Position on the road?

[slofox]

Scene: You are on the highway and your side of the road has three distinct areas on it - you can clearly see a left wheel track, a right wheel track and then there's the bit in between. As well as the indeterminate bits to either side. So where do you like to ride? (Mostly anyway)

I have heard it said that you should occupy the right wheel track since it discourages loonies from trying to squeeze past you. But personally I like to keep my distance from the oncoming traffic on the other side of the road. The left track however, is a little more left than I feel totally comfortable with. The zone between is reputed to be knee deep in oil droppings (worse than sheep droppings BTW) and be slippery......although personal experience does not bear this out. Overall I guess I sit in the LH track, although this can vary with traffic volume etc etc. What is you preference? And why, if you can be bothered explaining.......?

[MSTRS]

There have been lots of threads/posts about this. Generally, the right wheel track is your best place. But be prepared to move about as the situation demands.

[PirateJafa]

Anything that misses the dirt is good enough for me.

[Oakie]

Between right wheel track and centre line in the dry so I can get a decent view of the traffic ahead but pretty much in the right track in the wet.

[yod]

RH track, for vision mostly

[PHATVW]

I'm a newbie and have been told to ride somewhere around the right wheel track, but really depends on how much traffic there is... there's always some dickhead who trys to squeeze past you if you keep left too much

Also if you ride on the right wheel track, I figured that the person in front and behind you will be more likely to see you...?

[MSTRS]

I'm a newbie and have been told to ride somewhere around the right wheel track, but really depends on how much traffic there is... there's always some dickhead who trys to squeeze past you if you keep left too much

Also if you ride on the right wheel track, I figured that the person in front and behind you will be more likely to see you...?

You have been given good advice.
On straight sections stay to the right. If you are between two cars, anyone overtaking the one behind you will know there isn't a 'gap' to pull into.
On twisty stuff, then position yourself to the right whaen approaching a left hander, and move left for right handers. This gives you a greater distance of visibility into/through the approaching corner.
And be consistant. Someone may be wanting to pass you, and if you are not being predictable...well. :no:
Unlike the cock I tried passing for ages on the Taupo road yesterday...finally resorted to taking him and his pillion on an uphill lefthander. I hope my pillion let him know his riding was shite...

[slofox]

There have been lots of threads/posts about this. Generally, the right wheel track is your best place. But be prepared to move about as the situation demands.

Ahhhh yes - the search engine is my friend........which I did not think to use....duhhhhhh...........:doh:

[Big Dave]

Anywhere not horizontal.

[Hitcher]

Position on the road was the hardest thing to relearn in the USA and Canada, particularly on freeways. That and remembering that the driver in the cage in front of you was sitting on the lefthand side of the vehicle.

[fatzx10r]

i alway's just stay close to the centre of the road, which is usualy the rh wheel track. but if im in a right hand doubble lane for instance i'll stay in the left hand wheel track of the car in front. i think it give's a better chance of being seen by other veichles that may be pulling out of a side

[CookMySock]

RH half-lane gives me best visibility and command of the situation.

I too have wondered about slipperyness of various parts of the road. Basically I have given up trying to figure it out and just ride where I have the best vis/command, and stop worrying about slippery shit - the road basically isn't slippery and I should start trusting it and corner the bike without fear, and its working ok for now - haven't ended up in the hedge yet. Finding that isolated spot of gravel still worries me.

I don't get this "getting stuck behind traffic" crap. Just pass them?? :confused:


Steve

[Ixion]

On a straight 100kph road, usually about centre. Gives best options for avoidance , can go left or right. I'm assuming that there is nothing close in front. On a windy road, all across the lane as one corner runs into the next

If there is, or on an urban road, around right wheel track, better visibility and more room to dodge.

Alternatively, the footpath is always good.

[sunhuntin]

i tend to sit in the right hand wheel track, depending on the scenario. i have had a few times where it appears ive gone too far right and some cunt has squeezed past on the left. last one im sure the guy was stoned. most normal people would look up if someone screamed fuck through an open driver side window.

so mostly, im either on the right, in the middle or weaving between the two... literally weaving back and forwards.

[MSTRS]

... literally weaving back and forwards.

