Straightening the road

**swbarnett** · 16th June 2014, 19:24

Originally Posted by george formby

Crossing the centre line to increase safety is valid. Doing so to be quicker is cock.

I think we're going to have to agree to differ on this one. Nobody has come up with a valid reason for the latter statement above.

**Lelitu** · 16th June 2014, 19:34

Originally Posted by swbarnett

While I agree with the above as yet no-one has yet answered the real question - why is is considered unsafe if done properly?

it's generally considered unsafe, not because it's dangerous when done properly, but because it's very dangerous when done improperly, and quite easy to fuck up.

it only takes a moment or two's lapse in attention to really fuck it up and make a mess of yourself.

**Drew** · 16th June 2014, 19:51

Originally Posted by george formby

I think that perfectly highlights the risk of straightening the public highway without considered reason. Crossing the centre line to increase safety is valid. Doing so to be quicker is cock. My only problem with Rossi is the time it's taking him to get back on top. No probs at all with MM, might even try the elbow down front wheel save meself. In my lane of course.

Hope that bold bit is not shouty.

Keh? Your whole post is cock then. If your only concern is safety then staying in your own lane, and going slower is the obvious answer.

**FJRider** · 16th June 2014, 21:20

Originally Posted by swbarnett

While I agree with the above as yet no-one has yet answered the real question - why is is considered unsafe if done properly?

You only know it was safe .. when you make it through .. safely ..

**Berries** · 16th June 2014, 23:01

Originally Posted by swbarnett

While I agree with the above as yet no-one has yet answered the real question - why is is considered unsafe if done properly?

How can it be?

If it is unsafe, when done properly with all due consideration to all the potential dangers mentioned in this thread (including fucking up), then it must be unsafe to corner in your own lane as well. Might as well stay in bed.

**swbarnett** · 16th June 2014, 23:51

Originally Posted by Lelitu

it's generally considered unsafe, not because it's dangerous when done properly, but because it's very dangerous when done improperly, and quite easy to fuck up.

it only takes a moment or two's lapse in attention to really fuck it up and make a mess of yourself.

The same could be said for overtaking. But that's legal and generally accepted.

**swbarnett** · 16th June 2014, 23:53

Originally Posted by Berries

How can it be?

If it is unsafe, when done properly with all due consideration to all the potential dangers mentioned in this thread (including fucking up), then it must be unsafe to corner in your own lane as well. Might as well stay in bed.

Which is exactly my point.

**jonbuoy** · 17th June 2014, 16:17

I´m sure those guys are better trained riders than me but I´m still gonna call bullshit - if another car/bike was coming the other way doing a similar thing at well over the speed limit he didn't have enough room to see far enough ahead for that maneuver.

**GrayWolf** · 17th June 2014, 17:04

Originally Posted by scumdog

No discussion needed.
$150.
Ka-ching!

Funny thing is... straightening the road is 'lifted' from the UK Police roadcraft manual, the very same 'system' used for the IAM, and I believe the basis of the training a lot of Popo forces use.....

Same as the 'keep left' rule... really improves vision around a left hand bend (not).

It's not a practice I use constantly, but on a clear road, with plenty of vision (IE series of small left/right you can clearly see the length of, then yes I'll straighten the road.

Outside of 'law enforcement issues' it's a debate that seems hotly defended from both sides......

**Blackbird** · 17th June 2014, 18:58

Originally Posted by GrayWolf

Funny thing is... straightening the road is 'lifted' from the UK Police roadcraft manual, the very same 'system' used for the IAM, and I believe the basis of the training a lot of Popo forces use.....

Same as the 'keep left' rule... really improves vision around a left hand bend (not).

Do you want to quote verbatim from Roadcraft because I think you're being a bit selective

In both the previous and latest issues, it talks about moving your bike from one side of YOUR road space (the left lane) to the other. It also says don't take a straighter course until you can see clearly across the bend. That may or may not mean crossing the centre line but in any event, it clearly says you have to see clearly across the bend. As crossing the centre line under those conditions is not legal in NZ and people sticking to their respective side of the road undoubtedly reduces the risk of accidents, it's not supported here.

This thread has all the hallmarks of matching Cassina's (in)famous saga about the South Island rider showing good Roadcraft

**jonbuoy** · 17th June 2014, 19:04

Its just a daft/pointless thing to do on the road unless you can see really far off in the distance and in that video it didn't look that way to me.

**Berries** · 17th June 2014, 20:32

Originally Posted by Blackbird

This thread has all the hallmarks of matching Cassina's (in)famous saga about the South Island rider showing good Roadcraft

We are not talking roadcraft though, or the legality. The question was is straightening the road unsafe.

The answer to me appears to be to be that no, it is not always unsafe however it is unsafe if you get twatted while doing it. A bit like riding a motorbike in general.

**george formby** · 17th June 2014, 22:17

Originally Posted by Berries

The answer to me appears to be to be that no, it is not always unsafe however it is unsafe if you get twatted while doing it. A bit like riding a motorbike in general.

Excellent. No argument from me.