New biker - how do you deal with these situations?

di11on · 02-04-2021 6:27pm #1

Hey folks,

Living in the south of France and just got my A2 license... all through the French system which is no mean feat!

I'm in my mid 40s and quite safety conscious. I'm quite aware of the hazards of the activity.

Anyway, something happened today which spooked me a little...

I'm on an open country road. Here in south of France, there are no hedges or anything blocking the view - really clear day, good visibility.

I see an intersection well ahead and a Hiace flatbed type vehicle approaching from a minor side road. Very clear unobstructed view. I see he slows down approaching the intersection, looking for all the world like he's seen me. However, I'm still cautious and keeping my eye on him - almost feeling like I'm a paranoid idiot... and unbelievably, at the last moment, he moves out, clearly not having seen I'm there. I was able to get around him comfortably enough, but in hindsight, if he had come out a little more aggressively or there had been another vehicle coming the other way, I could have been in very serious trouble.

What is really bothering me about this situation is that this was best-case visibility conditions and he just didn't see me. I was wearing a light grey helmet and brown leather jacket - lights on.

So what do you guys do to mitigate this scenario? I can't flash cars at every single intersection I pass - it might even be wrongly interpreted that I'm letting them out. I can't slow down at every intersection, just in case...

In hindsight I think I should have reacted more decisively, but at the same time, if I'm to do this at every intersection I cross - that just seems crazy.

What are your thoughts on this?

Jimmy Bottlehead · 02-04-2021 6:32pm

Drive for the worst case scenario... which, as you've seen first hand, never fails to shock or disappoint.

If that means slowing for every possibility, then do so. Not doing so increases your risk and then you're in the "Yeah but I was right, oh sh1t, I'm dead" category.

Sounds like you handled it very well though. Good visible gear, good observation, you drove defensively, and you managed to mitigate for some other arsehole's bad (and potentially fatal) driving. Well done.

blade1 · 02-04-2021 6:33pm

di11on wrote: »

Hey folks,

Living in the south of France and just got my A2 license... all through the French system which is no mean feat!

I'm in my mid 40s and quite safety conscious. I'm quite aware of the hazards of the activity.

Anyway, something happened today which spooked me a little...

I'm on an open country road. Here in south of France, there are no hedges or anything blocking the view - really clear day, good visibility.

I see an intersection well ahead and a Hiace flatbed type vehicle approaching from a minor side road. Very clear unobstructed view. I see he slows down approaching the intersection, looking for all the world like he's seen me. However, I'm still cautious and keeping my eye on him - almost feeling like I'm a paranoid idiot... and unbelievably, at the last moment, he moves out, clearly not having seen I'm there. I was able to get around him comfortably enough, but in hindsight, if he had come out a little more aggressively or there had been another vehicle coming the other way, I could have been in very serious trouble.

What is really bothering me about this situation is that this was best-case visibility conditions and he just didn't see me. I was wearing a light grey helmet and brown leather jacket - lights on.

So what do you guys do to mitigate this scenario? I can't flash cars at every single intersection I pass - it might even be wrongly interpreted that I'm letting them out. I can't slow down at every intersection, just in case...

In hindsight I think I should have reacted more decisively, but at the same time, if I'm to do this at every intersection I cross - that just seems crazy.

What are your thoughts on this?

You done good. Better to be safe than sorry.

champchamp · 02-04-2021 6:33pm

di11on wrote: »

Hey folks,

Living in the south of France and just got my A2 license... all through the French system which is no mean feat!

I'm in my mid 40s and quite safety conscious. I'm quite aware of the hazards of the activity.

Anyway, something happened today which spooked me a little...

I'm on an open country road. Here in south of France, there are no hedges or anything blocking the view - really clear day, good visibility.

I see an intersection well ahead and a Hiace flatbed type vehicle approaching from a minor side road. Very clear unobstructed view. I see he slows down approaching the intersection, looking for all the world like he's seen me. However, I'm still cautious and keeping my eye on him - almost feeling like I'm a paranoid idiot... and unbelievably, at the last moment, he moves out, clearly not having seen I'm there. I was able to get around him comfortably enough, but in hindsight, if he had come out a little more aggressively or there had been another vehicle coming the other way, I could have been in very serious trouble.

