Riding tips: General positioning and common mistakes.
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 16 окт 2024
- There's quite a bit more I could have said here but tried to keep it down to 15 minutes by outlining most of it. Feel free to research this in the Police rider's manual, "Roadcraft" and ALWAYS question what you're taught whilst training as some people pass on their opinions as fact.
About my comment at 6:40 .... I was fully aware of what was happening around me as I'd used my mirrors regularly leading up to that point. All I meant was I did a lifesaver for lifesaver's sake out of habit whilst already knowing what was there. Unnecessary at that particular time. Those shoulder checks are still important if you aren't sure what's in your blind spot.
My Facebook page / 103550093054142
#Positioning #HowToRideAMotorcycle #RidingTips
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Roadcraft Nottingham is a UK motorcycle school which was established in March 1989.
I am a fully qualified professional motorcycle instructor of 35 years and offer motorcycle riding tips and tips on riding a motorcycle for the first time.
Please remember to like, comment and subscribe for more riding tips and help with any aspect of riding.
Here's a link to Filtering or lane splitting tips
• How to filter on a mot...
Here's a link to how to be smooth with throttle control
• Smoother riding with g...
Here's a link to how to assess bends or curves
• Limit points. How to j...
Here's a link to how to ride a motorcycle slowly or slow riding tips
• How to ride a motorcyc...
Here's a link to more motorcycle riding tips
• Motorcycle live commen...
A link to module 1 training tips
• LIVE LESSON: Full Modu...
A link to motorcycle gear shifting or gear changing
• Smoother gear Changing...
Please subscribe if you would like any more help on how to ride a motorcycle
Quoting someone else in the comments: "Good solid, sensible, technical clip, delivered with a pleasant manner, wish you success"
Awesome tips and videos in your channel man... you earned a sub :)
Been riding almost 8 years now and still learned a few things!
Thanks for your feedback and welcome to the channel. ☺
I don't envy you at all. I ride in position 1 and 3 at all times ... our roads are not built by shitty local councils that opt for the lowest tender bid. And thus they do not fall apart (unless you live in Mumbai).
Then you have the latest speeding penalties that just came into effect ... MAX 2,500 sheets and 9 points !?!?!?
I have never been stopped for speeding here (the cops don't even have speed guns) ... in fact I have *NEVER* stopped for the cops period.
There is a reg-plate on my bike but no-one has ever come to my house after me failing to stop.
Driving / riding in England has become a fucking pain in the arse! If it is not pissing down or freezing cold ... it is getting dark at 16.30.
And on top of that (which has been there forever) you have SPECS cams on the motorway, pigs cars with ANPR etc ...
I know people who have sold their ltr class bike because they can't afford to lose their licence.
*RIP* having fun in England on the roads!
Ray Gun that's what track days are for
I imagine I don't even have my bike license yet so what do I know
Do you like in the UK?
being riding 8 months as a learner now and still come back to watch these vids, thx RCN
I dont even ride a motorcycle and I loved this.
Hi from 4 years in the future, lmao same I’m 14 so can’t lol, do you ride now?
Yet.
I'm an IAM Observer - I'll be recommending this video to my associates, I like your style!
Videos like this are what makes youtube a truly useful, interesting and informative tool in peoples lives, whatever their hobby. Thanks for producing such high quality videos for us fellow riders!
This is probably the best single advanced style instructional video on the web.
I watched this when I first got back riding last year after 20 year absence.
15000 miles and 12 IAM lessons later and just about IAM test ready and I am confident that this video covers just about everything you need to ride safely and courteously.
It seems to me that some of the Advanced riders I have met (including a well respected examiner) believe that they know when it is acceptable to break the laws like speeding in Nationals as they believe they have the necessary skills to do so.
I would love to know your view on overtaking when there is possibility of the need to pull in between vehicles that are already too close to each other.
Wish I lived nearer Nottingham as I still have much to learn.
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the kind words. Regarding the overtake, making a gap that isn't there between cars could be viewed as bullying or relying on other motorists for your safety. Sometimes in really long queues of traffic the only other option is to wait. There's the added danger with so many cars in a line of one car suddenly doing a Lewis Hamilton manoeuvre into your path whilst you're already in mid overtake.
@@RoadcraftNottingham My thoughts too. Here's my issue, my IAM observer on the few occasions he leads, gets too close to drivers in my view and though he may know there is possibility of an overtake coming up, it is still intimidating for drivers.
Then on what he said was an exemplary overtake of a line of cars at 50mph on a National Speed limit, because I wouldn't overtake, he shot past me and then had to pull in between 2 cars that were much closer than they should be at that given speed. He then continued the overtake when oncoming traffic had cleared.
My observer and I have had to agree to disagree on both of these points and approaches.
Apart from that having an IAM trained Observer is great but I do think some think that their training means they think they can bend the rules ...especially the examiner I came across last week - bragging about exceeding national speed limits when they can do so safely because of their training and even worse, when he was a Police instructor, bragging about the number of Speeding Tickets that they got dismissed due to their position.
Keep up the great work and thank you for sharing (even the 'wobblecam' ones ;-) ).
@@dardobartoli this is the problem I've had with a lot of observers over the years, they're part time volunteers and aren't always that good but every now and then you get an excellent one. As with ex police.... Sometimes they've trouble letting go of the fact they used to be able to have almost consequence free motoring.
In modern traffic and lower speed limits there's less chance to overtake legally/safely. If you don't agree with a particular observer, look for one that you do agree with (or come up for a couple of hours training with me, someone came down from Aberdeen and loved it) Sounds like your inbuilt safety protocols are working fine.
@@RoadcraftNottingham May just have to take you up on that offer. Perhaps tie it in with my son who wants to get started (so a couple of hours introductory session perhaps).
Thanks
@@dardobartoli that can be arranged. Call 01158370240 when you're ready and leave a message with Richard as I'm off atm and I'll get back to you.
I am one of those you will often see "weaving around" manhole covers. It is simply an easy prompt to practice a "quick flick" (along the lines of the "hazard avoidance" exercise during a license test); it is not because of fear of something going wrong if I ride over them.
