Select A Lane
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 862
Likes: 3
From: East Tennessee
Select A Lane
I have a problem of to ride in the left portion of my lane. I understand if in a two lane road a solo rider or lead rider in a group is to be in the left third of the lane. I understand group rides are to stagger and not ride two abreast. My problem is I cannot ride next to the dividing line and on coming traffic less than 6 feet from my left hand. That is too close to on coming traffic for me. Any words of wisdome ?
OK. After reading your replies, seems like I agree with all of unis. Guess it is just a lot of practice until it comes naturally. Thanks for the constructive, helpful, and informative replies !
OK. After reading your replies, seems like I agree with all of unis. Guess it is just a lot of practice until it comes naturally. Thanks for the constructive, helpful, and informative replies !
Last edited by CHOPPIN' CHARLIE; May 22, 2012 at 08:07 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 358
Likes: 1
I vary my lane position constantly to give myself the best view of the road ahead of me and make me as visible as possible to other traffic.
On a two lane, I'll ride on the left side to stay in the rear view as well as driver side mirror of a car in front of me. If traffic comes the other way, I'll move to the right until they pass then move back to the left.
Don't do much group riding so the rules that apply there aren't really applicable to me.
On a two lane, I'll ride on the left side to stay in the rear view as well as driver side mirror of a car in front of me. If traffic comes the other way, I'll move to the right until they pass then move back to the left.
Don't do much group riding so the rules that apply there aren't really applicable to me.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,477
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
I have a problem of to ride in the left portion of my lane. I understand if in a two lane road a solo rider or lead rider in a group is to be in the left third of the lane. I understand group rides are to stagger and not ride two abreast. My problem is I cannot ride next to the dividing line and on coming traffic less than 6 feet from my left hand. That is too close to on coming traffic for me. Any words of wisdome ?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
Right third has more debris to cut a tire and encourage a cage to try and slip between you and the oncoming traffic. Center third more oil drippings and the left third is closer to the oncoming traffic.
So choose your poison. No location is perfect. I have been riding since 1956. I find the best overall position for safe riding in the left third.
So choose your poison. No location is perfect. I have been riding since 1956. I find the best overall position for safe riding in the left third.
Last edited by lh4x4; May 21, 2012 at 05:37 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,979
Likes: 57
From: PA
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
I deal with it by constantly monitoring oncoming traffic for signs of distracted driving. First sign that they're drifting and I'm moving to the right and laying on the horn. (the horn is greatly under utilized tool imo). Never had one come over more than 2 feet before going back. But I realize that if one ever decides to come all the way over our paths of travel are probably going to intersect no matter what sort of evasive tactic I try. Having worked in ems for years the "good news" is that these type of accidents are almost always fast, painless and final.
When I'm in a group I ride whatever lane position is "assigned" to me. But at other times I ride where I feel I can be seen the best. When there is a line of oncoming traffic I'll move over to the right so that cages in the middle of that line who may be thinking of darting out to pass can see me.
Also, when cresting a hill I'll move over into the right portion of the lane till I'm over it. I've had the unpleasant (read horrifying) experience in my cage of almost headoning another cage who was passing on the hill. Something you never forget.
When going around blind curves I also tend to move to the right to avoid oncoming cages who may drift over the line.
And of course when following a cage you want to be be where he can see you. Generally that is the left portion of your lane of travel. Riding in the right portion also invites cages behind you to squeeze around on your left to pass.
When I'm in a group I ride whatever lane position is "assigned" to me. But at other times I ride where I feel I can be seen the best. When there is a line of oncoming traffic I'll move over to the right so that cages in the middle of that line who may be thinking of darting out to pass can see me.
Also, when cresting a hill I'll move over into the right portion of the lane till I'm over it. I've had the unpleasant (read horrifying) experience in my cage of almost headoning another cage who was passing on the hill. Something you never forget.
When going around blind curves I also tend to move to the right to avoid oncoming cages who may drift over the line.
And of course when following a cage you want to be be where he can see you. Generally that is the left portion of your lane of travel. Riding in the right portion also invites cages behind you to squeeze around on your left to pass.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 526
Likes: 0
From: WF-Texas!
I try to move around a lot too. Have you been on a four lane, traveling in the left lane of two, and had all the cars be in the right lane and slowing for a turn? I find that happens to me a lot when I go past Walmart's entry. And invariably there is a car waiting to get out of that entry. If I'm in the left lane, and all the cars ahead of me are in the right lane waiting to turn in, then I grip pretty hard about that exiting car not seeing me. So either I speed up, or slow down. But I gotta wait till I see the car to know for sure which is best. The more I ride, the more I feel you gotta be good, and you gotta be lucky.
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