Why would you do that? And "Because I can" isn't a good enough answer.

[sunhuntin]

either cos im bored [LOL!] or to make sure the car behind knows that bit of lane is mine, and i dont take kindly to someone intruding on it. the tailgating is the main reason for it, and it generally works.
the bored thing usually only happens on straights or if im stuck behind a 30k granny with no room to overtake.

[fatzx10r]

either cos im bored [LOL!] or to make sure the car behind knows that bit of lane is mine, and i dont take kindly to someone intruding on it. the tailgating is the main reason for it, and it generally works.
the bored thing usually only happens on straights or if im stuck behind a 30k granny with no room to overtake.

there's alway's room to over take :laugh:

[MSTRS]

there's alway's room to over take :laugh:

Depends on the ponies, mate.

[wysper]

On a straight 100kph road, usually about centre. Gives best options for avoidance , can go left or right.

I'm with Ixion on this one. I end up in the RH wheel track because it give me options both left and right if shit goes down. Hopefully that shit isn't me.:shit::Punk: Good exit stratagies if you will.

Plus it seems to make me more visible in the general traffic flow. I haven't had any lunatic try and pass me on the left yet.

[fatzx10r]

Depends on the ponies, mate.

yeah good point :doh:

[sunhuntin]

Depends on the ponies, mate.

also depends on where you are riding. in the middle of a town, im not keen to try my luck overtaking. im happier weaving around entertaining myself until one of us pulls off at our destination.

[MSTRS]

Weaving about cos you are bored or whatever....all that does is draw attention (the unwanted kind). I'm sure a zealous cop will find some infringement that covers gaily weaving about.
Don't do it.

[slofox]

Finding that isolated spot of gravel still worries me. Steve

Ahhhh yes, the isolated gravel pieces......I have had that experience a couple of times now but have yet to bin as a result. Both times it has been in a sweeping left hander - the bike has just moved right somewhat but has not tried to lie down.....I think a lot of gravel is perhaps worse - if the wheels just roll off the odd piece, there seems to be no major concern....helps to stay relaxed and not panic too.....

Yesterday, a similar experience. When leaning well over in a LH sweeper, I hit a patch where the seal had eroded as a result of all the millions of feet of rain we have had of late.......very uneven surface but there was little I could do to go around it given that it occupied most of my side of the road. The bike seemed to jump clear off the ground (I don't think it did in fact but it felt that way) and leapt to the right, but was perfectly stable despite. I ended up rather closer to the centre line than I would usually like but there was nothing coming the other way so all OK in the end....no need to change the undies when I got home.......

[Ixion]

Weaving about cos you are bored or whatever....all that does is draw attention (the unwanted kind). I'm sure a zealous cop will find some infringement that covers gaily weaving about.
Don't do it.

However, weaving can be a good thing. I do it frequently.

Firstly, it ensures that you do not inadvertently remain stuck in a cagers blind spot (either physical or mental - never assume that they use the side mirrors - or actually look much). Being in different places means a greater chance that he will register "Ah, gee , deres a mudderboike behoind me, whoda thort it".

And it will make you more noticeable to oncoming traffic, especially on long boring straights. A psychological thing of the brain is that something that apparently stays in the same place gets forgotten. Weaving acts as a constant reminder "I'm still here".

And it will also enable you to gather better intelligence of the road ahead if you are following something. I have in the past seen (or rather, not seen) a small scooter that was invisible to me. Because the car I was following (at a sensible distance) was tailgating him and he was WAY to the left. In RWT the car blocked my view of him. Only when I moved across to LWT did I see him.

All in all, a worthwhile practice. Which I will happily argue with an over officious plod who questions it.

[MSTRS]

However, weaving can be a good thing. I do it frequently.



Depending on circumstance. I also do it sometimes as an aid to forward view. I think Sunhuntin is talking about gratuitous weaving within one's lane for no purpose other than relief of 'boredom'. If one is bored on a bike, then one needs to pull over, stop and get off. Being bored on a bike suggests that one is not concentrating sufficiently and is likely to be the centrepiece of something hurtie.
Getting confused between your warp and weft can have similar outcomes...

