The Art of Situational Awareness.

[Katman]

It starts with the act of concentration. Make no mistake, day-dreaming while riding will all too often end in tears.

At any one point in time we are blessed with a finite amount of mental capacity to concentrate. (That capacity to concentrate grows as your brain gets used to the act of concentrating. Placed in a situation where you're required to concentrate heavily will have you mentally tired within minutes but with practice that time can extend out to hours).

It's how we use that amount of concentration available to us at any point in time that determines our degree of situational awareness. Our concentration needs to be divided between all the potential hazards that exist around us and the allocation of those percentages is constantly changing.

For example, as you approach a T intersection where a car is in a position of having to give way to you, the 5% of your concentration that you allocated to it 100 metres away needs to increase as you get closer, till at the split second of turning across the projected path of that vehicle it is receiving closer to 90% of your concentration. When approaching a vehicle parked on the side of the road in a position of potentially doing a u-turn in front of you it is not sufficient to have noticed it as a potential hazard in the distance then promptly ignore it. As you get closer it needs to receive more and more of your attention. The instant you are past a potential hazard the amount of concentration allocated to it is immediately redirected and divided between the new hazards around you.

In a similar vein, when on a straight and clear section of country road, directing 100% of your concentration on the road in the far distance is pointless. The larger proportion of your concentration would be better directed at the long grass at the sides of the road that are potentially hiding an animal that could be startled into you path. If however, a vehicle appears in the distance it instantly becomes a potential hazard and the percentage of concentration you allocate to it increases as it approaches.

TL;DR? Think of the constant allocation and redistribution of your available concentration as a game - it won't seem so tedious.

[YellowDog]

I would suspect that around 75% on here understand and agree with your statement of The Bleeding Obvious.

Perhaps we need a Beginners Tips section?

Some will take heed more than others. Stating what riders already know is unlikely to make them change their habits.

IMO - Emotional state of mind is an over riding factor in most things we do in our lives, especially riding.

Maybe Police should carry an emotion meter with them in the form of a spare nagging wife from their back seat, to see how the rider/driver is able to cope; and hence assess their emotionmal state of mind. An accident shortly after may well follow :laugh:

Anyone on here wish to volunteer their partners?

[Katman]

I would suspect that around 75% on here understand and agree with your statement of The Bleeding Obvious.



Far too many motorcyclists ride with their mind inadequately on the job.

Concentration doesn't come from just having your eyes open.

[Katman]

And furthermore it's not enough to just be aware of another vehicle. Your mind should actually be thinking "What action am I going to take if that vehicle fails to give way?"

Evasive action can be taken instantaneously if the "What if" scenario has already played out in your head.

[unstuck]

Far too many motorcyclists ride with their mind inadequately on the job.

Concentration doesn't come from just having your eyes open.

True, most people live most of their lives on auto pilot. :Punk:

[p.dath]

IMO - Emotional state of mind is an over riding factor in most things we do in our lives, especially riding.

I like the term "Red Misting" that I read in a book - the act of becoming fixated on a task so greatly so as to ignore the other things around you. For example, you sometimes see people developing "red mist" when they want to overtake someone - they become fixated on that once task and take unnecessary risks to achieve it (and they may not even realise they are taking risks at the time). Often goes hand in hand with road rage.

[paturoa]

I agree, the allocation of concentration thing is obvious in terms of the examples you talk to with intersections, u turns etc. However the most important point you make is buried / hidden within your post.

The point being; concentrating, on concentrating on your riding.

When your day dreaming your actualy concentrating on your day dream. Teaching yourself to concentrate on the ride, all of the time is the point.

When I come back from a ride, I feel remarkeably refreshed and tired at the same time, as I've spent bugger all time thinking about my worries. It is a sort of a time out. Anyway I'm off the topic now.

[sinfull]

I would suspect that around 75% on here understand and agree with your statement of The Bleeding Obvious.

Perhaps we need a Beginners Tips section?

