My BEST tips for being visible at intersections on your motorcycle...you gotta be weird!
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- Do you ever feel like you are invisible while riding on your motorcycle? If so, I have some great tips that will help you to be seen and even be a little bit weird on your motorcycle.
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I have been riding since 1972. I adopted the weave in the lane after the first incident of approaching a red light and the car behind me did not stop. I was lucky that I was watching my rear mirrors and moved to the extreme left of my lane just as he drove right through the red light. After that near hit, I started to weave in the lane the whole time I drive. I use the whole lane, all the time. Years later, one of the guys I worked with came up behind me on the way home. He asked why I was weaving on the road while driving. He stated he thought I was drunk when I approached the red light. My comment to him was: "Did you see me?" He stated yes, and I said that is why I do it.
Same! I had a guy who was behind me pull next to me at a stoplight and ask if I was okay!!🤣 I laughed and told him why I do it.. works for me. And it’s kinda fun!!💯👍🏽 good riding to you mate!
I'm a new rider I weave. People gave me more room on the backroads... People was making fun of me over it.... it nice to see more people do it
Great tips, but I think the single best thing you can do is just anticipate that someone WILL pull out in front of you. Cover your brakes when approaching an intersection to ready yourself and don't blast through an intersection at 45mph like I've seen so many do.
I took a motorcycle course in Canada and they mentioned that a zillion times: keep the brakes covered. By coincidence I had just installed highway pegs before the course and one of the instructors told me he did not think that was a great idea as I can't use the pegs and cover the brake at the some time.
Weird... That's in my wheelhouse. You're one of the best instructors for motorcycles that I've seen on RUclips thank you.
Thanks, I appreciate that.
Excellent information on tools to add to your street strategies. I incorporated the "Look Out Weave" into my riding years ago and since have not had a single vehicle fail to yield right of way to me at an intersection. Keep up the great work.
Weird, I feel I do that fairly well. As weird as it may seem, from time to time I actually play stupid and weave to a stop like you had mentioned or make myself look like I can't stop properly (brakes) and people usually give me a nice cushion of space 😂 thanks for the tips 👍
Some bicyclists have found that if they ride very competently, cars tend to shave within inches of them, but if they wobble a bit and act like they can't hold a line, cars give them plenty of space.
Lots of times car drivers can see you, they just don't seem to want to move their hands on the wheel more than about half an inch; too much work.
Excellent points.
A triangle of lights (headlight plus two lower spots) helps with the visibility.
I almost always weave a little when approaching a waiting car at a junction.
Yes!! Especially cruising 65 mph down the road and a car pulls up at a side road, I’m weaving and covering the front brake. Daytime I usually have high beams on. I love “ the weave.”
I have a Kisan PathBlazer modulator on my Harley Ultra Limited. It pulsates only on high beam, which I always use in town. Occasionally a driver will flash their headlights at me as they approach, and once in a while a car will pull over and let me pass as I approach from the rear. Both of these happen when I’m riding alone or in a group. This proves that they see me. Never has other riders complained about the pulsating headlight if they are riding in front of me.
Hmm. Automatic flashing lights may be illegal in your jurisdiction (only allowed on emergency vehicles) -- check local laws.
EDIT: nevermind
USA - Department of Transportation:
FMVSS 108 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) (49 CFR Part 571.108 S7.9.4) allows motorcycle headlight modulation systems in all 50 states provided they comply with the standards set forth in Section S7.9.4.
Title 49 USC 30103(b1) (US Codes) prohibits any state from forbidding a system that conforms to FMVSS 108. No State or Local ordinance shall usurp the authority and enforcement of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
Modulators are not flashing on and off completely, but just dimming it, so they are completely legal.
We were instructed during the msf course to stay in left of the lane, maybe weave little in the lane as it helps get their attention. It also helps opposing traffic trying to turn across your lane notice you.
I adapted a small rechargeable strobing flaslight to a GoPro mount on top of my helmet. In daylight it still reflects on street signs 100+ ft away.
Too many riders here in BC have died this spring and summer so far. We talk about it in our groups a lot! Its mostly new young riders on fast bikes but we are all at an elevated risk. I've come to instinctively know where my high beam switch is and use it frequently.
I don't know if you've gotten this comment somewhere else already, but one of the first things I've noticed from the beginning of my riding-learning journey - tractor trailer safety is literally exact, or extremely similar to motorcycle safety skills. i.e.: following distance, knowing surroundings, practice using mirrors every few seconds, etc ... I've had a huge advantage in learning to ride because of my 7.5 years of tractor trailer driving.