[avgas]

left hand side of the road....well for most of it.
I found too many on comming objects on the other side

[Big Dave]

However, weaving can be a good thing. I do it frequently.


He's started basketmaking at the meetings too. Doilies and I'm out.

[PHATVW]

What about on motorway during rush hour? I tend to filter through the traffic to reduce the traffic (that's why I started riding)... are we actually allowed to lane split?

What about using the far left or far right hand side? I.e. the broken-down lane?

[MSTRS]

What about on motorway during rush hour? I tend to filter through the traffic to reduce the traffic (that's why I started riding)... are we actually allowed to lane split?

What about using the far left or far right hand side? I.e. the broken-down lane?

You may lanesplit...as long as the speed differential is 'minimal' and that you do it within a lane and to the right of the car you are passing.
Within the lane, but to the left is :Police: and so is using the shoulder 'lane'.

[OutForADuck]

Which bit of road??? after all they give us a whole lane to work with!!! and sometimes it even makes sense to steal a little more :shit:

[CookMySock]

Weaving about cos you are bored or whatever....all that does is draw attention (the unwanted kind). I'm sure a zealous cop will find some infringement that covers gaily weaving about.
Don't do it.haha, its not illegal!! If its not illegal then do it!! If it makes the fuzz frown, then do a u-ee and go back and do it again!! :shifty:


Ahhhh yes, the isolated gravel pieces.. [trim] if the wheels just roll off the odd piece, there seems to be no major concern....helps to stay relaxed and not panic too.....Yeah that seems to be the way doesnt it. So many things are like that with biking - don't panic and it will be cool. Panic and, um, die.


If one is bored on a bike, then one needs to pull over, stop and get off. Being bored on a bike suggests that one is not concentrating sufficiently and is likely to be the centrepiece of something hurtie.Just go faster ?

Steve

[Neon]

there's always some dickhead who trys to squeeze past you if you keep left too much

Or some dickhead who squeezes past on the left forcing you into oncoming traffic, such as it was for me a few weeks back just north of Huntly :crazy:

[MSTRS]

haha, its not illegal!! If its not illegal then do it!! If it makes the fuzz frown, then do a u-ee and go back and do it again!! :shifty:



http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/legislation/penalty.html#driving There is nothing specific in here. But, like I said, a zealous cop may just find something that fits. Like 'Careless or inconsiderate driving [sect 37]'. Or Failure to stay within lane.
But don't let that stop you.

[swbarnett]

Definitely the right wheel track. My father has a very painful story brought about partially by using the left wheel track.

He was travelling to work a not unreasonable distance behind a car when he passed a side street. The driver waiting to turn right into said side street decided that the space he was occupying was empty and cleaned him out. The front bumper collected his leg and forced it through the tank. The right side of the tank ended up less than an inch from the left. This resulted in a very bad compound fracture and a pulmonary embolism that very nearly killed him.

Ever since this I've been in the habit of riding in the right wheel track (as I had been anyway) but moving to the left track to pass the side street once I'm reasonably sure the turning car has seen me. This way I've got more time to react if they do try to side swipe me.

[CookMySock]

http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/legislation/penalty.html#driving There is nothing specific in here. But, like I said, a zealous cop may just find something that fits. Like 'Careless or inconsiderate driving [sect 37]'. Or Failure to stay within lane.
But don't let that stop you.Never does. ;) It's good to see one of the mentors speaking conservatively though - I'd send my learner son along to you, and I'd tell him to do what you said to do.

Steve

[slofox]

Definitely the right wheel track. My father has a very painful story brought about partially by using the left wheel track.

He was travelling to work a not unreasonable distance behind a car when he passed a side street. The driver waiting to turn right into said side street decided that the space he was occupying was empty and cleaned him out. The front bumper collected his leg and forced it through the tank. The right side of the tank ended up less than an inch from the left. This resulted in a very bad compound fracture and a pulmonary embolism that very nearly killed him.

Ever since this I've been in the habit of riding in the right wheel track (as I had been anyway) but moving to the left track to pass the side street once I'm reasonably sure the turning car has seen me. This way I've got more time to react if they do try to side swipe me.