But did you check your mirrors before the flick Everytimne. If not you're risking your life being unpredictable on the road.
You could learn in your neighborhood.
Manhole covers in a corner are the worst though.
Several times has the back wheel of my bicycle gone out from under me on a cold, wet day
Now i avoid them when possible
I have many times tried to explain to people why I think the center of the road (sump line) is not the hazardous line many think. It is usually slightly higher than the tire lines, because of road wear and "crown" built into the road during construction, thus oil and water migrate to the tire lines leaving the sump line clean and less water covered. Additionally, your comment about vehicles being better engineered thus leaking less, is spot on.
Thanks for the lesson Russ. Great upload and useful for every rider...irrespective of skill level.
Cheers matey, every little helps. :-)
What Crumble said : ) ditto
What Crumble said: Idem dito
Best positioning video I've viewed. Practical and uncomplicated. Will keep you safe and relaxed during your ride.
I like your "do what works" approach to positioning. Some folks get caught up in what they were told or had read, without putting it to the test of reason and experience. This is by far, the best video I have seen on the subject.
One further suggestion though: alter lane position as necessary when pulling up behind other vehicles at a traffic light. We all check our mirrors as we are stopping to ensure other vehicles behind us are stopping also, but sometimes there is no one coming up behind us, but there soon could be.
This is an everyday situation, where it is wise to take the lane position that offers you the best "out" in case a car comes from behind, not paying attention, and is going to slam into whatever is in front of him or her. The point is: it shouldn't be you or I that he or she rear ends;-). So, always position yourself at stops so you can scoot between cars or into some other safe zone if need be.
Thanks for your comment. I think people put too much onus on the "escape position" First of all, myself or anyone I know have never had this happen although I've heard on one occasion this did happen to someone. Even if it did, you'd have to be sat, staring in your mirrors for that millions to one chance of it happening and then you would have to hope there's room at the side of the car in front, too much what if for me, an over thought situation I.M.O. I hear too many of these"what ifs" that in my opinion are a little TOO paranoid and not "what may reasonably be expected to happen"...also, at what point do you realise this car isn't stopping? by the time he skids, it's too late to do anything anyway.
If that's what you want to do, that's fine but I personally feel it's unreasonable to expect others to do it as standard practise. Keep a safe distance in case a car rolls back, of course but that's it for me.
RoadcraftNottingham Ha, well I hear ya, but it isn't an onerous task. It just becomes habit to choose a good side of the car in front. There are only two sides to choose from. Not difficult. Pick the best, then if the unexpected happens you are not trapped. Simple really.
***** with all respect this is one of the most "over thought" scenarios. You'll spend all your time staring in mirrors and by the time you realise enough to make an escape decision when someone isn't going to stop, it's either too late or you accelerate into another danger, added to this, the extreme position is also likely to encourage some idiot to pull next to you. It's "reasonable" to expect cars to pull out of side roads (loads of videos of this situation being avoided) etc but this is one scenario which is a millions to one chance (can't find any videos of this situation being avoided) even IF you could avoid it. I'll never agree on this unreasonable scenario and shouldn't be "chastised" because I don't practise it. This is exactly why I'm anti advanced groups, more like an emporers new clothes syndrome, just because someone in a powerful position mentions it, others latch onto it. There's a point you get to where you have to draw a line on scenarios that are too rare to be concerned about like what if you have a blowout?... Better walk instead.. and this is one of them. As I mentioned earlier, if you want to do it, fine but please don't look down on others for not doing it.
I've put this up on my Facebook channel as a debate. Will be interesting to hear what others think :-)
facebook.com/roadcraftnottingham?hc_location=timeline
Thanks Russ. It's nice getting opinions and feedback from people. In this situation, there's no harm in being vigilant for sure. Check my Facebook page for a more in depth conversation on this subject. :-)
Honestly think your one of the clearest providers of information out there thanks man
Thanks for this. Really great video, and so much of it has resonated with me. I have been with an IAM observer several times now, which has certainly improved my riding. However, when on an A-road recently he did a demonstration of what he meant by 'making progress'. I was horrified!! He closed right up on the rear end of cars, buzzed around them for several bends looking for opportunities, and then eventually executed the overtake. Of course he then pulled over so they could overtake him and I could catch up (they must have thought he was nuts!!). I know my extended following position is often too far off, and I miss more opportunities than I take, but I absolutely refuse to harass other road users. I appreciate the section on this at the end of your video, which has given me confidence to stand up for myself a bit more on the observed rides. If I'm expected to make progress like my observer does, it's going to turn my riding into a stressful and less enjoyable activity. I actually like being respectful of other road users, and feel it's important to demonstrate a safe and respectful ride so they realise we're not all mad lunatics!
Glad you're back by the way. I've been hoping you would start publishing videos again.
Best regards, Nige
i notice you didn't get a reply, TUT TUT, you speaking your mind about the I.A.M. i quit agree, a dignified form of dangerous riding, i myself am being pushed to the limits on B roads, flying through at national speed, pushed to overtake and for what, its a joke.
I really do very much appreciate these videos ...
I returned to motorcycles after an almost 30 year brake and, though I've taken pro lessons here and 'do as I'm told' during those I find that when riding alone it's YOUR voice I'm hearing !
Specific things that have helped include
- Position two on the road
- 'It's MY lane'
- Just 'riding through' minor hazards like 'ordinary' manholes and painted markings on a dry surface
- The 'riding in wind and rain' episodes
- Not being obsessed with being right out on the white line to gain that tiny amount of extra vision
Probably could list a dozen more ...
The Biggest Benefit for myself - feeling more relaxed as a result of 'agreeing' with yourself regards the position on the road that I'm adopting
So, many thanks again from NZ !
Really good video, I belong to a ROSPA advanced group in Essex. We split the road in to 7 positions. I like your cool calm approach to riding. Many thanks for taking the time and trouble to make these videos.
Excellent lesson. As a returning, middle aged rider I'm "refreshing" my skills as I get more comfortable and more practised back on the bike. Reassuring to know that my instructors from Bike Rite gave me sound basics which have stuck with me all these years. Loving your material.
