My issue with this particular video is the timing. Coming toward a busy junction (with fast traffic ahead) I would do mirror checks on approach to give me a good idea of what is around/behind. A shoulder check to the side I am turning toward closer to the junction and then I know it's clear. Now concentrate on getting out of the junction safely. At 1.23 to 1.29 I think he looks unbalanced and unready for any change on the junction itself (the main threat here is traffic crossing your exit path at high speed). It may be for the purposes of passing the test that this example is just slightly over the top. It's trying to make a point, but in reality it's important to do the critical checks at the right time to enable smooth riding and focus on what is important. I am concerned that learners watching this, without adequate forward planning will be looking over each shoulder whilst they either career into the back of a truck or don't look properly in the direction of travel. One should being aware of what to do when someone surprises you by actually being right on your shoulder when you do the check. If shoulder checking becomes an over repetitive nod to left and right (automated), you risk reacting badly when needed. You look like you are doing everything right, but its more symbolic than functional. Use a shoulder check for change of direction/position (including moving out around parked vehicles), overtaking and turning and toward the exit of a roundabout. The only other useful one is moving off at lights, in case another motorcyclist or car wants to pass/race you from behind. The key though is presence of mind. Expect one day that someone will really be there, right on your shoulder and then react appropriately.
Hi Martin. Thanks for this video. I have been riding in India for 2 decades and now in the UAE, gave my final road test today. I was failed in my head check technique - i did just the way you showed here and I think thats good because one needs to quickly check his peripheral vision and immediately get back to what’s ahead of him. But as per the examiner who failed me , he always felt i was looking behind and down , instead of actually looking behind. And this he was checking from the test car that was following me a few feet behind,
At 0:51 he checks his left but he is far enough over to the left that there could equally well be another bike overtaking on the right. Also, I wouldn't take my eye off the on-coming red car at that point - I've seen enough idiots cut across mini-roundabouts that I now allow for it. Lastly, at 1:25 he wobbles up to the junction trying to avoid putting his feet down and then has to snatch a look to the right. Snatched looks like that result in saccadic vision[1] with the result that you might not see a car that is right there in front of you. If you're learning or taking your test then come to a definite stop at a T-junction; put your foot/feet down; take time to look; then go when safe. [1] www.londoncyclist.co.uk/raf-pilot-teach-cyclists/
Also; 0:23 - position 1 in the gutter, on a left hand bend - worst view, worst road condition, worst position for that turn. 1:40 - early indication (meh) harsh braking which resulted in harsher braking from the following vehicle, poor position for the turn - puts him running over sunken roadway and the water pipe access hatch. 1:54 - takes position to overtake stationary vehicle far too early, putting him on the wrong side of the road, and even closer to vehicles parked on the other side of the road. If he moved out to reduce the risk of being "doored", he increased the risk of being "doored"... Seemed to be some pretty wobbly riding in there too...Can't believe that someone who is "professionally trained to professionally train" Police Motorcycle Officers can appear so incompetent in such a short amount of time. I am looking to become a motorcycle test assessor for disabled riders and frankly, I wouldn't pass him, probably on minors more than anything major; In 2 minutes of clips, we've picked out 5 faults. And they were highlighted as being of "advanced skill", I assume or they wouldn't be titled as so lol.
if you have just passed down a clear straight road at 30mph passing no bicycles, why check your inside when left turning? i think these types of checks take your focus off whats in front
Excellent video, copied this style in my test and passed no problem. If being over critical maybe should have waited at 1:57 for blue honda to pass. Thanks for upload.
0wen101 I am so glad it helped and congratulations on passing your test. Re the blue Honda, what I didn't show is that in the Honda had already flashed to let us both through.
at the beginning their was no filter green arrow... you only do that if there is one. At 0:53 not all car drivers indicate...... the red one could have turned right instead.