Some will take heed more than others. Stating what riders already know is unlikely to make them change their habits.

IMO - Emotional state of mind is an over riding factor in most things we do in our lives, especially riding.

Maybe Police should carry an emotion meter with them in the form of a spare nagging wife from their back seat, to see how the rider/driver is able to cope; and hence assess their emotionmal state of mind. An accident shortly after may well follow :laugh:

Anyone on here wish to volunteer their partners?
Ex nagging wife thank you !!! My attention span was only good for 7 years ... no wait she left me , where HAS my memory gone ??

I recon there are a dozen different factors which override the concentration needed to stay in one peice, of which katman speaks. Such as tiredness, problems at work, to name but a few !
I don't think it's just a beginners problem and feel that the 75% you speak of become overconfident in their abilities and vulnerable to lapses of concentration !

His "game" can be practised in other ways perhaps ? Shall we see if we can list a few !

Here's a bleedin obvious one- room full of flys, one fly swat, concentrating on one, keeping the others in your perifial, as they move around the room your concentration goes from 90% on the closest to another moving into range ! You may have to throw a slab of rotten meat on the table if your attention span is worth anything lol

[The Singing Chef]

Riding a bike is nothing like driving a car, everything around you and every action you do, affects the bike and the possible outcome to every situation.

You need to be aware of the road condition, bike condition, weather, small animals, children, cars and other users on the road, police cars, surrounding foliage, the lay of the road, camber, road signs and grip and so on and so forth. The list is endless, the fact that you can sit in a car and pretty much just turn the wheel and worry about a very limited number of changing conditions means that when you are on a bike, your brain needs to be functioning at 110% all the time, every time.

You need to be able to read the traffic ahead and around you so that you know what they are going to do before they do it, and though that sounds impossible, it is indeed very achievable to a certain extent.

As detailed in www.abbiss.co.nz you can chase the vanishing point, now what is the vanishing point? In a very brief description, the vanishing point is where the two points of the road converge in front of you to where you can see no further. The vanishing point can help to tell you how the following corner goes so that you can adjust your speed correctly.

There are the lines that you take that will be ever changing because as you may be aware, the road surface is constantly changing, whether it be small or large rocks lying straight in your path, or a slick of oil or diesel mid corner, or road kill etc…

... Rest of the story here. (http://throughtheeyesofarider.wordpress.com/2012/03/18/situational-awareness-using-your-brain/)

[Berries]

your brain needs to be functioning at 110% all the time, every time.
We are fucked then. 100% would be more than sufficient.

[The Singing Chef]

We are fucked then. 100% would be more than sufficient.

Mere mortals... <_<

[Maha]

We are fucked then. 100% would be more than sufficient.

That is correct...it always amuses me when people say ....1,000% (there is no such thing) it can always only be 100%
Percentage = proportion or rate per hundred parts.

Motorcycling is a percentage game (to an extent) and being 100% aware of everything going on a round you at any one time is impossible.
Applying a percentage of your thought, to what is around you (and beyond) should enhance the chance of a safe ride.

[PrincessBandit]

I think many people who have been involved in a bike accident will truthfully admit that their mind was not 100% on their riding at the time. But due to a large part of human nature wanting to blame-shift there is denial that we were doing anything wrong. At it's most superficial, we perhaps weren't "legally" doing anything wrong i.e. we were on the receiving end of another drivers/riders error. However, our lack of thinking ahead and active brain-engagement with our constantly changing situation means that we can be contributing to a messy end result.
One of the reasons I refuse to listen to music while I ride is because it's a huge attention diverter for me. While others might find katman's percentage calculations a bit OTT it is helpful to actually articulate these things. Some of us might be aware of the fluidity surrounding our altering concentration foci; many aren't consciously thinking about it. A heightened awareness might just be a life-saver, particularly at this time when road rules have changed.

[Pussy]

Yep! Doesn't matter if you're in the right or the wrong in a motorcyle crash... it bloody hurts anyway!