What is really bothering me about this situation is that this was best-case visibility conditions and he just didn't see me. I was wearing a light grey helmet and brown leather jacket - lights on.

So what do you guys do to mitigate this scenario? I can't flash cars at every single intersection I pass - it might even be wrongly interpreted that I'm letting them out. I can't slow down at every intersection, just in case...

In hindsight I think I should have reacted more decisively, but at the same time, if I'm to do this at every intersection I cross - that just seems crazy.

What are your thoughts on this?

Wonder would a visivest have made any difference, probably not.

punisher5112 · 02-04-2021 6:35pm

People see cars and trucks for example but it's well known they in many cases won't see the person on the bike.....

Treat everyone like they haven't seen you as some will look right through you and oy see the car or truck further back from you.

Max Headroom · 02-04-2021 6:36pm

Well i always assume theyre going to pull out and prepare myself, check my options..only takes a millisecond ....
And if they dont, i always give a friendly wave, they'll remember that...;)

NickNickleby · 02-04-2021 6:37pm

In that scenario, I would give a one second blast of the horn, maybe more than once, upon first seeing him.

I've been given the roll eyes in the past, but I'm here to tell you about it. I wear a white helmet and hi-vis jacket and headlamp on.

And just to make it amusing, I ride a 03 Deauville. Sedately.

BTW, had to do this recently as a a car looked like it was about to enter from a side road without the driver looking in my direction (I was in my car at the time). Got the "WTF is up with you" look.

I envy you, motorcycling in the south of France:)

Del2005 · 02-04-2021 6:44pm

di11on wrote: »

Hey folks,

Living in the south of France and just got my A2 license... all through the French system which is no mean feat!

I'm in my mid 40s and quite safety conscious. I'm quite aware of the hazards of the activity.

Anyway, something happened today which spooked me a little...

I'm on an open country road. Here in south of France, there are no hedges or anything blocking the view - really clear day, good visibility.

I see an intersection well ahead and a Hiace flatbed type vehicle approaching from a minor side road. Very clear unobstructed view. I see he slows down approaching the intersection, looking for all the world like he's seen me. However, I'm still cautious and keeping my eye on him - almost feeling like I'm a paranoid idiot... and unbelievably, at the last moment, he moves out, clearly not having seen I'm there. I was able to get around him comfortably enough, but in hindsight, if he had come out a little more aggressively or there had been another vehicle coming the other way, I could have been in very serious trouble.

What is really bothering me about this situation is that this was best-case visibility conditions and he just didn't see me. I was wearing a light grey helmet and brown leather jacket - lights on.

So what do you guys do to mitigate this scenario? I can't flash cars at every single intersection I pass - it might even be wrongly interpreted that I'm letting them out. I can't slow down at every intersection, just in case...

In hindsight I think I should have reacted more decisively, but at the same time, if I'm to do this at every intersection I cross - that just seems crazy.

What are your thoughts on this?

Unless there's a Yellow diamond on the main road then the side road has right of way in France. Was there a Yellow diamond on your road?

di11on · 02-04-2021 6:47pm

Thanks for the replies folks. By the sounds of things, I'm really glad this happened - because even though you know from statistics that people often don't see bikes, you don't really feel it until you experience it first hand.

NickNickleby wrote:

I envy you, motorcycling in the south of France

Yeah, it's a nice time of year for it, and nice roads. Looking forward to going to Corsica at some point - went there before and the boat was full of bikers and I was jealous! However, as of tomorrow, I'll be coming up with creative itineraries that don't take me outside of the 10km lockdown radius!!!

rock22 · 02-04-2021 6:50pm

I think you did okay. Just remember it because it will happen again. And again , unfortunately.

I usually try to stay near the centre of the road, mainly to give me a little more room if he does come out. Also try to make eye contact , if possible. it will help you read the drivers intention.

di11on · 02-04-2021 6:54pm

Del2005 wrote: »

Unless there's a Yellow diamond on the main road then the side road has right of way in France. Was there a Yellow diamond on your road?

Ah yes, the famous "priorité a droite". This wasn't applying in this situation as it was a minor side road.

Mjolnir · 02-04-2021 6:57pm

The brain actively filters out stuff you're not looking for thats why people are more likely to hit and "not see" a parked bike over a parked car. Same applies to the road especially one they are constantly on.

