Comments on: Can Riding Slower Than The Traffic Be Dangerous?

By: Paul W

Paul W — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:43:47 +0000

The speed limit is the correct answer of course…it makes riding so much more difficult out there these days when a majority of other road users are doing the wrong thing though..
Good defencive roadcraft training is the key ..road positioning ..safety margins..scanning ahead …watching mirrors and shoulder checking have never been more paramount..
The thing I dislike the most is the modern traffic trend for other vehicles to tailgate each other …which is of course the reason for so many nose to tail accidents on near all roads these days…
People seem to have a dislike of using indicators maybe a sign of tough economic times ..not wishing to wear out those $3 bulbs..?
Watch the traffic ..if one driver fails to indicate on that roundabout correctly the 6 that follow will do the same (sheep syndrome)..many motorcyclists are the same and I have observed this in group ride situations..
Like I said us leading by example is a good start..
We can make a difference by leading by example.

By: malcolmchalmers

malcolmchalmers — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:13:29 +0000

Great post. I was very nervous at first, but after riding into work and back a few times my confidence really started to build. And after my advanced rider training at the end of the month I hope to be/feel even better.

I was once in a ’slower that everyone else’ situation. But only because I was the only one doing the speed limit!
What are you meant to do then? Go the same speed as everyone else or the speed limit?

By: spyderryderaus

spyderryderaus — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 22:06:47 +0000

I highly recommend the SMART program, I found that I knew most of the content- but hadn’t actively thought about it since I originally learnt it. Planning on going again this year, wonder what they will think about the Spyder? If you get nothing else out of (which I would be very suprised) it is a good day out with like minded bikers.

By: Paul W

Paul W — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:19:39 +0000

I personally believe that lack of Police is the real problem as Government turns towards the easy cash collection facility of camera units…

They are location specific and target one offence they don’t get the 3 bald tyres on the vehicle the cracked windscreen or the fact the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol..only an Officer actually stopping a vehicle has that observation !

By: kenny

kenny — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 08:22:54 +0000

Yes I feel the same as Paul on my daily trip up the M1 to Dreamworld, by the way, I think the “M” in M1 stands for mobile phone, it’s a huge problem. All the dangers are from behind, bar the last minute “3rd lane across” emergency exit at Smith street. My answer is to keep migrating to the lane with most space so I can keep on the speed limit.safe riding all

By: Paul W

Paul W — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 03:15:26 +0000

Well said ..and very accurate posting Steve…funnily though..

I feel like that Postie bike rider every time I go on the M1 as I sit on the speed limit all the other traffic goes past like I am sitting still..

Except when they all slow down for the speed cameras ..then 1klm up the road they roar off again..!!!!