STREET SMART

[minskclubber]

i've been riding for abt 2 weeks since i got my first bike.. passed early last month.

 

almost knocked into the taxi that filtered into my lane suddenly today on cte.

usually many cars do that in front of me.. i will just brake (and pray the car behind dun bang me) and let them come in.

but this taxi cut in right in front of me like that.. i was just a few cm away from his boot.. lucky nv bang. but generally i feel safer on expressway usually cos everyone just keeps straight, unlike at junction.. deadrockstar, hope ur ok and u found witnesses also..

[ORen]

Traffic nowadays is just one word. Crazy

 

Can't agree more. That's when HOV comes is very very handy !

[GrandmasteR]

hey guys, did anyone make a compilation of all the tips in 1 format? i want that so i can browse through everything without having to go through so many posts

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

That is a good thought, since I'm a secretary by profession and all

 

There was once I proposed doing up a convoy procedures manual but there was no interest.

 

I could compile something for what you proposed quite fast, if there is interest

[GrandmasteR]

That is a good thought, since I'm a secretary by profession and all

 

There was once I proposed doing up a convoy procedures manual but there was no interest.

 

I could compile something for what you proposed quite fast, if there is interest

 

not a convoy procedures manual, just a compilation of all the tips in this thread. not many of us go on convoys lolx

 

it would be helpful for new riders like me

[Spectrum]

i've been riding for abt 2 weeks since i got my first bike.. passed early last month.

 

almost knocked into the taxi that filtered into my lane suddenly today on cte.

usually many cars do that in front of me.. i will just brake (and pray the car behind dun bang me) and let them come in.

but this taxi cut in right in front of me like that.. i was just a few cm away from his boot.. lucky nv bang. but generally i feel safer on expressway usually cos everyone just keeps straight, unlike at junction.. deadrockstar, hope ur ok and u found witnesses also..

 

Welcome to Riding... Minskclubber,

 

It is very important to be aware of the traffic around u.

Meaning... 360 deg.

No easy but with experience... u can predict what other vehicles be doing..

Cutting into your lane...

I have 2 micky mouse mirrors & I do a constant scan "all the time"

That gives me time to avoid any close calls.

 

P Kitten: If u or anyone can compile all the safety post..

That be great..

Send me a copy: [email protected]

And I should be able to set up a new link for it.

 

But there is not really a hurry to go thru all the safety post..

As we should remind ourself not to be in a hurry when we ride...

What we hope is somewhere along the journey thru "Street Smart"

U recieve Enlightenment! Understanding the roads & it's user.

 

Happy Chinese New Year! Everyone!

Edited February 10, 2011 by Spectrum

[beau710]

Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic.

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Watch TV Online

[endlessloop]

I am taking a retrospective review of my own riding skills, after 16 years of riding.

 

I would like to review what were the mistakes that I made, or the unskilful riding techniques that yielded undesirable results.

 

For what purpose?

1) As a reminder to myself to avoid being complacent. After being accident-free for a prolong period, I do sometimes have humanly thoughts and become complacent and wonder how can a rider possibly get into an accident. So this is to remind myself and others who have been safe for a long period, that we made silly mistakes before and we must be vigilant of ourselves.

2) A frank and honest admission from a rider. Very often, we riders often blame our accidents on other road users: cars, taxis, lorries, TP, dog, cat, etc. We feel wronged and misunderstood and we feel TP likes to blame us bikers when riders come out worse in an accident.

How often do you come across a rider who admitted his own mistakes and you get a chance to learn? So this can be a learning experience to other riders for rider admitting their own mistakes.

 

 

 

Here are some of the mistakes that I made along the way:

 

1) I rode too near to the cars in front of me.

 

Yes, I learnt the two second rule in riding and driving school. But on the road, I did not practise it. I rode nearer to the car in front of me thinking I will surely be alert enough to see danger in front because as a rider, I can see over cars. Furthermore, I convinced myself that I have above-average braking skill to get bail me out if I do need to e-brake.