I had exactly the same experience as a noobie rider some forty years ago....but in my case it would not have made a rat's arse of difference which track I was on coz the old fart who ran into me was looking over his shoulder as he turned.
My lesson was to check the car and driver waiting to turn - something I still do to this day.....in my case the accident was avoidable - if I had been more aware of what I was doing. Nowadays if I see a driver NOT looking at me I am prepared to avoid/evade/whatever - certainly would not do what I did back then and just proceed into the intersection.
This doesn't always happen of course and cases like your father's are much more in the unavoidable category than was mine. I ended up a little bruised and sore and developed a nasty hole in the side of my right leg where the gear lever stuck into it......but all healed up in the end.
I like your idea of moving into the left track when you do - I do this as well on multi-lane roads - where possible.....

[dangermouse_1974]

Well I tend to sit in the right-hand wheel track as:

a) It gives me better visibility for what's happening in front
b) The driver of the car in front can see me in their right and interior rear view mirrors
c) I have a better chance of dodging some clown entering the road on my nearside

That all being said I think it' wise to always prepare to change your spot as new hazards come into play. I wouldn't be sitting on the right if a large ass truck was coming my way...I'd move closer to the centre. I also wouldn't sit on the right on an approach to a right hand corner...you'll get more visibility around the corner and a better chance to dodge approaching tools crossing the centreline by keeping left of centre.

Most of my riding position is situation dependant but, by and large, if it's just cruising down the road (whether following someone or not) I'll stick to the right as best I can.

[MSTRS]

Never does. ;) It's good to see one of the mentors speaking conservatively though - I'd send my learner son along to you, and I'd tell him to do what you said to do.

Steve

If you can understand that a sensible approach to riding is a good thing, why would you set such a poor example by behaving like a cock?

[Maha]

Unlike the cock I tried passing for ages on the Taupo road yesterday...finally resorted to taking him and his pillion on an uphill lefthander. I hope my pillion let him know his riding was shite...

Im in no doubt she did....I can visualise the gestures :eek:


Never does. ;) It's good to see one of the mentors speaking conservatively though - I'd send my learner son along to you, and I'd tell him to do what you said to do.

Steve

That could possibly be the smartest thing any father could do for his son Steve, although, there is a female just up the road from you that could a very good job. Children always seem to listen just a little bit harder to others when being instructed on road sense.

[roy.nz]

Most of the time im in the RH wheel track but i ride like im invisable and in a way the my high beam catches the more careless drivers eyes, but yeah be prepared for anything to happen, all people with car licences need to do a on rode biking test so they can become more fu#king aware of us.....:argh:

[CookMySock]

Nowadays if I see a driver NOT looking at me I am prepared to avoid/evade/whatever - certainly would not do what I did back then and just proceed into the intersection.Damn straight. No eye contact = no go, or else you better have a loud exhaust and a scary-bright headlight, and watch for that glance over their shoulder.



If you can understand that a sensible approach to riding is a good thing, why would you set such a poor example by behaving like a cock?Because on a bike I AM a cock. I corner fast, split down any gap, needlessly fatt it harrrd and loudly when accelerating, pass cars where I prolly shouldn't, ride close to other riders, bust the speedlimit, and generally anything else that will broaden my grin. :mellow:

To me, bikes are for one thing only and thats to have a good time on them. If you are able to persuade some teenager to NOT be an arse on a bike and just be a commuter on it, then GOOD LUCK TO YOU but I don't think you will. Boys and bikes are, well, boys and bikes. I just want to keep his mind tilted towards staying alive while he does it. He is quickly seeing lots and lots of high-end stay-alive type stuff, such as slofox posts above.

Actually my 14 y/o daughter is the one that worries me, because she knows better than me, tells lies, sneaks things she shouldn't, rolls her eyes when lectured, has no fear (gulp), is totally one with nature, has fantastic agility and balance, aaaand lots of other scary 14 y/o female traits. She will make an awesome racer, but OMG what will happen when my back is turned. :no:

Steve

[NSR143]

I think the question is badly asked... where are you riding? town or country? you will not be getting a lot of the dreaded 'oil' line out on a main road are you now? positioning relates to so many variables that its not worth asking the question, best dealt with by on road training. Parked cars, drives, intersections, road surface hazards, lane dominance, position for best road view on bends etc

[Mom]

I hope my pillion let him know his riding was shite...