This is the best positioning video on the web, and I speak from the experience of over 40 years of motorcycling. Well worth watching for even advanced bikers.
Well done and thanks for uploading. Ron
rontheretiredone Thanks Ron. :-)
Hi Russ, that's me riding for over 4 years now and I can safely say your videos have had a massive effect on my state of mind and roadcraft while riding AND driving.
Thank you very much for the tips, help, your time and effort and care for us all.
I enjoyed a tour up around NW of Scotland for a few days and your videos have helped me relax and enjoy the ride. Looking forward to another this year :-)
Thanks again and take care
Stu
Very good advice thanks. Great to hear someone talking of the respect for other road users and helping to keep them safe too and make their journey less stressful, by your driving/riding.Excellent.
It's interesting to hear the law laid out about not going over the solid white line when presumably overtaking,not even by a mere one inch but whilst you say that the speed limits must be obeyed your personal view is that its ok doing 70 mph in a 60 limit when overtaking as your belief is that that is reasonable. That's a bit it of a double standard if ever I heard one. and tantamount to enabling others to do the same.
That's a bit like reminding riders that speeds over the limit are not to be tolerated but its ok whilst overtaking????? as going faster means that you spend less time on the wrong side of the road. Ergo by your argument its safer. Whatever happened to being unable or unwilling to commit to an overtakes as it would necessitate speeds in excess of the legal limit therefore give consideration to falling back, giving space and staying safe. Live to overtake another day cos I am sure you know the stats and that unnecessary and/or inappropriate overtakes are responsible for a lot of deaths and injuries on our country roads.
To ride a motorbike, is reading the road and traffic. Positioning on the road is very important, you did a very good "learning" ride. It remembers me what my instructor told me, about positioning. Even the way you are working with the road and traffic makes motorbike riding just amazing.
Excellent instruction, much appreciated. Not had a bike since my late teens (which I crashed), but now middle-aged and somewhat wiser have been feeling the urge to get back on 2 wheels, hence eager to learn skills I should have appreciated 30+ years ago, but didn't. Thanks for posting these, superb. :-)
+johnlds1965 Go for it, best feeling in the world and you are of an age where self preservation is rife (We show no fear as teenagers..lol) so forget the teenage years and have some real fun....You just cant beat it!
+johnlds1965 Hope you're back on 2 wheels and loving every second of it. All the best to you!
Thanks for posting . Only been riding 50 years but never knew about the off side of vehicle rule re solid white lines and I thought it was your wheels as you mentioned. Always knew I did not know it all so this proves it yet again. Never too old to learn especially when comes to motorcycling.
Been waiting for this for a while! :)
Very, very good points. My RoSPA tutor teaches solid white lines as a brick wall rising high, if it really was a brick wall you wouldn't try to bury your handlebar in it...
The advanced line using the extreme positioning on a bend has been taught to me you sacrifice your position for safety, and if you loose your view, you loose your speed. However, they do expect you do position to the extreme safe edge when cornering to maximise view and to make the best progress. Personally I'm never in that much of a blazing hurry to get any where, and while I'm happy to be taught and ABLE to do it, the likelihood of me doing it regularly unless I can get a clear safe advantage is probably going to be unlikely.
Stopping in the distance you can see to be clear on your side of the road is really important, whether you be a learner or advanced. However, how many people know a) their stopping distances and b) what that stopping distance is in real terms as in how far ahead is so many metres? Not many I suspect. Can't say I do, but I'm also not confident enough in bends to go any faster than I do...
Thanks for the upload!
Great analogy regarding the brick wall, thanks. So why does every advanced rider I've ever seen break this rule though? Extreme positioning simply isn't needed, especially on today's roads, room for error IS needed so I'd take that. Nothing on a public road is so important that it requires such an extreme position, it would be safer to simply slow down.
Exactly. My tutor is fantastic. He struggled more than I did with bends when he started, so is patient and understanding. One other tutor I had was all for progression and quicker and quicker and it was a wet day. I get that we need to expand our limits, e.g. CBT vs advanced training or even DSA test, but there's a way. I'd like to think that IAM/RoSPA is about promoting best practice and safe riding, not about following the book. Roadcraft states that you need to constantly assess and adapt the riding plan, so if that is the case, why ride to the limit of the road? Ride within the limit of the road and your ability. We are all learning each time we ride on the road, whether we're day 1 after the CBT or 40 years as a class 1 Police examiner.
When I do my test, I will know how I have performed as I am heavily self critical. I will sit in the debrief and if I don;t agree or understand a reason for being marked down, I will sure as hell ask why! :)
Lurch OnABike You have a great attitude. You have a choice, jump through their "hoops" to gain a F1rst or Gold, then do it like you say as that, in my opinion is right or do what YOU think is safer and see what score they give you. If you wanna ride fast, do a track day, that really sorts the men from the boys as opposed to who wants to take themselves out their comfort zone on a road. I've seen experienced advanced riders trying to be the fastest on tight bends and going well out of their comfort zones.
I've got some email conversations that would make your eyes stretch wide as to attitudes :) if I'm down your way with my laptop I'll drop in hehe!
Hi,
Thanks very much for this very informative video! Always learning!
Take care
Absolutely agree with you about being excessively to the right approaching a left hand bend. A lot of instructors do this mindlessly because they think it is "the rule". As you clearly explain there are more important things like avoiding oncoming traffic. The tiny amount of increased viewing angle does not justify a dangerous position. I agree it not only puts you in danger but intimidates other drivers. Well said and this is easily the best series on motorcycle safety. It should be required reading.
Exceptional video on defensive riding, I drive my car the exact same way you ride. Nice videos.
... on two wheels?! 😳
I have just subbed, your playlist "Lessons and Advanced Lessons" with demonstrations should be mandatory for anybody, no matter the vehicle.
Many channels do talk al lot of theory about what to do and list a lot of really great advices up, but your channel do show it while it happens so it really sinks in and do make 100% sense.
Fantastic channel, thanks so much for your effort!!