He shoulder checks twice before a junction he's probably at 30 mph on residential roads so the only thing to be inside of him would be a cyclist but at 30 mph that's very unlikely. He checks before a mini roundabout to it's like his situational awareness is very poor, checking your mirrors on the approach as well as defensive driving is enough to make you aware of what's behind or around you
i have just failed my part two test for missing some of these checks but like some have said there not always needed like passing park cars on your left going back ? why do a life saver check you know there parked cars i just think some people who do these test are ott and take there job has a examiner too far
+mbrij 96 sorry I should have better explained myself better, shoulder checking in itself is not dangerous, but as a learner rider you are taught to check before you do anything because that's what the instructors will grade you on. shoulder checking for cars when changing lanes and for certain corners is important, but at other times checking is silly and distracts your eyes from what's important
+FOURTEEFIVE I think 'what a load of bollocks' is a bit harsh. The guy on the bike is a police examiner, and he always rides that way, it is the way he has been trained. I do agree with you that some of his shoulder checks could be viewed as unnecessary, I personally don't do as many. I put the video up to show where you could consider a shoulder check.
Martin DixonMartinD Yes as I explained already I didn't write my first comment very well. I think I was aggravated at the time because I had just failed a test lol! your video is very informative
Absolutely pointless and even dangerous in most of the cases. The shoulder check should mostly be done only when you change lane and in all the other cases where you need an extra check if you are not sure.
Never seen a more stupid thing to do. It looks more of a nervous tic than a checking maneuver, and sure enough it's not a "life saver". Much to the contrary, it distracts your attention from where it SHOULD be, the ROAD. To "check" you use the mirrors, peripheral vision, and more than anything else ANTICIPATION. You look FORWARD a few seconds, so that when you get to the corner you already KNOW what is there and what is coming. This thing may (MAY) be useful when you do a gymkana between the pins, not on the road.
![Roundabouts [common motorcycle mistakes & safe procedures]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kWfUIKoLKG0/mqdefault.jpg)
My issue with this particular video is the timing. Coming toward a busy junction (with fast traffic ahead) I would do mirror checks on approach to give me a good idea of what is around/behind. A shoulder check to the side I am turning toward closer to the junction and then I know it's clear. Now concentrate on getting out of the junction safely. At 1.23 to 1.29 I think he looks unbalanced and unready for any change on the junction itself (the main threat here is traffic crossing your exit path at high speed). It may be for the purposes of passing the test that this example is just slightly over the top. It's trying to make a point, but in reality it's important to do the critical checks at the right time to enable smooth riding and focus on what is important. I am concerned that learners watching this, without adequate forward planning will be looking over each shoulder whilst they either career into the back of a truck or don't look properly in the direction of travel. One should being aware of what to do when someone surprises you by actually being right on your shoulder when you do the check. If shoulder checking becomes an over repetitive nod to left and right (automated), you risk reacting badly when needed. You look like you are doing everything right, but its more symbolic than functional. Use a shoulder check for change of direction/position (including moving out around parked vehicles), overtaking and turning and toward the exit of a roundabout. The only other useful one is moving off at lights, in case another motorcyclist or car wants to pass/race you from behind. The key though is presence of mind. Expect one day that someone will really be there, right on your shoulder and then react appropriately.
Hi Martin. Thanks for this video. I have been riding in India for 2 decades and now in the UAE, gave my final road test today. I was failed in my head check technique - i did just the way you showed here and I think thats good because one needs to quickly check his peripheral vision and immediately get back to what’s ahead of him. But as per the examiner who failed me , he always felt i was looking behind and down , instead of actually looking behind. And this he was checking from the test car that was following me a few feet behind,
That guy knows what he doing, thanks for uploading this watching this at least 10 times before doing CBT again!! Thx
At 0:51 he checks his left but he is far enough over to the left that there could equally well be another bike overtaking on the right. Also, I wouldn't take my eye off the on-coming red car at that point - I've seen enough idiots cut across mini-roundabouts that I now allow for it.
Lastly, at 1:25 he wobbles up to the junction trying to avoid putting his feet down and then has to snatch a look to the right. Snatched looks like that result in saccadic vision[1] with the result that you might not see a car that is right there in front of you. If you're learning or taking your test then come to a definite stop at a T-junction; put your foot/feet down; take time to look; then go when safe.