 

What is the consequence?

I had several very nasty hail-mary-jam-brakes resulting in very close shaves--sometimes only 10 cm away from the car in front, sometimes touching the car bumper, sometimes have to find the extra little braking space by wedging myself in-between cars or in-between the car and the divider.

 

Though I managed to e-brake in time, each of this episode was very nerve wrecking and leave me wondering what-if-I-did not brake in time...

 

Sure, before each of this nasty e-brake, my less-than-sufficient riding clearance from the vehicle in front always seemed sufficient. But it was always like that until when I had to find out it was insufficient.

 

So how does the problem go away?

I am more patient in my riding now and pick my spots (or pockets) to ride. I practise cocoon of space. I no longer take any overtaking opportunities offered to me. For overtaking opportunities are aplenty and will alway come by and my life is definitely worth more than being late.

I pass up gaps that are squeezed by cars and wait patiently for the bigger gap or cocoon to come by. I know I do not have to wait long. Then I take those position. And ride merrily along my journey. Those nasty e-brake episodes disappears.

 

When my cocoon gets compromised along the way by a tailgater that joined behind me, I recognise my cocoon is no longer a cocoon but a trap. I withdraw to the next lane and wait for a new cocoon to appear. I must admit I am human and sometimes, I still stubbornly hold on to my position. But it is always trying and tiring and frustrating throughout my stubborn hold.

 

Practising Hazard Oriented Vision (HOV) also helps a lot, especially no non-expressways where cocoons are hard to find.

 

Now I can see traffic way ahead (over hundred meter to several hundred meters ahead) coming to an unexpected stop. I see a "sea of red" car brake lights appearing. And I would already gradually start slowing down, just a pilot start his gradual descent to the airport way before. It becomes another gentle rolling stop instead of a sudden e-brake session.

 

 

 

 

2. My field of vision was too narrow. I only paid attention to my own immediate lane when I ride.

 

As a result, when I rode pass minor roads, I will suddenly find a car move out from the minor road and "wanting" to cut dangerously into my riding path. (Para1) I have to jam brake, sound my horn loudly (but car still comes out) and it infuriates me because I think the driver is out to get me.

 

Even when I ride along the broad big expressways, I would be happily enjoying my ride and I would be suddenly awoken from my blissful ride when a car cut sharply and dangerously very close in front of me. Repeat Para1.

 

So what do I do now and how does the problem go away?

The problem is no longer present or is really very rare. Could be because I practise Hazard Oriented Vision (HOV). With HOV, it means I the field of my vision is broader. It covers adjacent lanes in addition to my own riding lane.

Now, I see cars awaiting in the minor road to move into the major road. Mentally, I have already taken note of them and am already prepared way in advanced.

Somehow, cars do less of these last-mini-second-cut-into-my lane, or I already see in advanced when they gently moved into my lane with no malicious intent and I can slow down in advanced.

Cars drivers these days also seldom do drastic and dangerous lane switching into my lane, in my present view. I already noticed "suspicious" drivers who might change into my lane when I ride next to them, and is already prepared for them.

These "suspicious" drivers, I often see their face--an uncle with a desparate face trying to change lane as it seems he is lost and has should have taken the fast approaching exit; a driver looking at his rear view mirror while trying to change lane, but he did not crank his neck to check blind spot.

 

 

 

 

3. I fish tail my rear wheel a couple of times when I jam brake, or the jam brake is so hard, I am unbalanced at the end of the jam brake (means I need to use strength in my legs to support my unstablished bike), or I had to do the flintstone stop (I already jam brake but still not enough stopping power and the last part I had to use my legs to brake)--this of course only works for the lighter 2b bikes.

 

Such unbalanced jam brakes result from with "the cars in front of me suddenly stopped".

It could be the result of Point 1. where I rode too near to cars in front or I do not see far enough.

