Motorcycle road positioning explained

Road positioning is essential to a motorcyclist’s safety and visibility while on the road. But there is a right way and a wrong way to position yourself, especially when it comes to sharing the road with other motorists.

When choosing a position on the road all motorcyclists must consider three key elements: space, surface, and sight.

As a motorcyclist, you are vulnerable to your surroundings and only have your safety gear for protection in case of an accident. The more space you create from potential hazards (vehicles and pedestrians) the better. This practice is referred to as ‘buffering’ and helps to increase the likelihood of motorcyclists being seen by other road users.

All motorcyclists should be very aware of the road’s surface. The quality of the road’s surface can significantly impact a motorcyclist’s lane position (e.g. puddles, potholes etc.). Understandably, you won’t always be able to avoid riding on a poor surface especially when avoiding hazards.

Some poor road surfaces may include:

• Paint
• Oil
• Water
• Sand
• Gravel
• Potholes
• Metal Plates

Choose a road position that offers good vision and enough space for you to buffer any potential hazards. The right side of the lane normally offers a great motorcycle lane position with good vision up the road, to the sides and behind. Its only downside is when there is oncoming traffic, and this road position becomes much more dangerous.

A great tip for motorcyclists: Try to avoid the oil trail on the road from other vehicles to avoid a reduced amount of traction, especially in wet weather.

As a motorcyclist, you are encouraged to create more space around you and further the distance between you and other oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, and wildlife.  This practice is called buffering.

With the little amount of protection motorcyclists have it’s very important for you to buffer away from potential hazards and increase the likelihood of you being seen, especially in the event of a crash.

To reduce the risk of crashes on multi-laned roads you should:

• Choose a lane that’s away from oncoming traffic
• Create a buffer from turning vehicles (even when they aren’t turning)
• Buffer parked and oncoming vehicles
• Slow down and buffer slow-moving or stopped vehicles
• Keep a buffer from other vehicles in bus and transit lanes in case they need to change lanes or make a turn
• Not ride beside other vehicles or in their blind spots

If a vehicle is following closely behind you then it’s recommended that you, as the motorcyclist, choose to ride in the middle of the lane. You should also maintain space from vehicles as they pass by.

The further back you drop from other vehicles the more you can see ahead and be prepared for any eventuality that may occur. In these situations, buffering can also help you to improve the line of vision and make it easier for other motorists to see you.

When approaching a blind crest (top of a hill) slow down, look for road clues and select an appropriate road position. Try to create a buffer on both sides from potential ongoing traffic or traffic hazards.

To safely position for curves and bends, there are a few pointers to adhere to which will help other road users see you.

Taking curves and bends this way will slow you down a little on the approach but will allow you to accelerate out much earlier and have a clearer view of the road ahead:

• Plan to start wide for curves and bends for maximum vision
• Plan to finish curves and bends tightly to correct their speed and leave room for errors if necessary
• Keep away from areas where on-coming vehicles are most likely to cross the centre line (also known as the head-on zone)

Exiting wide can result in a crash and when this happens there is no room for error. When you straighten out of turns too quickly the curve can tighten up and you may need to work extra hard to complete the turn. Turning in too early can also result in a collision or crash on the exit.

Link a series of curves together by starting wide and planning to finish them tight. You should exit each curve tightly so that you’re perfectly positioned for entry into the next curve.

Before overtaking you should check for side streets, driveways, and concealed driveways. As a motorcyclist, you should create a buffer for any vehicles you’re passing and check for vehicles that may be overtaking you.

When turning right maintain a buffer from ongoing traffic. However, when you turn right from a single lane you should buffer hazards as they exit the turn. It’s recommended that all motorcyclists start the turn as close to the far right of the lane or the middle of the road as possible.

When turning left from a single lane you should start buffering hazards as they exit the turn. Similarly, you should start the turn as close to the far-left side of the lane as possible.

When turning left or right you must give way to any pedestrians crossing the road into which you are turning.

These tips are of a general nature only and are here to help you better understand how to position yourself confidently and safely on the road. However, despite doing all the right things, accidents can still happen through no fault of your own.

While we can’t help you from getting physically hurt, Budget Direct can help provide peace of mind financially with our competitive offering on motorcycle insurance.

Find levels of motorcycle cover that suit you.