[tigertim20]

It starts with the act of concentration. Make no mistake, day-dreaming while riding will all too often end in tears.

.

this part here goes against being human
nobody is perfect.

you can post all the theoretical advice you want KM, but anybody with half an ounce of intelligence knows that theory and practice are two different things.

the best one can hope for is to MINIMIZE the potential for accidents. it is not humanly possible to completely avoid all accidents. - they are called accidents for a reason.

[pritch]

If you found Katman's comments of interest you'll love this:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/142391-Review-quot-The-Upper-Half-of-the-Motorcycle-quot-Bernt-Spiegel?highlight=upper+half+motorcycle

[FJRider]

Far too many motorcyclists ride with their mind inadequately on the job.

Concentration doesn't come from just having your eyes open.

No ... it comes with getting a decent amount of sleep. :yes:

Posting on KB at 5.30 in the morning doesn't help that ... :shifty:

[FJRider]

If you found Katman's comments of interest you'll love this:



For those finding Katman's comments of interest ... there are medications available ...

[Katman]

this part here goes against being human


I realise comprehension isn't your strong point Tim so for you, I'll spell it out.

The words "make no mistake" are used in the context "don't make the mistake of thinking day-dreaming while riding doesn't all too often end in tears".

Clear now?

[Berries]

the best one can hope for is to MINIMIZE the potential for accidents. it is not humanly possible to completely avoid all accidents. - they are called accidents for a reason.
That's why they went away from that term and started calling them crashes. By far the majority of crashes are not accidents, someone cocked up. Calling them accidents just continues to try and shift the blame from the person to something out of their control.

[Edbear]

That's why they went away from that term and started calling them crashes. By far the majority of crashes are not accidents, someone cocked up. Calling them accidents just continues to try and shift the blame from the person to something out of their control.

+1 Too many are making avoidable mistakes for a number of reasons.

[Virago]

I like the term "Red Misting" that I read in a book - the act of becoming fixated on a task so greatly so as to ignore the other things around you...

Interesting point. So many motorcyclists speak enthusiastically about getting into "The Zone" - I often wonder whether they are in fact "Zoning Out".

[FJRider]

Interesting point. So many motorcyclists speak enthusiastically about getting into "The Zone" - I often wonder whether they are in fact "Zoning Out".

If any do say that ... ask them if the traffic was heavy. I'm betting the answer will be no.

[Katman]

While others might find katman's percentage calculations a bit OTT it is helpful to actually articulate these things. Some of us might be aware of the fluidity surrounding our altering concentration foci; many aren't consciously thinking about it. A heightened awareness might just be a life-saver, particularly at this time when road rules have changed.

And while you are conciously shifting the focus and distribution of your concentration there is zero risk of you "zoning out" and staring blankly at a spot somewhere ahead of you.

[Tigadee]

Riding a bike is nothing like driving a car, everything around you and every action you do, affects the bike and the possible outcome to every situation.

You need to be aware of the road condition, bike condition, weather, small animals, children, cars and other users on the road, police cars, surrounding foliage, the lay of the road, camber, road signs and grip and so on and so forth. The list is endless, the fact that you can sit in a car and pretty much just turn the wheel and worry about a very limited number of changing conditions means that when you are on a bike, your brain needs to be functioning at 110% all the time, every time.

You need to be able to read the traffic ahead and around you so that you know what they are going to do before they do it, and though that sounds impossible, it is indeed very achievable to a certain extent.

There are the lines that you take that will be ever changing because as you may be aware, the road surface is constantly changing, whether it be small or large rocks lying straight in your path, or a slick of oil or diesel mid corner, or road kill etc…

And THAT is the appeal and beauty of being on a motorbike. As has been said, it's the journey that is the purpose, not the destination.:Punk:

[FJRider]

And while you are conciously shifting the focus and distribution of your concentration there is zero risk of you "zoning out" and staring blankly at a spot somewhere ahead of you.

