Road-craft 'skills'.

**NinjaNanna** · 9th December 2008, 16:36

When being tailgated try touching your rear brake. Most of the time the switch is adjusted to turn your break light on well before any braking is actually done.

It can be a good way of getting tailgaters off your arse, if they think you are braking.

**OutForADuck** · 10th December 2008, 08:32

Originally Posted by NinjaNanna

When being tailgated try touching your rear brake. Most of the time the switch is adjusted to turn your break light on well before any braking is actually done.

It can be a good way of getting tailgaters off your arse, if they think you are braking.

This one works by creating a panic situation in the driver behind you, forcing them to realise they are in a dangerous situation. Problem is you are causing a dangerous situation by doing it and the likely reaction is for him to break hard, unneccessarily.

Truth be; this all adds up to psychological manipulation, he is following too close and this intimidates you, but is not in itself dangerous given very predictable actions on both your parts. Try to NOT be intimidated and wait for your opportunity to "encourage" him to pass at your safe choice. Until then drive predictably and if he encrouches to a very dangerous level, come to a slow and predictable stop in front of him. If you can not get out of his way he will also not be able to get out of yours, you have the power.

Do not allow yourself to be intimidated into doing something dangerous, ride with authority, stay calm and controlled and let him have the mental break down

**The Stranger:Me** · 10th December 2008, 13:35

Originally Posted by NinjaNanna

When being tailgated try touching your rear brake. Most of the time the switch is adjusted to turn your break light on well before any braking is actually done.

It can be a good way of getting tailgaters off your arse, if they think you are braking.

Hey, your sig pic. Is that a photo of Captain Cook from Gisbourne?

**swbarnett** · 10th December 2008, 15:02

Originally Posted by OutForADuck

he is following too close and this intimidates you, but is not in itself dangerous ...

Sorry???

What about the emergency stop that's required when some other dick pulls out in front of you? (or the cat, kid, low flying brick etc. etc.)

**PrincessBandit** · 10th December 2008, 17:06

Where possible when I'm in that situation I make a deliberate turning gesture of my head so they can see I'm aware that they're there. A car driver is largely self absorbed with their own sphere and probably thinks that a rider is too. By making the obvious "I can see you" head turn that may bive them pause to check why you're doing it. Usually works for me, and it's more helpful for me if I know I've not knowingly done anything to piss them off in the first place. But that's just me, butter wouldn't melt in my mouth (except when I'm cussing).

**westie** · 10th December 2008, 17:25

Had classic tail gater today. Trying to under take me etc. Bout one meter from the rear tyre.
So slow down and let them get all upset with "wats this guy doing" then off with a quick wheelie down the road. Hey presto no more tailgater.

Tried some other things I know like turn the head and look at them, tap the rear brake light several times. but nothing detered them.

**OutForADuck** · 11th December 2008, 12:43

Originally Posted by swbarnett

Sorry???

What about the emergency stop that's required when some other dick pulls out in front of you? (or the cat, kid, low flying brick etc. etc.)

I guess my point is it is not desirable, hence get him past you as soon as you can, but jabbing brakes or such behaviour is ramping up an uncomfortable position into a dangerous one.

I was in no way saying "just put up with it". it is dangerous but not immediately life threatening, even though it feels that way.

**swbarnett** · 11th December 2008, 16:13

Originally Posted by OutForADuck

I guess my point is it is not desirable, ...

Thanks for the clarification. I understand where you're coming from now.

**GrayWolf** · 27th December 2008, 00:24

The one I had absolutely HAMMERED in was the 'life saver'.
Right rear observation; when overtaking, manouvering or turning right. Mirrors lie for distance and have blindspots, they should not be relied on for changes in lane, turning or overtaking.

The other little gem, was to be aware of what you are following, and the view obstruction of YOU! it can cause. EG: If your behind a Large Cargo style van, or Lorry a 2 second gap is probably not enough for other road users entering your road from the left (T junctions) to really notice you, ESPECIALY if you are near the centre line to 'see round' that vechile.

Had I known that lil bit of roadcraft at 19yrs? the only bone break I have recieved on a bike would probably not have occurred.

**swbarnett** · 27th December 2008, 05:48

Originally Posted by GrayWolf

The other little gem, was to be aware of what you are following, and the view obstruction of YOU! it can cause. EG: If your behind a Large Cargo style van, or Lorry a 2 second gap is probably not enough for other road users entering your road from the left (T junctions) to really notice you, ESPECIALY if you are near the centre line to 'see round' that vechile.

A little trick that I add to this situation is to always be aware of roads joining yours from the left and move in to the left wheel track as you approach. This allows you a better view of any approaching traffic and gives them the best chance of seeing you. As you pass the side road move back to the right wheel track to allow the greatest amount of time to react if they insist on trying to ram you.

**BMWST?** · 28th December 2008, 09:23

i havent read this whole thread,so apologies if this has already been discussed..and perhaps pertinent in relation o the Akaroa incident..when riding on the open road on a straight,by yourself,where do you position your self on the road....left or right hand wheel track...?Am thinking the LH track is best but would prolly normally ride in the rh one(albeit to the left of the rh side)

**OutForADuck** · 30th December 2008, 07:58

Originally Posted by GrayWolf

The one I had absolutely HAMMERED in was the 'life saver'.
Right rear observation; when overtaking, manouvering or turning right. Mirrors lie for distance and have blindspots, they should not be relied on for changes in lane, turning or overtaking.

What we used to teach was the "road map". Using your mirrors, shoulder look etc you build a mental image of what cars are around you and were they are going to be soon. Then using your "flick check" (a 10sec quick check in mirrors and side to side) if that picture does not line up with what you get then do a full "remap" including the shoulder look, etc.

If your mental picture of how the traffic should look is wrong, get a solid one fast!!!

**Gassit Girl** · 3rd January 2009, 12:30

I enjoyed reading this thread and learned heaps. Appreciated the advice about being ready for vehicles nosing/pulling out of driveways just ahead of parked trucks etc.

I think fixation is the biggest thing for me to be aware of. Some on this thread have suggested making eye contact with drivers whose intentions you aren't sure of, but I agree that they can look you in the eye and promptly pull out in front of you. I try to check for movement of the front wheel.

Once, on a gentle right hander near Te Kuiti, a wheel rolled into my lane, having come loose from an oncoming vehicle. It was maybe a spare, or one of multi wheels, or off a trailer, cos I don't think the driver even knew it was gone! Anyway, I felt like a pin at the end of a bowling alley as the wheel came bouncing/rolling my way at open road speed. I buttoned off and swerved to the right and the wheel continued into the grass verge. I had enough time to make a judgement and react, but hate to think about a wheel hurtling my way on a TIGHT corner!

Another thing I dwelled on later was that I found myself looking directly at the wheel, even though I have always believed that you should focus on the clear space you are going to escape into. Thought a lot about what I should have done, but concluded that the wheel's course was predictable and to judge its speed and direction I HAD to look at it. But I will still train myself not to fixate in cases of ''unpredictable'' obstacles like animals and cars.

The big lesson for me was how quickly the safe 'mind map' you have of what's around you can change, and that each situation demands something different of you.

Ride safe over the hols everyone!

**The Stranger:Me** · 3rd January 2009, 15:14

Originally Posted by Gassit Girl

Another thing I dwelled on later was that I found myself looking directly at the wheel, even though I have always believed that you should focus on the clear space you are going to escape into.

Yeah, you can plan it out in your head all you like, but I think unfortunately it requires experience to put it into action when push comes to shove.
We do have an exercise that goes some way toward overloading the mind like that at RRRS, though we are of necessity limited in what we can do with such an exercise.

**BMWST?** · 6th January 2009, 12:36

Originally Posted by Gassit Girl

I enjoyed reading this thread and learned heaps. Appreciated the advice about being ready for vehicles nosing/pulling out of driveways just ahead of parked trucks etc.

I think fixation is the biggest thing for me to be aware of. Some on this thread have suggested making eye contact with drivers whose intentions you aren't sure of, but I agree that they can look you in the eye and promptly pull out in front of you. I try to check for movement of the front wheel.

Once, on a gentle right hander near Te Kuiti, a wheel rolled into my lane, having come loose from an oncoming vehicle. It was maybe a spare, or one of multi wheels, or off a trailer, cos I don't think the driver even knew it was gone! Anyway, I felt like a pin at the end of a bowling alley as the wheel came bouncing/rolling my way at open road speed. I buttoned off and swerved to the right and the wheel continued into the grass verge. I had enough time to make a judgement and react, but hate to think about a wheel hurtling my way on a TIGHT corner!

Another thing I dwelled on later was that I found myself looking directly at the wheel, even though I have always believed that you should focus on the clear space you are going to escape into. Thought a lot about what I should have done, but concluded that the wheel's course was predictable and to judge its speed and direction I HAD to look at it. But I will still train myself not to fixate in cases of ''unpredictable'' obstacles like animals and cars.

The big lesson for me was how quickly the safe 'mind map' you have of what's around you can change, and that each situation demands something different of you.

Ride safe over the hols everyone!

you tend to go where you look ...so dont stare at something you are trying to avoid cos you will most likely go straight into it!