Some truck drivers are real assholes to bike riders though, especially when they are passing bikers. Couple times they pushed me on the shoulder. Wasn't sure if they were just inept or being assholes in purpose.
@oknevals some truckers.. are just a**holes in general to everybody in general. I know because it's every night w these guys. Canadian truckers make it VERY clear they are not our brothers constantly. Sad really. But - driving principles in TT driving were very helpful in my motorcycle learning experience 👍
As usual you nailed it.
Kisan makes headlight and taillight modulators that work very well.
We've all heard the horror stories. Expect everyone else to do the unexpected (just because their left turn signal is on, doen't mean they're turning left OR even turning). Be extremely obvious to everyone else with your intentions. The one thing I'm able to do, while riding my MC, is roll up on the driver side of the vehicle and tell the driver that their brake light is out, turn signal/hazards is still on, exhaust pipe is loose, etc. which I cannot do while driving my car. Almost everytime, they say "Thanks"
Great tips! In addition to the headlight modulator, I have the brake light flasher. Plus, I have flags flying in the back to be conspicuous.
Thank you for this video. The campaign of start seeing motorcycles is perhaps one of the most dangerous things to the mentality of a motorcycle rider. Drivers can't start seeing motorcycles when they just don't see them. The brain just doesn't doesn't process motorcycles. We need to ride like we're invisible because we are. Never put your life and your safety in someone else's hands
I also use the passing lamp switch to flash my yellow driving lights , plus I be also stood up on the pegs…I’m suddenly twice as large and perceived as being closer
Something I do often is flash my highbeams on & off. Many bikes have a lever that is operated with the left index finger. All the way forward is high beam, center is low beam, and many bikes have a momentary, spring-loaded position if pulled all the way back that flashed the high beam. I will pull this lever a few times as I approach dangerous situations, which flashes between my high and low beams similar to a modulator.
It catches attention, but it just takes one driver misinterpreting a few flashes of the high beams as "Go ahead, driver. I'm giving you the right of way."
@ddekeno1 That is a possibility that I had not considered. Fortunately, I just installed a couple of LED amber fog lights in a big triangle with my headlight that I now always have on.
I was immediately thinking the same thing as ddekino.
Being misinterpreted.
If the other drivers only knew how weird I am, they would always pay more attention!😂
Hi, thank you! What I do day and night is to repeatedly switch between low and high beam as I approach. I’ll check out modulators, I did not know about them.
When I’m at an intersection, I have music in my helmet with a little speakers and it’s usually down low but enough for me to hear it. And when I’m stopped, I usually dance with my hands and everything because I’m a big girl and I’m on a cruiser. And I weave before I stop. I haven’t been riding that long so I try make myself as visible as possible. Even though I’m a big girl, I usually have on a brightly colored shirt and I’m on a bright red bike. There are people that do not pay attention, so I make myself as visible as possible.
Here in the Philippines half of the vehicles are motorcycles. They are rude and dangerous drivers. When they stop at the intersection, they move to the front of the line by passing all the other vehicles and crowd around each other with as little space as possible. They put buildings right on the road, so sometimes there is no line of sight around a corner. And people often park right at the intersection, blocking your view around the corner. Since we have very few stop signs and traffic lights, even in our city, few vehicles stop at the intersection, especially motorcycles. Very often people will pull out right in front of motorcycles -- not always because they don't see the bike but because they are rude. Everything is an intersection since everyone parks in the lane and might pull out anytime.
Excellent as always!!! Just got me an older Suzuki M50 to go with my Triumph Rocket and the first thing I did was put in a LED for the headlight. Got a crash bar, too. Maybe I'll get a couple of LED driving lights added to that bar!
Can't have too many lights!
You did not mention what I think is the most effective method of being seen - don't speed. I've been riding for decades and I'm convinced that drivers are able to see a motorcycle very effectively when the motorcycle is going the speed limit or less. All your points are valid, but if you are riding above the speed limit, your visibility gets blurred and of course reaction time is diminished.
In my experience, drivers are looking for a “box” (car) we are more likely to appear as a pencil (bike no panniers) Yes I will absolutely wiggle my bike to be a bit more conspicuous (weird). I’m liking the modulated head light idea, gonna look into this. 👍🏼
And, even if you do everything right, it can still go wrong! Ask me how I know, lol.
Great vid and tips. #1 I like the extra lights at a hurt your feelings level of brightness, and #3 with weaves I have seen a lot of driver's cannot take their eyes off of me once I do it. They won't look at the other way and are almost fixed in place.
I have 2 low mounted auxiliary lights that make a triangle, never had a car pull out, many cars have stopped once they see the lights because it looks unusual.
