Motorbike riding techniques: Heavy traffic

Motorbike riding in heavy traffic
RIDING a motorbike safely requires both skill and judgement. But when riding in heavy traffic or in traffic jams, you need to be extra vigilant at all times especially when vehicles are slowing down or there appears to be overtaking space available on the right.
It’s never safe to overtake on the right, with passengers exiting taxis, vehicles turning right, or vehicles in front slowing down to let an oncoming vehicles turn left. In these cases the time required to brake safely is drastically reduced, even if you see the danger before it’s too late. In heavy traffic always drive slow enough to allow safe braking to avoid collisions.
Tourist areas of town
On entering these areas be extra aware of tourists and other pedestrians who are more concerned with the sights and sounds than following road safety regulations. Expect tourists to step out into the street without looking. And be especially alert when riding through these areas at night, when pedestrians under the effects of alcohol are an even greater potential hazard to road users.
Eyes in the back of your helmet
Tune your ability to anticipate what’s going to happen around you, be cautious, pay attention to oncoming cars and expect the vehicle in front to brake at any time without warning. Slow down at zebra crossings, intersections, and put your feelers out to help maintain that sixth sense.
Traffic lights
Never stop in the middle of the lane at a set of lights, even if the road is free. Always come to a stop either to the left or right to let other vehicles, which may be braking suddenly to avoid the lights, pull up beside. This helps avoid collisions.
A skill for life
Motorcycling is a skill for life and like any skill needs to be practised and constantly improved. If you’re returning to motorcycling after a lapse, ease yourself back into riding slowly and consider taking out a refresher-training course.
Every ride needs to be good and safe, think about when you have had near misses, been tired, distracted or angry at other road users, even stressed; all these day to day problems can affect your ability to ride and enjoy motorcycling. You need to develop your skills and abilities to deal with any situation.

We hope the information provided in this article is of interest. If you would like to contact Línea Directa please call 902 123 309 More information on Línea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.com