Buffering
Be in control of your own safety
Here are some safe riding tips that can help you be in control of your own safety.
Straight road with no junctions.
When traveling along a straight road with no junctions, keep near the crown of the road. This increases your distance from most hazards that are on your nearside and gives you:
1) A better chance of seeing the hazard earlier
2) More time to react in order to avoid the hazard
When approaching a rise in the road (where forward view is hidden / blind) then move away from the crown of the road (Buffer away from the Hazard) in case some one coming in the opposite direction is overtaking a vehicle on the other side of the crest because he/she will appear directly in your path!
If a problem arises you'll need at least 3 seconds to react and brake. So set up for any situation where there is potential for something to enter the space 3 seconds in front of your motorcycle.
We deviate from our normal road position when crossing the mouth of junctions so as to improve our view into (and down) the junction.
Straight Road with Junctions With Traffic:
Whilst you are required to deviate from our normal road position when crossing the mouth of junctions so as to improve our view into (and down) the junction when there is traffic at the intersection you need to assess the situation and apply the appropriate amount of Buffering.
Buffering
Scanning
Scanning is constantly moving your eyes to collect as much information as possible about your riding environment.
Setting up
Setting up means applying your brakes lightly as you approach potential hazards. This can greatly reduce your response time and therefore your stopping distance.
Setting up has 3 key benefits:
1. It prepares the rider – you have recognized the hazard and decided on a course of action. If needed, you will be able to respond quickly and with more control.
2. It prepares the motorcycle – free play in the brakes is taken up, the suspension is compressed, the contact patch of the tyres is flattening, the motorcycle is ready for hard braking if needed.
3. It prepares the vehicle behind – you set up and your brake light comes on, you alerted the driver behind that you may be about to brake hard.