[1] www.londoncyclist.co.uk/raf-pilot-teach-cyclists/
Also;
0:23 - position 1 in the gutter, on a left hand bend - worst view, worst road condition, worst position for that turn.
1:40 - early indication (meh) harsh braking which resulted in harsher braking from the following vehicle, poor position for the turn - puts him running over sunken roadway and the water pipe access hatch.
1:54 - takes position to overtake stationary vehicle far too early, putting him on the wrong side of the road, and even closer to vehicles parked on the other side of the road. If he moved out to reduce the risk of being "doored", he increased the risk of being "doored"...
Seemed to be some pretty wobbly riding in there too...Can't believe that someone who is "professionally trained to professionally train" Police Motorcycle Officers can appear so incompetent in such a short amount of time. I am looking to become a motorcycle test assessor for disabled riders and frankly, I wouldn't pass him, probably on minors more than anything major; In 2 minutes of clips, we've picked out 5 faults. And they were highlighted as being of "advanced skill", I assume or they wouldn't be titled as so lol.
if you have just passed down a clear straight road at 30mph passing no bicycles, why check your inside when left turning?
i think these types of checks take your focus off whats in front
Perhaps to avoid getting hit by some speeding delivery guy on a scooter.
Always look , has someone just emerged from a driveway ,a kiddy running , you never know !
Me to and that's why I get moaned at by instructor.
Excellent video, copied this style in my test and passed no problem. If being over critical maybe should have waited at 1:57 for blue honda to pass. Thanks for upload.
0wen101 I am so glad it helped and congratulations on passing your test. Re the blue Honda, what I didn't show is that in the Honda had already flashed to let us both through.
at the beginning their was no filter green arrow... you only do that if there is one. At 0:53 not all car drivers indicate...... the red one could have turned right instead.
He shoulder checks twice before a junction he's probably at 30 mph on residential roads so the only thing to be inside of him would be a cyclist but at 30 mph that's very unlikely. He checks before a mini roundabout to it's like his situational awareness is very poor, checking your mirrors on the approach as well as defensive driving is enough to make you aware of what's behind or around you
Lifesavers needed for a test are such impractical ott nonsense...nobody rides like this in everyday riding
Yeah no biker has ever been killed by an overtaking car ever in the history of the entire world.
i have just failed my part two test for missing some of these checks but like some have said there not always needed like passing park cars on your left going back ? why do a life saver check you know there parked cars i just think some people who do these test are ott and take there job has a examiner too far
shoulder checking like this is pointless and therefore dangerous. I guarantee nobody does it after their test, what a load of bollocks
I am still a learner & so can u please explain y its dangerous & how to deal with it or a better & safer way of knowing who is behind us.
+mbrij 96
sorry I should have better explained myself better, shoulder checking in itself is not dangerous, but
as a learner rider you are taught to check before you do anything because that's what the instructors will grade you on.
shoulder checking for cars when changing lanes and for certain corners is important, but at other times checking is silly and distracts your eyes from what's important
Thats well explained and a valuable tip.Thank you😊.
+FOURTEEFIVE I think 'what a load of bollocks' is a bit harsh. The guy on the bike is a police examiner, and he always rides that way, it is the way he has been trained. I do agree with you that some of his shoulder checks could be viewed as unnecessary, I personally don't do as many. I put the video up to show where you could consider a shoulder check.
Martin DixonMartinD Yes as I explained already I didn't write my first comment very well. I think I was aggravated at the time because I had just failed a test lol! your video is very informative
Absolutely pointless and even dangerous in most of the cases. The shoulder check should mostly be done only when you change lane and in all the other cases where you need an extra check if you are not sure.
Never seen a more stupid thing to do. It looks more of a nervous tic than a checking maneuver, and sure enough it's not a "life saver". Much to the contrary, it distracts your attention from where it SHOULD be, the ROAD. To "check" you use the mirrors, peripheral vision, and more than anything else ANTICIPATION. You look FORWARD a few seconds, so that when you get to the corner you already KNOW what is there and what is coming. This thing may (MAY) be useful when you do a gymkana between the pins, not on the road.