You're on a bike you're invisible, ride as such. Lots of us have been in similar and worse situations honestly the best way to view it is every other road user is a moron and actively trying to kill you. You have to stay on your guard, I've had people point blank stare at me go to pull out and follow it with oh my god I didn't see you...

First squeaky bum moment is no fun, but you're OK so all good in the grand scheme. Just ride defensively, and be prepared for stupid sh!t to happen as if it's a certainty that it will.

babi-hrse · 02-04-2021 7:03pm

I've seen a dead motorcyclist he was in his late 50s and riding a touring BMW with a friend. From the look of the accident it looks like a car pulled out onto a major road and clipped him. The sight of it put me off ever owning a bike. One lazy car driver who gets nothing but shook up Vs a rider who's getting chest compressions in the middle of the road. Drive like there are idiots out there because half of the road are idiots and it only takes one not paying attention for a second. It's not right but it's a reality.

WestWicklow1 · 02-04-2021 7:22pm

Get a high viz jacket or vest.

Don't forget your horn. Cover your brake lever.

Did you see him looking in your direction? No? Be very wary.

Watch the front wheels. (The fewer spokes, the easier it is to see the wheel moving). That's your first indication that he's moving.

Move left, right, left, right in your lane as you approach. He may not see you traveling in a straight line but he may if you move about.

Be absolutely sure you didn't leave your indicator on. Get into the habit of pressing the indicator off button as you ride along. No need to check if the indicator is on, if it shouldn't be on, just press it.

Betsy Og · 02-04-2021 7:44pm

Think you did right.

Only other option, depending on everything of course, but could you lash past the junction before he reaches it?? Obv you'd need to be certain you'd beat him to it and not give yourself another problem at the next bend or junction, because all things equal the higher the speed the bigger the mess.

I recall an instructor once telling me (after I was giving it the 'slow and cautious' answer) - sometimes you need to get the **** out of there, he can't hit if he can't reach you kinda thing.

Other than that shove out to the centreline, try to make eye contact, cover the brake. I wear a high vis, prob not cool but I'd say it does help.

Breezin · 02-04-2021 9:01pm

You can't control everything, no matter how you try. You probably couldn't have done anything more to influence the outcome.

I found myself in auto survival mode just today, veering off to the right in response to an idiot suddenly bolting from a side road. A real 'here we go' moment, slo-mo and all.

She jammed on, all surprised there was actually traffic, and I lived to tell the tale.

My rule... if I can see them, and their wheels are still rolling, my wheels are stopping. As others have said, the moron can eye roll and stare all they want.

di11on · 02-04-2021 9:56pm

WestWicklow1 wrote: »

Get a high viz jacket or vest.
Move left, right, left, right in your lane as you approach. He may not see you traveling in a straight line but he may if you move about.

Reading this, it seems kinda obvious, but I hadn't thought of it.

Thanks everyone for the advice and comments - I wasn't really sure what I was expecting to hear when I posted, but I have found this really really helpful.

Thanks folks!

two wheels good · 02-04-2021 10:27pm

I'd like to add..
You jammy barsteward!

and..
Use the horn, a loud one, before the event.
There are other PaD signs worth noting too but hey, you're the local.

zubair · 02-04-2021 10:40pm

Pretty sure I slow down at every intersection. I occasionally throw on the high beam if I really don't trust a driver at the junction.

flashinthepan · 03-04-2021 7:41am

I think If I were you i would get something with more contrast than a grey helmet and a brown jacket

raven41 · 03-04-2021 8:07am

I always look for the drivers eyes as opposed to looking at the vehicle. However (as in this case) even if he has seen you there is no guarantee he will still pull out. Sounds a bit strange, but sometimes you get a 6th sense for these things, just a feeling that something will happen. Go on it. Hi viz while not the trendiest thing in the world is a must.
I have a mate who rides in daylight with his high beam on, says it makes him more visible (in addition to his fog lights).
For me this makes it harder for car drivers to judge speed/distance.

di11on · 03-04-2021 10:56am

flashinthepan wrote: »

I think If I were you i would get something with more contrast than a grey helmet and a brown jacket

I'm on Amazon now lol :-)

schaffer · 03-04-2021 1:44pm

As most have already said you need to prepare for the worst.
I've had too may close calls with cars (and people) who should have seen me but did not look or just did not see me.
Nearly got taken out on a roundabout when a guy just did not stop coming onto it. When I caught up to him at traffic lights he was embarrassed and said he just did not see me.... even wearing a high vis vest.
Some of the time people see you but they underestimate the speed and acceleration that a motorcycle has, so take the chance to move out ahead of you.