Funny you should mention "zero risk" ...

There are many involved in motorcycling ... for the element of risk involved. Some increase the element of risk (by various means ... sometimes legal) proclaiming their love of that risk .... The uncertainty of it (Then bitch when somebody doesn't give way to them ... at a time they really need them too.) Adventure activitys require risk management, not risk removal.
It it up to the individual to decide what level of risk they can live (???) with.

Even if everybody applied all the road-rules/laws ... there would still not be a ... "zero risk" ... never assume there is.

Look carefully and take care. The life you save may be your own.

[tigertim20]

I realise comprehension isn't your strong point Tim so for you, I'll spell it out.

The words "make no mistake" are used in the context "don't make the mistake of thinking day-dreaming while riding doesn't all too often end in tears".

Clear now?

my comprehension abilities are fine, thanks for the concern KM, but never have I ever seen you say that an accident was just that, an accident. The message you spout is clear, in YOUR opinion, EVERY crash is avoidable, however no matter how hard you try, you cannot escape the reality that nobody is perfect, and we all make mistakes, not only that but there are always factors in life that are outside our control. Marco Simoncelli was far more skilled than you or I will ever be, and he died on a bike, i could list plenty of world class riders that have been maimed or killed while riding which highlights the point I'm making, no matter how good you are, nobody is perfect.
Except maybe you, in the little fantasy world in which you live of course.

If you are so knowledgeable and so much more enlightened than us mere mortals, then I implore you, to create a course that encompasses the theory, AND the practical, and run it yourself to help us mortals enhance our riding and focus to stay alive on the roads.
unless of course your head is stuck too far up your own arsehole to actually put your money where your mouth is?

[mattian]

I would also like to add..... if it hasnt been added already (sorry, havent read all replies) That getting angry or fucked off at somebody and reacting badly to it can also result in a lack of concentration. I havent been riding for a very long time.... (about 4 years, full time) but, I have learnt from my limited experience. I had a major off after getting myself all worked up after I let some dickhead driver intimidate me, and pushed it too had out of a roundabout. A very expensive lesson on my part. (thankfully bike, not body)
Staying calm helps you to stay focussed, and staying focussed is an imperative.

[Ocean1]

That's why they went away from that term and started calling them crashes. By far the majority of crashes are not accidents, someone cocked up. Calling them accidents just continues to try and shift the blame from the person to something out of their control.

Maybe "they" should borrow a copy of prich's book when katman's finished with it.



Or p'raps they've got nothing to learn.

[Ocean1]

Interesting point. So many motorcyclists speak enthusiastically about getting into "The Zone" - I often wonder whether they are in fact "Zoning Out".

What is it that you think they're refering to?

[Katman]

in YOUR opinion, EVERY crash is avoidable,

Care to point out the post where I've ever said that?

[Virago]

I would also like to add..... if it hasnt been added already (sorry, havent read all replies) That getting angry or fucked off at somebody and reacting badly to it can also result in a lack of concentration...

Wise words.

I had a situation recently on a two-lane one-way street, in the right lane, about a couple of car lengths behind a car in the left lane. Another car pulled out in front of the car in the left lane, causing the driver to brake hard. I could tell by the angry gesticulation that things could escalate, so I also backed off - just in time, as the angry driver swerved into my lane to accelerate around the other car. Had I stayed where I was I would have been the victim.

Road Rage does indeed cause a dangerous lack of situational awareness - it has no place on a bike.

[Katman]

my comprehension abilities are fine,

Clearly they're not Tim.

What I have said is that the vast majority of crashes are avoidable and that every accident should be examined to see whether there was any lesson to be learned that could prevent the same thing happening again.

I stand by both those statements.

[tigertim20]

Care to point out the post where I've ever said that?

the attitude with which you respond to posts regarding crashes indicates that fairly often - but I notice you have veered sharply away from the latter part of my post, where i challenge you to demonstrate you superiority.
funny that.

