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

[Old Steve]

Had to drive the cage to work the other day, Gloria was spending the day in hospital having a 20,000 km service and getting a cracked gear selector lever welded up.

Coming home along Levers Rd, Tauranga, I let a biker pass me, and then he followed the car in front just one bike length behind it's rear bumper. OK, he was off to the right with his wheels on the same path as the car's right hand wheels, his head was higher than the car so he could see ahead. He never passed the car in front, just followed like that for a km and a half.

But why do we bike riders tend to follow so close to the vehicle ahead? When I was back on Gloria I noticed that I did in fact follow vehicles much closer than I do in a cage.

Maybe the bike rider on Levers Rd, Tauranga, about 5.30 pm Thursday can tell me.

[98tls]

Whats with the "we" thing,so far theres only you and him.

[DIN PELENDA]

Who really cares, why ..... ..... ..... ?

[pc220]

Whats with the "we" thing,so far theres only you and him.

And me, have caught myself following cars alot closer than is healthy. Dont know why I dont even seem to realise how close I am. One of many things about my riding that needs more attention paid to.

[MIXONE]

And me, have caught myself following cars alot closer than is healthy. Dont know why I dont even seem to realise how close I am. One of many things about my riding that needs more attention paid to.

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

[ellipsis]

....'cos they dont generally know what could happen next....all the talk and all the gear and all the cool bike you own , dont really mean fuck all if yer brainless...

[Big Dave]

Usually to capitalise on the next overtaking opportunity.

[nothingflash]

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

Cough cough cough. Ah - that's better.

[Old Steve]

and all the cool bike you own

Cool bike? Hyosung GV250?

Just check yourself next time you're in city traffic. Bet you're surprised you're following a lot closer than you thought you did.

[ellipsis]

Cool bike? Hyosung GV250?

Just check yourself next time you're in city traffic. Bet you're surprised you're following a lot closer than you thought you did.

...my wife just sold hers....perfectly cool bike for her to learn on and classier than a few of the other introductory bikes....


....something im constantly aware of and am constantly amazed at those who aren't....see it on the highway too....

[JudaBaker]

Quite often I find myself following a bit closer than I probably should and have to back off, usually because I'm planning to get past the car in front but don't have the chance yet although sometimes I just creep up without initially realising.. Perhaps because I know I can stop faster I'm more worried about being hit by someone else than hitting the car in front of me.

[firefighter]

I've noticed it too. You are right, and it's not just you and him like someone else wrote.

I wonder what the sub-concious reason is for it (you know what I mean). There must be a perception issue or something as it's very, very common.

[98tls]

I've noticed it too. You are right, and it's not just you and him like someone else wrote.

I wonder what the sub-concious reason is for it (you know what I mean). There must be a perception issue or something as it's very, very common.

Yep me,ok its a few more it seems.At a guess i would say its because those that do havent yet felt the pain involved in connecting with one,cured me.

[YellowDog]

I only follow close when intending to pass, otherwise I try and keep a reasonable distance.

[avgas]

Slam the brakes on. Its great to see the 'rebels' shit themselves when they are riding outside their means.
Squids think they are rossi, and need a reality check.