Never assume someone will see you even if they are looking directly at you.
Slow down coming up to junctions, move to the centre of the road, have situational awareness of other traffic or hazards (road surface) around you and always be prepared to emergency brake or swerve.

No amount of safety gear will stop you getting killed or seriously killed if you do not drive for the current conditions and don't speed.

zubair · 03-04-2021 1:46pm

raven41 wrote: »

I always look for the drivers eyes as opposed to looking at the vehicle. However (as in this case) even if he has seen you there is no guarantee he will still pull out. Sounds a bit strange, but sometimes you get a 6th sense for these things, just a feeling that something will happen. Go on it. Hi viz while not the trendiest thing in the world is a must.
I have a mate who rides in daylight with his high beam on, says it makes him more visible (in addition to his fog lights).
For me this makes it harder for car drivers to judge speed/distance.

You can tell your mate this biker thinks he's a d1ck.

As the guys advised earlier, look at the front wheels for motion rather than the drivers face or eyes. It's a well known fact and has been experienced by most of us that a driver can look directly at you and still pull out.

Your right about the 6th sense, sometimes you just know what they're going to do before they do.

dbas · 03-04-2021 2:10pm

zubair wrote: »

You can tell your mate this biker thinks he's a d1ck.

As the guys advised earlier, look at the front wheels for motion rather than the drivers face or eyes. It's a well known fact and has been experienced by most of us that a driver can look directly at you and still pull out.

Your right about the 6th sense, sometimes you just know what they're going to do before they do.

High beam always on is a bit much alright. My lights are always on, but I've a fazer foxeye and the full beam is blindingly bright and rarely used.
Hi viz vest and weave slightly in the lane to be visible and ALWAYS be ready.

As I drive a car too I've been lucky so far to have a sense of when a driver on the road isn't paying enough attention and hasn't seen me.

Sometimes the drivers face will tell you that they haven't seen you and you can prepare for them to do something stupid well in advance of their front wheels moving

Breezin · 03-04-2021 5:00pm

schaffer wrote: »

No amount of safety gear will stop you getting killed or seriously killed if you do not drive for the current conditions and don't speed.

If those are the options, think I'd prefer to be just killed! :-)

Mjolnir · 03-04-2021 5:50pm

Breezin wrote: »

If those are the options, think I'd prefer to be just killed! :-)

How do we differentiate between killed and seriously killed do ya reckon ?
I'd agree though seriously killed sounds rough haha

zubair · 03-04-2021 6:33pm

Mjolnir wrote: »

How do we differentiate between killed and seriously killed do ya reckon ?
I'd agree though seriously killed sounds rough haha

The official difference is if they bring you to the morgue on a stretcher or in a bucket.

Max Headroom · 04-04-2021 9:46am

And always remember..That last car you blasted by, could be your only witness....;)

bladespin · 04-04-2021 10:34am

Max Headroom wrote: »

And always remember..That last car you blasted by, could be your only witness....;)

Or the one who helps pull you out of a hedge (or not).

zubair · 04-04-2021 4:01pm

Max Headroom wrote: »

And always remember..That last car you blasted by, could be your only witness....;)

Haha, so true.

Bluefoam · 04-04-2021 10:03pm

I've no idea what a yellow builder man costume will do in this scenario.... The van driver obviously wasn't paying attention, a yellow vest isn't going to change that.

di11on · 04-04-2021 10:33pm

Breezin wrote: »

If those are the options, think I'd prefer to be just killed! :-)

To be honest, if I'm going to be killed anyway, I think I'd much rather be seriously killed lol :-)

Hotblack Desiato · 05-04-2021 3:27am

babi-hrse wrote: »

I've seen a dead motorcyclist he was in his late 50s and riding a touring BMW with a friend. From the look of the accident it looks like a car pulled out onto a major road and clipped him. The sight of it put me off ever owning a bike. One lazy car driver who gets nothing but shook up Vs a rider who's getting chest compressions in the middle of the road. Drive like there are idiots out there because half of the road are idiots and it only takes one not paying attention for a second. It's not right but it's a reality.

