Road Positioning on Corners

Hi guys,

When normally riding, I stick just to the right of the centre of the lane I am travelling in (learnt from Roadcraft and an advanced course I went on ).

Also with corners, I am going to the left on right-hand bends, and vice versa which seems fine but it begs the question: when is it unnecessary to do this? Reason I ask, say I have a fairly open bit of road that has a slight right-hand curve to it (which restricts my view in 100 yards from my position), do I need to move to the left for any right-hand bend, or just ones that are pretty sharp and restrict my immediate view?

I am trying to become a better rider and put Roadcraft into practice. But there is some things it does not ideally teach.

Cheers all

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by kd80

do I need to move to the left for any right-hand bend, or just ones that are pretty sharp and restrict my immediate view?

You should take up a position that allows you the best view of the road ahead, as long as this doesnt compromise your own safety.

This might mean you move over to the left for a right hand bend or it might not. I would suggest that you view each bend on its own merit and then take a view as to whether moving to the left would be advantageous or not, rather than moving left for every single bend that you come across.

I was taught that there were two main reasons for this:

1. For a given speed, this will give you a better view of the road/corner ahead, allowing you more time plan and/or react to whatever is waiting for you round the corner.

2. So you don't get your head taken off by traffic coming the other way! (Whilst leaning the bike over).

So if you can already see round the corner, and you can be sure there is nothing coming the other way, then I know of no good reason to do it.

Originally Posted by Philbo

I was taught that there were two main reasons for this:

1. For a given speed, this will give you a better view of the road/corner ahead, allowing you more time plan and/or react to whatever is waiting for you round the corner.

2. So you don't get your head taken off by traffic coming the other way! (Whilst leaning the bike over).

So if you can already see round the corner, and you can be sure there is nothing coming the other way, then I know of no good reason to do it.

This is exactly how I was taught. Keep left on a right bend to see where you will exit and in to the distance, and also so that when you lean over, your head isnt on the other side of the road.

[Red Herring]

You need to base your position on the information, taking into account what can be seen, what cannot be seen, and what may reasonably be expected to happen. Sorry, that is straight out of Roadcraft isn't it and you've already read that....

Basically what it means is position yourself for advantage considering all the information, and not just part of it.

If on a left hand bend you want to position yourself out to the crown of the road in order to maintain a view and speed then that's fine, but if that view reveals offside hazards, for example perhaps some approaching traffic, then you may need to compromise your position slightly, and if that reduces your view to such that you need to reduce speed then so be it. If on the other hand even by easing your position you still have sufficient view to maintain your speed then there is no advantage to be had by staying out on the crown, only increased danger by being closer to the offside hazards. The same applies to right hand bends. Do you want to be in the gutter if there are driveways/junctions to the nearside? I could go on for ever on this subject but hopefully you get the gist of it....?

[Bri w]

You've pretty much got it, as has the subsequent posts.

Just to add, its not just traffic you should be putting yourself in a position to see and be seen but also road surface, e.g. gravel, potholes, debris etc.

[Red Herring]

Originally Posted by kd80

Hi guys,

When normally riding, I stick just to the right of the centre of the lane I am travelling in (learnt from Roadcraft and an advanced course I went on ).

Sorry, I know you asked about corners but just picking up on this first paragraph you still need to be flexible in your position even on the straight bits. You generally have more time to react to nearside dangers than those moving the other way, so if there are vehicles oncoming consider a nearside position, especially if there are any driveways/junctions on the right that might cause the oncoming traffic to move out.

[punyXpress]

Try to use the ' Vanishing Point ' which should tell you whether the hazard you are approaching is reasonable for the speed you are doing. This may masquerade under other names but is also in Roadcraft.
Also if moving to your nearside because of approaching traffic, don't overdo it 'cos someone WILL take that as an invitation to use your lane to overtake someone. You'll end up in the gutter.

Originally Posted by Red Herring

Sorry, I know you asked about corners but just picking up on this first paragraph you still need to be flexible in your position even on the straight bits. You generally have more time to react to nearside dangers than those moving the other way, so if there are vehicles oncoming consider a nearside position, especially if there are any driveways/junctions on the right that might cause the oncoming traffic to move out.

Must agree with Red here, on some occassions you definately need to remain flexible, approaching the brow of a hill is another example where a more nearside position could be advantageous and there are many other scenarios where you may need to move around the road a bit depending on the environment and other factors.

When I was on a 'driving course' we were told to position in such a way that we'd be able to see as far around the corner as possible.

So on a left hander, near the centre line, on a right hander, near the curb. That way we'd see or be seen sooner, and also have more space in our lane to move into if needed. This was for a car, mind you.