Hello,
New poster but long time lurker. Was after some advice on roadcraft for my usual commute.
I ride into the CBD via William Street (Perth) and through Northbridge it becomes a one-lane each way, two-way city street with traffic signals at every block and kerbside parking. Generally I will behave as traffic - i.e. take my place in queue, claim the lane etc. as I'm not riding in the door zone and it's illegal to proceed straight ahead from the left turn lanes.
However, there is one section where it widens out into two lanes which can both be used to go straight ahead at Francis Street. If I'm going about the same speed as traffic then I will generally just ride through claiming the right lane. However if traffic is lighter and I'm doing about 25km/h, I get tempted to move into the left lane to let a car behind me overtake.
(Note that the parked cars aren't usually there in the morning peak)
If I get a run of green lights, i'm usually cruising at about 30-32km/h through there but if I'm still getting up to speed it might only be 25km/h. It's these times when I feel like I should move left to let someone past. However, I've done that 3 times in the past 2 weeks and each time I get overtaken in the merge are and squeezed into parked cars or the kerb. As you can see the imagine, the two lane section isn't that long, so I'm wondering whether I should just claim the lane the whole time?
So BNA, what do you think I should do? Keep taking the lane?
Roadcraft question
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- Boognoss
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Re: Roadcraft question
Postby Boognoss » Wed May 20, 2015 12:56 pm
In that scenario I'd still stay in the RH lane. Unless you're letting one car past where there's a large gap to the next it's more hassle than it's worth in changing lanes.
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Re: Roadcraft question
Postby il padrone » Wed May 20, 2015 1:07 pm
Just hold your lane. It is your safety that is at stake - you are the best judge of what is safest. Don't know about WA, but in Victoria we have no requirement to keep "as far left as practicable" when travelling on multi-lane roads, so the law is on your side.
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Re: Roadcraft question
Postby bychosis » Wed May 20, 2015 1:09 pm
I'd go for claiming the lane at least most of the time. Being aware of who/what is behind or the gap in front might mean occasionally moving to the left for me.
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Re: Roadcraft question
Postby human909 » Wed May 20, 2015 3:29 pm
Either/or... Up to you really. Do what you find safest.
I personally don't normally have trouble merging with traffic so I would move left when there is a bit of space, especially so if I choose to filter. Though if I'm cruising along at 30kph I probably wouldn't move over. When I'm in the lane though I'd claim it buy riding right in the middle of the lane.
I personally don't normally have trouble merging with traffic so I would move left when there is a bit of space, especially so if I choose to filter. Though if I'm cruising along at 30kph I probably wouldn't move over. When I'm in the lane though I'd claim it buy riding right in the middle of the lane.
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Re: Roadcraft question
Postby Xplora » Thu May 21, 2015 11:31 am
Bombers, you answered your own question. You've been warned a couple times already, don't persist with it.
One of the most powerful experiences you will have is realising that you can control other people's behaviour through simple actions like taking the lane, holding your hand out. You have to take responsibility for the poor driving skills held by the average Australian. You can do this by taking the lane. Even though you feel guilty about this, you will never feel guilty again after getting an injury, snapping a collar bone, visiting hospital, because of the impatience and incompetence of another road user.
You'll be OK.
One of the most powerful experiences you will have is realising that you can control other people's behaviour through simple actions like taking the lane, holding your hand out. You have to take responsibility for the poor driving skills held by the average Australian. You can do this by taking the lane. Even though you feel guilty about this, you will never feel guilty again after getting an injury, snapping a collar bone, visiting hospital, because of the impatience and incompetence of another road user.
You'll be OK.
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Re: Roadcraft question
Postby Bombers » Sat May 23, 2015 10:37 pm
Thank you all, I appreciate the feedback and the reassurance.
Will keep claiming the lane. Funnily enough I had a moron overtake me while claiming the lane yesterday, who I promptly passed about 50m down the road when he got the back of queue. Drivers just aren't very smart!
Will keep claiming the lane. Funnily enough I had a moron overtake me while claiming the lane yesterday, who I promptly passed about 50m down the road when he got the back of queue. Drivers just aren't very smart!
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Re: Roadcraft question
Postby Xplora » Sat May 23, 2015 11:38 pm
Nope. They don't understand that if things are heavy at all, they are driving their own train. Locked behind the car in front.
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Re: Roadcraft question
Postby il padrone » Sat May 23, 2015 11:43 pm
Look there are some total morons on the roads. A few weeks back, on a quiet country road after a winding descent (where I was claiming the road at 45-50kmh), I was passed by a MGIF foolish bunt..... on a one-lane bridge..... while I was pretty much claiming the (one) lane
Would gladly have had a piece of that toss-pot if I had ever have caught them - not going to though.
My point - despite the toss-pots, for 95%+ of drivers, claiming the lane is very effective.
Would gladly have had a piece of that toss-pot if I had ever have caught them - not going to though.
My point - despite the toss-pots, for 95%+ of drivers, claiming the lane is very effective.
Mandatory helmet law?
"An unjustified and unethical imposition on a healthy activity."
"An unjustified and unethical imposition on a healthy activity."
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