It's always nice when Captain Obvious and Lieutentant Save Them From Themselves check in.

Hotblack Desiato · 05-04-2021 4:01am

Betsy Og wrote: »

I recall an instructor once telling me (after I was giving it the 'slow and cautious' answer) - sometimes you need to get the **** out of there, he can't hit if he can't reach you kinda thing.

I call it the "cone of danger". The faster you go, the longer it gets - but it also narrows. i.e. doing 80km/h on a road with junctions on the side, you need to be looking a lot further ahead, the stuff close by is unlikely to move far enough to hit you before you pass by. At 50 km/h the situation is reversed, the cone of danger is short but wide. Outside of the "cone of danger" an object is either far enough away to see and avoid, or too close to hit you before you have gone past.

On a bike like a 400 or 600 four cylinder four stroke, peaky power delivery, there's a lot to be said for being in a gear which gives the possibility for good acceleration when going through hazards like junctions in 50/60/80 km/h zones. You always have braking which is greatly in excess of engine braking, so don't worry about the latter, but the hazard of being caught in a gear (or two or three) higher than you should be is the difficulty in accelerating out of trouble. Going in maybe 5km/h slower but with the potential to accelerate out if needs be seems to make sense.

Hotblack Desiato · 05-04-2021 4:07am

"Priorité á droite" is a killer, even on roads it doesn't apply on a lot of old gits assume it does. Pretty much the stupidest road rule ever introduced anywhere ever.

That said, I never felt at more risk on a bike in France than I did in Ireland - including central Paris and the "infamous" Place de l'Étoile where many motoring myths seem to arise. Generally in continental Europe there is far more consideration shown by four-or-more-wheelers towards two-wheelers than there is here, it's probably the worst place in Europe here to ride a motorcycle, even the UK is better.

di11on · 05-04-2021 9:01am

Hotblack Desiato wrote: »

"Priorité á droite" is a killer, even on roads it doesn't apply on a lot of old gits assume it does. Pretty much the stupidest road rule ever introduced anywhere ever.

That said, I never felt at more risk on a bike in France than I did in Ireland - including central Paris and the "infamous" Place de l'Étoile where many motoring myths seem to arise. Generally in continental Europe there is far more consideration shown by four-or-more-wheelers towards two-wheelers than there is here, it's probably the worst place in Europe here to ride a motorcycle, even the UK is better.

Why anyone ever thought "Priorité á droite" was a good idea is truly a mind bender. Basically to know who has priority at a junction, very often there is no other clue than what signs are there or not there for the other guy!!!

aido43 · 05-04-2021 2:36pm

You get a sixth sense sometimes--but its best to presume they dont see you and slow down. Latest thing in Ireland is to drive straight on to roundabout regardless of right of way or yielding to right and its then up to you to deal with it. Ive a painted on road roundabout at top of my road and I know each time when they are going to keep on going despite me being in right--youll get the hand wave as if that covers it or the straight ahead stare--either way they will not stop.Ive given up even getting angry anymore--theres no Garda enforcement of anything anymore. Other issue here is the belief by all car drivers that an indicator rules over all--regardless of what or who is in next lane. Had a truck do it to me last week and when I accelerated to avoid him he proceeded to flash lights and try to catch me.-- convinced that I should have let him in.
Id sooner the French roads anyday--even the roundabouts are safer there and thats saying something.

corks finest · 05-04-2021 2:44pm

di11on wrote: »

Hey folks,

Living in the south of France and just got my A2 license... all through the French system which is no mean feat!

I'm in my mid 40s and quite safety conscious. I'm quite aware of the hazards of the activity.

Anyway, something happened today which spooked me a little...

I'm on an open country road. Here in south of France, there are no hedges or anything blocking the view - really clear day, good visibility.

I see an intersection well ahead and a Hiace flatbed type vehicle approaching from a minor side road. Very clear unobstructed view. I see he slows down approaching the intersection, looking for all the world like he's seen me. However, I'm still cautious and keeping my eye on him - almost feeling like I'm a paranoid idiot... and unbelievably, at the last moment, he moves out, clearly not having seen I'm there. I was able to get around him comfortably enough, but in hindsight, if he had come out a little more aggressively or there had been another vehicle coming the other way, I could have been in very serious trouble.

