Feet down at stop signs
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
When I took the Ride Like a Pro class the last exercise of the day was to come to a complete stop, put your left foot down, right foot on the brake and make a 90 degree right-hand turn within a 6' lane. The concept was to make a hard turn at an intersection without going into the opposing lane. It was a lot harder than I thought
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 3
From: California
A ticket.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 500
Likes: 2
From: Springfield Ohio
I should correct a previous statement I made concerning Neil Harris' Motor Lessons booklet. On page 3 he actually states one should "usually" stop with left foot down and right covering brake, but adds that road conditions can dictate switching which is up and which is down. He does, however, state that one should "never" have both feet down and lists a few reasons - rider safety being the predominate one.
Good catch on the Florida "stop" definition, lo 1. Who'da thought they would put a definition under "definitions"?!?
So far I haven't found a single state that requires even one foot touch the ground, only that all forward motion cease - applied equally to all types of vehicles; California, Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin, N & S Dakota, Virginia, W Virginia, KY, TN... nothing so far. Also came across some sections of Pat Hahn's "Motorcyclist's Legal Handbook" which also lists several States as "No" for "feet down" statutes and none (that I could see) as "yes". I may have to pick up a copy.
Interestingly enough, most of the state "handbooks" I also perused mention to look for slick spots before "you put your foot down to stop or park." Shortly thereafter they say to "consider letting your feet skim across the surface" at a very slow speed if you find yourself on a slippery surface. Pretty much quoted verbatim in each manual.
Good catch on the Florida "stop" definition, lo 1. Who'da thought they would put a definition under "definitions"?!?
So far I haven't found a single state that requires even one foot touch the ground, only that all forward motion cease - applied equally to all types of vehicles; California, Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin, N & S Dakota, Virginia, W Virginia, KY, TN... nothing so far. Also came across some sections of Pat Hahn's "Motorcyclist's Legal Handbook" which also lists several States as "No" for "feet down" statutes and none (that I could see) as "yes". I may have to pick up a copy.
Interestingly enough, most of the state "handbooks" I also perused mention to look for slick spots before "you put your foot down to stop or park." Shortly thereafter they say to "consider letting your feet skim across the surface" at a very slow speed if you find yourself on a slippery surface. Pretty much quoted verbatim in each manual.
Last edited by basselope; May 16, 2013 at 08:47 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 910
Likes: 7
From: Shaconage
I got pulled over for not putting my feet down at a stop sign. Technically, I didn't exactly come to a full stop. He just gave me a polite lesson about the legality of rolling stops and let me go.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 405
Likes: 2
Exactly why should we cover the rear brake ? If someone hits you from behind, no braking action is going to affect the outcome in my opinion. In fact you may be better off letting the bike absorb some of the impact rather than get flung through his windshield. I prefer both feet on the ground so I can drive forward quickly if I see a rear collision coming... you cant reliably take off with the bike partially leaned to the left. I will grant, it is quicker to dismount with one foot on the ground though,.
I'm a one footer (left) at most stops, as I'm in the habit of holding the bike with the back brake on hills, etc.
Do what works for you!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: b.c.
I put both feet down if I'm coming to a complete stop....which I often don't. The bike is too heavy with all the luggage and two up to sit there with only my left leg holding it up (somewhere around 1300 lbs, I figure). Like the above poster; I have a hard time believing any rear brake action is going to make much difference if you're rear-ended. I keep the front on just to stop the bike from moving.
Dave
Dave
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Rear brake is covered to allow the right hand better control of the throttle. We are taught basic guidelines to develop good habits that work in most situations. However, I've been in a couple situations where I had to put the right foot down and hold the bike with the front brake and then use the throttle to move up the hill from a stop. Since then I practice using different brakes for different techneques so I'm not cuaght off guard next time. Even slipping the clutch just enough to hold the bike still while at a stop on a steep slope is an acceptable techneque. So I was told by a motorcop. Don't get use to only one techneque, practice them all.
Beary
Beary