I often wear a blaze orange windbreaker over my riding jacket. It along with the white helmet. I have observed on coming autos pull to the right as far as possible, I have also observed autos wait longer as I approach an intersection. I also provides extra warmth on cool mornings and evenings.
I purchased a matte black helmet. I decided two years ago when it’s time to change it out it’ll definitely be a different color.
I did add some reflective tape to the back of the helmet. Odds are I’ll add reflective tape to the next one regardless of the color.
iitywybmad29. You're one of those rare, smart motorcycle riders, that also understands the importance of high visibility. 👍
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure has never been more true than in motorcycling
Really glad you raised the point about lateral motion, in addition to visible gear and proper lane position. That motion catches the eye which absolutely can save your life. I also recommend to anyone to upgrade their horn to dual horns. If their is even the slightest doubt that a driver has seen you, a short beep will make them look twice. I did this last week on a driver that looked like he might pull out. I saw that the beep spooked him and realized that he had looked towards me without seeing me. Made it home without any additional drama. Cheers!
GLAD YOU MADE IT HOME MY UNCLE DONNIE WAS KILLED ON HIS BIKE THIS SPRING IN COLUMBUS OHIO PEOPLE ACT LIKE JACKASSES IN OHIO CITIES WHEN THEY DRIVE SINCE ALL OF THIS ENTITLEMENT BULLSHIT HAS TAKEN OVER SENSIBLE MINDS AND TUNRNED THEM INTO MINDLESS AUTOMATONS AND SHEEPLES...
Well, even if he did see you, the unexpectedly horn could have spooked him, too.
I'm surprised you never mentioned running your high beam during daylight hours
Recently in Australia a motorist turning across the path of a motorcyclist resulting in fatality was exonerated!
Why:
Overcast day
Dark motorcycle
Dark clothing
Riding adjacent to kerb.
Speeding (questionable) speedometer “jammed” on 70kph in 60kph zone
I live & ride in a rural area. My weird, LOUD horn, toot toot at intersections if I'm unsure. Seen a few odd nose bounces on some cars & trucks, so I guess it works. 😊
Great video and advice. Avoid the accident: be visible. Protect yourself during the accident: wear gear. Both tactics will serve us well.
I wouldn't recommend the headlight modulator. Here in GA, flashing your headlight at someone waiting to pull into traffic is a signal that it's ok for them to proceed. Although the modulator may help them see you, it could also be confused as you telling them to go ahead and pull out.
100% agree. Flashing can mean anything to anyone. Why did you flash your headlights? I wanted to warn you, i wanted to let you know it was OK to pull out, i wanted to let you know it was not OK to pull out, I wanted to ask you a question, i wanted to stop for a break, i wanted to see if my modulator was working. And finally "I wanted to confuse you and cause an accident."
I agree in the case of people flashing their high beam to attract attention, but surely people can tell a manually flashed headlight from the continuous strobe effect of a modulator? There is an obvious distinction there...
@@grantodaniel7053 "surely people can tell a manually flashed headlight from the continuous strobe effect of a modulator'
Are you really serious? A distracted cager is going look down the road and say that looks like a modulator headlight and not a flashing headlight? Is that really what you are saying? really?
@@GeorgiaGrowGuy Yep. You see strobed bicycle headlights often, and you can tell right away that they're not flicking the light manually...
@@GeorgiaGrowGuy YES REALLY!!
Looks like the studies show that a White helmet is far more conspicuous to cagers than the popular black and silver colors. White neck scarves on riders are very popular in Europe, I guess for the same reason. Apparently the human brain can block out hi-vis green/orange colors which I found to be interesting. Not sure if loud pipes are helpful at an intersection or simply cause confusion. Thank you for making us better riders.
I have had headlight modulators on my past 3 and current Goldwings. I only engage them when I perceive a possible danger ahead and will switch off once I clear the area. I also give a short wave to the driver that waits for me to pass before they turn left in front of me. Last I have pulsating stop lights that I will engage even if I am allowing the engine braking to slow me down. As a side note, I watch these videos more to remind me of what I already learned so the safe habits don't move into the fog of my brain.
Good to know I'm not the only one to wave at drivers that waited on me rather than to turn in front of me. A little pat on the back doesn't cost a thing 👍
A modulator may be mistaken by a car driver for a light flash telling the drive to pull out especially at a junction so they are a bad idea.
