icecube172
Well-known member
I usually do ride in the blocking position in the city but on the highway i ride which ever lane I feel safe in.
The UN-Blocking position????
- Thread starter Low rider
- Start date
I used to care about things like this. I used to care about people squidding it up. I think it was because i used to feel like i belonged to some sort of brotherhood of motorcyclists. I don't care anymore.. I don't feel like I'm part of something anymore.. after riding for 10 years i feel like there are just as many douchehammers and dickfarmers riding motorcycles as there are in all other walks of life..... perhaps more.
The only thing that still irks me is when i see a passenger that's underdressed.
The only thing that still irks me is when i see a passenger that's underdressed.
MadPoet
Well-known member
+1
Agreed, even in the MSF course they teach you to sacrifice blocking position for various things.
+1
Last night on the 401, Dude on an older gen R6 (99-02) full gear, helmet, gloves, jacket, riding pants, boots. His passenger? what appeared to be some kind of scarf thing flapping in the wind, a see through sweater, black tights and a helmet. :confused1: I cringed a bit.
I don't care if you squid it, but your passenger just doesn't know any different, it's on to you to address that.
Even the middle of the lane isn't as bad as it used to be. Not riding in the middle because of the oil really comes from an era when diesel trucks all had draft tubes that really dropped oil in the middle. This is not so much the case any more. I would say there is still a bit more oil in the middle of the road, but not to the extent that it once was.
To deter others from passing you?
It's used to deter them from using your lane, with you in it.
It's used to deter them from using your lane, with you in it.
I only use blocking position in the city, and then only when its appropriate. If I'm on the highway odds are I'm in middle of the center lane. Why? Because you're less likely to get hit by some jerk that "couldnt see you". I find my lane position deters no one from driving recklessly around me, and that being in the center gives me maximum avoidance capabilities on all sides. Also, I dont have to be in the slow lane or the fast lane, so I'm not holding up myself or others by being in the center. Further, the rationale that "thats where cars are likely to leak oil" I find to be a dated and no longer a good argument. And like the other person mentioned, on a two lane highway blocking position puts you too close to oncoming traffic - and for what? To deter someone from passing you? If they want to pass they will pass, where you are in the lane makes no difference. Blocking position is born of the belief that there has to be some rational order to the safety of this very dangerous sport (so that regulators can regulate). But its bad advice to take it too seriously, the best advice is to use your brain and do whats smart given the situation.
And no, I would not have appreciated the advice
pulling up the intersections and such the center track can still be pretty oily, but for the most part I agree, on the hwy or whatnot the centre of the lane is fine.
I was alluding to Retrogrouch's post about riders hugging the center line on two lane highways, where the only time (hopefully) a vehicle would "share your lane" would be while passing you on the left. Its the only conceivable "block" you could be doing on such a road, yet many riders still ride in the left track - which exposes them to greater risk from oncoming traffic IMO.
Holmes
Well-known member
Don't ***** on the Internet would be a great start.
They painted some fresh ones at Jones and Dundas this morning. Very slippery.
Dohhh
Banned
If you actually believe that you are blocking anything then you are delusional. I ride whatever side of the lane is the best choice at the MOMENT...
adamwest
Well-known member
Come by sometime for a smoke and a laugh? Sounds like you could use either. ;-)
this guy was in the blocking position, as u can tell it worked out well for him http://bikerpunks.com/mediaviewer/3173/blind-spot-riding-ends-with-a-crash.html
The car was obviously going to be coming over and the rider didn't act pro-actively. He sat in the blind spot, of an impatient driver. Just taking a blocking position isn't enough. Besides that, he likely should have been closer to the leading rider, and in the opposite track, NOT the left blocking position.
Last edited:
Griffin
Well-known member
I only use blocking position in the city, and then only when its appropriate. If I'm on the highway odds are I'm in middle of the center lane. Why? Because you're less likely to get hit by some jerk that "couldnt see you". I find my lane position deters no one from driving recklessly around me, and that being in the center gives me maximum avoidance capabilities on all sides. Also, I dont have to be in the slow lane or the fast lane, so I'm not holding up myself or others by being in the center. Further, the rationale that "thats where cars are likely to leak oil" I find to be a dated and no longer a good argument. And like the other person mentioned, on a two lane highway blocking position puts you too close to oncoming traffic - and for what? To deter someone from passing you? If they want to pass they will pass, where you are in the lane makes no difference. Blocking position is born of the belief that there has to be some rational order to the safety of this very dangerous sport (so that regulators can regulate). But its bad advice to take it too seriously, the best advice is to use your brain and do whats smart given the situation.
And no, I would not have appreciated the advice
Very well stated. I agree completely.
There are also many situations when the centre of the lane is in the best shape. Often the tire tracks get broken and rutted and pot holed from heavy trucks. Vehicles don't tend to spew oil on the roadways as they did in Henry Ford's day when the "rule" of staying out of the centre of the lane was generated. Have a close look at the road surface sometime. There ain't typically any more crap in the middle.
Your opinion on the centre of the lane might change, if you have to brake hard into a stop light just after it's started raining.
Stop and go morning commute southbound on the DVP, I never use the blocking position. If a cage wants in my lane party on there's plenty of room, like really my two wheels are going to be able to block a 3000lb object. By the time he/she's merged into that lane, i've already moved into the next available lane.
Whatever makes you more visible, less vunerable is the best.
Whatever makes you more visible, less vunerable is the best.
Haha, block position FTL. Rider had plenty of time to tap the brake and let doochebag driver have his unsafe lane change. I'd rather concede to a bad driver and be upright than maintain my legally entitled position and getting acquainted with the concrete.
He rolled a long time too. He should have seen that coming, from the moment the car pulled in inches off the car in front, that should have set off bells and alarms in his head.
