superaar99
Wannabie Member
Don't know if my reaction was correct at this light, could have been rear-ended or t-boned. Let me know what you would have done.
General Did I Make A Mistake At This Light? Wwyd?
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Don't know if my reaction was correct at this light, could have been rear-ended or t-boned. Let me know what you would have done.
Kill Kitty
Wannabie Member
If I'm in a situation where a yellow would require me to emergency brake, I blow through it every time. My reasoning: because you can adjust your speed going through the light and easily see jumpers. You have a lot less control of avoiding something going wrong behind you. Also, cars starting out from the perpendicular road are not going to be accelerating that quickly since they were at a stop. However cars behind you must decelerate quickly and are probably more focused on getting through the yellow than what's stopped in front of them. There is also the possibility (probably your bike is ABS, but...) of locking the brakes and dumping your bike into the intersection.
Also I noticed when you were behind the car braking on the highway (going 50mph), you looked to be riding square in the middle of the lane, behind the license plate of the car. I NEVER ride there. Especially behind a car driving like that. Either the left or right lane position affords you a way better escape route around that car and in the case where a car behind you might rear-end you, you would be off to either side, allowing you to swerve and that vehicle behind you to swerve to avoid you if you know what I mean. Basically, just gives you more time to react because you have less obstacle to negotiate around. Not trying to criticize, I just think lane position is an underrated riding technique that can definitely save lives (I'm posting a vid on that topic next week)
That bike at the end was gorgeous btw. Ride safe!
Also I noticed when you were behind the car braking on the highway (going 50mph), you looked to be riding square in the middle of the lane, behind the license plate of the car. I NEVER ride there. Especially behind a car driving like that. Either the left or right lane position affords you a way better escape route around that car and in the case where a car behind you might rear-end you, you would be off to either side, allowing you to swerve and that vehicle behind you to swerve to avoid you if you know what I mean. Basically, just gives you more time to react because you have less obstacle to negotiate around. Not trying to criticize, I just think lane position is an underrated riding technique that can definitely save lives (I'm posting a vid on that topic next week)
That bike at the end was gorgeous btw. Ride safe!
mykb93
Do the math!
At UPS they teach us when approaching a stale green light (light that you didn't see turn green) is to make a decision point in your head of when you can safely stop or proceed even if the light turns yellow. Did you do anything wrong no... But always have that mentality to either make a safe smooth stop or proceed with caution.
superaar99
Wannabie Member
Hey thanks for the comment! I see your point about the light. Definitely would have had a lot more control of the situation if just ran the yellow light.
On the highway I understand your point. I choose that road position because cars on the left lane (almost stopped) tend to get impatient and jet out of their lane without indicating into the lane I was in. I prefer not to ride as close to that lane because any sort of peek out they make I'll have to make an evasive maneuver and loose my balance. Also, there is an on-ramp to my right and cars constantly try to join the highway so my being in the middle of the lane (in my mind) gives drivers around me in that situation the best visibility of where I am. I don't like to say "never" to do something because everything has exceptions, especially when you're on a situation with as many variables as the road. Lane position is definitely important and something I'm still working on, but what I have learned is that lane position has to be flexible depending on your surroundings. I basically just measured the potential dangers that could result in me riding in the middle (no one was behind me) rear-end vs a car getting impatient and invading my lane. RoadCraft Nottingham has a great video on this, I'll look for the link and post it.
Thanks for the view and your taking time to give me some feedback! Really appreciate it, look forward to your video.
Hey man, thanks a lot for the advice I'm going to start doing this. Appreciate your view and comment!
daHooligan
Wannabie Member
Most of the time I will drop a gear and blaze through the yellow if there is someone close behind me. If no one behind or if they are a ways back then Ill go ahead and stop and keep an eye on them in the mirror so I dont get plowed.
Runnin1ife
Wannabie Member
Ya go through the yellow especially of I am getting tailgated by a cager.
captf
Wannabie Member
UK based answer, so legality may not apply [dunno US rules]
Over here, amber means "stop if safe to do so". So, if it requires me to need to stop quickly, I'm going through that light. Especially if there's a car behind me and up my arse - because they sure as hell ain't stopping.
If I can easily stop though, I will.
Based on your distance, I'd have kept going.
Better lane positioning is effectively given as an advanced technique, even though good positioning makes for a much more enjoyable ride.
Over here, amber means "stop if safe to do so". So, if it requires me to need to stop quickly, I'm going through that light. Especially if there's a car behind me and up my arse - because they sure as hell ain't stopping.
If I can easily stop though, I will.
Based on your distance, I'd have kept going.
In the UK, you're initially taught to ride there, as the "dominant position" - it dissuades people trying to steal your position in the lane. It also requires the least thought in maintaining.
Better lane positioning is effectively given as an advanced technique, even though good positioning makes for a much more enjoyable ride.