 

This problem goes away, not so much because I have acquired excellent e-brake skill, but because I practise HOV. I see the stoppages much more in advanced and can gradually come to a stop instead of doing last ditch braking. As a result, I seldom have to e-brakes these days. I only need to use my front brakes (but because my FZ1 have powerful front anchors). My brake pads last a long long time before needing replacement. My fuel efficiency is better other riders riding similar bikes even though I do not ride a tortoise pace on the road.

 

That is the list for now. I have to go and will be back if I think of other reflections.

 

Other riders, if you would like to do similar retrospective review of yourself and admit your own mistakes, do feel free to contribute.

Edited April 3, 2011 by endlessloop

[ORen]

Excellent post Endless, thanks a lot for sharing these thoughts

 

A couple weeks ago, my bike turned 1 year old and so did my rider self.

I then came back to this thread to read a few pages to remind myself of things I have forgotten during this year.

 

I'm only a 1 year old rider so experience is still at embryo stage, but I recognize each point you made for having experienced it.

 

I wanted to do a similar post but got lazy. You put the inspiration and motivation back into me

 

Before I share a few things about my mistakes and corrective actions, I'd like to say something about drivers. Agree they're not out there to get us and agree they are not evil and riders have responsibility too. But if a driver does not check his blind lost, I have no understanding to offer him. If a driver does not inch out from a minor road to really get a clear view of incoming traffic I do not have any compassion for them. If a driver is lost and jam brakes or suddenly changes lanes "anyhow" I can't say I understand.

 

We are all road users. Doesn't mater what vehicle we drive or ride. You're on the road you HAVE TO do the basics : blind-spots, checks, signaling early, controlling your speed and vehicle, obeying traffic rules. It's not an option for when you feel like it. It's not an option for only the best road users. It's not even a choice. It's a mandatory, MUST DO type of actions, an obligation. It's what every driving school will teach anywhere you get your license. It's what you agreed to learn and practice in exchange for getting "permission" to go out there and be a driver.

 

Now I am not being naive here. Of course people will do whatever they want if rules are not reinforced and there's nothing we can do about that. But I for one will not find excuses or reasons to explain other road users bad behavior. Yes we all make mistakes. Yes we all sometimes forget to signal before turning. Fine. But you can tell some drivers just don't care. I was following this guy one day: he made 5 turns along the route and never signaled his turns. Never. Not once.

 

You'll see below why I want to make a point on this. I agree 100% that we have to anticipate and ride "against" other users mistakes but it infuriates me how some drivers have no sense of driving basics whatsoever.

 

 

Ok, on to the retrospective after 1 year of riding - mistakes and corrective actions:

 

1. Cars coming into my lane, forcing me to either brake quite suddenly or move to another lane, with lots of horning and insults in my native tongue my mother wouldn't be happy about. It pisses me off to no extend, especially when I have a pillion. I go mad. I want to freeze the scene, get off my bike and scream at the driver and ask him how much of a murderer he woke up to be this morning.

This applies to minor-to-major road situations but also to lane changes without signaling. I find that in Singapore people are extremely found of them. "Anyhow" mindset at all times: "I want to go there, I just go there. I don't signal, I don't check, I just go there. And I don't care if I barely have space to fit my vehicle because the others will make space for me because I want to go there so they have to let me."

 

Corrective action:

 

- Anticipate. God knows it's frustrating after a while to always ride to escape other people's dumbness but it's the safest way. HOV to the max baby. On roads I'm familiar with, I know where all the minor incoming roads are. I can see the car waiting to get in. I either horn, or flash my high beam. In any case, I slow down. A lot.

 

- Assume you are The Invisible Rider. They will not see you. Have those X-Vision lights fully ON at night on top of your high beamed headlight ? They won't see you. Wearing a high Viz vest on top of your jacket ? They won't see you. Trust me, I tried all those. They will not see you. Always assume you're on the invisible bike and slow down, take extra steps to make yourself seen, I've explained above how I do that.

 

2. Aggressive lane splitting : by this I mean that feeling when you're riding when you just can't possibly imagine being stuck. You're on a bike damn it, it's not to get stuck. You turn into a cup KIA demon, regardless of your bike's model. Squeeze. Get in. Get out. Squeeze. Brake, 1st gear, slide between cars mirrors, open clutch, maneuver, clutch in 2nd gear, pick up speed, lame split some more. Y'all know what I mean if you've had the lane splitting demon in you. Doesn't matter if you're late or not. You must lane split because bikes belong at the stop light in front and not ridiculously stuck behind a bus.

 

By doing this I annoy car drivers, other riders sometimes, I experience a LOT of stress, I feel like riding is an excruciating sense stretch to make sure I don't hit anything or get hit. I also show other riders what not to do. I tell drivers that I'm yet another crazy bike rider who's careless.

 

Corrective action :

 

- Patience (more on this below)

 

- I don't lane split unless the cars are either stopped or very slow. I do it at very low speed. I try to avoid it on highways. I'll get late but I will not lane split on the expressway period. I sometimes turn my hazard lights on if I lane split in stuck traffic to help others see me. I always ask myself : do I have to lane split ? How long will it take for this light to turn green again and allow me to move off from where I am ? Do I need a break, how about for the next 10min I just chill and sing along with my iPod, taking it easy and pretend I'm driving a car ?

 

3. Impatience and anger.

 

This one is a work in progress. I'm not patient by nature, and I realized when I started riding that I had ZERO patience for other road users. I have not yet came to terms with the idea that "some stranger is going to have me killed or injured because he's an idiot ignorant imbecile who can't even check his blind spot" (That's what I'd say). I'm expecting everybody without a P-Plate to know and to follow the rules. And when they don't and I have to react to it, I get angry. My pillion said to me once "when you shake your head, I know you're upset and I'm afraid you'll do something stupid because I know it pissed you off". That was an eye opener for me. I thought I was merely being annoyed and judgmental with other road users . But when I heard that feedback, I realized it impacted me deeper. It changes the way I ride. I want to take that anger out on someone. The next moron who's gonna do a moronic thing is gonna make me even madder. Some rides it's just nerve wrecking from start to end because it feels like every single idiot was sent on my route to make me nuts.

 

Some of you might smile at this but it's true, I get so worked up it's ridiculous. I horn. I curse. I think I am still in control, but if 10min later I tell someone about it, it means I'm not over it and it could affect how I ride. I think thanks to my very wuss nature (i.e you will not get me on that G-MAX thing if you paid me for it), I'm prudent, cautious and not into speed. So it balances the anger and stress a bit but I have to get better at handling it.

 

Corrective actions :

 

- I try to not get angry at road users when they do something I predicted. I don't call it HOV but HDI : He'll Do It. I anticipate that a driver is gonna do something stupid and bingo, he does it. So by anticipating, instead of getting angry at them, I feel sorry for them. And for the next person who'll cross their path..

 

- I remind myself sometimes while I'm riding that I make mistakes too. This morning going out of the car park I didn't check on my left. Yesterday when I did that u-turn, it was so wide I could've been riding on the pavement it wouldn't have been much different ! I also try to detach myself from the driver : there will be others and this guy probably is having a bad day (doesn't always work though..).

 

- I tell myself this is what riding is : the ability to predict other road users move and to become a master ninja at preventing them impacting me in any way. If I get angry, I'm on the loosing end. I have to become so good at anticipating and managing others on the road that it doesn't affect me. It happens but I'm not affected.

 

 

Voila, these are the big things I can think of when I look at improvement areas in my riding.