[NONONO]

Usual katman crap.
What he APPEARS to be talking about is "Figure/Ground theory" derived from the Gestalt school of psychology. This is also described as "emergent reaction" in the examples he provides.
So, we normally focus on the figure, that which is "emergent" and we do not focus on the ground (or background) against which the figure emerges.
Think of a large painting, we normally look at one bit of it and the rest fades into the background. Have a look around the room you are in, how much of it was sharply visible while you were looking at this?
What Mr K implies is that we can, with some form of pop psychology training, teach ourselves to switch between figure and ground, emergency and the back ground that it "emerges" from, at will....This may be possible in the short term, although little evidence exists to support it, but long term, not really, even the best fighter pilots get shot down.
In any emergency the senses "Tunnel", that is, the brain focus intently on the emergent situation, all else is background. In a situation where damage is pending it provokes an even more acute physiological situation which precludes any such "awareness".
As for the 5%, 10% concentration stuff;
Pop psychology , try Oprah or Dr Phil.

[Katman]

Marco Simoncelli was far more skilled than you or I will ever be, and he died on a bike, i could list plenty of world class riders that have been maimed or killed while riding which highlights the point I'm making

You seem to be confusing results on a race track with the ability to survive on public roads.

[Katman]

Usual katman crap.
What he APPEARS to be talking about is "Figure/Ground theory" derived from the Gestalt school of psychology. This is also described as "emergent reaction" in the examples he provides.
So, we normally focus on the figure, that which is "emergent" and we do not focus on the ground (or background) against which the figure emerges.
Think of a large painting, we normally look at one bit of it and the rest fades into the background. Have a look around the room you are in, how much of it was sharply visible while you were looking at this?
What Mr K implies is that we can, with some form of pop psychology training, teach ourselves to switch between figure and ground, emergency and the back ground that it "emerges" from, at will....This may be possible in the short term, although little evidence exists to support it, but long term, not really, even the best fighter pilots get shot down.
In any emergency the senses "Tunnel", that is, the brain focus intently on the emergent situation, all else is background. In a situation where damage is pending it provokes an even more acute physiological situation which precludes any such "awareness".
As for the 5%, 10% concentration stuff;
Pop psychology , try Oprah or Dr Phil.

You should try moving your eyes around a bit more.

[caseye]

Well, I've seen just two people who are letting their dislike for Katman, not necessarily his message, cloud their judgement. Everyone else who has actively engaged in this thread has actually said that what the Op said in the first post is basically right.
I too fear for people who ride bikes with music blaring in their ears, also for those who block their ears with foam and other sorts of noise blocking materials.Why for Gods sake rob yourself of another sensory range.
This thread has so far enlightened me about certain books that may well teach me something and which I will follow up on it has also confirmed for me that many here do actually think about their road position and their situational awareness much more than some might have thought.
Keep up the good work Katman, as always 100% behind the message and the delivery, being nice never works,if I've learned anything in my short time on this coil it's that!
Bash em over the head with it and hope some of em take it in.

[nzspokes]

have veered sharply away from the latter part of my post, where i challenge you to demonstrate you superiority.
funny that.

Thats a key point.

[Ocean1]

Well, I've seen just two people who are letting their dislike for Katman, not necessarily his message, cloud their judgement.

I've seen a lot who dislike his behaviour and quite a few, including me who disagree with his ideas about how human brains actually work. Show me where my judgment's clouded.

[tigertim20]

You seem to be confusing results on a race track with the ability to survive on public roads.
not at all, simply one example.

