I usually like taking the far right lane on the qew while commuting but have experienced an issue when passing off ramps. Impatient drivers tend to cut into my "safety zone" while in blocking position (I'm in the left tire track, driver squeezes in on my right side to get that vital .5 sec jump on exiting the freeway). The other day, this happened with only inches to spare. Anyone else have this experience?
slow lane safety concern
- Thread starter Danimal
- Start date
I spend a lot of time commuting on the 401. I hate the left lane because of random panic braking and tail gating. But there are so many on ramps that it also makes the right lane "fun". When in the right hand lane and passing an on ramp, i'm convinced that the proper blocking position is the right tire track. I've had enough people use the on ramp to rush past one more car only to be pleasantly surprised that there is a bike in that wide open spot.
A little off topic, but my other golden rule of lane possession is to never use the right lane on a double left turn. Too many a**hats don't understand lane discipline.
A little off topic, but my other golden rule of lane possession is to never use the right lane on a double left turn. Too many a**hats don't understand lane discipline.
My experience is to keep myself out of that lane!!! People need to merge onto the highway (and also get off) and courteous drivers should give them room. Not only do you have drivers wanting to get into your lane from the left, you also have merging traffic from the right.
Move to the left dude, going faster than the other traffic is safer, IMO
Move to the left dude, going faster than the other traffic is safer, IMO
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WebControl
Well-known member
I agree with pm127, being in right track makes you visible to those, who merge onto highway.
Still, you'll be less visible to those from the middle lane, - hate on ramps
Also very good advice. For some reason I was thinking about dead stop and go traffic.
I was approaching an on ramp last spring and there were a bunch of cars coming down behind a transport truck. So I moved to the middle lane. I should have been smarter because everyone started blindly diving around the truck and I ended up riding the dotted line. Apply some hind sight and now I see that the fast lane would have been ideal, or at least provide a touch more buffer room.
C
Charles Darwin
Guest
I guess that this is a traffic-density kind of thing - some tactics will work better than other depending if it's rush-hour, or a Sunday morning trip.
Even in the cage, I peer over on the on-ramp, and gauge where and when those cars are likely to merge, and then adjust my speed to either be ahead or behind them, depending on the situation.
On the bike, I just like to cruise - I have no desire to go really fast unless I have to - I don't want to be in the left lane and deal with all of the tailgating.
Any instructors or those in the know - I've been meaning to ask: what's the "official" rule on blocking position and recommended lane in these situations?
Even in the cage, I peer over on the on-ramp, and gauge where and when those cars are likely to merge, and then adjust my speed to either be ahead or behind them, depending on the situation.
On the bike, I just like to cruise - I have no desire to go really fast unless I have to - I don't want to be in the left lane and deal with all of the tailgating.
Any instructors or those in the know - I've been meaning to ask: what's the "official" rule on blocking position and recommended lane in these situations?
+1 Well, not exactly a golden rule for me as I'll still take the outside lane if it moves me up in line substantially. But even in a car, you gotta watch for those idiots who think that they can exit a left turn into any lane. You also have to watch for these clowns at regular intersections coming from the opposite side.
onecartel
Well-known member
This is a scenario with no rule of thumb. Like you said, ya just have to gauge neighbouring lane traffic density and relative speed. In most scenarios, I opt to block whichever side has the higher risk of a vehicle merging at speed (in traffic, this is usually the merging lane).
In medium to stop&go traffic, the left track of both on and offramp merge lanes may be the safest place. Given the speed differentials and silly folks trying to get in lanes at the wrong times I prefer to be in whichever is moving faster, not to be a ****** but to increase my options. I pick my merge spot well before the end of a lane, cruise beside it for a spell then merge at a time when both lanes are moving, often near the end.
In Pennsylvania, you often see signs for 'Use both lanes till merge point' followed by a 'merge here', not often near ramps but the same logic applies. I have a much longer rant on correct merge etiquette for another day.
In Pennsylvania, you often see signs for 'Use both lanes till merge point' followed by a 'merge here', not often near ramps but the same logic applies. I have a much longer rant on correct merge etiquette for another day.
