Select A Lane
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,219
From: Michigan
I too prefer the left third of the lane.
I prefer the far left lane in heavy traffic (as an emergency escape) or the center lane when one is available and this has worked well for me, with one exception.
A few years ago we spent the night in a motel just north of Cincinatti, OH and we got an early start the following morning heading for home on north on I-75.
We were in the left lane, doing the speed limit when the traffic started slowing down at a gradual pace.
The driver of the car in front of us decided that she didn't want to be tied up in traffic so she suddenly braked hard in an attempt to get onto the crossover for emergency vehicles.
With my wife (now beside me) on my right, I had no choice but follow this moron, preparing to either pass her on her left or dump my bike if I had to to avoid hitting her in the rear or the left side as she turned.
Fortunately I did avoid hitting her but that was much too close but by the time I got really close to her I wasn't moving very fast at all but even at 5MPH it's still not fun hitting another (bigger) vehicle.
Even on two lane roads you always have to be aware of the oncoming traffic, as well as those making turns that cross over your lane, and even more alert on curvy, hilly roads where people tend to be looking at the scenery and drifting over the center line.
I prefer the far left lane in heavy traffic (as an emergency escape) or the center lane when one is available and this has worked well for me, with one exception.
A few years ago we spent the night in a motel just north of Cincinatti, OH and we got an early start the following morning heading for home on north on I-75.
We were in the left lane, doing the speed limit when the traffic started slowing down at a gradual pace.
The driver of the car in front of us decided that she didn't want to be tied up in traffic so she suddenly braked hard in an attempt to get onto the crossover for emergency vehicles.
With my wife (now beside me) on my right, I had no choice but follow this moron, preparing to either pass her on her left or dump my bike if I had to to avoid hitting her in the rear or the left side as she turned.
Fortunately I did avoid hitting her but that was much too close but by the time I got really close to her I wasn't moving very fast at all but even at 5MPH it's still not fun hitting another (bigger) vehicle.
Even on two lane roads you always have to be aware of the oncoming traffic, as well as those making turns that cross over your lane, and even more alert on curvy, hilly roads where people tend to be looking at the scenery and drifting over the center line.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 523
Likes: 2
From: New England
Advanced
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: HOUSTON
whether i got 8 guys behind me or i'm riding by myself i take the same position; i love the far left. i feel it gives me the best view of everything in front of me and if my homies are behind me, they're counting on me.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 659
Likes: 1
From: Alaska
Saw this a few years ago up here in Alaska. There were a couple guys riding those bikes that cause you to rub your belly on the tank. These guys had been running in and out of traffic on a two lane highway. They would position themselves behind the passenger side of the vehicle they were following then zip out and around the drivers side to pass. Well now enter the lifted 4X4 pickup and here they go again, passenger side, follow follow stand look through the pickups window while looking cool. Now my thoughts are the driver of the truck may have experienced this before or he decided to run down the rumble strip to kick up a little sand and gravel but he is nearly halfway over on the shoulder. Just when those stunt doubles decided to launch themselves they see a pallet coming under the pickup....POW two of them wipe out after hitting it. Morale of the story DON'T PLAY IN TRAFFIC.
Personally I have found that by riding where I can see the driver in his mirror I have a better view of whats up front. You do what makes you comfortable and always try to better yourself.
Personally I have found that by riding where I can see the driver in his mirror I have a better view of whats up front. You do what makes you comfortable and always try to better yourself.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 40
From: New York
Jimmers1817 - gave good advice I think. === Pops- that's a good story , lesson.
And low down- I know what you mean but unfortunately luck always has something to do with everything - I think you're saying make that the smallest possible part of the equation and with that I agree 100 %
And low down- I know what you mean but unfortunately luck always has something to do with everything - I think you're saying make that the smallest possible part of the equation and with that I agree 100 %
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
Best out, for sure. I'm always looking for the out, road debris, idiots, whatever
To the OP; I dont do much group riding however I like to practice on occasion. I will ride in the third right/left (imagining that I'm in a group) so its not new to me when I do ride with others. Its almost like sharp U-turns, you may not do them every day so its good to practice it in an empty parking lot just. Practice makes perfect, builds confidence
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,605
Likes: 3
From: Adirondack Mountains
He also said to progress from what you know to what you don't know in small steps.
Therefore, I suggest you begin by observing the situation while you are driving a car. Since you'll be comfortable in the same lane position as on a motorcycle, project that perspective from your comfort zone onto your riding zone.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 526
Likes: 0
From: WF-Texas!
Jimmers1817 - gave good advice I think. === Pops- that's a good story , lesson.
And low down- I know what you mean but unfortunately luck always has something to do with everything - I think you're saying make that the smallest possible part of the equation and with that I agree 100 %
And low down- I know what you mean but unfortunately luck always has something to do with everything - I think you're saying make that the smallest possible part of the equation and with that I agree 100 %