Query about 'Bike Driving Rules'

ambro25

Can you be penalised in any way for extending your foot out as a cautionary measure when taking a slow turn on a wet smooth surface?

madrab

are you talking about in a driving test? or on the road? i wouldnt see why they would penialise you for it, except for maybe taking the corner too fast if you expected it to be slippy?

sutty

No, there is no law about it. However. In the driving test, it may show a lack of control while taking corners. Even in wet conditions, your tires still have 80% of there grip. So there is no need for putting your foot out. You can also do damage to your-self if you are going about 20mph. In Icy conditions it is a different matter. But you will hopefully be driving slower for that.

The problem with the driving test is that it is set. It doesn't adapt to different riding conditions. So while you are riding safely. The test/tester wont see it this way.

ambro25

None of the above (I don't put out myself )

A colleague of mine was telling me about being stopped by a biking Guard recently and lectured/cautioned about it. As the colleague is on a 50cc and not a kid, I presume for very sure that there wouldn't have been any corners taken too fast.

I was just curious as to what legal basis there was for the threats, is all - since I can't find anything in the statutes, rules of the road or on oasis...

cudman

i have been driving bikes for years and never heard of any law about this. but then again i dont see why someone would put their foot down when cornering, seems like a good way to break your leg

sutty

ambro25 wrote:

None of the above (I don't put out myself )



I was just curious as to what legal basis there was for the threats, is all - since I can't find anything in the statutes, rules of the road or on oasis...

I'd hardly call warnings a threat. The bike cops look out for people on bikes most of the time. As long as they aren't been a muppet. I've often seen someone on a scooter ride along with a foot just above the ground. I also always think "what a fool". The bike cop more than likely pulled you mate in to let him know it wasn't needed and was just downright dangerous. you mate should listen to what he had to say.... They are pro's after all.

KTRIC

Unlike the other Gardai, the guys on the bikes can be pretty sound. I've never been pulled for anything (really I haven't) but I have seen people getting a finger wagged (if I can use that word) at them for acting silly on their Kawayamasuki GSXRZZ599RR.

Most of the bike cops you will encounter are bikers are are just looking out for you. In the case of the OP the Garda does know best.

seamus

I can remember doing this twice. Both times in icy conditions. The first time the bike fell, and my leg being out allowed me to land on my feet. The second time it helped me right the bike - that is, I wasn't driving with my leg out, but as soon as the bike began to slide, my leg went out.

It could be anecdotal evidence. Youngfellas on scooters like doing this because they think they're deadly leaning as low as they can with their foot out (I can remember in school, so many guys coming in with battered legs after sliding out trying this). So obviously the Gardai will stop them and give them a good talking to.

ambro25

Thx for the replies - as indicated, I was really only after any nugget of legal info about the matter.

I do agree that it was sound advice from the G@rd, but I disagree that a threat (call it what you want) to 'do her for it if he caught her again' was called for, especially if there's no legal basis to do so. An explanation might have sufficed.

But then again, it's hearsay, so what do I know?

sutty

Well Technically the Gard can. He/she can stop your friend for driving with out due care and/or endangerment. But more than likely he just used it to scare some sense into her.

faceman

If pro racing bikers dont need to put their feet out, us joe soaps dont need to either!

Esel

Maybe she had both legs out?

madrab

faceman wrote:

If pro racing bikers dont need to put their feet out, us joe soaps dont need to either!

*cough*

Del2005

I say the Gaurd may have treatener the person without being in control
of the bike.

If you drive with one foot down in normal conditions, not snowy or icey (sp?) then you aren't confident on a bike and aren't in control. Also theres always the chance you can get your trailing foot caught on something and be thrown off the bike into danger.

Hotblack Desiato

the guys racing supermotards stick the leg out cause they're too high up to save a front end slide with their knee, like Rossi didn't do in Valencia

if a Garda saw you knee-sliding on the road he would be unimpressed but at least you need a certain level of skill / (over)confidence to do that. A lot of beginners on small bikes and especially mopeds, stick the foot out because they're nervous but all that does is upset your balance and make you wobble more.

subway

ive seen a lot of moped drivers with their feet in funny positions impersonating other styles of bike.
some put their feet up on the pillion pegs as if their riding a sports bike,
and some put their feet as far forward as they can as if their riding a harley.

i think all of that just unstabilises the bike as your naturally out of position.
i guess the flat-track style is whats in fashion these days so eveyones gonna start doin it.
without heel sliders its not really gonna help you balance and if your untied nike air max hits down on a 30mph corner itd be bye bye ankle