Well, I've seen just two people who are letting their dislike for Katman, not necessarily his message, cloud their judgement. Everyone else who has actively engaged in this thread has actually said that what the Op said in the first post is basically right.
.
Nope, I am quite happy to take advice from those who can teach me. A few members on here, Nighthawk and Jantar are two such people, from whom I have learned quite alot.
The difference between these guys, and Katman, is that both are quite happy to back up their talk.
KM talks and acts like his riding ability is above reproach, always quick to point out the flaws in other's riding abilities or mentality, and talks about how other people are doing this wrong, and that wrong.
He has been challenged by me in this thread, and several other members over time to back this talk up, and produce it in an approachable, user friendly package that other riders can access and utilize to improve their riding and safety.
However KM maintains his status as a keyboard warrior with all the theoretical answers from behind the safety of a keyboard, while distancing himself from the opportunity to actually turn all of this 'theoretical knowledge' into a package that could actually have a positive effect on other rider's outcomes.
I will begin to give Km credit when he manages to turn all of his talk into something tangible, like producing a course comprising both theory and practice, which equips the rest of us (apparently) lesser riders with better tools and greater safety on the roads, instead of sitting at a computer in his underpants, constantly proclaiming his superiority.


I've seen a lot who dislike his behaviour and quite a few, including me who disagree with his ideas about how human brains actually work. Show me where my judgment's clouded.
+1

[caseye]

not at all, simply one example.

Nope, I am quite happy to take advice from those who can teach me. A few members on here, Nighthawk and Jantar are two such people, from whom I have learned quite alot.
The difference between these guys, and Katman, is that both are quite happy to back up their talk.
KM talks and acts like his riding ability is above reproach, always quick to point out the flaws in other's riding abilities or mentality, and talks about how other people are doing this wrong, and that wrong.
He has been challenged by me in this thread, and several other members over time to back this talk up, and produce it in an approachable, user friendly package that other riders can access and utilize to improve their riding and safety.
However KM maintains his status as a keyboard warrior with all the theoretical answers from behind the safety of a keyboard, while distancing himself from the opportunity to actually turn all of this 'theoretical knowledge' into a package that could actually have a positive effect on other rider's outcomes.
I will begin to give Km credit when he manages to turn all of his talk into something tangible, like producing a course comprising both theory and practice, which equips the rest of us (apparently) lesser riders with better tools and greater safety on the roads, instead of sitting at a computer in his underpants, constantly proclaiming his superiority.


+1

OK so if he can do it because you challenge him to, how about you do it, because we desperately need it. You seem to know what to do, how about seriously making a go of it??

[tigertim20]

OK so if he can do it because you challenge him to, how about you do it, because we desperately need it. You seem to know what to do, how about seriously making a go of it??

why dont I do it? - simple really, Im not the one on a crusade here. I have never said i know what to do to lower the bike crash rates - the post you have quoted states quite clearly that I learn from those who have something to give.
Unlike katman, I have not set myself up as a self proclaimed expert on the subject, KM has, and its high time he backs up his talk.

[Usarka]

I was never any good at art.

[caseye]

Could you bring yourself to consider even for a moment that if most of the idiots out there who give many of us motorcyclists a bad name, for once considered their actions and didn't do the stupid shit,( you know, passing on double yellows, on one wheel,cutting off anyone, bikes or cars to get back in before becoming a statistic, the usual stuff) that the accident rate would actually stop dead in it's tracks. or that for a moment if all of the people who ride fast in a straight line didn't fall of the end of the bloody road that there'd be almost no, rider error crashes.Because like it or not that's the Biggest percentage of motorcycle crashes in the whole scheme.Oh and of course it's the young ones on their 2 fiddys doing most of that, not us oldies returning to riding as the gubbermint would have you believe.
It is the message that is important, how it's delivered makes friends or enemies, no question.For once I'd like to see reasoned debate not slagging matches and if you have never tried to influence fools on fast bikes then I'd suggest you seriously try and see how far it gets you?
This is a place where you can talk and work through things if you guys would just do that I'd be happier, for one.

[PrincessBandit]

............... I have not set myself up as a self proclaimed expert on the subject, KM has, and its high time he backs up his talk.

Any suggestions? Or are you just knee-jerking by getting irate with the messenger?