Fried Mule.... and thanks for the fantastic comments and sub. ☺
Fried Mule.... and thanks for the fantastic comments and sub. ☺
Excellent, clear advice based on common sense and a lot of experience. I can't wait to watch this again with Wifey later. I got a lot from this, including realising some bad habits I've picked up - thanks Russ, very valuable!
Some of what I say isn't from the good book which will get me some dislikes from the pedant brigade but keeping an open mind and questioning everything is, in my opinion, a healthy thing to do. Thanks for your comment
I've been riding for 36 years, pleased to say I'm a 1 2 3 person, I live in surrey so I know a few things about potholes and the drain cover flip! The latter nearly cleared me from my Bandit seat, I am a little more hesitant going over manhole covers now and simply try to plan ahead..
great video, subscribed ..
I do agree nearly a 100% with your positioning opinions, it's mostly how I always drive.
Before the roundabout at 12:30: I have been in similar situations where larger debris (piece of wood, stones etc) suddeny have appeared from underneath cars as I follow them forwards. The debris has a great chance of staying in the "sump line" because tires don't hit them.
When stuff is in the tire tracks however, it will at some point get hit and move out (to the middle or to the side), to where it stays. Once, I hit a big excavator tooth when approaching a roundabout this way, that was freaking scary.
You are normally quite close to cars in front because of slow speeds, your attention and eyes are directed far ahead to the traffic in the roundabout and cars in front, not on the ground. This makes it difficult to detect debris in time to dodge it. If something big is in the tire track however, you will either (hopefully) detect the car in front to move around or driving over it.
At slow speeds before junctions when you're drving close to vehicles in front, I find the tire tracks safer.
Well said. Another reason to keep a safe following distance.
RoadcraftNottingham I had a nasty foot injury from something similar, a log appeared under a car when braking from 60 to 30 and I had bunched up a bit in the braking area, I did dodge the log but "look where you want to go" went against me there. My foot caught it but I rode home and the bruising and swelling soon went, completely my fault. Fact is, wherever you are in the road you are in a danger position. It's just a reality of biking :) but I have managed 3,500miles on my old Gilera and 12,800 miles on my Honda without ever having come off, dropped the bike or anything so I'm happy with that ;D
i agree with you on that, i went down because of that in the middle of the roundabout(large bolt!!). i did not see it in time as i was looking 'where i want to go' and it was at night...since then i take roundabouts way slower to aloud for observations in front of me .
do you know what i love best about your videos, that i already "Naturally" do what you are informing others to do in your videos and you without knowing are enforcing my correct decision making. I have only been riding on a CBT for over a year now, and now and then i become aware i am riding a certain way, and start questioning whether i am doing it right or not, or the best way that it could be done, then you upload a video and the joy i feel. Thank you so much.
Ever thought that maybe people are weaving between manhole covers because it's fun?
Firstly, sorry this reply is so long. I was a Police officer for 30 years and spent 20 of them as a Motorcycle Traffic Officer. I was trained by the Police and our riding and training was extreme. Often we would ride well above the speed limits, which were not applicable on 'emergency calls' or when training. During training we would have to provide a commentary to the instructor, similar to yours, but ours would often have to be done at 80-100mph. As well as being an 'advanced rider', I was also trained in 'V.I.P. Escort' and 'Anti-Hijack'. I retired in 2007 and became an 'instructor'. I've taught CBT, Direct Entry, and Advanced Level. I have to take into account when commenting, the level at which you are aiming your videos. This is a very good tutorial video. I fully agree that the centre of 'your' lane or 'sump line', as you refer to it, is the safest place to be most of the time as it is 'equidistant' from danger. A common problem I have had in the past when teaching CBT, was with 'scooter' riders, who for some reason believed that they should stay in the left of the lane, nearer the kerb. This is because many were young and making the transition from a bicycle to a scooter. In a 30 mph limit area, there's no reason why a scooter rider shouldn't use the same positioning techniques as a larger motorcycle. Being in the centre of the lane also allows a rider a better view of a left-hand junction and allows any vehicle waiting to exit that junction a better view of an approaching motorcycle. On the approach to a left-hand junction, moving from the centre of the lane, closer to the white line also allows a little more space for the rider should a vehicle start to pull out. The exception is in higher speed limit areas, were the scooter rider should keep left to give precedence to faster vehicles. In a previous video, I made reference to crossing the broken white line, to get an earlier and better view of the 'limit point' on a left hand bend. This is a technique I have used for many years. I am specific that this is 'broken white lines' only and should be no more than 1-2 feet over the line. Obviously, this should never be done with a solid white line. I would also clarify that this should be done early in the approach, to assess the bend and only if the rider has a clear view and there is no oncoming traffic. Having assessed the bend, the rider should move back to his normal lane position before negotiating the bend. There are many other things that an advanced rider can use to help judge the severity of both left and right bends, such as tree-lines, position of telegraph poles, cross-views, and the most obvious, 'warning signs'. Advanced riding is about making 'progress' on the road safely. An advanced rider will cross a broken white line, whilst maintaining the same speed. when assessing an overtake. This will give the rider the opportunity to see oncoming traffic and allows the rider to make the decision whether to accelerate through the overtake, or to move back into the overtake position. Position is a very important part of riding, but position can always be sacrificed for safety. All in all, these are good instructional videos, for a rider who has passed his test and wishes to advance from a novice. Well done and keep up the good work.
BlackandWhite... Firstly, thanks for your comment. I try to get people and some observers to understand there's a huge difference between advanced riding for civvies and advanced riding for police. I've been instructing 33 years an would like to think I've managed to break out of the "do what the book/louder members of this club says" and adapted it to my way of riding. Modern traffic, roads and bikes now reduce the need to "offside" for that extra view, especially now speed limits are being reduced. Unfortunately I've found a certain arrogance and holier than thou attitude from some police riders when all they've done is a 6 week training course and at the end they're still human. I could go on forever on this subject but bottom line is that Roadcraft is one of the most misread books next to the Bible. ☺As an addition, I'm not aware of anything in roadcraft mentioning offsiding unless you can correct me on this. Thanks.