:finger: :finger: :tugger: :weird: :bash:


Im in no doubt she did....I can visualise the gestures :eek:


Them up above kind of gestures do you mean?

[yungatart]

Unlike the cock I tried passing for ages on the Taupo road yesterday...finally resorted to taking him and his pillion on an uphill lefthander. I hope my pillion let him know his riding was shite...




Im in no doubt she did....I can visualise the gestures :eek:





:finger: :finger: :tugger: :weird: :bash:
Them up above kind of gestures do you mean?


No I didn't actually. Something to do with instant acceleration and having to hang on for dear life!

[PrincessBandit]

I usually sit in around the rh side, but generally sit whereever I can see best and be seen best. Tend to only move around if I can see someone behind me threatening to squeeze past (complete with obvious "I am looking at you in mirrors (or over my shoulder if necessary" gestures when needed). I once read the centre line called the 'suicide track' and for a long time avoided it like the plague because I was certain it was going to be this newbies downfall, but now I rely more on my ability to read the road surface and not get too hung up on it. I do try to stay relatively predictable for any traffic behind me (regardless of how many wheels!) and my weaving is limited to pothole and major road kill squish/stock effluent avoidance. :eek:

[DUCATI*HARD]

anywhere within my lane,,,mainly right;)

[MSTRS]

Because on a bike I AM a cock. I corner fast, split down any gap, needlessly fatt it harrrd and loudly when accelerating, pass cars where I prolly shouldn't, ride close to other riders, bust the speedlimit, and generally anything else that will broaden my grin.

Not much there that we all don't do, from time to time. But the bolded bit...ride like that round me and the people I care about, I will 'broaden your grin' alright.

[CookMySock]

But the bolded bit...ride like that round me and the people I care about, I will 'broaden your grin' alright.See thats all about you. If you had met me and ridden with me, you would see such a comment as most unwelcome indeed. I am exceedingly careful with other bikes around me. Most of my group riding is with my teenage daughter and son, and my wife, all on their own bikes, so you should take a lot more care threatening to reshape my mouth because of your preconceived ideas.

What have you achieved by such a comment? Further reinforcing the last time you did it - I tried to clear up that misunderstanding up too, and it WAS your misunderstanding, but you would have no part in it.

Steve

[MSTRS]

...ride close to other riders...


See thats all about you. If you had met me and ridden with me, you would see such a comment as most unwelcome indeed. I am exceedingly careful with other bikes around me. Most of my group riding is with my teenage daughter and son, and my wife, all on their own bikes, so you should take a lot more care threatening to reshape my mouth because of your preconceived ideas.

What have you achieved by such a comment? Further reinforcing the last time you did it - I tried to clear up that misunderstanding up too, and it WAS your misunderstanding, but you would have no part in it.

Steve
They were your words. And there's nothing to misunderstand in their meaning.
How they can be interpreted as 'I am exceedingly careful with other bikes around me.' I fail to see.
But go on, give me another red - it obviously makes you feel important.

[Kiwi Graham]

I tend to sit in the right hand wheel track because:-

The road is constantly 'swept' and debris on the road dosen't stay in a wheel track for long. If your in traffic and sat in the middle of the road you will be amazed at what 'pops out' from under the car in front of you lying in wait for the unsuspecting biker!

I think visibility is better both for myself, oncoming traffic and the cager in front of you. But dont underestimate the cloke of invisibility that can cover you at any given moment!

[Mom]

But dont underestimate the cloke of invisibility that can cover you at any given moment!

I believe that cloak of invisibility is attached to your helmet, every time you put it on you become invisible :yes:

[chubby]

I tend to ride in the right track on normal dual carrageways.

If I am on a two lane motorway (?) then if I am in the left lane I use the right track and if I am in the right lane I use the left track. My idea is to give myself as many options as possible.

[MarkH]

I tend to ride in the right track on normal dual carrageways.

If I am on a two lane motorway (?) then if I am in the left lane I use the right track and if I am in the right lane I use the left track. My idea is to give myself as many options as possible.

I do pretty much the same - on the motorway it lets me lane-split at the drop of a hat.