Junctions

Junctions are always an area of potential hazard and mistakes can happen when vehicles are forced to cross each other's paths – so take heed.

Dealing with junctions can be split into two main areas:
•    Approaching a junction
•    Using a junction

Both situations require you to assess the situation, think, consider your action and always try to minimise any risk.

We’ve put in some easy steps to help you handle these situations with a bit more confidence and ease:

Step 1: The plan of action

As you approach a junction your plan of action needs to take into account that other road users may not be thinking the same way as you.

So, always consider things like:

• Am I in the right position on the road?
• Have I given the other drivers on the road the best chance of seeing me or being aware of me?
• Remember that motorcycles are a lot less visible than other vehicles, so you need to make yourself as visible as possible.

Do not assume that you must have ‘right of way’. You may legally have right of way, but you will still come off worse in any accident.

Step 2: Is my approach speed correct and can I stop?

Try to consider the following:

• What’s behind me?
• Can I stop safely before something serious happens?
• Am I in the correct gear to react?
• Does my signal, position and speed make it clear what my intentions are?

Step 3: Drivers/riders of other vehicles

• Do not assume that the driver has seen you, even if he is looking in your direction.
• Assume the worst case scenario and plan for that, remember ideally, you need an escape plan (that plan could be as simple as ‘stop’)

Negotiating Traffic

One of the best things about being on two wheels is that you can make progress through slow or stationary traffic. But remember,  if you do so car drivers quite often will not see you. They are probably not expecting you to be there in the first place, you are smaller and may not be easily visible to them so you need to take a bit of extra care.  Position yourself  to see and be seen.

The most important thing when filtering through heavy traffic is for your concentration to be focused; you need to be aware of all things around you.

Be very aware of:

• Vehicles emerging from side junctions between other vehicles in your lane – especially when you’re next to a tall vehicle and can’t see properly.
• Look at the other drivers – make sure they are concentrating on the road.
• If you’re riding between a line of cars, actively look for indications of what the driver and passengers are doing – make sure none of them are getting out, as this could mean a door being opened on you.
• Be aware of vehicles suddenly changing lanes.
• When you overtake, look out for the vehicle you’re about to pass moving into your path.
• Be very aware of pedestrians and cyclists – especially cyclists as they nip in and out of lanes. Pedestrians particularly children may step out in front of you.
• Pay special attention to road surfaces – potholes, paint studs and poor surfaces. Make sure you’re aware of the road signs that might warn you of these sorts of hazards.
• When at a pedestrian crossing do not overtake the vehicle nearest to the crossing as this vehicle may hide a pedestrian/child.  Such a manoeuvre is also an endorsable offence!

Remember, do take the opportunity to make progress, but don’t take chances and stay within the law.

Bends

Losing control while going around a bend is probably the biggest cause of incidents involving motorcycles. Always remember that left hand bends present a bigger problem because if you lose control here you generally end up sliding towards oncoming traffic.

When cornering on a motorcycle you should always be aware of:

• Your position on the road – have you given yourself the best view of the bend?
• Your speed when entering the corner – are you going too fast for that particular corner or your skill? Adjust your speed before entering the corner, not whilst negotiating the bend. Be sensitive to your body reaction, if you are feeling tense you are probably going too fast.
• The gear your bike is in – use of  a responsive gear will help you control the machine and could determine whether you could use your throttle to react to a situation.
• Your safe stopping distance – can you stop in the distance you can see, and on your own side of the road, if you need to? Always take the road conditions into consideration as your stopping distance will vary from day to day.

There are often little things you can look out for to give you information on the approaching corner. These little signals include:

• Chevron signs; these are a clear indication of a sharp bend.
• Road markings like ‘slow’ – they’re there for a reason!
• Tree lines, hedgerows or telegraph poles - all give an indication of which way the road bends.
• Vanishing points are a very good way to assess the severity of a bend.  We recommend that you ask an advanced instructor for an explanation.

Some of the most competent riders in the UK are Police riders. They use a specific system that consists of five main parts.

1) Information  - consider all the information available to you, both in front and behind, and allow for changes in the road surface, potholes or gravel and the effect that weather conditions have on the road.

2) Position – position yourself to minimize risks, assess all the hazards around you and be prepared to change position if the situation changes.  You should ride in a defensive manner to protect yourself but take care not to become too assertive/aggressive in your riding.  Ultimately you are the vulnerable road user and must protect yourself.

3) Speed – travel at a speed that you feel comfortable with and that allows you time to react. Be realistic in your assessment of your own capabilities - you  control the bike at all times,  not the other way round. Go into a bend slow and come out quick – going in too fast leaves little room for correction.

4) Gear – you may have heard the phrase ‘the throttle works both ways,’ but it will only do this if you have a responsive gear selected, so continually monitor your choice of gear.

5) Acceleration –acceleration must be progressive to maintain a good weight distribution to your tyres. Smooth use of the throttle is the hallmark of a good rider and reduces the likelihood of losing control.

Remember poor observation leads to poor anticipation and late planning – you are more likely to make a rash decision if you haven’t given yourself time to consider all the options.

Riding with a group of friends makes for a really rewarding time, but riding in groups does increase the risk of succumbing to peer pressure. The most important thing when riding in a group is to trust your own judgement and never doubt it. There may be  quicker riders - though that doesn’t necessarily make them better riders – but stick to your own limits. That way your life on two wheels will be a lot of fun.