Yes, I agree with you 100%. I think many Police riders may have a misplaced arrogance. Yes, the Advanced Course is a 6 week residential course, but having completed the course you are expected to maintain that standard of riding. With the exception of motorcycle instructors and courier riders, there are few jobs that involve riding a motorcycle 8 hrs a day. Unlike civilian courses., when I did my training, the Police taught a much more 'offensive' riding style, compared to the 'defensive' riding taught to civvies. Although, I am not sure whether this is still the case in todays World of 'liability'. I also agree that 'Roadcraft' is probably outdated now. I doubt very much if it has changed since I did my training. Roadcraft can be summed up in four words. Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration, any one of which can be sacrificed for 'Safety'. That I believe still holds true. You are correct that 'off-siding' is not introduced in Roadcraft, but the technique was still taught. I am not sure if that is still the case today. Back in the day, the emphasis was all about speed. If you failed the course, it was most likely because you weren't considered fast enough. We are living in different times now, so I am probably a bit of a dinosaur. As you are an instructor, I assume you are a Cardington assessed, licensed Instructor. Dinosaur or not, I was the only candidate out of 16, that passed my Motorcycle Instructor Training at Cardington on my first attempt. I am now retired and living in the Philippines, where riding a motorcycle is more challenging than ever!
BlackandWhite.. Ok, I'll admit to offsiding myself but it's more because I can rather than because I need to. Yes I did Cardington several times from the old part one test up to today's requirements. Philippines eh? Nice one. All the best. ☺
Good video, really entertaining and informative.
I'm current preparing for the IAM test. Most of what you cover here has been said to me, almost word for word, except instead of positions 1, 2 and 3, they talk about the one third, half and two thirds positions. They do talk about moving further right for left handers and further left for right handers but only where it gives an advantage and there is no additional danger, such as poor road surfaces, concealed roads, etc.
The local IAM group have said about not breaking the law in terms of speed, crossing lines, etc. Maybe this varies between groups but in my group they have said exactly what you state.
The position on a straight road that they have said is a bit different however. They suggest that the default position is position 3, moving to position 2 for oncoming traffic or position 1 where there are large vehicles that could be obscuring cars, or for blind crests. When I rode with the police during BikeSafe they said something very similar, suggesting placing the bike where an oncoming driver would expect to see the passenger-side headlight of a car.
For overtaking I too think that it's safer to speed a little in some cases but the IAM say no. Interestingly, the police said that speeding to complete an overtake safely by, perhaps, 10mph would be tolerated, as long as you return to the speed limit as soon as you get back into the left side of the road.
As for staying out on bends, the IAM group have said to stay out until you can see the next bend, or that there isn't one, then position for that bend or straight. However, assuming a left-hander in position 3 or further right, if you see another vehicle coming, they say you should come in to position 2 or 1. This is for safety primarily but courtesy and not bullying comes into it too.
One thing you didn't mention is tight left-handers with restricted visibility. I've been told by both the IAM and the police to approach these in position 1 at a slow speed. Although this sacrifices position and view, it means avoiding the risk of oncoming vehicles that are too large to navigate the corner without cutting, or people who are cutting the corner because they are being lazy. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on this one.
The last thing you mentioned there Calm, I actually have a good example of that on a road near where I live. It's a National country road and there's a fairly sharp left bend.
I know the bend as I've driven on it lots but basically on 'position 1' left side there is such bad road surface that even my car gets pulled around by it. There are hedges and trees either side so no view if there are other vehicles coming. Lorries, tractors and other big vehicles, as well as locals and plain idiots speeding along can very easily cut across the narrow lanes so would be very risky for a biker.
I'm assuming the best bet would be to stay slightly left of central and approach very cautiously in this situation.
Bex88 That's what I'm told. Either central or right across to the left side.
First of all, regarding the tight left hander, it was slightly touched upon at 6:20 but to cover everything it would have taken an age. Normal straight line riding position for me is usually at pos.3 but if there are a load of oncoming cars I'd rather equalise between the car and the kerb at pos.2, this is one of my points where some riders do it because they've been told to or "the book" says so, not because it's safer. I don't like being any closer to oncoming cars than I absolutely need to and as long as you can stop in the distance you see to be clear on bends, position wherever you feel safer. Remember regarding "crossing lines" it also mentions "straddling" which I have, without fail seen on practically EVERY advanced video I'v seen on RUclips, including me at times. My point there is that if the I.A.M/ROSPA etc INSIST on a "legal" ride, then this practise of panniers/bars overhanging should be stopped, no exceptions. There really is no visual advantage to be gained over safety by moving another 18" to the right. The dangers far outweigh the advantages IMO. Also remember this "Roadcraft" advanced manual was written from the 1930s and was periodically updated for POLICE riders on call. Us mere civvy mortals don't need to be so extreme and won't get away with barging through traffic like the boys in orange do, especially considering the congested roads and reduced speed limits of today. Thanks for your comment buddy.
RoadcraftNottingham Thanks for the reply. Completely agree with you. I'm sure I'm guilty of plenty of these errors. The one biggest message I've come away with from the IAM rides is the idea that you should be a "thinking rider", evaluating and assessing constantly, not a slave to the system. It's been very positive for me so far.
Agree tight left-handers should be position 1 and slow. Just be wary of pedestrians/dogs/kids on the LH side, which you can't see if there is a house on the corner for example.
Great vid!
A tip my mate told me, if you are travelling behind a car (obviously keeping a safe braking distance), it's a good idea to travel somewhere 'between' the right hand wheel track,and the sump (centre) line, for two reasons:
1] Because that way, the on-coming cars have a better chance of seeing you (not hidden by the car in front of you) when they attempt to overtake, and (hopefully) not make the mistake of thinking the car in front of you is the last vehicle they have to wait for to pass by before they can begin to overtake.
2] it also gives you that little bit more 'emergency space' to left that you can move in to, to avoid an on-coming car who doesn't see you. :)
As well as informative, I get to vicariously go for a nice ride while sat at my desk at work! Ha Ha! :)
Bonus! . 😉
kidda74
RoadcraftNottingham
P
It was a nice ride wasn't it :)
A lot of things you mentioned about advanced riding trainings are (were) the ones I disagreed with during the training and the reasons why I eventually left it.
