Space around the motorcycle
Choose a position with enough room to brake and maneuver, where nearby vehicles do not block your view.
A good position
Look for a position with fewer vehicles nearby, a better view, and at least one clear direction to move into.
Useful space to have around you
- clear space ahead
- clear space to the side
- a good view of the road ahead
- a gap between groups of cars
Assess the new position before moving
Check whether the maneuver will give you more space and somewhere to move if the situation changes.
Check your new position after moving
Check the gap to the car ahead, whether the space on either side is clear, and where you could move if a neighboring car started changing lanes.
A dense group of cars
When several cars are close together, there are more blind spots and potential lane changes, a greater risk of sudden braking, and a poorer view.
Two ways out
- pass the group and move ahead of it
- let the group move ahead and increase the gap to it
Do not enter a group without a way out
Before closing on a dense group of cars, decide whether you can pass the whole group, whether there is a useful gap within it, or whether it is better to stay behind. Once you are among the cars, you have fewer choices.
Do not linger beside the group
If you do not intend to pass a dense group, let it move ahead. Riding beside it leaves you exposed to the same blind spots and possible lane changes without giving you any more space.
What will the maneuver change?
A maneuver is worthwhile when the new position makes riding easier: a better view, a larger following distance, or more room to the sides. Check what it will actually change before changing lanes.
When to accelerate
If the road ahead is clear and you can see a long way, a brief acceleration can help you pass a dense group and reach a less crowded position.
Look beyond the group
Before accelerating, look further down the road. If another dense stretch of traffic starts immediately beyond the group, passing will not give you more space.
When to let the group move ahead
If traffic remains dense ahead, acceleration will only bring you closer to the next group of cars. Let the current group move ahead instead, leaving a gap between you.