Oct
16th
Lane Placement
By Dino Dogan
When it comes to riding in the correct mini-lane (single car lane
is divided into left, right and middle “mini-lane” for us,
two-wheeled demons), any two motorcyclists can agree on one thing.
The third motorcyclist’s opinion is wrong :-p
So what is THE BEST lane position?
The best position within a car-lane is constantly changing depending on traffic conditions.
Here are some considerations that could possibly affect your choice of lane position:
I tend to ride in the middle mini-lane. This makes me (more) visible to other vehicles and gives some room for maneuvering (to the left or right) if need be. There are of course exceptions. If the middle mini-lane is drenched with oil, coolant or diesel fuel (you’ll know it when you smell it), I will stay away from the center.
The highest accumulation of oil occurs at intersection, so, as a general rule, you want to stay to the left or the right.
hth
Salute
So what is THE BEST lane position?
The best position within a car-lane is constantly changing depending on traffic conditions.
Here are some considerations that could possibly affect your choice of lane position:
- Always aim to increase your ability to see more. This needs no explanation I hope
- Always try to increase your visibility to other
motorists.
- Next time you’re in your car, pay attention to motorcyclists around you. Notice how they tend to disappear in your side-view mirrors depending on the lane positioning behind you.
- Also, while you’re in relative safety of your car, observe correct or incorrect riding habits of others. Considering traffic conditions, would you do something different?
- Change lane position to stay out of blind spots.
- Sometimes you may need to protect your lane and will position yourself accordingly. Car drivers will “sneak-into” your spot and run you off the road is you let them, so beware.
- Change mini-lane position to communicate your intentions. Perhaps you are taking the next exit on the right and you are riding on the left hand side of the far-left lane. Moving towards the middle and then right side of the mini-lane should indicate to other motorists that you are about to change (car) lanes.
- Change mini-lanes to avoid windblast from other vehicles
- Always aim to have three escape routes out of any situation. Adjust mini-lanes accordingly.
- Negotiating turns. The old outside-inside-outside trajectory.
I tend to ride in the middle mini-lane. This makes me (more) visible to other vehicles and gives some room for maneuvering (to the left or right) if need be. There are of course exceptions. If the middle mini-lane is drenched with oil, coolant or diesel fuel (you’ll know it when you smell it), I will stay away from the center.
The highest accumulation of oil occurs at intersection, so, as a general rule, you want to stay to the left or the right.
hth
Salute
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