Cars moving over for bike - helpful or confusing?
Discussion
Given the speed differential, I dont bother on the open road (unless its somewhere like Loch Lomond where the road is about four lanes wide and only marked for two and it considerably helps visibility, space etc.
I do make a point of doing it in ques, I'm new to filtering on a bike and perhaps I'm approaching it wrong, but theres nothing worse than cars parked bumper to bumper against the white line, so when I'm in the car I'll hang back a little and pull in when I see a bike coming up behind so they know I've seen them and Im making room for them to pull in if they need to. Most give a wave
I do make a point of doing it in ques, I'm new to filtering on a bike and perhaps I'm approaching it wrong, but theres nothing worse than cars parked bumper to bumper against the white line, so when I'm in the car I'll hang back a little and pull in when I see a bike coming up behind so they know I've seen them and Im making room for them to pull in if they need to. Most give a wave
GappySmeg said:
Your heart is in the right place, and it shows you're on the lookout for bikers, which is great.
In practice though, what difference is that extra foot of room going to make? Unless we're in slow moving traffic or a queue, I still wont overtake until it's safe to do so, i.e. there's nothing on the other side of the road, and I can clearly see the road ahead for the distance the overtake is going to need.
I won't be needing or using that extra foot of space you've created for me.
All you're really doing is making your own job a little harder by giving yourself no margin for error on your left side.
And then no doubt getting a little frustrated when I don't overtake, because I have better visibility than you and can see that it's not safe.
This is so true and highlighted yesterday when I was out. Twisty 50 mph country lane, I catch up to the car in front who slows and moves left but I had such poor visibility around the bends it was not safe to pass without risking a car sandwich.In practice though, what difference is that extra foot of room going to make? Unless we're in slow moving traffic or a queue, I still wont overtake until it's safe to do so, i.e. there's nothing on the other side of the road, and I can clearly see the road ahead for the distance the overtake is going to need.
I won't be needing or using that extra foot of space you've created for me.
All you're really doing is making your own job a little harder by giving yourself no margin for error on your left side.
And then no doubt getting a little frustrated when I don't overtake, because I have better visibility than you and can see that it's not safe.
I maintain a middle lane position and two second gap in an attempt to show I am not intending to overtake and he drives the next 1/2 mile hugging the verge before finally bouncing up it and over correcting onto the other side of the road. Luckily he got away with it but the potential could have been catastrophic.
pozi said:
GappySmeg said:
Your heart is in the right place, and it shows you're on the lookout for bikers, which is great.
In practice though, what difference is that extra foot of room going to make? Unless we're in slow moving traffic or a queue, I still wont overtake until it's safe to do so, i.e. there's nothing on the other side of the road, and I can clearly see the road ahead for the distance the overtake is going to need.
I won't be needing or using that extra foot of space you've created for me.
All you're really doing is making your own job a little harder by giving yourself no margin for error on your left side.
And then no doubt getting a little frustrated when I don't overtake, because I have better visibility than you and can see that it's not safe.
This is so true and highlighted yesterday when I was out. Twisty 50 mph country lane, I catch up to the car in front who slows and moves left but I had such poor visibility around the bends it was not safe to pass without risking a car sandwich.In practice though, what difference is that extra foot of room going to make? Unless we're in slow moving traffic or a queue, I still wont overtake until it's safe to do so, i.e. there's nothing on the other side of the road, and I can clearly see the road ahead for the distance the overtake is going to need.
I won't be needing or using that extra foot of space you've created for me.
All you're really doing is making your own job a little harder by giving yourself no margin for error on your left side.
And then no doubt getting a little frustrated when I don't overtake, because I have better visibility than you and can see that it's not safe.
I maintain a middle lane position and two second gap in an attempt to sow I am not intending to overtake and he drives the next 1/2 mile hugging the verge before finally bouncing up it and over correcting onto the other side of the road. Luckily he got away with it but the potential could have been catastrophic.
if he didn't realise he was just too close and didn't just hang back a bit first ...
I would like to be invisible really and just do the manoeuvre without anticipation or " help" but again - kind actions always applauded ...
Edited by hebegb on Tuesday 13th October 12:54
Biker's Nemesis said:
If you lot were discussing a subject like this in a pub the night before a TD I'd go to bed!
We never shall John , this is winter s
te to while away the dark and damp miserable months - never shall fine food,beer,wine and valuable time on such occasions be wasted in this manner !A habit that I have picked from riding a lot around Paris a few years back and that I find helps avoid a lot of confusion : on the motorway, when using the left lane (supposedly the fast lane) the driver of the car in front of you will indicate left to confirm that he has spotted you and that he kind of expect you to pass him by the right hand-side.
I try to do the same thing when I am driving and want to let a biker know I know they are there. But I would not necessarily move slighly to the right in case I shower them with crap from the gutter.
I try to do the same thing when I am driving and want to let a biker know I know they are there. But I would not necessarily move slighly to the right in case I shower them with crap from the gutter.
I do appreciate the moving over as it means I have been seen ,and it is now up to me whether to make the pass or not depending on the gap in front.
On the motorways, in my experience moving over to the left is slightly better than moving to the right, as I can then avoid middle lane man who is oblivious of my progress.
Any sort of movement and acknowledgment however is appreciated.
On the motorways, in my experience moving over to the left is slightly better than moving to the right, as I can then avoid middle lane man who is oblivious of my progress.
Any sort of movement and acknowledgment however is appreciated.
Really?
If a car moves over and there is space to overtake you won't do it unless the oncoming lane is clear?
Some parts round here the road is wide enough that when a car moves left there's ample room to not even cross the centre line of the road to pass them!
Also partly agree with crashely above.
Keep moving left it is appreciated.
If a car moves over and there is space to overtake you won't do it unless the oncoming lane is clear?
Some parts round here the road is wide enough that when a car moves left there's ample room to not even cross the centre line of the road to pass them!
Also partly agree with crashely above.
Keep moving left it is appreciated.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff