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what part of the lain should a motorcycle drive on?
Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 9:00 am
by Robert Waters
I heard someone say that it was a state law that motorcycles must drive on the left side of the lain. However, I took the Arkansas motorcycle driver's test and don't remember anything like that, nor had I ever previously heard of such a thing.
Perhaps someone would be willing to write something about the law and also what about where and when it is the most safe to drive. I do like to drive on the inside lain most of the time because I believe it allows for more visibility and maneuverability if necessary to avoid something. I think driving on the right hand side of the road (especially at night) where there are lots of deer is more dangerous than driving on the left side of the lain.
Your thoughts will be appreciated.
Robert
TotalHealth.bz
Focus On Truth
---------------------------------
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what part of the lain should a motorcycle drive on?
Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 9:25 am
by Mike Frey
I don't think that there are any state laws that require the bike to
be on one side or the other. The most important thing is visibility:
you being able to see others, and others being able to see you.
I favor being just to the left of center. On a narrow road, I will
move closer to center (or even over to the right) when I see an
oncoming vehicle. Another thing to remember is that, when you take a
curve, you are going to be leaning. You don't want to be so far to
the left (or right) that you will lean into the oncoming lane.
Some will say ride on the right hand side of the lane. Nothing wrong
with this, unless you become less visible.
Center of the lane is usually worst - that's where road debris is
found - oil, stones, etc.
Mike
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Robert Waters
wrote:
>
> I heard someone say that it was a state law that motorcycles must
drive on the left side of the lain. However, I took the Arkansas
motorcycle driver's test and don't remember anything like that, nor
had I ever previously heard of such a thing.
>
> Perhaps someone would be willing to write something about the law
and also what about where and when it is the most safe to drive. I
do like to drive on the inside lain most of the time because I
believe it allows for more visibility and maneuverability if
necessary to avoid something. I think driving on the right hand side
of the road (especially at night) where there are lots of deer is
more dangerous than driving on the left side of the lain.
>
> Your thoughts will be appreciated.
>
> Robert
>
>
>
>
>
> TotalHealth.bz
> Focus On Truth
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from
someone who knows.
> Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
what part of the lain should a motorcycle drive on?
Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 9:39 am
by Randy
Don't know about the laws of the land, but if riding individually we
promote whichever third of the lane puts the rider in the best
position to see and be seen. This means utilizing the width of the
lane to your advantage, considering the riding environment is
dynamic, always changing. I'm not a fan of group riding, but when
the group goes from a staggard formation to single-file
(translation: ride your own ride), the same applies and more space
is put between the bikes.
Randy Kuklis
Senior Instructor
Stayin'Safe Motorcycle Training
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Robert Waters
wrote:
>
> I heard someone say that it was a state law that motorcycles must
drive on the left side of the lain. However, I took the Arkansas
motorcycle driver's test and don't remember anything like that, nor
had I ever previously heard of such a thing.
>
> Perhaps someone would be willing to write something about the
law and also what about where and when it is the most safe to
drive. I do like to drive on the inside lain most of the time
because I believe it allows for more visibility and maneuverability
if necessary to avoid something. I think driving on the right hand
side of the road (especially at night) where there are lots of deer
is more dangerous than driving on the left side of the lain.
>
> Your thoughts will be appreciated.
>
> Robert
>
>
>
>
>
> TotalHealth.bz
> Focus On Truth
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from
someone who knows.
> Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
what part of the lain should a motorcycle drive on?
Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 10:00 am
by Jeff Saline
On Fri, 5 Oct 2007 07:00:44 -0700 (PDT) Robert Waters
writes:
> I heard someone say that it was a state law that motorcycles must
> drive on the left side of the lain. However, I took the Arkansas
> motorcycle driver's test and don't remember anything like that, nor
> had I ever previously heard of such a thing.
>
> Perhaps someone would be willing to write something about the law
> and also what about where and when it is the most safe to drive. I
> do like to drive on the inside lain most of the time because I
> believe it allows for more visibility and maneuverability if
> necessary to avoid something. I think driving on the right hand side
> of the road (especially at night) where there are lots of deer is
> more dangerous than driving on the left side of the lain.
>
> Your thoughts will be appreciated.
>
> Robert
<><><><><><><><><>
<><><><><><><><><>
Robert,
Looks like you're getting some really good info about how to pick the
part of the lane that you should be riding in.
I've never heard about a law saying which part of the lane you have to
use. In some states it's ok to lane share with another vehicle. I think
California allows lane splitting. In South Dakota it's illegal to ride
side by side.
There was a recent discussion on what part of the lane to use on the
airheads list. Sorry I can't point you to it. But all the MSF
experienced riders classes I've taken have briefly discussed lane
position. I bet you could google more info on this than you'd care to
read. : )
I don't/won't ride in groups that want to ride close together or do
formation type riding. That just seems too dangerous to me. I'm not
comfortable allowing folks I don't know ride close to me as I don't want
to get run over.
I personally use the entire lane as I see fit. And whomever pointed out
it's a good idea to not let any part of your bike go outside lane, in
turns or when going straight, sure made a good point in my estimation. I
see that happen often in the Black Hills. And I know of a few accidents
that happened this riding season where folks were hurt or killed because
someone got out of their lane.
I bet a quick call to the Highway Patrol could get you an answer on lane
positioning in your state.
Thanks for bringing up a safety issue with our sport.
Best,
Jeff Saline
ABC # 4412 South Dakota Airmarshal
Airheads Beemer Club
www.airheads.org
The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota
75 R90/6, 03 KLR650, 79 R100RT
what part of the lain should a motorcycle drive on?
Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 10:35 am
by raleturn
I ride on the side of the lane that gives me the best protection.
For example I ride in the N. Ga mountains often, and I hug the white
line. Why may you ask; the answer is simple. I do not have to pay
for another's mistake if they blow a corner. I have seen bikes as
well as campers cut across my side of the yellow line, and it would
not have been pretty if I were there.
On the interstate mind you I normally ride on the left side of the
lane which allows me to go from one lane to the next with ease.
Currently Ga does not permit lane splitting, so I try to position
myself in the safest positon for me.
Another defensive move I use is either be to the inside or the
outside of the car ahead of me at a stop. That way if a person
behind me chooses not to stop hopefully I will not get squished like
a bug between them.
To make a long story short, I try to choose the side of the lane
which gives me the most safety and gives me an out if I need one.
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Jeff Saline wrote:
>
> On Fri, 5 Oct 2007 07:00:44 -0700 (PDT) Robert Waters
> writes:
> > I heard someone say that it was a state law that motorcycles must
> > drive on the left side of the lain. However, I took the Arkansas
> > motorcycle driver's test and don't remember anything like that,
nor
> > had I ever previously heard of such a thing.
> >
> > Perhaps someone would be willing to write something about the
law
> > and also what about where and when it is the most safe to drive.
I
> > do like to drive on the inside lain most of the time because I
> > believe it allows for more visibility and maneuverability if
> > necessary to avoid something. I think driving on the right hand
side
> > of the road (especially at night) where there are lots of deer is
> > more dangerous than driving on the left side of the lain.
> >
> > Your thoughts will be appreciated.
> >
> > Robert
> <><><><><><><><><>
> <><><><><><><><><>
>
> Robert,
>
> Looks like you're getting some really good info about how to pick
the
> part of the lane that you should be riding in.
>
> I've never heard about a law saying which part of the lane you have
to
> use. In some states it's ok to lane share with another vehicle. I
think
> California allows lane splitting. In South Dakota it's illegal to
ride
> side by side.
>
> There was a recent discussion on what part of the lane to use on the
> airheads list. Sorry I can't point you to it. But all the MSF
> experienced riders classes I've taken have briefly discussed lane
> position. I bet you could google more info on this than you'd care
to
> read. : )
>
> I don't/won't ride in groups that want to ride close together or do
> formation type riding. That just seems too dangerous to me. I'm
not
> comfortable allowing folks I don't know ride close to me as I don't
want
> to get run over.
>
> I personally use the entire lane as I see fit. And whomever
pointed out
> it's a good idea to not let any part of your bike go outside lane,
in
> turns or when going straight, sure made a good point in my
estimation. I
> see that happen often in the Black Hills. And I know of a few
accidents
> that happened this riding season where folks were hurt or killed
because
> someone got out of their lane.
>
> I bet a quick call to the Highway Patrol could get you an answer on
lane
> positioning in your state.
>
> Thanks for bringing up a safety issue with our sport.
>
> Best,
>
> Jeff Saline
> ABC # 4412 South Dakota Airmarshal
> Airheads Beemer Club
www.airheads.org
> The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota
> 75 R90/6, 03 KLR650, 79 R100RT
>
what part of the lain should a motorcycle drive on?
Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 11:38 am
by Michael Nelson
On Fri, Oct 05, 2007 at 02:39:45PM -0000, Randy wrote:
> Don't know about the laws of the land, but if riding individually we
> promote whichever third of the lane puts the rider in the best
> position to see and be seen. This means utilizing the width of the
> lane to your advantage, considering the riding environment is
> dynamic, always changing.
That's what I do. I visualize the lane being in thirds. Generally when
riding in a straight section in a wooded area I will ride in the middle of
the left third... my reason is that it gives me just a fraction of a second
longer to react to a deer running out in front of me.
I try to spend as little time as possible in the middle of any lane, because
that is where the flat tires live.
When I see a left curve approaching I move over into the center of the right
third. When I see a right curve ahead I will move into the center of the
left third. The rationale for this on lefts is so my head and upper body
aren't leaning over the centerline, and on rights it's so I can see as far
as possible through the turn.
On undivided (no painted centerline) narrow roads my philosophy changes.
Since most of the roads like that I ride are canyon roads, visibility on
rights is often blocked by a hillside. I tend to hug the right real close
on blind rights. Yes I realize this increases the chances I will ride over
gravel or dirt that has rolled down the hill, but I figure it's easier to
quickly widen your line than tighten it.
On blind lefts on these undivided narrow canyon roads I square the corner
off, ie: I hug the right side of the road deep into the corner and only
committ to the left turn after I can see around it. I can't tell you how
many times this has saved my life, because if there is a car or truck coming
the other way you can be certain they will be smack dab in the middle of the
road without any concern for oncoming traffic.
So, on a divided road, I use my lane however I see fit, and that means using
pretty much all of it depending on conditions. On undivided, narrow canyon
roads I use as little of the lane as possible and stay to the right unless I
can see up ahead.
Michael
--
"It's not what I don't understand about religion that bothers me, it's what
I do understand." -- Mark Twain
San Francisco, CA
what part of the lain should a motorcycle drive on?
Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:57 am
by hobbhavnklr650
Not familar with any laws governing the lane position for
motorcycles, but I can tall you four reasons I ride to the left side
of the lane.
1)I can be seen more easily by other vehicles.
2)I can see other vehicles more easily.
3)I have more room to respond to a road hazard (rock, moose)
4)I claim the entire lane. If you ride to the right side of the
lane, other vehicles will take advantage and use the left side when
passing. I don't like that.
Keith
Idaho KLR
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Robert Waters
wrote:
>
> I heard someone say that it was a state law that motorcycles must
drive on the left side of the lain. However, I took the Arkansas
motorcycle driver's test and don't remember anything like that, nor
had I ever previously heard of such a thing.
>
> Perhaps someone would be willing to write something about the
law and also what about where and when it is the most safe to
drive. I do like to drive on the inside lain most of the time
because I believe it allows for more visibility and maneuverability
if necessary to avoid something. I think driving on the right hand
side of the road (especially at night) where there are lots of deer
is more dangerous than driving on the left side of the lain.
>
> Your thoughts will be appreciated.
>
> Robert
>
>
>
>
>
> TotalHealth.bz
> Focus On Truth
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from
someone who knows.
> Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
what part of the lain should a motorcycle drive on?
Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 12:36 pm
by Luc Legrain
Darn... I keep looking at this post,the replies,the
re:,re:, something does not tick..is it lain ? or lane
? could it be lien? or " any well define route or
channel ". I know.. it's L.A.N.E .right ?
Seriously, my state book states that a motorcycle has
full use of the road between the white and yellow .
Left is better for me ( I'm a Liberal.. )
--- hobbhavnklr650 wrote:
> Not familar with any laws governing the lane
> position for
> motorcycles, but I can tall you four reasons I ride
> to the left side
> of the lane.
>
> 1)I can be seen more easily by other vehicles.
> 2)I can see other vehicles more easily.
> 3)I have more room to respond to a road hazard
> (rock, moose)
> 4)I claim the entire lane. If you ride to the right
> side of the
> lane, other vehicles will take advantage and use the
> left side when
> passing. I don't like that.