 

Things I think I do well that save me lots of stress and have made this year, a year free of any kind of accident :

- from the start I took the habit of SYSTEMATICALLY check my blind spot when I turn or lane change. I have blind spot mirrors and sometimes I know there's no one behind. I still turn my head. And when I do, I look. I look. I don't check, I look. I expect to see something, so I look for it. If it's only Grey asphalt then I'm good. Anything else, I stay steady right where I am.

 

- I never change my bike's course until I: 1. Check my mirrors 2. Blind spot check 3. Check in front. Then I change lane or turn. It saved me a lot of times...

 

- I don't speed up unless it's just me, the shining sky, a very long stretch of road and a happy song in my ears. I made a pact with myself to not speed up on short distances (no point doing 85km/h on Bukit Timah Road). I'm not talking about the speed you sometimes maintain to fit the traffic flow on the expressway. I'm talking about those times where everyone is so slow and you know you can be faster. Well, I look at my speedo, if it says 95 or 100, I'm happy and it's more than enough. My bike doesn't go over 130-140km/h anyway , but even when I'll get a bigger bike, if I want crazy speed, I'll pick an empty super long road and have at it on a Sunday morning early.

 

- I never ride when sleepy or tired. I never ride when I'm pissed or stressed by something at work or home. (yeah, I get mad at others on the road enough as it is haha..). I don't do trips I don't feel excited and cool about. So if I'm exhausted for whatever reason, I leave the bike at home or work.

 

- I try to avoid riding in the rain. I use WeatherLah iPhone app. It has a crowd cast function that allows users to say if it's raining where they are. Gives you a pretty accurate idea of where it rains. If weather lah says there will be rain on my route, I wait for the rain to stop. If I can't wait, I ride super slow and I except even more stupid things to happen on the road. I except my stopping distance to reduce, people to not see me, people to not see anything, people to be annoyed and stressed. Add to this slippery roads and crazy riders in slippers (I'd start a movement against riders riding in flip-flops if I didn't have anything better to do..) and I'm not hard to convince with a hot cup of teh-oh when it rains to stay put instead of riding.

 

- I always ride with full gear. It might not be directly linked to how safely I ride but I feel it is connected somehow. I feel more comfortable. I have a comfortable grip with my gloves on the handle bar, with my boots on the lower part of the bike. It helps me get into a riding mode: when you just stuff half a helmet on your head and jump on your bike the way you are and start riding, I bet it's not the same as when you gear up. Gearing up makes the ride a special thing. A dangerous thing. A risk. It's a reminder that riding isn't just hoping on a vroom vroom machine. It's road abrasion, skin burns, knees damaged, jaw crashing, handicap for life and death. When I gear up, I don't think of all this of course but I know my brain processes it as "ok I'm going on the bike now, I have to be prudent". And it helps prevent me from getting on the bike with anyone : I have a spare helmet and gloves/jacket (old ones). When a friend/colleagues wants a ride, they have to wear those too. If I don't have them , they're not getting a lift. I think this has helped me maintain for the past year a responsible attitude when it comes to riding.

 

- I ask for feedback a lot: recently a friend from the SBT group here on the forum was with me on a ride to JB. He said to me that at some point when I did a lane changing in JB it was very abrupt and the car behind me was only a few cm away. I couldn't recall when it happened, and I was surprised. But I took it onboard and I'm going to remember it. He said he was surprised because I'm all about safety and he's never seen me do something like that before. That night, the group was riding quite fast and I didn't want to loose the sight of them. Plus, the traffic wasn't that heavy. Well, I probably became complacent. The image I have of my riding may not be accurate: the feedback helped me remember I must always be careful and seek to improve and not take the things I think I do well, for granted.

 

I always ask my pillion "how was the ride?" and if they got uncomfortable or scared or if they think I could've done something differently. Whether they are riders themselves or not. I think it's very useful to hear from others what they think of how you ride, it will give you clear clues on what to improve.

 

 

 

Ok, that's it for the mega post. Thanks for reading all the way to here, I hope this will be helpful to others the same way the previous post was helpful to me!

 

Edited April 4, 2011 by O'Ren

[xavw]

- I try to avoid riding in the rain. I use WeatherLah iPhone app. It has a crowd cast function that allows users to say if it's raining where they are. Gives you a pretty accurate idea of where it rains. If weather lah says there will be rain on my route, I wait for the rain to stop. If I can't wait, I ride super slow and I except even more stupid things to happen on the road. I except my stopping distance to reduce, people to not see me, people to not see anything, people to be annoyed and stressed. Add to this slippery roads and crazy riders in slippers (I'd start a movement against riders riding in flip-flops if I didn't have anything better to do..) and I'm not hard to convince with a hot cup of teh-oh when it rains to stay put instead of riding.

 

I do that too. Also check the TrafficCam iphone app, it shows the traffic situation across the usual expressways. Can see whether raining, or congested, or if the road is wet.

Edited April 4, 2011 by xavw

[xavw]

double post

[muzzyfuzzy]

Been reading this thread before I got a bike, and now I finally got a bike and have been riding for a while. Was just pondering over a few sticky situations that I always seem to be a little bit weak at.

 

Sometimes in early morning traffic or peak hour, expressways jam like mad and I will end up lane-splitting at lane 1.5. Traffic on lane 1 and 2 is like ever slow and maybe only move forward like once in a while that kind. For those kind of situation, I always have problems moving from lane 1.5 to lane 4 to like, make an exit for example. I find it tough cause it's hard to squeeze into lane 2 when all the cars are like back to back to each other. If I inch my way through, I also most of the time end up braking pretty hard cause the car infront of me will most likely brake pretty soon once I fill in the gap. Any tips on this?

 

I'm also particularly weak at filter give-way lanes. Can never check for give-way and move into the give-way filter lane at the same time. Will always have to decide whether or not to stop or go, then just stop at the give-way markings and downgear all the way to gear 1, check back then move off again.

[good710]

Thanks for the information! I've been meaning to start this process myself so this is a big help.

-------------------

Watch TV Online

[ORen]

Been reading this thread before I got a bike, and now I finally got a bike and have been riding for a while. Was just pondering over a few sticky situations that I always seem to be a little bit weak at.

 

Sometimes in early morning traffic or peak hour, expressways jam like mad and I will end up lane-splitting at lane 1.5. Traffic on lane 1 and 2 is like ever slow and maybe only move forward like once in a while that kind. For those kind of situation, I always have problems moving from lane 1.5 to lane 4 to like, make an exit for example. I find it tough cause it's hard to squeeze into lane 2 when all the cars are like back to back to each other. If I inch my way through, I also most of the time end up braking pretty hard cause the car infront of me will most likely brake pretty soon once I fill in the gap. Any tips on this?

 

I'm also particularly weak at filter give-way lanes. Can never check for give-way and move into the give-way filter lane at the same time. Will always have to decide whether or not to stop or go, then just stop at the give-way markings and downgear all the way to gear 1, check back then move off again.

 

Lane splitting on jammed express way: Best solution I found is right from the start, to position myself more the to left. It makes lane splitting trickier because there are more trucks. But usually they position themselves to let bikes through. So I'm closer to the exit. I do that especially if I know I have a very short portion of expressway to do. If it's a long one, I try to plan my exit in advance by moving to the left side a bit early. Basically just keep an eye for openings : there are some, rare but there. You see one, make you shift.

 

If you're talking about you riding the filtering lane into traffic of a main road or a highway, then here's how I do it: (imagine I'm filtering into a traffic going to my left)

 

- I check as early as possible on my right to asses the traffic flow and position (I never filter in unless I have TWO clear lanes empty). This will enable you to check while still riding straight-ish, or at the beguinning of the filter lane when the corner isn't so sharp. So you should feel comfortable turning your head to look without having to stop.