[SVboy]

Keith Code , in Twist of the wrist, talks about learning to expand your periferal vision[and attention] without moving your eye from your primary focus. While this advice is mainly race track oriented, I have tried to build it more into my all round riding so I have better situational awareness. I try to scan a lot more too. KC also talks of the $10 of attention-n00bs "spend" more of their attention on basic riding skills whereas more experienced riders can rely on their experience and focus more on their riding environment. Their "$10 of attention" is available to be more widely spread. I guess the secret is to do just that and not slip into a state of complacency. I have done some biggish day rides recently and have come home drained. I think that is probably a good thing!

[nzspokes]

Could you bring yourself to consider even for a moment that if most of the idiots out there who give many of us motorcyclists a bad name, for once considered their actions and didn't do the stupid shit,( you know, passing on double yellows, on one wheel,cutting off anyone, bikes or cars to get back in before becoming a statistic, the usual stuff) that the accident rate would actually stop dead in it's tracks. or that for a moment if all of the people who ride fast in a straight line didn't fall of the end of the bloody road that there'd be almost no, rider error crashes.Because like it or not that's the Biggest percentage of motorcycle crashes in the whole scheme.Oh and of course it's the young ones on their 2 fiddys doing most of that, not us oldies returning to riding as the gubbermint would have you believe.
It is the message that is important, how it's delivered makes friends or enemies, no question.For once I'd like to see reasoned debate not slagging matches and if you have never tried to influence fools on fast bikes then I'd suggest you seriously try and see how far it gets you?
This is a place where you can talk and work through things if you guys would just do that I'd be happier, for one.

I understand what you are saying and dont completely disagree. Since Ive come back to riding Ive meet some great people that have passed on knowledge that has kept me safe. All are humble and very good at what they do, mainly for free I may add. And on this site as well the advise for the main has been very good.

I very much doubt that an aggressive style of passing on a message will work, but then again Im no teacher. Maybe it does. But that does not mean I have to accept it.

[Katman]

I very much doubt that an aggressive style of passing on a message will work,

You're kidding, right?

I'm a veritable pussy cat these days.

[nzspokes]

Keith Code , in Twist of the wrist, talks about learning to expand your periferal vision[and attention] without moving your eye from your primary focus. While this advice is mainly race track oriented, I have tried to build it more into my all round riding so I have better situational awareness. I try to scan a lot more too. KC also talks of the $10 of attention-n00bs "spend" more of their attention on basic riding skills whereas more experienced riders can rely on their experience and focus more on their riding environment. Their "$10 of attention" is available to be more widely spread. I guess the secret is to do just that and not slip into a state of complacency. I have done some biggish day rides recently and have come home drained. I think that is probably a good thing!

Ive seen the movie, guess this in the book. I re-watch the movie from time to time. Once through the cheese its good info.

[SVboy]

The movie is good-but "dumbs" down in some areas. The book is better at raising questions and making you reflect on your personal riding skills as well as offering strategies and ideas. Certainly an ACC subsidised course I did recently and my reading have made me more aware of my [many]shortcomings as a rider. Hasnt slowed me down, but hopefully I am more situationally aware.

[puddytat]

Keith Code , in Twist of the wrist, talks about learning to expand your periferal vision[and attention] without moving your eye from your primary focus. While this advice is mainly race track oriented, I have tried to build it more into my all round riding so I have better situational awareness. I try to scan a lot more too. KC also talks of the $10 of attention-n00bs "spend" more of their attention on basic riding skills whereas more experienced riders can rely on their experience and focus more on their riding environment. Their "$10 of attention" is available to be more widely spread. I guess the secret is to do just that and not slip into a state of complacency. I have done some biggish day rides recently and have come home drained. I think that is probably a good thing!


Twist of the Wrist should be mandatory reading for all motorcyclists I reckon...