Thank you for the brilliant video!
I know in a test you are meant to "ride for yourself not for your tester" but road positioning has always been an issue for me because I might feel safe enough but a tester might want me to be further left or right etc.. so I hope this video suits a test also. my second provisional runs out next year so I have to look at as many videos as possible and your channel makes me feel more confident after every video.
I'm in Dublin so the roads and rules are almost identical. My instructor told me the testers are also bikers so if they fail me it can also be because they see something that can get me killed, so if I fail my test it can be for the better. In other words the testers being bikers know the dangers. Thanks a lot for the video.
If there were more people like you out on the roads then perhaps the roads would be safer! As a recently qualified GREY BIKER, I am always looking to improve my riding skills and capabilities. Your sensible approach in Roadcraft is a delight.
Thank You!!!!
Iv'e watched a lot of your videos and i'm impressed with the advice you give. Having been an HGV class 1 driver and PSV class 2 driver i have learnt to look for and see far more than most drivers / riders do ( like hedge lines etc ) but i have learnt a great deal about "riding and controlling a motorcycle safely" from you compared to the training for a test .It's a pity more riders don't watch your videos . Many thanks .
Spot on! What I've been doing for 30 years...
Simple and common sense advice without all the over-complicated ROSPA/IAM flannel.
Best RUclips biking video I've seen.
I have just bought a bike and these videos so important for learning to be safe.
I agree as I have never had any issues riding in the sump line. Now a big thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and knowlege, I appreciate it, also big thanks from my entire family who perhaps will also benefit from me taking this knowledge and keeping me safer on the roads Cheers
I have ridden motorcycles from the age of 16 and I've ridden them all over the world.
I am now 62 and still enjoy a good spirited ride on my Goldwing here in the Uk, I am an IAM member and have observed many successful associates in the past.
I have to say that your running commentary was the best explanation of good sensible road positioning I've heard in a very long time and you are right about the IAM, they boast safety but not consistency, laying the majority of riding skills toward making best progress for instance.
Please continue to put common sense on your RUclips channel. Well done.
I love this channel. Honest love for bikes and real information to keep you safe and enjoying bikes for the rest of your life - absolutely zero bravado and stupidity. What a gem!
Great video for someone like me that lives in a rural area, lots of blind and narrow corners out in the country. Well explained!
Hey Russ,
I've just recommended your channel to yet another person thinking of taking up motorcycling again! I like to think I have a similar approach to riding and it's just as well after last week, where I had an emergency avoidance incident every day. Each one could have turned into a collision, but I'd taken just enough advance action and/or left enough margin that they didn't!
Good to see you're still enjoying the GTS. I've put several thousand miles on mine this year and have just bought another. I need to book it in for it's first service as it's showing just shy of 1100 genuine miles on the clock! It's even still on it's original tyres and it's just as well the front size isn't available any more, they handle much better on 120/70 and 180/55.
I cannot disagree with anything you have said in the video. Plain simple and to the point 10/10
Good solid advice. thanks.
The only thing I'd add - after close encounters with a deer and a badger - is to treat hedges and over-grown verges with the same caution as an on-coming vehicle. If a decent sized animal suddenly hits you or goes under the wheel, you're in trouble. So in rural areas, unless there's oncoming traffic or a junction on the right, I tend to keep away from the nearside as a general rule. Gives a fraction more reaction time if Bambi jumps out of the hedge!
As a beginner having just completed my Initial Basic Training (as its called in Ireland) I must compliment you on a superb upload, very clear with exellent safety tips. Many thanks!
Outstanding video and what a breath of fresh air regarding road positioning. I have been criticised by numerous "advanced" observers for not using every inch of the road in order to gain marginal benefits in forward vision, and you have vindicated my defence that the extreme nearside is often strewn with debris, and the extreme offside puts a rider in potential conflict with oncoming traffic. Great stuff - thanks.
+Steven Mercer Thanks for your comment and well done you for sticking to your safety margins. I've heard this from a lot of riders about "observers" almost forcing people into extreme positions which make them feel uncomfortable.
Very nice video - I'm 100% with you on those positions and the small amount of "speeding" to make the overtake.
Excellent video Russ. A lot of common sense and adjusting to the situation at that time, which a lot of people seem to forget for some reason. Well done, you have made people think.
I've just had the pleasure of doing 2 days training with Russel at Roadcraft Nottingham, I found his advice extremely informative without being patronizing. If your new to biking and need training or want to take an advanced course I would have no trouble in recommending Roadcraft Nottingham.
Thanks Russ for your experience.
Thanks for the great feedback Geoff. Was fun training you and well done on achieving your ERS pass. Would you please do me a favour and copy and paste that review onto Google reviews for me? Link below. Cheers matey and ride safe. Russ
www.google.com/search?q=roadcraft+nottingham+Google+reviews&oq=roadcraft+nottingham+Google+reviews+&aqs=chrome..69i57j33.8168j0j4&client=ms-android-samsung-gn-rev1&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#trex=m_t:lcl_akp,rc_f:nav,rc_ludocids:13776779384035085841,rc_q:Roadcraft%2520Nottingham,ru_q:Roadcraft%2520Nottingham,trex_id:oMQ8jd
Whilst I have been riding bikes for more years than I care to remember and am an active IAM qualified advanced rider and member of my local advanced motorcycle group, I very much enjoy the style, tone and content of your videos. Indeed, in my opinion they are among some of the best to be found on You Tube. Good work - keep them coming, as none of us are too old or wise to learn something new! Keep your knees in the breeze and stay safe.
Thanks. It's nice to meet people who admit we're still learning, makes the journey more exciting. Have fun :-)
I just bought my first road bike a week ago, and your videos have been EXTREMELY helpful. I haven't been going onto heavily trafficked roads yet, but I'm still pretty intimidated riding on even lightly travelled ones. You have taught me a lot about good technique and I very much appreciate it! (Even though we ride on opposite sides of the road) =)
So helpful. I am thinking of going back to bikes but took a refresher where they put me straight back on the road in wet conditions. I fell off through poor braking on a sharp right bend and don't feel so confident now.