Also, adding extra lights can be confusing for a car driver because they don't know whether you're a car driver with a light out or a motorcycle and this is especially true at night and we have congested roads here in the UK. I have a car and two motorcycles so I'm aware of the problem from both sides. A motorcycle in the middle of the road is usually obviously a motorcycle, but those with extra lights are ambitious.
I have ridden a lot of miles with a modulator and have never had a car mistake it and pull in front of me.
Gotta pay special attention at intersections with the Right on Red after stop. Folks just slow down and Go.
I Bob and weave like a drunken sailor. I do the same with a tailgater… make em nervous.
I’ve literally been stopped at a traffic light and had people bump into me from behind. They claimed they didn’t see me
I made one of these mistakes this morning. I was in the right 3rd of my lane at a stop sign where I wanted to turn left. A car pulled up and stopped right next to me, preventing me from turning. When I *politely* asked the driver what he was doing, he said he didn't see me, despite my bike having a bright orange tank.
The triangle theory is why we have the third break light. It gets more attention
Plus that third brake light is up higher so more visible.
Love my modulator
I'm a weaver! Also have my driving/spot lights on 24/7 and incorporated more LED lights on the back. Also incorporated a Custom Dynamics Magic Strobe brake light flasher module (the "Blaster X" pattern is my favorite).
Hi Kevin, as always you are top notch, thank you! I always wear my panda helmet 😂 Ride safe, Marc, Quebec Canada 🇨🇦
Driving lights….there was a study by the U.K. highways department some years ago whereby a pair of running lights which strobed at a certain frequency increased visibility hugely……worth thinking about now new tech makes this an affordable option….👍🚀
Yes, intersections, the danger zone for sure. Especially in the spring up here in Canada as cagers forget about seeing us for 8 months..lol. I always do the weave, I run loud pipes for this reason as well, a quick Braaap helps too. One thing that helps my anxiety about dying on the bike is remind myself the typical cager doesn’t want to kill a motorcyclist either..paint and body work is expensive..
2:35 Upgraded my headlight from the OEM to a much brighter LED after market one. It’s a single headlight motorcycle. Might just be me but it seems like people are noticing me more and not getting cut off as much.
Anyone have thoughts on this?
I add to being visible giving any dodgy acting driver a toot, especially the ones rocketing up to the intersection and braking at the last minute
Weave to be seen every time I ride, but also to clean tires, got pulled over today cop said I was weaving in and out of traffic splitting lanes which is illegal in NJ. I was just going for a ride, checked my paper tucked that ticket in his pocket after a brief argument because he said he was a "biker". Every "biker" should know to weave, they teach it in motorcycle school.😮
I recently added Denali lights to my bike for country night riding. I live and ride daily in NYC. I’ve discovered the best feature. When I hit the horn, they strobe briefly and if it’s getting darker it bounces off everything. Cars respond immediately. I’ll see them cutting me off and when they see that flash they swerve back. I can also make them strobe longer so if I’m approaching an intersection I might hit that. The strobe is very different from flashing lights. Drivers definitely respond. I also wear runners lighted flashing armbands on my wrists and if I’m at an intersection waiting for a light at night I will wave my arms.
I like to do a weird thing.
When I'm brakin the bike down, downshifting and prepared for a stop, I like to do what I call the wind kid.
Remember the first time you stuck your hand out the window as a kid and felt the wind pushing your hand up and down?
I downshift and while engine braking do the wiggle hand thing just because it's fun and looks weird! 😂
Heyup, I've been doing the weave a lot of years, it's all about keeping in a safety bubble, I own a ktm 1290 super adventure and some friends have commented on the strange headlight shape, I argue that car drivers will be more likely to see me because they will glance and on seeing said headlight they are wondering what it is, I also have spotlights on so it creates a triangle. Great vids.
Motion camouflage, when something is coming straight toward you, it can appear that it is not moving. Predators do that to confuse prey. On my bike I am prey so I certainly don't want to confuse the predators waiting to cross in front of me. By swerving a bit, it eliminates the phenomena. When I am driving down the road and see someone sitting at an intersection, I swerve back and forth.
Something else I do, when I stop for road construction is put on my 4 way flashers until there is one car behind me. I have talked to many a flagger that have told me they sometimes wonder if they are invisible.
I turn on my modulated headlights whenever I approach an intersection that has stopped cars at it. The simple flick of a finger. They saved my butt 3 times within the first 2 month of getting them.
I recently restarted riding again and now do what I call wag the dog. Steer left and right rapidly looking weird hopefully getting attention of drivers looking my way .
That first thing was really interesting and makes a lot of sense. A driver sees part of the road is empty and assumes that whole area is empty. If that is the case then it seems appropriate to weave a little to take up more area in their view.