- I reduce speed, and I slow down even more if there's a zebra crossing. You might not see a cyclist zooming through..

- I check again on my right: by now I know I'm facing intense traffic or not. If heavy, then I go down to 2nd gear and prepare to stop. If clear or only one vehicle, I go down to 3rd and control my bike's speed to not stall and at the same time not get in too early. I pick up speed as soon as I turn into the main road. I always check another time before turning if I had to stop for pedestrians or if I'm slowing down a lot, depending on what is in my sight at the moment and what vue I have of incoming traffic.

 

Don't worry about being very slow at filtering lane. It's actually a good thing. I've seen so many riders just zoom through barely looking at whats coming or squeezing in super fast... Once you think you have a very good understanding of your bike's reactions and control over it, you'll manage the speed there better. Until then, it's ok to slow down, check, gear down to 1, check again, then slowly turn into the road and speed up.

 

Yes, other vehicles will pressure you and maybe other riders will overtake you, but don't bother with that. You'll get better t it when you know the area more an have been riding that filter lane many times and when you'll get more experience as I rider.

 

I had the same questions but I got better naturally just by practicing it and adjusting bit by bit. Always remember, no one should make you not check or speed up when you feel like slowing down. They can horn or be impatient. You'll improve so if now you feel like it's not optimal, no worries, you'll get better for sure. Experiencing and knowing the road you travel by plays a very big role in how comfortable you are doing these filtering in. Once you know the type of traffic to expect (busy ? mostly bus ? mostly bikes ? after a traffic light junction ?) you'll be more comfortable negotiating the filter lane. And once you do it many times, you'll get even better at knowing when to check, and how to check.

 

Of course each filtering lane is different and sometimes the angle is so sharp you have to stop at the dotted line to check. But you'll see, do some of those a few times and you'll improve quickly

Edited April 5, 2011 by O'Ren

[muzzyfuzzy]

Thanks for the tips and heads-up! Will just ride slower next time...seriously can't stand those impatient drivers.

[muzzyfuzzy]

Wa. Almost got into an accident today while lane splitting at lane 1.5. Traffic was really slow and stuck and this car from lane 1 pulled out of nowhere like classic accident scenario seriously. Had i din brake hard in time confirm would have rammed into him. Is there really no prevention or safety measures towards such situations?

[ORen]

I think there's only:

- slow down

- be super aware f that possibility and be ready on your brakes (stuck traffic = impatient drivers who will do anything to get out of it, without checking anything, on an impulse)

 

With a speed you can manage and anticipation that should be give you room to avoid the incident if something happens. In general, rain + traffic = worst combo ever in SG, everyone wants out and everyone thinks they're smarter than the others by changing lanes or quickly changing their vehicle's course without signaling. And of course, they won't see you. So just be more patient, slow down and be ready for some car to do something stupid

[barktasobebark15]

why is it so important to you to be street smart? book smarts is where the money and your future lie.

 

 

IT profiles

[endlessloop]

I am looking for volunteers who wish to contribute to further the motorcycle safety cause.

Current projects in need of contribution:

 

1. Assistant safety coaches during motorcycling safety workshops

 

2. Writers and graphic designers to tidy up existing content; to research and roll out new content

 

3. Public relations to work with external agencies (companies, government agencies and biking communities) to promote motorcycling campaigns and for sponsorship.

 

If you have other ideas that can compliment the cause, please feel free to suggest to me.

 

Require passion and commitment (minimum 1 year as work is project based).

 

If you are interested, please contact me at:

email: taylipsing@yahoo.com; handphone: +65 97555200

 

Let's do it.

Endlessloop

[antartica]

I am looking for volunteers who wish to contribute to further the motorcycle safety cause.

Current projects in need of contribution:

 

1. Assistant safety coaches during motorcycling safety workshops

 

2. Writers and graphic designers to tidy up existing content; to research and roll out new content

 

3. Public relations to work with external agencies (companies, government agencies and biking communities) to promote motorcycling campaigns and for sponsorship.