[NONONO]

Well, I've seen just two people who are letting their dislike for Katman, not necessarily his message, cloud their judgement. Everyone else who has actively engaged in this thread has actually said that what the Op said in the first post is basically right.
I too fear for people who ride bikes with music blaring in their ears, also for those who block their ears with foam and other sorts of noise blocking materials.Why for Gods sake rob yourself of another sensory range.
This thread has so far enlightened me about certain books that may well teach me something and which I will follow up on it has also confirmed for me that many here do actually think about their road position and their situational awareness much more than some might have thought.
Keep up the good work Katman, as always 100% behind the message and the delivery, being nice never works,if I've learned anything in my short time on this coil it's that!
Bash em over the head with it and hope some of em take it in.
Cmon Cas, my judgement clouded?
Only most of the time mate.
Have no problem debating points here, it's only the web.

[MSTRS]

this part here goes against being human
nobody is perfect.

you can post all the theoretical advice you want KM, but anybody with half an ounce of intelligence knows that theory and practice are two different things.

the best one can hope for is to MINIMIZE the potential for accidents. it is not humanly possible to completely avoid all accidents. - they are called accidents for a reason.
Perhaps asked and answered, already, but the 'Make no mistake' was in reference to the importance of concentration.


That's why they went away from that term and started calling them crashes. By far the majority of crashes are not accidents, someone cocked up. Calling them accidents just continues to try and shift the blame from the person to something out of their control.
Who's "they"? But I agree...accidents are extremely rare.
I've had some right dingdongs on here over this very subject in the past. But damned if I will let anyone's opinion of what 'accident' means cloud my perceptions of what is/isn't a crash. Because hidden in the word 'accident' is a sense that it describes something not only unintentional, but also unavoidable.

You're kidding, right?
I'm a veritable pussy cat these days.
Time for a title change, KittenMan?

[Crasherfromwayback]

, where i challenge you to demonstrate you superiority.
funny that.

The grumpy old cunt does have a wee green 'me' after his name. So he is happy to pass on his riding experience and skill set.

[sugilite]

You're kidding, right?

I'm a veritable pussy cat these days.

Your not wrong, I'm almost game enough to go for a tummy tickle.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I'm a veritable pussy cat these days.


Your not wrong, I'm almost game enough to go for a tummy tickle.

THIS...I've gotta see!

[baffa]

KM it sounds like you've done a defensive driving course recently, you're quoting them almost word for word.
Good points, and I dont think enough people truely take these things on board. It doesnt help that every post after your original is a troll though.

[Katman]

KM it sounds like you've done a defensive driving course recently, you're quoting them almost word for word.


No, actually I've never done a defensive driving course.

They may well be quoting me. :whistle:

[caspernz]

You call it situational awareness, in the Smiths driver training system we use at work, it's called getting the big picture and follows up in leaving yourself an out. The average rider/driver fails on both counts.

[swbarnett]

I would also like to add..... if it hasnt been added already (sorry, havent read all replies) That getting angry or fucked off at somebody and reacting badly to it can also result in a lack of concentration. I havent been riding for a very long time.... (about 4 years, full time) but, I have learnt from my limited experience. I had a major off after getting myself all worked up after I let some dickhead driver intimidate me, and pushed it too had out of a roundabout. A very expensive lesson on my part. (thankfully bike, not body)
Staying calm helps you to stay focussed, and staying focussed is an imperative.
Wise words indeed. A past bike of mine suffered from road rage in a different way. I got totally livid and omitted to change gear as I tore off after the perpetrator. 2,000rpm past red line for about a minute is not good for keeping you valve stems straight.

[swbarnett]

What I have said is that the vast majority of crashes are avoidable and that every accident should be examined to see whether there was any lesson to be learned that could prevent the same thing happening again.

I stand by both those statements.
And so you should.

This very thinking is what's kept me rubber side down for the past 30 years.

[swbarnett]

... a wee green 'me' ...
Is this your alien alter ego?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Is this your alien alter ego?

Nah. One ego is all I and anyone around me can handle!:innocent:

[caseye]

Ahmen!
Crap, have to add ten characters.