Just happened to me this morning

[biketimus_prime]

So in the same spot today I applied my newly learnt lessons and observation skills that you guys taught me.
Also rode with my high beams off

Video description

"So this time I was a bit more aware and tried to predict the actions of these drivers. I noticed that white caldina was quite erratic throughout the drive over the harbour bridge so I kept my distance from him, noticed he was getting close to the line and sure enough he moved over.
Next was the black holden, this time I saw their brake lights and as advised I assumed something was up, sure enough again another lane change.
Finally the nutter in the westpac car, never know what they might do so I kept my distance and stayed to the left of the lane "

[Banditbandit]

Cool .. well done ... looks like you're developing enough survival skills to stay safe at least most of the time ...


Looks like typical motorway traffic - some real dicks ... I'm glad I don't live in Dorkland ...

[oneblackflag]

So in the same spot today I applied my newly learnt lessons and observation skills that you guys taught me.
Also rode with my high beams off

Video description

"So this time I was a bit more aware and tried to predict the actions of these drivers. I noticed that white caldina was quite erratic throughout the drive over the harbour bridge so I kept my distance from him, noticed he was getting close to the line and sure enough he moved over.
Next was the black holden, this time I saw their brake lights and as advised I assumed something was up, sure enough again another lane change.
Finally the nutter in the westpac car, never know what they might do so I kept my distance and stayed to the left of the lane "

Nice to the the Gopro doing some good on a bike.

[Tigadee]

I was pretty oblivious and now that I watch the video again I see I'm pretty complacent and even moved to the right side of the lane rather than be aware and stay on the left. I've have since taken all your guys advice on and also worked on my attention and lane position the last two days and it has helped avoid a couple more situations actually.

Yeah, good that you learn from this and take in the advice. It's not about putting you down, it's about letting you know you could have done things differently and safely...

I watched the video having no idea what would happen and who were involved and when the silver car started to slow down, my alarm bells started ringing. I would have slowed down and let him in (do a kind deed, karma, good PR for motorcyclists and all that)... And also started checking around for possible escape routes if it turns to shite.

It's all about reading the 'body language' of the cages and constantly asessing and anticipating threats. You sort of end up like Arnie in The Terminator but it'll become automatic eventually and then you'll end up even enjoying the commute and beating the traffic.

I ride with my high beams on during the day just for that extra bit of safety, it doesn't dazzle people that during the day from what I can tell.

Don't let that make you complacent though, aye? Treat it like hi-viz - good that it's there but it is no guarantee...

What annoyed me mainly as I said before was the fact he even saw me as he was barely in to my lane and he just kept coming while looking at me! Funny thing, I've found merc and BMW drivers are the biggest dicks about moving over when you're lane splitting.

You were all curving to the left, which would make it hard to see much in the car's left wing mirror (unless it was a fisheye mirror). He could have and may have turned his head back to the left to look but then you are a small object on the road, not easy to spot in that difficult position.

All in all, a few factors added up to cause this unfortunate turn of events but luckily no one was hurt (except for someone's pride) and all can hopefully learn from it.

So in the same spot today I applied my newly learnt lessons and observation skills that you guys taught me.
Also rode with my high beams off

"So this time I was a bit more aware and tried to predict the actions of these drivers. I noticed that white caldina was quite erratic throughout the drive over the harbour bridge so I kept my distance from him, noticed he was getting close to the line and sure enough he moved over.
Next was the black holden, this time I saw their brake lights and as advised I assumed something was up, sure enough again another lane change.
Finally the nutter in the westpac car, never know what they might do so I kept my distance and stayed to the left of the lane "

Well done, grasshopper! I leave you with some words from the great Mr Miyagi (original Karate Kid):
Miyagi: "Lesson not just karate only. Lesson for whole life. Whole life have a balance. Everything be better. Understand?"

Miyagi: "Just remember, license never replace eye, ear, and brain."

[R650R]

I'm with Reibz and Gremlins early posts on this.
Also its a great example of how a dashcam vid can incriminate the 'victim' also.
Before the moment you can hear you backing off the gas. Its clear you consciously or subconsciously knew what was about to happen and you could see him slow a bit to take the gap behind the other car.
Just normal motorway driving, also looked like you to close to white car also, suck it up and just always be alert for normal stuff like this.

[caseye]

Hey prime, yer still here mate, noice work, let em do what they want, long as YOU have an escape route.
Much better road position and anticipation, this sort of awareness will keep YOU alive, never mind the bloody cagers, let them look after themselves.

[biketimus_prime]

Thanks very much for all your advice chaps.
Honestly getting the licence and getting on the road was the easiest part. The more I ride, the more I see it. Anyone anyone can ride a motorbike, it takes a special kind of person to survive on one though.
Whenever I drive my car now I'm so much more aware and road-smart, I don't even use my phone anymore while driving because I realise how much I miss otherwise.