| Choosing Lane Position
Reprinted from Enthusiast Fall 2004 with editor's permission.
Correctly choosing which lane - and where within a lane - to
ride your motorcycle is a critical, dynamic process that each of
us should carefully consider. Below is some advice from Rider's
Edge, the Harley-Davidson Academy of Motorcycling.
- When determining where to ride within a lane, avoid
potentially hazardous road irregularities such as cracks,
potholes, groves, debris, water puddles, etc
- Constantly scan the upcoming road and be aware of changing
conditions due to hills, blind curves, multiple driveways,
merge lanes and traffic conditions. Position yourself
accordingly.
- Whenever possible, position yourself to allow a safe and
quick escape maneuver should any of the above conditions
change or present a sudden hazard.
- In general, when riding alone on a straight road, most
people prefer to ride in the left third of the lane. It
provides the best line of sight for the road ahead and makes
you most visible to oncoming traffic. However, always be
prepared to make adjustments based on road conditions and
traffic patterns.
- Always leave a minimum of two seconds between you and the
vehicle in front of you.
- If you can't see 12 seconds down the road, slow down and
give yourself as much "space cushion" as possible by
choosing a center lane position or one that provides the most
available visibility.
- Limited-access highways provide a great opportunity to
practice using lane position for visibility and space
cushioning. Keep an eye on merge ramps, as drivers don't
always check for parallel traffic.
- Watch for fluid droppings (usually from other vehicles) in
the center of the lane at traffic stops such as controlled
intersections (stop signs, traffic lights) and at tollbooths.
Try to stay left or right of the slippery areas at these
locations. In most other circumstances, the center of a lane
isn't any slicker than the other parts and should remain an
option. (D/FW Safety officer's opinion * If using the right
side of center, be mindful of putting your left boot down in
the center where it could be slick and you could loose your
footing.)
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