What is really bothering me about this situation is that this was best-case visibility conditions and he just didn't see me. I was wearing a light grey helmet and brown leather jacket - lights on.

So what do you guys do to mitigate this scenario? I can't flash cars at every single intersection I pass - it might even be wrongly interpreted that I'm letting them out. I can't slow down at every intersection, just in case...

In hindsight I think I should have reacted more decisively, but at the same time, if I'm to do this at every intersection I cross - that just seems crazy.

What are your thoughts on this?

Actually gave up motorbiking years ago primarily cos of this utter cretinous behaviour and similar in our roads in the free state- taking your life in your hands on a bike nowadays,lost 3 boyhood friends over the years,and conclude that the only real observant driver's are those who are or have been cyclists or motorcyclists-
And as for the gob****es who open the doors wide without even looking I just am mystified as to how dopey some driver's are, presume France is as bad?

schaffer · 05-04-2021 10:59pm

Breezin wrote: »

If those are the options, think I'd prefer to be just killed! :-)

maybe comically

B!gD0g543 · 07-04-2021 12:33am

di11on wrote: »

Hey folks,

Living in the south of France and just got my A2 license... all through the French system which is no mean feat!

I'm in my mid 40s and quite safety conscious. I'm quite aware of the hazards of the activity.

Anyway, something happened today which spooked me a little...

I'm on an open country road. Here in south of France, there are no hedges or anything blocking the view - really clear day, good visibility.

I see an intersection well ahead and a Hiace flatbed type vehicle approaching from a minor side road. Very clear unobstructed view. I see he slows down approaching the intersection, looking for all the world like he's seen me. However, I'm still cautious and keeping my eye on him - almost feeling like I'm a paranoid idiot... and unbelievably, at the last moment, he moves out, clearly not having seen I'm there. I was able to get around him comfortably enough, but in hindsight, if he had come out a little more aggressively or there had been another vehicle coming the other way, I could have been in very serious trouble.

What is really bothering me about this situation is that this was best-case visibility conditions and he just didn't see me. I was wearing a light grey helmet and brown leather jacket - lights on.

So what do you guys do to mitigate this scenario? I can't flash cars at every single intersection I pass - it might even be wrongly interpreted that I'm letting them out. I can't slow down at every intersection, just in case...

In hindsight I think I should have reacted more decisively, but at the same time, if I'm to do this at every intersection I cross - that just seems crazy.

What are your thoughts on this?

I honestly believe you make the right choice my friend. Safety first! no matter if any other believe this could be boring or anything…

Melted · 08-04-2021 8:34am

Bluefoam wrote: »

I've no idea what a yellow builder man costume will do in this scenario.... The van driver obviously wasn't paying attention, a yellow vest isn't going to change that.

pretty much this, the only benefit to wearing high viz that I have felt is in slow moving traffic or filtering were you are in amoungst cars as there is a greater lickely hood of catching their eye in the rear/wing mirror (if they bother use it).

had a similar situation as OP myself was in a town going down the main street slow and steady giving four car lengths to the car infornt at around 20kph. I was merged on top of from a minor road on the oposite side. Luckily I saw it in the corner of my eye and was moving to the left towards the pavement.

got the usual "did not see you", he even tried to imply that I was bombing it and thats probably why he did not see me :rolleyes: got real polite when he saw the helmet cam

di11on · 08-04-2021 8:44am

Melted wrote: »

... got real polite when he saw the helmet cam

Haha - nice one... probably a good idea to get one of those!

di11on · 09-04-2021 1:20pm

Hi folks,

I've come across Dan Dan the Fireman on Youtube. He's a firefighter, biker and motorcycle coach. Anyway - he has loads of videos where he does after action reports (AARs) on user submitted footage of bike crashes and close calls and I'm finding it really really helpful - perhaps others will to. For me it especially makes it very real that motors just don't see you. It's not personal, they just don't.