Took ages trying to find a good instructive film on this subject, glad I got here thanks for sharing your wisdom.
Thank goodness! Russ returns to teaching us how to ride safely and in the process covers a subject I have been criticised for in the past (riding in the 'sump line'). You nailed this one. Most of the time I feel completely unsafe riding in the gutter or close to the white line for all the reasons you detail. I was also fearful that your trail-off in videos meant you were getting bored with RUclips vids.
I would struggle to give you a bigger round of applauds.
Applause kindly appreciated.
I'm another who feels uncomfortable in such extreme positions. It's been said to me by a senior figure in training when this is mentioned "of course this position is only recommended if the road surface and condition dictates" but my response to this kind of comment is "at 45 to 60 mph on a sweeping right hander, you won't know if there's bad surface around the corner until it's too late, then you'll have to change position in mid-corner. Why not just move out a little and reduce speed?"
I know the good book mentions "if safe to do so" but really, come on, REALLY, how many of these robotic "qualified" riders actually follow this rule? I don't see many, if any at all.
RoadcraftNottingham It's all about reaction times for me. Where I live the gutters are a complete mess and the road is littered with sunken manhole covers and potholes inches deep. I simply don't have enough time to react if I ride the '1' position and there's constant fatigue on the bike (just had to do the front wheel bearings for the first time). I prefer to give myself all the advantages I can. I'll live longer :-)
Your lessons are GREAT! Even though I'm driving a car, everything you say about "slicing the danger" and taking decisions earlier, "planing", has definitely made my driving a lot smoother and safer. Thank you very much, and keep up with the excellent work! Cheers!
It's always helpful to see and hear good clear instruction no matter how long you've been riding and you always deliver in spades. Superb stuff Russ.
I appreciate the clarity on the solid line issue which I must say is how I did understand it due to fact I ride a bike with large panniers. It is good to hear it from you also. I like your video, clear and concise Ron and I have watched a few now and by far this is the best one. I think some of the police need to watch this one as some of their video's are not good examples of good road craft.
I've had my licence for 20 years and learn't a lot watching this vid, very informative and great you share these vids on youtube.
Also your front wheel looks great on camera
Thanks, there's always other and new ways to look at a dated system. I love that angle too. May do a full ride like that. ☺
High level lesson. Enjoyed that. Have never been on a motorbike.... your videos are helping a lot before I go for the CBT and DAS. Thank you.
Hi - just wanted to say a big thanks. I'm in the process of becoming an Advanced Rider with Iam and found the 'in-the-moment' instructions of this video very useful. Thanks for taking the time to put this video together.
Thanks for the comment and all the best with your training.
Man, I seriously love your videos. You have confirmed all my assumptions about safety and help me questioned 'advanced' advice I received in the past... Well done you!
Thanks Sebastian, that's exactly why I do these uploads. Even question me if in doubt. I like a challenge. ☺
Thank you,I enjoyed your video on general positioning and common mistakes it was very useful, and made me think more about" where it's best to be" is sometimes less crucial when common sense prevails.It has been a long time since I undertook Avanced rider instruction but I remember the Policeman sayinging when approaching a bus on a bus route expect people to get on and off often ! Ha I thought, as he explained by looking into the rear window you may see people moving on the bus, hands up to press a bell giving you the opportunity to consider your next move.Now it amazes me how many busses have adverts stuck across the rear of their windows obscuring views for everyone,and a big bug bear of mine, the sticker showing a thumbs up saying please let the bus out! Grr don't get me started on that one,I am generally courtious,Ta.
Great tips. I'm finally ready for my DAS (11 years riding on L plates!). Fingers crossed for August! Your videos are always very helpful.
Good tips. I live with most of the road positions you stated but at time I have found my self following to close. Constantly working on distance to make it sink in to my head.
Thanks for the video...very well done. Although being a US rider I had to reverse everything in my head and translate what you are saying into English but I still enjoyed it. Our laws are so lax though that almost anyone can get a motorcycle endorsement and then allowed to ride anything with two wheels. It's crazy.
Excellent, clear instruction. I've been on two wheels since '65 and still love it but remind myself that I will never know it all. Please keep your interesting videos coming.
Great video. The more you ride, the more you realise you have to use yours eyes and brain. Thank you for helping us all be better riders.
You're welcome Peter.
Really enjoyable vid. Always informative. Made total sense to me I've never ever had any bother or worries about riding in sump line.
Wonderful video and discussion. It reaffirmed many things that I consider during my rides and especially my commutes. and it gave me some things to consider. i feel that proper positioning can avoid problem situations that car drivers create. There is an ebb and flow to traffic. Sometimes I assume a dominant position on the road to avoid being forced into a difficult position by a car. And sometimes i take a passive position and flow with traffic. Always evaluating what is up ahead of my bike.
Just found this video on my news feed, as a new rider I got more from this than I did from my instructor!
Thanks for the great feedback and thank goodness for news feeds eh? ☺ Russ
@@RoadcraftNottingham oh yes lol cant wait to do my mod 1 next!
Brilliant safety video! Your videos will save lives - keep it up.
One thing about moving around parked cars and venturing into the centre of the oncoming lane - make sure one uses extra vigilance for cars about to turn left towards you and not looking your way as they wouldn't expect anything to be there.
Very good practical and uncomplicated advice. I agree with you on the 3 road positions, 7 is over complicating it and even if you are that advanced do you need 7. I feel a flexible 3 is more practical for me and most riders. First time I've seen this video, it was enjoyable and informative. Look forward to looking at more. Good luck.
... Thanks for your comment. Russ
Always watch the videos posted by this guy. He is very good. I visit Nottingham twice a month and often see him out with pupils. Passed my test in 1985 and have been back biking again for 2 years. When I move to Nottingam in 9 months I certainly will book a lesson with him. If anybody reads this can they recommend another good teacher on youtube.
It really helps the novice or intermediate riders to practice this form of talking to one's self about road awareness as a measure for increasing safety. Well done.
