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

**mashman** · 13th November 2010, 21:08

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Usually to capitalise on the next overtaking opportunity.

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

**Dave Lobster** · 13th November 2010, 21:09

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** · 13th November 2010, 21:13

Originally Posted by MIXONE

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

ah another perfect rider, with nothingto improve on.

**MIXONE** · 13th November 2010, 22:08

Originally Posted by pc220

ah another perfect rider, with nothingto improve on.

No but I do tend to concentrate on my riding.

**Berries** · 13th November 2010, 22:12

Being in the slipstream saves petrol.

**Conquiztador** · 13th November 2010, 22:55

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** · 14th November 2010, 02:01

....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.** · 14th November 2010, 07:17

Originally Posted by Berries

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:Me** · 14th November 2010, 08:53

Originally Posted by JudaBaker

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

Oh really? Good luck with that.

**Bonez** · 14th November 2010, 10:31

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Oh really? Good luck with that.

Well if the car stops the bike stops. Simple really

**george formby** · 14th November 2010, 11:04

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** · 14th November 2010, 11:26

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.