used to that the traffic is next to our leathers; we squeeze between cars and trucks when filtering, we overtake in the same lane if there is just enough space and we dont ride over the yellow lines, we squeeze in the small gap between two cars when overtaking a line of cars and a car comes from the opposite direction.
You forgot:
- run with scissors
- pull really hard on stuck power plugs
- Cut towards the hand
- touch the element to see if its hot
- have the toaster, the jug and the microwave all sitting on a kitchen benchtop.....which is wet.
- use power tools without gloves
- use chainsaws in shorts
- put the chemicals in the bottom cupboard under the sink......at child height.
- Put hot things on tables with table cloths.......
and many more

Fuck knows how we survive really :blink:

[MSTRS]

You'll fit in well 'round here. :eek:

What? For making stupid statements? Or admitting the error of his ways? :innocent:

[avgas]

This is the correct answer :)

Reminds me of a sticker the sales manager of the local holden shop had on his rear window.... 'I'm not tailgating, I'm drafting'

But I'm glad I'm not the only one to notice this, it's pretty common.
I don't need a sticker to warn people.
The tow ball will quite happily crunch through skin and bone when they fuck up their passing manoeuvrings. No warning labels required.
Hell it will even blow a 4" hole through the toughest helmet if they try hard enough.

Back in the derby days I got one to blow a hole through a volvo........ and i was driving way slower than what people do on the roads.

[avgas]

I think tailgating is a 'comfort thing' I honestly think some folk feel safer like that, sort of pack mentality.
As in fudge?

[ckai]

My favourite is the rider who nips past traffic but sits hard on the arse of a campervan or truck, totally blind & weaves out to see whats coming. Fascinating waiting for the combination of weaving rider & corner cutting car to meet.

haha I always love seeing this. I don't think I'd take to kindly to having the dude or dudette fly over my windscreen/helmet as a passing car collects them though.

I had an interesting experience the other weekend when the wife's mini broke down. Ended up getting towed my a mates SUV thingie. The rope was pretty short (standard brought joby) so the mini was right up it's ass. Couldn't see shit. He was driving to the left so I could just see past him. It made for interesting left turns. We both up one "suck it in" moment when we heading around a left handed and HOLY FUCK A TRUCK IS CUTTING THE CORNER. :gob: God it would have been close.

But to clear this tail gating biz up, I've pulled my psychology degree from my ass and give you this definitive answer:

Sense of space.

Because you're not as closed in, you feel you can get closer to things before "feeling" closed in. Same thing with driving on a straight motorway vs driving around a closed in little windy estate street.

[sinned]

Quite often I find myself following a bit closer than I probably should ----- Perhaps because I know I can stop faster ---
Oh really? Good luck with that.
Good to see JudaBaker has rethought that statement on stopping faster which is a common misconception among riders. I would challenge any rider to see if he can stop quicker than my humble little Mazda3.


Well if the car stops the bike stops. Simple really :blink: What happens to the rider is interesting and painful.


only a fule breaks the 2 second rool Actually I prefer a 3 - 4 second rule while on the bike. The advantage of a bike is acceleration which makes if easy to quickly close a gap when a passing opportunity arises; if you can't pass or don't want to then keep a safe distance and enjoy the ride.


Maybe they think by sitting closely behind a car it will make the driver pull over to the left to allow the bike to go past. . That does work but it has its risks.

[Blinkwing]

I learnt early on that tailgating is incredibly stupid and I don't do it anymore if I can help it :innocent:

Going from North Shore over the Harbour Bridge, there's usually traffic just around the first corner off the bridge.

The guy in front of me had broken rear lights and I didn't see him slow down fast enough. I panicked and slammed on the rear brake, twas an impressive skid. Thankfully I stopped in time ...

[sinned]

I learnt early on that tailgating is incredibly stupid and I don't do it anymore if I can help it :innocent:

Going from North Shore over the Harbour Bridge, there's usually traffic just around the first corner off the bridge.

The guy in front of me had broken rear lights and I didn't see him slow down fast enough. I panicked and slammed on the rear brake, twas an impressive skid. Thankfully I stopped in time ...
An unskilled driver can stand on the brakes (ABS etc) and the car will rapidly stop. An unskilled rider does what you did - "slammed on the rear brake" and in most cases will not rapidly stop and may come off the bike. To ride a bike safely and survive requires a high level of skill whereas little skill is required to safely drive a car. Practice is required to program body and brain to brake a bike correctly in an emergency, in a modern car just standing on the brake pedal does the trick.

[Conquiztador]

An unskilled driver can stand on the brakes (ABS etc) and the car will rapidly stop. An unskilled rider does what you did - "slammed on the rear brake" and in most cases will not rapidly stop and may come off the bike. To ride a bike safely and survive requires a high level of skill whereas little skill is required to safely drive a car. Practice is required to program body and brain to brake a bike correctly in an emergency, in a modern car just standing on the brake pedal does the trick.

My bike has ABS...

[carbonhed]

My bike has ABS...

So does mine. Would it outbrake a car? I seriously doubt it and I certainly wouldn't want to find out the hard way.

[sunhuntin]

this is something i try to monitor and correct when out and about.
the main problem is being able to see either over or through the vehicle and looking so far ahead that im not registering the car anymore. i end up creeping up quite close before clicking and adjusting. i try and readjust my vision regularly, normally when i check the mirrors, i check the following distance as well.
i usually use the rule that if i can read the number plate clearly, then im getting too close. [for a 100k road its if i can tell the plate from the car] course, that changes in heavy traffic, but in free moving, its something i try to stick to.

if im following a vehicle i cant see past, such as a tall van or something with tinted windows, then i hang back quite nicely.

[release_the_bees]

I've found that I am the complete opposite and tend to follow the four second rule when riding the bike. The main reason being so that I can see more of the upcoming road surface, and give myself plenty of time to smoothly move out of the way of any obstacles on the road.

I've also found that this helps minimize the danger of cars pulling out of side roads directly in front of me. If they do so, they tend to move as soon as the car in front has passed the intersection, meaning I still have 3-4 seconds to react appropriately, should the pull out in front of me.

[ducatilover]

I tend to follow at a decent distance and where I am not in the driver-in-fronts blind spots.
Never been to keen to test my bikes vs the arse end of a car in a braking contest, plus being a Honda owner, hitting a car in front may ruin my complexion I have worked so hard for. My boyfriends would leave me, as would my wife. I would begin sniffing glue, attack an Arab and get shot through the spine, end up in a wheelchair with no kids and shit myself for the next 15 years before I chain smoke myself to death in my dark Honda closet.

Something like that :innocent: