Why Do Novice Riders Stay in the Middle of the Lane, and Why Is It Dangerous?
Novice riders are easy to spot on the road. They often ride in the middle of the lane and stay too close to cars ahead. This creates several problems:
- Poor visibility of the road ahead.
- High risk of hitting objects in the lane, like debris or a dead animal.
- Delayed decision-making when traffic suddenly stops, as they hesitate on which way to maneuver.
What Do I Do Differently and Why Is It Better?
I almost always position myself behind a car’s wheel:
- In the left lane — behind the right wheel.
- In the middle lane — behind the left wheel.
- In the right lane — behind the left wheel.
Why Is This Important?
1. Maximizing Visibility
Positioning behind a car’s wheel allows me to see far down the lane. I can spot braking traffic early and react faster.
- By gently tapping the brakes when I notice slowing traffic, I signal drivers behind me, reducing the risk of them rear-ending me.
2. Escape Routes
This position gives me alternative paths to maneuver out of danger.
- For example, I avoid riding between a car and a curb, as it leaves no room for escape.
- I also avoid being stuck next to a long truck in between lanes unless I’m sure I can quickly get out of that position.
3. Defending My Lane
The position I choose not only improves visibility but also prevents aggressive drivers from cutting into my lane.
- If I ride in the right lane behind the right wheel, it looks like an invitation for someone to squeeze into my lane, creating a dangerous situation.
- Similarly, riding in the left lane behind the left wheel makes me less visible to cars in the middle lane, who may think the lane is open and merge without noticing me.
4. Clearing the Way for Others
While less critical, this principle still matters. Novice riders often block the space between cars at stoplights, creating issues for other motorcyclists.
- Instead, I move ahead of the cars, clearing the way for others. This also prevents cars from aggressively competing with me when the light turns green.
Conclusion
Proper lane positioning is your primary safety tool. It ensures better visibility, provides escape routes, helps you avoid risky situations, and creates a smoother experience for both you and other road users.