>
> Keith
> Idaho KLR
>
>
> --- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Robert Waters
>
> wrote:
> >
> > I heard someone say that it was a state law that
> motorcycles must
> drive on the left side of the lain. However, I took
> the Arkansas
> motorcycle driver's test and don't remember anything
> like that, nor
> had I ever previously heard of such a thing.
> >
> > Perhaps someone would be willing to write
> something about the
> law and also what about where and when it is the
> most safe to
> drive. I do like to drive on the inside lain most
> of the time
> because I believe it allows for more visibility and
> maneuverability
> if necessary to avoid something. I think driving on
> the right hand
> side of the road (especially at night) where there
> are lots of deer
> is more dangerous than driving on the left side of
> the lain.
> >
> > Your thoughts will be appreciated.
> >
> > Robert
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > TotalHealth.bz
> > Focus On Truth
> >
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------
> > Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship
> answers from
> someone who knows.
> > Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been
> removed]
> >
>
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________________
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what part of the lain should a motorcycle drive on?
Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 2:29 pm
by revmaaatin
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Luc Legrain wrote:
>
> Darn... I keep looking at this post,the replies,the
> re:,re:, something does not tick..is it lain ? or lane
> ? could it be lien? or " any well define route or
> channel ". I know.. it's L.A.N.E .right ?
> Seriously, my state book states that a motorcycle has
> full use of the road between the white and yellow .
> Left is better for me ( I'm a Liberal.. )
> --- hobbhavnklr650 wrote:
Hmmm.
Like anything, to far to the 'left' or to the 'right', playing/living
in that area will likely get you ejected from the game, however you
define the rules/game. What ever your track position or line, it is
worse when lanes are wet, and double worse should you attempt to use
the painted left-yellow, or the right-white as useable pavement. Those
lines are definitly out-of-bounds when wet. Should it be necessary to
cross those boundary lines, attempt to stand the bike vertical (if
practical). Same for braking. Not much traction at a wet intersection
on the painted surfaces.
revmaaatin.
what part of the lain should a motorcycle drive on?
Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2007 12:02 pm
by E.L. Green
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "hobbhavnklr650" wrote:
>
> Not familar with any laws governing the lane position for
> motorcycles, but I can tall you four reasons I ride to the left side
> of the lane.
>
> 1)I can be seen more easily by other vehicles.
> 2)I can see other vehicles more easily.
> 3)I have more room to respond to a road hazard (rock, moose)
> 4)I claim the entire lane. If you ride to the right side of the
> lane, other vehicles will take advantage and use the left side when
> passing. I don't like that.
All those are good reasons and one reason why my KLR tires are usually in the left tire
tracks of the car in front of me, but one thing I will say is don't be doctrinaire. It's all
about expecting cagers to do the worst thing, and doing what gives you the best chance to
avoid cagers when they do that worst thing. If I'm in the passing lane of an Interstate
highway, for example, I'm pretty much in the middle of the lane because it gives me more
time to react and get to the left shoulder if someone yanks into the passing lane in front
of me, I'm not in the left of the lane though because I'm not visible enough there, but if I'm
in an exit lane I move to the right of the lane because I'm expecting any moment for a
cager to the left of me to move into my lane without looking and I need the space to give
me time to hit the shoulder. And if I'm passing a car, either on the left or the right, on a
freeway I move to the opposite side of the lane I'm in to give me more room in case the
car suddenly decides he wants my lane. That's saved my life a couple of times.
Then there's twisty mountain roads, but that's been covered elsewhere. The deal is, expect
that around any blind corner there's an oncoming car and there's something lying in the
road, and position yourself (and *SLOW DOWN*) so you can deal with it. Sure saved my life
when I rounded a blind corner and there were two deer standing in the middle of the road.
Because I had *SLOWED DOWN*, I could come to a stop and honk at them for about fifteen
seconds as they stared at me, before they finally decided to bound off the road.
In short, expect the worst, and put yourself in the best position to either prevent it (e.g.
make yourself more visible, make it clear that you have ownership of a lane) or to cope
with it if it happens (e.g. when passing on a divided highway, move to the opposite third
of the lane in case the car suddenly decides to veer into your lane). On any given trip, I
use the whole lane, left, right, and center. I'll mostly be at the dividing line between the
left third and the center third, but I'll move around as necessary to make sure I'm visible
and have sufficient reaction time to deal with stupid things drivers do.
-E