 

If you have other ideas that can compliment the cause, please feel free to suggest to me.

 

Require passion and commitment (minimum 1 year as work is project based).

 

If you are interested, please contact me at:

email: taylipsing@yahoo.com; handphone: +65 97555200

 

Let's do it.

Endlessloop

 

you know how to find me

i'll help out ad-hoc as and when my work schedule allows

[Funky]

Was almost involved in an accident today on my bike. I was about to enter the west coast highway and trying to lane change to the first lane. After signaling right, checking my mirror and inching to the boundary between both lane I did a blind spot check. And I was surprised by a speeding car just behind/beside me. I horned and swing back to my lane.

 

I keep an eye on the car on my right back. For some mysterious reasons, it decided to slowed down and I managed to lane change. My experience taught me 2 things.

 

1) Always blind spot check (save my life many times).

2) There are cheesy drivers who will speed up when you signal to change lane.

 

I am quite ok if drivers don't want to give way, just horn and I will go back to my lane and wait. But if you see someone signal and speed up quietly, man, that is going to cause an accident esp. if you are in their blind spots. I admit I sometimes get impatient and don't want to give way to lane changing vehicles. But I always make it a point to let them know by tooting the horn once or twice. (Unfortunately, they would then decide not to signal altogether and just cut in but that's another rant for another day). It's like you are walking and someone wants to cut into your path and he asks, "sorry, can i pass please". We don't wait until he's just about to cross then bang into the fellow quietly, right? Just say, "no, you may not" (by horning).

 

Thanks for reading my rants. Cheers.

[swashylahs]

Hi guys, I've been reading this thread from the beginning, really interesting.

 

Just a question, is it weird to ride a RXZ with a full face hemelt?

[arthur_chan]

my experience, 2 sec rule dont apply, all drivers OTR abide by 1 sec rule or lesser. u apply 2 sec, implying an opportunity for someone to cut btw u, making ur 2 sec to 0.5 sec, n if he jam brake, u know what happen next.

 

if someone tail u, u apply 3 sec or more rule, that fellow is gonna cut from ur blind spot n over take dangerously.

 

when u lane split, some bikes will always cut ur lane split by not checking. cars r more preditable.

 

 

 

to be street smart, no words can describe, u just have to learn yourself. everybody's reaction is different, i can tell u to do this, do that, another person doing the same still gets into accident. it's all about knowing urself n what u can do.

 

but there's 2 rule that's always right,

1) go slow

2) gear up

u never know when or where u'll get into accident, be it ur fault or others. by following the 2 rules, u cut ur losses n get to ride again.

 

ride safe everyone.

[arthur_chan]

Hi guys, I've been reading this thread from the beginning, really interesting.

 

Just a question, is it weird to ride a RXZ with a full face hemelt?

 

ever seen a fino with full face, commented from the rider: safety 1st.

 

but some full face r like open face, jaw part so frimzy.

[xavw]

my experience, 2 sec rule dont apply, all drivers OTR abide by 1 sec rule or lesser. u apply 2 sec, implying an opportunity for someone to cut btw u, making ur 2 sec to 0.5 sec, n if he jam brake, u know what happen next.

 

if someone tail u, u apply 3 sec or more rule, that fellow is gonna cut from ur blind spot n over take dangerously.

 

i disagree. i think 2 sec or even 3 sec rule is very useful. it's no big deal to let other vehicles overtake/cut in/change lane. the 0.5 secs, you mentioned can always be adjusted back to 2 secs, just need to slow down and give space.

 

2 sec/3 secs gives the rider more chance to read the road and predict what others will do, it gives more space to allow for rider to do things like lane change safely. and in wet weather, 2 secs is not enough.

 

the diff between car and bike is that rider will fly, or wheels can lock and skid if jam brake too hard.