Hi Russ Glad to see your still giving our fellow bikers the little hints n tips that we used through instinct but new/old school sometimes don`t USE or never thought of:)
Hope your well mate and I am looking forward to a ride out again after over 30 years ago, you had a FJ/XJ 900 if I can remember(You entered and WON an award in STAFFORD for your riding skills) I had a VF400FD lol.
Take care, my old, old friend :)
Hey Karl, I remember you well. It was an FJ1200, lovely bike. All those competitions and a simpler life (well it seems that now lol). Take care. ☺
As always, Russ, great video, quality, voice, instruction, clarity, all good. About a hundred years ago (well early '60's) when I passed both driving & riding tests I nearly failed one due to not correctly answering the "correct speed to be able to stop within the distance seen to be clear". On four wheels somewhat easier than two me thinks. Question? Who can accurately judge distances anyway, let alone know what distance they can stop. I have spent time looking at a bend whilst riding at say 50 mph & thinking how far can I see, parking, walking back to the corner, crouching to the rough riders position, guessing the distance to the limit point. Then pacing to that point to see how accurate I was.Not very is the answer! And that is walking.The second question is, how do you break, hard to avoid what is just seen around the bend whilst lent over. Ok, you bring the bike upright hit the brakes. Right hand corner, you run straight on into the ditch/wall,tree/ravine. Left hander, straight on into the oncoming traffic. I would love you to submit a video on heavy emergency braking during cornering. Cheers
Sure, this video is 10 years old. Still, it's solid advice that holds up even today. Thanks for uploading this m8. It's been a year since my MSF course and my bike is only just now ready to ride, so this is a very nice refresher. Now I've just got to convince myself to hop on it again!
Popping in to say that, much to my father's delight and my mom's dismay, I took my bike for a ride about 20 minutes after commenting. Had to turn round bc it started raining and I'm just now getting back, but I'm glad I did. Thanks again for the video :)
Bloody Hell! Don't you pay any rates in Nottingham? Those roads are worse than West Yorkshire! Seriously... Another good, informative video. Nice to have you back, Russ.
I wish Politian could "take control" of our business the way RoadcraftNottingham does. For doing so they will need Passion. Staggering lecture! congratulations
I'm an Advanced Rider (Honda forza 300), and totally agree with all the recommendations in this video. When training for my IAM accreditation it WAS stressful maintaining left bends at or near the white line which is risky and unnecessary. Thank you for the video... Phil
Very well said again ... One the hardest situations I have come across is when you find yourself in some suburban riding and you give the person in front of you some polite space so as not to scare them (with a rather substantial 1700 Yamaha Midnight Star) and a frantic sports car rams up behind you with less then a .25% of a car length from your back tire with traffic moving at 45 MPH. My reaction if I can do it is let them by but there are times that is not easy to pull off. I have at some times gestured with a flat hand towards the tire using the "easy dose it" signal and that has worked but there are times it has not helped ... ..
I ride a 125 maxi scooter and have found this video extremely useful. The roads are so bad in Lincolnshire so it can be difficult to know which is the best position because of such deep pot holes. I do take corners much better now though. :)
Hey Russ, I’m a National Observer, one of many in the group that I belong to, and we are ALL with you on the solid white line rule, and we all teach that no part of your bike should straddle the solid white line, it’s very clear in the high way code, I’m very surprised that any IAM group would say anything else 😱
This is why I follow your channel, because I’ve always thought that you talk sense, keep up the good work fella 👍🏻
Thanks for that buddy. Got an interesting one coming up next. Will be interesting to see what you think about that. ☺
Thanks RN . It all makes good sense to me. It helps a lot hearing the narrative while getting real time video. Appreciate the effort !
Excellent tips on positioning! I agree 100% with your reasoning on why you position yourself the way you do and practice exactly the same thing here in the U.S. I see so many riders stay on a line regardless of conditions and not "equalize the danger" that I have to wonder what they're thinking. Great video that should be required viewing for anyone who rides. Subscribed.
Thanks for your feedback. Welcome to my channel and thanks for subscribing
Looking to get a bike in the coming months. I really appreciate the advice. Some of these things I haven't even thought about. Thanks.
I am a new rider at 54 and this was very informative. I have been driving since 17 so I do have experience with road craft in cars, but it is obviously different on a bike. Thanks for tips and will practice this on my next ride. Good luck and ride safe.
Thanks Bill. You too
Thanks, it was really interesting and usefull. I'm new at motorcycling since I've bought my first motorbike the 1st of december '14 and your informations are very important for a safe ride. For me it's also amazing listening to all the things that you take into consideration while driving and this too is a big lesson for me. Driving a car is so much different....
Thanks for taking the time to post this. As a new rider it is very helpful 👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks Russ, another excellent video. I'm returning to riding after an 18yr break, and am amazed how "back to basics" it all feels on the new steed. I'd like to think I'm humble enough to re-learn and watch these roadcraft and tips videos, you *do* forget when you're driving cars and not riding. Onwards with the binge-watching!
We're all still learning one way or another. Thanks for the comment. Have fun. ☺
This is excellent advice that I didn't really get enough of on my CBT. I am slightly intimidated though by the amount of things to process and make adjustments for on an everyday ride.
These videos are really helpful, one thing this can solve is the amount of drivers whoare just ignorant. On one occasion I have been told that I "shouldnt be in the middle of the lane becasue i am a motorcycle"...things like that dont inspire confidence on the road
Really helpful video for a learner rider like myself. I watched the whole video 15 minute video without realizing how long it was, really engaging. Great work RoadcraftNottingham
4 years ago, great advice, unsure if anyone is still here, I wasn't so sure on moving over the white line and remaining there in the built up area at 14:25 - would be interested in your opinion. It was a wide road and the drive-ways were long, but on a couple of occasions there were cars on the drive that could have reversed onto the road. Admittedly, they're unlikely to come out fast, but they aren't going to be looking the wrong way up the road to see the bike.
Hi I'm just getting back into biking after 20 years I'm struggling to get the bike to flow nicely at the moment great video i will pratice thanks for sharing
As a novice rider I found this useful and confirmed my style of riding when I've seen other full license riders riding in the manner you dislike. Thanks for a quality easy to understand upload.