Valid Points!! Great advice for All Riders🤙
One of the things I do is use other cars visibility that are traveling the same way I am through an intersection. I travel through the intersection with them.
I sway back and forth a bit when i approach an intersection where I see cars turning left across my lane or right into my lane. This sway points the headlight at them and gets their attention.
Great tips. Also, I always try to make eye contact with the other driver, so even if their brain doesn’t register that there is a vehicle there, they’ll realize there’s a person there!
being weird is my jam.
My motoloot Elmo helmet cover, sure makes you visible! 😅
Love the modulator idea. First time hearing that one.
So that why peole wear those weird helmet covers with rabbit ears lol
Great tips, I got weird covered, by the way 😎
I’ve been told i was a bit weird so just need to work on 2 out of 3 ain’t bad
Come on now, Kev, where's the Panda head?! haha :)
I’m worried about you……lol.
Great job. I use the weave on every ride.
I use the flashing hazards as a tool.
I dim and brighten my head lights
Sure glad I heard about your channel. I'm an old Newbie as I just got my MC endorsement and I look to enjoy this thing we do without incident. Cheers!
Hi Rick, I have a lot of new rider videos here.
www.MCrider.com/newrider
One thing I do to be weird is when I am stopped at a light and a car is coming up behind me I stand up and raise my arms and stretch. This only works on level ground in neutral.
I stay in gear and ready to move until they stop.
SMIDSY is something I heard of lately! It is doing some movement when coming up on intersections
SMIDSY stands for "Sorry Mate (or Man), I Didn't See You" - the motorist's defence. 🙄
Great video you nailed that one
Be in position: here in Australia, at motorcycle school, we are told to position yourself where you would be sitting if you were driving a car.
Yes!
6:38 I do that slight weave.
Truths said here today
YES, YES & YES! THIS IS A GREAT SERVICE AND GREAT ADVISE TO ALL OF US SINGLE TRACK MACHINE OWNERS! I have been doing these things for over 20 years! This advice does indeed work!
If I may, I highly & strongly recommend the same approach for cages that come at us from the rear!!!! I have witnessed first hand how much more respect I get, once I started using the SKENE P3 system for rear conspicuity. The cages really show respect! ...... very much so !!!!!
Excellent advice.🙂
Awesome simply awesome
great tips, thanks
Lights are key.
I do the weave when approaching someone, especially when I can tell they really didn't give a good look my way. I also do a weave when traffic is stopping, quicker than expected. I try to barely touch my front brake lever a number of times to make the brake light come on and the weaving can also help to get the attention of the vehicle coming up behind me that may not be paying enough attention to see the traffic is slowing and stopping ahead.
GREETINGS FROM THE PPRC THANKS FOR THE GREAT INFORMATION 🇺🇸🇺🇸🏍️
Great advice! However I am fully against headlight modulators. I feel they should be banned.
Why?
PAUL must be a mortician and the headlight modulators are putting him out of business😂😂😂
Great video
Maybe we need to take a clue from hydroplane drivers who wear orange helmets so they can be found in the water. While I agree that weaving prior to an intersection is more likely to get you seen it may also attract the attention of the police. Just be prepared to explain yourself and be polite to the police officer. Keep the good stuff coming.
Top tips. Here's another I practice - during approach, strafing away from the intersecting road user to appear faster.
I installed additional daytime running lights and brake light modulators on all my bikes.
Hi vis baby!
SMIDSY
Good pts
If you can’t see them they can’t see you.
NEVER ride in blind spot of any vehicle.
I weave as I approach some intersections.
In cities, P lots ride with 2 fingers resting on brake lever to be quick and far less Abrupt on the Most Effective brake
Great video very good information to have on the road
My VStrom had a "passing" switch which allowed me to flash the brights. I used it a lot at intersections. I wish my Goldwing had that switch.
I flashed my lights once and the person took it as permission to proceed. I'm glad I was in a vehicle at the time. I don't flash anyone anymore.
That switch is just a shortcut for turning high beams on and off (which you can still do quickly with your thumb). My Kawasaki has that passing flasher switch (using first finger) -- I do use it when passing just in case.
Great tips as usual!
Another excellent topic and video on motorcycle safety. I’m so thankful of not only your video making ability but your realization of our need to be proactive in our own safety. Too many riders tend to put their own safety in the hands of the cars around them with their poor riding habits. You not only keep us sharp, you encourage us to become sharper. “Iron sharpens Iron” if you will.
Thanks for all you do with the constant reminders. God bless and I’ll see YOU on the road. 😉
I ride like no one can see at all. 🦯🦮