Just curious, which side of lane?
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 1
Just curious, which side of lane?
I have seen lately several riders who are either by themselves or in front of a cager and they ride in the right side of their lane on a 2 lane road.
My personal opinion, don't you feel it is maybe safer in the left side of the lane with more room to avoid contact with objects coming from either side as opposed to room only to the left into possible oncoming traffic? Not to mention, I have seen them ride like this while in front of cagers, just asking for one to pass the vehicle behind them and park on top of the biker.
We have ALOT of deer here in So. Il and they always come out of nowhere and not to mention all of the other road hazards that face us each day!!!
Just curious what others say or do.
My personal opinion, don't you feel it is maybe safer in the left side of the lane with more room to avoid contact with objects coming from either side as opposed to room only to the left into possible oncoming traffic? Not to mention, I have seen them ride like this while in front of cagers, just asking for one to pass the vehicle behind them and park on top of the biker.
We have ALOT of deer here in So. Il and they always come out of nowhere and not to mention all of the other road hazards that face us each day!!!
Just curious what others say or do.
Last edited by SecondChance!!; Aug 31, 2009 at 09:18 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 577
Likes: 4
As you suggest, I do ride on one side or the other, rarely in the middle (oil, studd in the road, etc).
For me, which side depends entirely on the conditions. How much shoulder, how wide, type of traffic, type of road, gravel?, potential runoff if something happens, visability, etc.
I might change from side to side several time in a mile..as conditions change. Helps keep me alert as well.
For me, which side depends entirely on the conditions. How much shoulder, how wide, type of traffic, type of road, gravel?, potential runoff if something happens, visability, etc.
I might change from side to side several time in a mile..as conditions change. Helps keep me alert as well.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 414
From: Ellensburg, WA
Here in Washington the motorcycle says to ride in the left 1/3 of your lane. Don't know for sure if it is law, but suspect it is or it wouldn't be in the book. I ride in the left 1/3, feels best to me. We always lead from the left in group rides.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,673
Likes: 16
From: Norfolk, VA
It depends on the situation. I generally try to ride where I can see as far ahead or around the vehicle in front of me as possible, I also consider how well others on the road can see me and how much room I will have to avoid any hazards. I do not have a hard and fast rule about which part of the lane I use. I have been riding long enough I guess I just do not think about it much, I just happens by feel at this point.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 485
Likes: 1
From: Mississauga, Ontario
My "natural" feeling when I'm riding alone is to ride in the left side of the lane. Just suits my eye better. I will also often switch back and forth (not jumping!!!) if I get bored. If I get the feeling that a cager behind me really wants to pass, I'll move to the right side of the lane and let the idiot go!!
1HarleyGuy1
1HarleyGuy1
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Island on the Pacific.
Almost always on the left 1/3 its the dominant position and best used to intimidate the cagers a bit so they won't decide to squeeze past or crowd inside your lane. Your in a much better position and more room to avaoid the unexpected. IMO
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Advanced
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
+1 agree
As you suggest, I do ride on one side or the other, rarely in the middle (oil, studd in the road, etc).
For me, which side depends entirely on the conditions. How much shoulder, how wide, type of traffic, type of road, gravel?, potential runoff if something happens, visability, etc.
I might change from side to side several time in a mile..as conditions change. Helps keep me alert as well.
For me, which side depends entirely on the conditions. How much shoulder, how wide, type of traffic, type of road, gravel?, potential runoff if something happens, visability, etc.
I might change from side to side several time in a mile..as conditions change. Helps keep me alert as well.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NC
Lane Choice
I switch from left 3rd to right 3rd as the road dictates condition wise. If its rough in either one, I go to the other. Rarely ride in the center unless it looks clean, but as another poster stated this is usually where you find the anti freeze fallout, oil and everything else from the cages.