Here's an example video, but you'll find many more :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Sne0aUZ208

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Sne0aUZ208

two wheels good · 09-04-2021 2:24pm

Plenty to learn from Dan I suppose. He's good on the accident first aid aspects but I wouldn't call him a motorcycle coach.
For motorcycle control and advanced techniques .. e.g MCRider, a Texas instructor or some RoSPA advanced videos from UK

Look-up emergency braking. Not many riders practice this skill. If you have ABS the risk of locking the front wheel is avoided but ABS also gives you the possibility to steer with some control.
Be aware of what target fixation is. In an emergency look where you want to go; not at the solid object you're (too) rapidly approaching. Easier said..

di11on · 09-04-2021 2:49pm

two wheels good wrote: »

Plenty to learn from Dan I suppose. He's good on the accident first aid aspects but I wouldn't call him a motorcycle coach.
For motorcycle control and advanced techniques .. e.g MCRider, a Texas instructor or some RoSPA advanced videos from UK

Look-up emergency braking. Not many riders practice this skill. If you have ABS the risk of locking the front wheel is avoided but ABS also gives you the possibility to steer with some control.
Be aware of what target fixation is. In an emergency look where you want to go; not at the solid object you're (too) rapidly approaching. Easier said..

Thanks for the advice - the most impactful (pardon the pun) lesson is the behaviour of other road users and the almost inevitability of your right of way being violated on a regular basis.

I got my license in France and the training for the plateau test does cover emergency braking and swerving pretty extensively - it's pretty difficult actually - but your point is well taken - these skills do need constant development.

Jimmy Bottlehead · 09-04-2021 3:49pm

two wheels good wrote: »

Plenty to learn from Dan I suppose. He's good on the accident first aid aspects but I wouldn't call him a motorcycle coach.
For motorcycle control and advanced techniques .. e.g MCRider, a Texas instructor or some RoSPA advanced videos from UK

Look-up emergency braking. Not many riders practice this skill. If you have ABS the risk of locking the front wheel is avoided but ABS also gives you the possibility to steer with some control.
Be aware of what target fixation is. In an emergency look where you want to go; not at the solid object you're (too) rapidly approaching. Easier said..

Would second MCRider. He's not the most exciting Youtuber, but he's very very solid and focuses on fundementals.

And yes to the target fixation. You'll notice it on the road too, with things like potholes, or bits of debris. It's a habit that's good to be aware of and break.

knucklehead6 · 09-04-2021 4:08pm

I purchased a new high vis today to replace the learner one. Sure enough on the way home a car pulled out of an estate in front of me.

I had seen her and had been slowing down anyway, but still... She had that look of "oh sh!t" on her face as she drove past me

Mjolnir · 10-04-2021 8:54pm

Motojutsu is a very good channel for tips on how to ride.

Brakes locking up is absaloutly zero craic, especially when the back kicks out and you're on chippings.

Jimmy Bottlehead · 10-04-2021 11:54pm

knucklehead6 wrote: »

I purchased a new high vis today to replace the learner one. Sure enough on the way home a car pulled out of an estate in front of me.

I had seen her and had been slowing down anyway, but still... She had that look of "oh sh!t" on her face as she drove past me

Where I've had close shaves due to somebody else, there's been a few occasions where I've pulled alongside at a stop, gotten them to put their window down, and told them in a very direct manner how substandard their driving was, and to not do it again.

I'm not one for jumping to aggression, but car drivers need to understand how vulnerable and serious their mistakes can be to us. I would like to think she realises she could have turned you into a short newspaper story.

zubair · 11-04-2021 10:42am

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

Where I've had close shaves due to somebody else, there's been a few occasions where I've pulled alongside at a stop, gotten them to put their window down, and told them in a very direct manner how substandard their driving was, and to not do it again.

I'm not one for jumping to aggression, but car drivers need to understand how vulnerable and serious their mistakes can be to us. I would like to think she realises she could have turned you into a short newspaper story.

I used to be that guy. I think it's better to give a head shake and move on. I think being a good ambassador for bikers is far more beneficial than giving someone a lesture because they drifted into your lane, most of the time they probably wouldn't even know what they did wrong.

I once spotted a mate of mine stopped at the lights in his car so I pulled along side him and was gesturing towards him, non aggressively of course, and he absolutely shat his pants until he realised it was me. He's a solicitor and told me he was having images of being killed like Veronica Guerin. You don't know what people's circumstances are and bikers can already seem threatening to people. So I know you're not necessarily being aggressive but that's probably not how it's being perceived.

New biker - how do you deal with these situations?

Comments