Straight-lining corners

[Swoop]

Passing lane.

Aha!
10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 digits.

[Ixion]

I agree that something has gotten lost over the years. For evidenc eof this I point to the distinction between solid white lines and dotted white lines. In NZ , there is no legal difference that I know of. Yet the road markers go to some length to put them down separately. Why ?

I suspect that originally the context was like the UK. Solid white line - do not cross unless overtaking. Dotted line. Keep left but use the far side if safe and appropriate.

Comment from members more antiquated than me is invited.

[MSTRS:Me]

I've only seen the solid white line on the left (road edge) or as a brief lead up to an intersection where the lines are dotted before and after. Sort of the reverse to the yellows which are dotted before becoming solid.

[bikemike]

Not sure about what gixermike says. I had police showing me said technique but advising against it, in the UK. In addition, RoSPA training for Jo Public said (at the time at least) not to do it, except, when pulling out for a view to assess an overtake.

I think it's one of those areas which will be different between the 'highest civilian standard' epithet for RoSPA tests taken by public, and Police standard.
Off-siding is something generally to be saved for when progress must be made by the Police.

I think the biggest risk for this technique, especially for newbies, is arriving too fast at the next corner, quite apart from any unexpected event causing you to take a different line (as Ixion also said). If you are not at the stage where you are linking, two or three bends, rather than riding one at a time, then definitely DO NOT DO THIS. You will come in too fast from an off-side, fixate, and go over the edge or into something else.

However, legal imperatives aside, I also consider this an extension of the simple technique we all (except scooterists) use, using all of our lane. Clearly we do that for safety, and visibility at whatever speed. It is a small logical step to include the other lane in this approach.

Provisos are no oncoming traffic, you are planning the next corner - not just cutting round this one.

I mostly use it when I can see the camber line is better if I start off-side, or, simply to exaggerate my visibility advantage on approach to open left handers where I can see there is no traffic but where I cannot see all the road surface, due to a lowish hedge for example.

Apart from corners, I use it on straights, off-siding that is. Wide open road with one concealed entrance on the left. No other hazards, no traffic. Think I will stay on the left? No.

[Blackbird]

..........

I mostly use it when I can see the camber line is better if I start off-side, or, simply to exaggerate my visibility advantage on approach to open left handers where I can see there is no traffic but where I cannot see all the road surface, due to a lowish hedge for example.

Apart from corners, I use it on straights, off-siding that is. Wide open road with one concealed entrance on the left. No other hazards, no traffic. Think I will stay on the left? No.

Interestingly, since starting this discussion, I've become aware that I use this technique a little more than I thought I did. Guess that's because it's another of those ingrained skills. On the approach to left handers, I do sit out wide when appropriate to get a better view which is only an extension of normal roadcraft anyway. I only straightline on linked bends where there is good forward visibility but they are almost always low speed ones. However, in agreement with others who voice concern; the worry for me is that it does require judgement/experience and perhaps is is something that Allan Kirk should not have publicly advocated in print.

Legal connotations aside for a moment, it's been an excellent discussion and many thanks to everyone for the extremely thoughtful and considered replies.

Geoff

[MSTRS:Me]

I think the biggest risk for this technique, especially for newbies, is arriving too fast at the next corner, quite apart from any unexpected event causing you to take a different line (as Ixion also said). If you are not at the stage where you are linking, two or three bends, rather than riding one at a time, then definitely DO NOT DO THIS. You will come in too fast from an off-side, fixate, and go over the edge or into something else.

This is an excellent bit of advice.
For newbies, every corner is in isolation, and it can take a lot of saddle time to learn the technique of linked corners.
For the more experienced, it should simply be un-necessary to use the opposing lane.

[NordieBoy]

For some time now, cops have been sitting at the top of Weld Pass (SH1 south of Blenheim) from time to time, photographing and ticketing people they see crossing the centre line on the way up.

Takaka Hill a few years ago too.
One guy in the bushes above the road photoing and calling his mate down the road to pull you over.

[NordieBoy]

I agree that something has gotten lost over the years. For evidenc eof this I point to the distinction between solid white lines and dotted white lines. In NZ , there is no legal difference that I know of. Yet the road markers go to some length to put them down separately. Why ?

I suspect that originally the context was like the UK. Solid white line - do not cross unless overtaking. Dotted line. Keep left but use the far side if safe and appropriate.

Comment from members more antiquated than me is invited.

Solid white line is a no cross.
A mate filtered up to a 2 lane roundabout and got pinged for crossing the solid white line right near the actual roundabout.
The cop said if he'd pulled back in on the dotted bit he would have been fine and had no problem with the filtering.

[scumdog]

For some time now, cops have been sitting at the top of Weld Pass (SH1 south of Blenheim) from time to time, photographing and ticketing people they see crossing the centre line on the way up.

They do it up Queenstown way, catch a lot of idiots doing it, I've seen pics some of the trucks 'straightening the corners' have their right wheels kissing the fog-line on the wrong side of the road - and with limited visibility.

Imagine you're fanging towards them on your favourite scoot, almost nowhere to go....

[Skyryder]

Straightlining equals Mainlining. Sooner or later it will all turn to custard.

I had a near miss when I had a Talbot. Long story not for here. One day on the piss.


Skyryder

[swbarnett]

Straightlining equals Mainlining. Sooner or later it will all turn to custard.

I had a near miss when I had a Talbot. Long story not for here. One day on the piss.


Skyryder

So, if I read this right, straightlining wasn't the problem.

[Skyryder]

So, if I read this right, straightlining wasn't the problem.

I'll give ya the long version if we ever meet. Had a chat with Buelbabe when she was down here a week or two back. Some talk about a midnight run on the motorway when I 'm up in Auckereland next.



Skyryder

[Shadows]

The only "straightlining" I ever do is within my own lane.

My view on this is remains as I've said before.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...9&postcount=76

[swbarnett]

The only "straightlining" I ever do is within my own lane.

My view on this is remains as I've said before.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...9&postcount=76

I have straight-lined corners both in a car and on a bike. I would never do it unless I had full, unfettered visibility of the entire length of road where I was using the other lane. Plus a reasonable margin to account for traffic coming around the next corner. I would never even consider doing it past a driveway. Or even where one might be.

In essence, I agree with you that straight-lining under the circumstances that you describe is a tad silly to say the least. However, I still think that used properly, there's nothing dangerous about it.

[Oscar]

I have straight-lined corners both in a car and on a bike. I would never do it unless I had full, unfettered visibility of the entire length of road where I was using the other lane. Plus a reasonable margin to account for traffic coming around the next corner. I would never even consider doing it past a driveway. Or even where one might be.

In essence, I agree with you that straight-lining under the circumstances that you describe is a tad silly to say the least. However, I still think that used properly, there's nothing dangerous about it.

I also use the technique occasionally when visibility is excellent.
I've been riding bikes for 30 odd years, so I like to think I have the experience and skill to do that sort of thing.

However, by it's very nature this type of training material is going to be read by learners, and learners make mistakes (God knows I did when I started). I think that giving this this advise to squids is verging on criminally negligent...